I did this write up in response to the recent thread, but I fugured it may deserve some more exposure.

The FMF will melt the bottom of your stock blinker. It happened on the first 60 mile ride. I tried to put some aluminum tape over the part that got melted off, but it didn't last. As of now, I'm still using the melted blinker.

Here's the damage.


Below is a picture with a smaller spark arrestor insert (see below) and some aluminum tape in a feeble attempt to cover the hole.



Another issue I have with the FMF is that the opening on the spark arrestor insert is WAY too big for a 250. I found it to be VERY loud. I replaced it with the insert that came stock on my KTM 450xcr-w. What you see above, is the the FMF pipe on the 250 with the insert from the pipe on my 450 installed. The stock insert opening is 1.30" and the one from my KTM is 1.05" diameter.

For reference, here is the KTM that I pulled it out of. It came stock with that KTM by FMF silencer (and the 1.05" dia insert)



Here they are side by side. The stock insert for the 250 is on the left. Way too big.


If you call FMF, they will tell you that they don't have any smaller tips. That's BS. If you want to buy one, you have to ask for the insert that comes in the FMF silencer part number SXS89450512. You'll need to do a little trimming though.

This is the side view, too long. In addition to the smaller port size, this part comes with an extra baffle plate.


Using tin snips, I cut the screen about 1/4" past the baffle plate and bent it inwards.


Another view of them side by side.


The result is a quieter pipe without being restrictive. I have a decibel meter that I may use to measure the actual difference sometime soon.

Another complaint that I had with FMF is that the forward mounting bolt hole doesn't line up. It's at least 1/4" off on mine and there's no way to get the bolt in. It's secure with the pipe clamp and the one bolt though. I don't ride it off road so I think it'll be ok. If I could just go back in time, I'd just modify the stock pipe to have a larger diameter tip.

 

Hmmm..mine fits fine"all bolts line up" I think the pipe is pretty quiet,But I ride a loud Harley,as for the blinker yeah bad bad bad on FMF they no there's a problem,but like I said on a post,aftermarket blinkers...all done..

 

Nice write up... you have done your homework.

On page 94 of the sticky thread 'showing off your bad *** klxs' forum member Tiger demonstrates a way to prevent the blinker from getting burnt off. Looks like an FMF pipe with an extension added...

That KTM looks Sic!

Sic=Awesome!

 

Where would one find an extension as shown in the picture? Good info racegass! I wonder if the sound is compromised with the extension?

 

You may want to edit your picture that has your address, PayPal and name on it.

 

That's where you can send the donations. :-)


*thanks though, yea I'll edit it.

 

akarob,

I'm watching these threads closely as I'm just about to pull the pin and order the FMF Q4 and header pipe.
Some questions/comments:
1. Seems like the angle of exit of the exhaust on your install points up more than others I've seen.....most others look almost horizontal.
2. Noise.......all I've heard on other threads is how quiet the Q4 is. Yours is the first I've heard about it being loud. I'm concerned about this........... compared to stock how much louder is it??
3. Being you've had mounting issues and the angle of the rear-most part of the exhaust seems to point up more than others, is it possible you could of gotten the wrong header pipe or Q4? Wrong P/N?

Thanks...

 

As for the noise, I can honestly say that it hurt my ears. Even with the smaller insert, it's still quite loud when I'm on the throttle.

I am using the stock header pipe. I haven't checked the actual part number on the pipe, but the dealer ordered it for me when I bought the bike new. If anyone one else has the FMF part number, I can verify mine. It should start in "SXS..." and be located near where it connects to the header.

 

^^^ Wow hurts your ears..damm really,this pipe is sooo quiet,even when you get on it,I don't know maybe you did get a defect..

 

I dunno...........something just doesn't make sense how some call it very quiet and others say it hurts their ears.

If they are correct on their specs.....
96db is like a lawn mower........which I wouldn't consider loud on a motorcycle like the KLX250S.