My 1.5 year old Z force 500 seemed noisy? I discovered that the exhaust pipe is completely severed in two inside the heat shield that goes to the drive belt. Anyone else have this problem?

Yup it happened to me . Mine still under warrenty and dealer said it was replaced with an upgraded part . I don't know if yours is still under warrenty  but if their is an upgrade then they know there is a problem and they should look after you

Just got mine back, it was covered under warranty, sucked that I waited 3 weeks for the new one to arrive though.

I have yet to take my bike to thedealer that ithasnot taken atleast 3 weeks to get parts .