Slip-On Exhaust Options

[2LZ]

To date, I've liked to run the FMF Turbine Core 2 Universal Spark Arestor (Muffler). It slips right on, is relatively inexpensive, stainless, repackable and lasts forever. Problem is it sounds nice on my Hondoid pushrod motors but on my Q Link (Suzuki OHC), it's too raspy and loud. I'm looking for other options out there.

What have others been running? Anything new out there? I may have another bike coming and I'd like to get a head start on mods.

[fishtime9]

I could provide you with some names that would work with most chinese bikes, but i do need the specifications on how wide your exhaust pipe is?

[TXDSRIDER]

A lot of suzuki dr200 owners run dg exhaust I have heard it and it sounds good.

[2LZ]

Well, I spent more than I wanted but I ordered an FMF Powercore 4 yesterday for a Suzuki DR125.....which the Q Link/Konker/SSR is based after. Hopefully the pipe is the correct diameter. Should be.
I'll do a write up on it when I get it and not just for us remaining Q Link guys, but I'm sure if the pipes the same size, it should work on the Hawk, Storm and others, as well.

[Weldangrind]

That'll be good info. I'm looking forward to your write-up.

[SpudRider]

X2.

[fratermus]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

too raspy and loud.

These words look like English but I'm not sure what they mean.

[2LZ]

Drat. Pipe showed up and I must have really messed up on ordering. It looked like it was for a pit bike! Time to do some more research..... Thank the Lord for China Rider forum search! :-)

[2LZ]

I'm hoping that folks here find this useful, not just the old Q riders but also maybe open other options for Hawk, Storm and also the new CSC TT250 owners that will be coming down the pipe soon.

Sound, especially exhaust note and tone, are subjective. Likes tend to change from person to person due to things such as condition (street or dirt), age, etc... After doing quite a bit of research here on CR search forums and also online....and ordering the woefully incorrect exhaust by accident, I decided to fall back and "go with what I know". Please be patient if I'm repeating myself in a few spots here but there's always new readers to this forum.

I've had multiple of the FMF Turbine Core 2 Universal Spark Arrestor's. I really like how they're inexpensive (almost 100.00 less than the FMF Power Core 4), quality built (stainless), super-light, USFS Approved, repackable, look nice, and basically can be fit to anything. I've had them on my Q and all my Hondoids. My biggest complaint is that on Q (OHC motor), on the open road, the sound is kind of shrill to the ear when you're on the throttle. The pushrod Hondoids, not so much.

So, this is what I've done. I've ordered one of these again:

http://www.amazon.com/FMF-Turbinecor...Spark+Arrestor

and also one of these, as Spud recommended long ago:

http://www.amazon.com/636-Distributi...ywords=dB+dawg

...and I'll see how it goes on Q and let you know what I think. If it turns out good, I'll get the little baffles for my other TC2's as well on my other Hondoids. Also, with the new CSC TT250 on order, I'll be doing the same fitment of this set-up to it as well, for future reference.

I'll keep you all posted on my findings. This could end up being a very inexpensive option for a lot of folks.

[SpudRider]

You can't go wrong with the FMF Universal Spark Arrestor. This silencer is very well built, and will probably outlast the motorcycle itself.

[1cylinderwonder]

2LZ,
Since I'm also awaiting delivery of my TT250, I'll be very interested in your finds and evaluations of after-market slip on exhausts. Also interested in information about possible, or needed, carb adjustments or needle jet replacements.

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by 1cylinderwonder

2LZ,
Since I'm also awaiting delivery of my TT250, I'll be very interested in your finds and evaluations of after-market slip on exhausts. Also interested in information about possible, or needed, carb adjustments or needle jet replacements.

Cool! Here's the plan. First....get the bikes! :-)
Secondly, I'll be breaking it in "stock" the way they set it up, then I'll start playing. I'm anticipating the usual Mikuni VM26 (30mm) with 115/30 jets and pipe....but I'll see how they set up the stock carb at CSC. I've had good luck with the old non-sealed stock carbs on my other Hondoids.
I've checked out the air filter service TB at CSC and it looks like a nice box and filter setup like my Q. I'll probably leave that in place instead of putting a pod on it.

[PNWDualRider]

Hey 2LZ,
I'm super excited to see what you come up with! Perhaps a few YouTube vids will help us with different sounds. 😀 I cannot wait to rideeeeee

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by PNWDualRider

Hey 2LZ,
I'm super excited to see what you come up with! Perhaps a few YouTube vids will help us with different sounds. 😀 I cannot wait to rideeeeee

LOL! Me too!....but I first need to figure out how to make videos and load them to You Tube! I have a Go Pro now too for making riding vids, so it's going to be a steep learning curve for this Old Dog. I think I'll tap my nephews who are Super Geeks. They probably had this video stuff figured out before they were shaving.

[2LZ]

Well, my FMF TC2 showed up yesterday so I thought I'd do a short tutorial on install. Obviously, this is a Q Link install and actually a "round 2" of one I did years ago that's buried here somewhere, but I thought I'd do a new one for the new folks.

If the Hawk and Storm riders would like to chime in and see if this is something that may work for them, go for it. I'm not sure of the pipe configuration on those Hondoids, but hopefully they're the same header pipe/muffler setup as most. Rest assured, when our CSC TT 250 shows up, it will most likely be getting this treatment after break-in.

The FMF Turbine Core 2 Universal Spark Arrestor (1.25" version) comes with the muffler, a mid-pipe that has a nice bend and length for fabrication/cutting into many applications, hardware and a nice attractive clamp.

Pic 1 - I started by removing the "million pound bazooka" that came on Q. I've removed the cat inside but there's still hunks drifting around in there I can't get out. I didn't like that. I'll have to cut it open and play someday.

Pic 2 - I put on the enclosed mid pipe (nice bend and length to fit many applications) and then the muffler. I clamped the holder to the muffler and held it in position to the enclosed triangle bracket and marked where I need to drill with a Sharpee.

Pic 3 - After eyeballing the length that I wanted, I cut 2" off the "muffler end" of the enclosed stainless mid-pipe with my Sawz-All. (Edit: the "header pipe end" has the flared end for fitting over the header pipe. Do NOT cut this end!) I then clamped it in a vise with a rag and cut a cross in the end of the pipe. 3/4" slits worked for the Q application, then I slid the mid-pipe onto the existing header pipe to the boss and clamped. Then I clamped and bolted the muffler end onto the original mount in the frame. It's that easy.

Pic 4 - The finished product. Yes....it's too loud on the Suzuki-style OHC 200cc motor for my taste, but it really helped open up the performance and the jetting to boost mid-range and top end noticably. When the baffle shows up tomorrow, I'll do a tutorial on that install and opinion, as well. There is a slight hesitation off-idle now and I'm hoping a little backpressure from the baffle will halt that. I'll let you know.