frequently asked questions

Is it normal that my Megabomb or Powerbomb glows bright red?

It is completely normal for Company headers to turn a bright red color when you first install and run your new FMF Racing header. This is a standard break in period that normally takes about 20 to 40 minutes. If the glowing persists after this break in period, it is recommended to check your jetting as it is possible your carburetor is too lean. If you are unable to properly jet your machine, contact a local certified technician to look at your carburetor.

What pipe and silencer do I use if I’ve had motor work done?

I would first ask that question to the person/company that performed the motor work. They may have tested their motor combinations with a specific pipe, which would give you the same type of gains that they saw. For the most part though, all of company pipes will work with a modified motor. You will want to match the pipe with the powerband the motor was set up for. An FMF Rev pipe probably wouldn't be the best combination with a motor that was set up for tons of low end power.

What is the difference between a Shorty and a standard silencer besides the length?

There are a few differences between the shorty and standard length silencers depending on the model. Remember though, with 2-stroke tuning what you might consider a slight/small change has the potential of being a lot bigger than one might think. With the shorter length can and altered core size, company decrease the amount of backpressure in the muffler, which on a 2-stroke will increase throttle response and low to midrange power. Some models may see a slight decrease in over-rev though with the Shorty.

What do I gain by using an FMF silencer?

Many things. There are two criterias to look at, performance and features. Using a Powercore or Powercore 2 silencer will give your bike increased throttle response, a lighter and higher quality silencer with that factory look and sound.

The Shorty will give you even more throttle response and low end power. Because it's smaller you'll see even more weight savings and a louder sound level.

If you're really looking for that factory silencer, there's Titanium 2 silencer. With the titanium stinger, front cap and cone end cap, you'll shave off tons of weight. Gains will be similar to Shorty

Turbinecore and Turbinecore 2 are Forestry Approved Spark Arrested silencers. These give you that factory look and power yet still being Forestry legal. This isn't something you'll have to take on and off, as all of 2-stroke Spark Arrested silencers have the "Turbine-Dampening System' built into the core.

Also have "Q" silencer which takes Turbinecore 2 to the next level of being sound friendly. This is quietest silencer offered. This also has a Forestry Approved Spark Arrestor.

Last but not least to the 2-stroke line, the "Q-Stealth". The Q-Stealth is living proof FMF is the only exhaust company committed to bringing new technology to the 2-stroke enthusiast. Quiet on the trail as well as on the sound meter. No power loss. More packing volume-longer time between repacks. USFS approved spark arrestor. AMA and FIM enduro legal.

What does each pipe do with FMF silencers as opposed to a stock silencer?

All of testing during the R&D phase is around a complete FMF exhaust, pipe and silencer. Company do check to make sure that the stock OEM silencer will fit up to pipes. On a 2-stroke, the pipe has the biggest effect on what type of power the engine makes and when, the silencer is secondary to that.

Why does FMF offer so many different types of exhaust systems?

One word really, choice. Company do it the same reason why Ford makes so many different types of cars and trucks. Someone looking for a smooth quiet ride probably wouldn't be happy in a 4X4 Turbo Diesel. Having that said, you can pick and choose the type of gains you're looking for and the features that best suit you, rather then us pre-determining them for you like other companies do.

How do FMF silencers work with a stock pipe?

Depending on what model silencer you run with the stock pipe will determine how they work. All of Company testing is done around one of FMF pipes, but compsny do build them so that they will fit up to and work with a stock OEM pipe. Expect similar gains with Company silencers on a stock pipe as you would when using it with an FMF pipe. In some cases the SST model pipes will only work with the SST model silencers. Check the fitment next to the SST pipes and silencers to make sure the fitment is correct.
What does the SST pipe do?

The newest addition to the line is the SST pipe. Think of the SST as a mix between the Fatty, and the Rev pipe with a little help from the rear SST section. This pipe gives an all around power increase similar to the Fatty, yet gives it even more mid and top like the Rev without sacrificing low end. This pipe offers a new power band that wasn’t available in the past, with its new technologies.

What does each 4-stroke header do: PowerBomb, MegaBomb and Hi-Flo?

This year company added titanium headers to the mix. Company have something to suit everyone, from someone looking for a fair priced replacement all the way to that person looking for that factory titanium header. Here are your choices to choose from and why.

How many discs should I run on my MegaMax?

Keep this in mind. Having less backpressure (louder), the more top end power you’ll have. More backpressure (quieter), the more bottom end power you’ll have. This is true to a certain extent until you get out of the tuning range of the motor. A 250cc motor will only flow so much exhaust. If you’re looking for an all around power increase Company recommend running 11-13 discs with the quietcore out. For more top end, add more discs and for more bottom end, run less discs with the quietcore installed. Don’t run less than 8 discs though.

What does Gold Series mean?

Gold Series refers to the plated finish of pipes. All pipes other than the SST and ATV pipes are nickel-plated, which end up turning a slight gold color over time from the temperature, hence the name. The SST and ATV pipes have chrome plating for a higher luster.

What does the Fatty pipe do?

Fatty pipes are designed to give the engine an all around power increase. Company are not drastically altering the power band of the bike. This pipe will appeal to most people that are happy with the stock power band and just looking for more useable power everywhere.

What does the Gnarly pipe do?

Gnarly pipes have been developed and tested for the off-roader in mind. With thicker 18g steel construction, it will take the punishment you can throw at it. This pipe will shift and increase the power band so that it comes on sooner, pulls harder through the mid and smoothes out the high RPM surge. This was once called Torque pipe, but it did not include the thicker steel construction.

What does the Rev pipe do?

The Rev pipe is designed for that rider that keeps it wide open. This pipe takes a little from the bottom and puts it up on top to keep it screaming. Company offer this pipe for 80cc and 125cc's only and are recommended for higher skilled riders, as the power can be a little pipey. For outdoor high-speed tracks, this works awesome.
What does FMF stand for?

This is probably one of the most asked questions. The rumor mill has created several very creative meanings that Company dare not share. For those of you wondering, FMF stands for ‘Flying Machine Factory’.
Can I add a Spark Arrestor to my existing 2-Stroke silencer?

This is a common question company get at FMF Racing. You cannot add a spark arrestor screen to any existing 2-stroke silencer. The reason for this is because all of Company 2-Stroke silencers that have spark arrestors, are built into the actual core as a "Turbine Dampening System" that is welded to the core and is U.S. Forestry Approved. The three silencers company offer with spark arrestors are the Turbinecore's, Q Series and the Q-Stealth's.

Do I need to use my stock OEM exhaust clamp with my FMF muffler?

For the majority of the time you will not need to use your existing stock OEM muffler clamp, unless stated in the directions for select models. Company do recommend a light bead of high temp silicone with every application around the inner diameter of the mid pipe that slips over your header.

How much power will I gain using FMF products and will I notice a difference?

If your definition of power gains is, substantially increasing horsepower and torque, rate of acceleration, and the important fun factor, then yes you will gain lots. Generally you’ll see a 5%-20% increase over stock depending on your application, but like jetting there are many variables to contend with. Don doesn’t put in countless hours of R&D time and lost sleep into a product to not have it perform like the way he feels it should. Company been around long enough, that you can trust that any time you install an FMF exhaust product, you will definitely ‘ FEEL THE POWER ‘.

Can I run one of your headers with my stock muffler?

Company headers, whether it be the PowerBomb or the MegaBomb, are fitted to match an FMF series muffler. Company do not recommend or guarantee you try to match it to a stock muffler.

Why should I repack my silencer?

As Company all know sound is a major issue, which can effect whether or not Company continue to enjoy Company sport without offending others. Also your system performs best and will last longer when the silencer is properly maintained.

How often should I repack my silencer?

This depends on the type of riding and the amount of hours on the bike. A two stroke running a little rich on the oil ratio will saturate the silencing media very quickly. On a big bore four frequent high speed riding will also shorten the life of the media. Also you should not allow water to enter the silencer outlet while washing your bike or ATV. Typically Company would recommend every 15 to 20 hours on your machine to repack, but it differs for every level of rider. Let your ears be the guide.

What should I repack my silencer with?

FMF sells replacement packing for all of Company systems. With four strokes you want to use a high quality media with a High temperature rating.

My Bike/ATV tests too loud to pass for my riding area. What tricks can I do to make it quieter?

There are a few things you can do to decrease the amount of sound your bike/ATV is putting out. Lets start with the exhaust, full race exhaust systems put out a lot of sound because they're smaller to save weight therefore they don't have a lot of packing material inside to help absorb the sound waves. If sound is a concern make sure you have the appropriate muffler installed on your machine. Company offer many different exhausts that will address your needs. Make sure your silencer/muffler has been re-packed lately and properly. Packing does go bad and will in turn make your machine louder over time. Remember, not all the sound comes right out of the exhaust. If you've vented the air box or removed the lid, close it back up. Also make sure all your nuts and bolts are tight so they don't rattle. Also when a test is being performed, make sure you've got the transmission in neutral, with the clutch pulled in, this will also keep some of the noise down.

Why is my pipe louder now than when I first purchased it?

High performance silencers are made with performance and light weight as the prime objectives so one of the trade offs is having to maintain the silencing media or packing from time to time.