I know most people do not prefer the FMF pipe and I cannot understand why. I had another brand on and tried the FMF pipe and I am faster than ever. I outrun all Scrammys and nip at the heals of Raptors and beat most midly tuned Shees. The pipe was a perfect fit and went on without any problems. The reason I took the HPD pipe off was I got tired of calling them for tech help and every time I called I was told to call back later or was put on hold forever. If I spend alot of money on products somebody better help. RCR and AEEN helped out without any problems even though I don't have either of those pipes. Just my 2 cents and trying not to start a range war over pipes.

 

I've had the Hot Seat pipe...sold it (although their suspension equipment works nice), had the FMF pipe....blew it wide open in three places, and got tired of welding. Have the AAEN pipe....it's hanging on the garage wall. Am presently running the HPD race pipe (new design) and grinning from ear to ear everytime I pull the trigger. They are a very busy family run business, sorry to hear about your problems with them. The reason they are busy is because they specialize in these machines, and the equipment they make works....guess with a few exceptions. Try early in the morning, or the 3-5 pm window.

Ken

 

I've never had to call HPD for "tech help", other than clutching suggestions. What types of problems were you experiencing?

If/as you mod the bike you will out grow the FMF really fast, as it makes it's power somewhere around 6500-6800RPM's. Anything more you'll need the race pipe.

 

Snoopy61,

NEVER, EVER, buy a pipe for a CVT machine that doesn't come with a clutch kit for it. Without a clutch kit the gains are minimal, if any. FMF seems to have forgotten this small point. Sure the pipe will let the engine rev out to 6500-6800 RPMs and the motor will show more horsepower on a dyno, but without the proper clutching the power won't get to the ground. Don't worry, a lot of people have forgotten this small fact. Mickey Dunlap from Four Stroke Tech completely forgot about it when he made those two Scrambler 628s for the Maxxis team to compete in the GNCC. Apparently Mike Penland didn't forget this small fact as he is running different clutching than stock on his Prairie 650.

On a CVT machine, anytime you increase horsepower, torque and change the RPM range the motor operates in, you have to reclutch the machine. It's as simple as that.

I for the life of me, can't imagine the questions you could have had that couldn't have been answered on this forum. There are a lot of people like modquad, AZ400L and myself who understand these machines and would have helped you with your problems. There was really no need to call HPD, unless you had a question about his products.

 

I do have a clutch kit and it is from HPD. Ritter helped me set it up with the pipe and he will get my business from now on. Really nice guy and very helpful. I will admit it seems to have power in the upper RPM range on the pipe. Need a good suspension setup now cause I bottom out the front some. They are over 4 years old so I figure they have some wear.

 

Like Mike said, a lot of people are helpful here. Sometimes there are attitudes and egos, but for the most part you can find answers through posts here. We all started out with the same stock machines. Often enough, you can save yourself some money and a lot of grief asking questions before you even make a purchase. Rick is a very professional guy (besides he likes Beagles) and can be very helpful. HPD like I said before is a very busy place, sometimes you have to be patient, but they do stand behind their products. You should see the things people have sent them, and what they have to assist people with. There are bright bulbs, and some that lack serious wattage. Don't be afraid to ask any question, just be patient and courteous....we're here to help. ZOOM,ZOOM!!!!

Ken....sentenced to "Weekend Warrior" Thompson speaking of padding egos.

 

Here's an FMF pipe story you guys might like/not like.

One of my riding friends bought a new 00 Scrambler 400 and right out of the gate bought an FMF pipe/Turbine Core muffler. FMF made no getting or clutch kit suggestions at all, so he just put it on and ran it.

Well first off that FMF pipe only gave him some more noise and some top-end power. Thats it. In fact, with the pipe he could not even pull a wheelie. It would just take off. When the mid-range power kicked in, then he was gone with lots of wheel spin.

It ran for about a year that way. One day his engine stopped running. Took it apart and the piston had a hole burned it in. Getting was too lean. Oh well...live and learn.

Now he has a clutch kit and the right getting. Runs much better now.

STILL can't keep up with me.......

'96 Scrambler 400 4x4
HPD Nickel pipe/RCR muffler
HPD clutch kit
K&N filter
Boyesen Power Reeds
Wiseco piston