FMF Pipe?

[baldtire]

I want to increase the mid to high end power without sacrificing too much low end on my stock 2002 KDX 220 by installing a new pipe and silencer. I am confused over the many terms used for FMF pipes (gnarly, woods, rev, torque). Can someone let me know what has helped on their bikes?

 

[Mac]

You want the FMF KG-30 rev pipe.

 

[KdxChode]

I agree:cool:

 

[EBOD]

If you want the rev pipe, the important thing is that it's the KG-30. Sometimes this is called a torque pipe for the 220. I think both the KG-30 and KG-35 are stamped "Gnarly."

For what it's worth, I installed the KG-30 on my '02 220. I still have the airbox lid in place in stock form and did not put on a new silencer. The difference the pipe alone makes is huge.

 

[ninjaman]

I was wondering on my bike it says on the side of the pipe FMF Gold series Fatty. Now is this a KG 30 or KG 35? I dont see any numbers on mine so would this be a torque or rev pipe?

Thanks

 

[Perk]

What year is your bike? On the older models, there is no rev or torque, just the fatty. I think.

 

[Tantrum]

This topic comes up alot. The responses that you get are most probably, the pipe that the responding person has on their bike. I personally dont think that is very good advice.

The 2 pipes will deliver different powerbands. From what I understand, the KG-35 will deliver very good bottom, good mid and moderate high. That is the pipe that I have on my bike. It is a far cry from stock. It gave me load of low end for the woods that I ride in. This pipe is mainly designed for tighter woods type riding. Some people say that this pipe reduced the high RPM power, not so when comparing to stock. I achieved more high as well, but not as much as you would get if you put on a KG-30.

From what I understand about the KG-30, though I don't have one and have not ridden a KDX with one on it, it delivers really good power in the mid to high range. This pipe is what works best for more open type riding such as desert and MX where the RPM's are higher.

Pick a pipe that fits your riding style and you'll be happy. Anything beats stock anyways.

Cheers,
B.

 

[KdxChode]

The number is stamped on the back of the mounting tab of the pipe. It is real hard to see without taking the pipe off.

 

[Mac]

Originally posted by Tantrum
This topic comes up alot. The responses that you get are most probably, the pipe that the responding person has on their bike. I personally dont think that is very good advice.

Not true, I run a REV pipe but my advice is not biased. baldtire specifically said "I want to increase the mid to high end power without sacrificing too much low end"

That is EXACTLY what the REV pipe does.

 

[Lew]

I just put a new pro circuit pipe on my 220. It replaces an fmf kg30 rev pipe. Comparing it to the fmf the pro circuit has no change to bottom end and for me I noticed a harder hit at mid range and still hard and strong to the top. My son had a torque pipe on his 200 and he bent it up real bad, so I put the rev pipe from my 220 on the 200 (only a couple of dings) and there is really no distinction between the 2 fmf pipes for our riding style. One thing that I will say is that the pro circuit pipe bolted right up using the factory nuts/bolts and rubber offset bushings. The fmf required a few nuts as shims to bolt up and not hit any of the components.
Lew

 

[Optik]

I'm thinking of getting a new pipe on my 220. Right now I have a fatty k-35. I want to get a rev pipe but I'm worried that I'll lose alot of low end and the torque that makes the kdx so easy to ride. A friend of mine says that he doenst notice this but he rides a lot more agressive then me. Is the rev still the better pipe for the 220?

 

[Tantrum]

Originally posted by Mac


Not true, I run a REV pipe but my advice is not biased. baldtire specifically said "I want to increase the mid to high end power without sacrificing too much low end"

That is EXACTLY what the REV pipe does.

Yes, that is how the Rev pipe makes the KDX perform, as I stated in my post.
I also differentiated between the two pipes and how each makes the bike perform.

I believe this forum is a good tool for expressing opinions. I also believe that when responding to a particular question, giving an informative answer is important. Doing so allows the questioner to make the best decision on his/her purchase.

Cheers,
B.

 

[craig_enid]

I've got KG-30, KG-35, and stock pipes. I like the K-30. I just rode the White Rock enduro with the K-30. It was tight and muddy. I never once felt I needed more bottom end. Last time I rode with the K-35, I felt I was missing some punch at higher rpms. BTW, 13/47 on the gearing.
My seat of the pants opinion.

 

[JimVowell]

For what its worth, I have the REV pipe and I notice no real loss in low end power a quick fan of the clutch and your motoring...I also just had Fredette bore the carb (80.00 with shipping) and this thing smokes. Cylinder and head mods in a couple of months ... have fun.......

 

[mxmedic]

You want the gold series fatty. I have that along with the muffler and a rad valve. Can huld my own with a 250 MX'er on a stright. The pipe makes a huge difference.

 

[e.c.bert]

If FMF makes a Gnarly you'll get a broader spread of power similer nto the PC Pipe. The Fatty Pipes create more heat than the Rev Pipes; I also think they hold the bike back. From experience, a longer head pipe is not the answer to the lack of low-end power; it only corrects an exhaust port that has been raised to gain top-end performance; Rev Pipe!

 

[canyncarvr]

Good grief..it's deja vu all over again!!:) I've been here before!!

I know it's tough to follow..and FmF with their sometimes mis-stamped ID numbers (on who knows what flange) and mixed up catalog numbers doesn't make it any eaiser.

Looking thru the above posts, there are several that proclaim how good a particular pipe is...and they don't even say what BIKE it's on!! How do you get any valuable (read:correct) information from that?

Given: The pipe you NEED is the one that fits not only your bike, but runs best in the powerband you use, and works best in the type of riding you do.

There are two (2) FmF pipes for the newer kdx 200/220: KG-30/35 known as 'rev' and 'torque' respectively. Forget all the descriptive terms such as woods, desert, gnarly, burly.

Either pipe is an improvement over the stock pipe, the KG35's (torque) power is lower on the rpm band than the KG30 (rev).

MOST 200 owners will prefer/want the KG35 (torque).

MOST 220 owners (different sized carb..different port timing) will prefer/want the KG30 (rev).

Yes...some catalogs call the KG30 (rev) a torque pipe for the 220.

I have both KG30/35 pipes for my oh-oh 200. I've run both in a wide variety of conditions..from sea level sand to well over 9,000 feet single track. I change pipes depending on what/where/how I'm going to be riding.

Oh..response described as 'hit' is not usually a good thing in single track/woods. You WANT smooth, even, tractable, useable power. 'Hit's' are FUN...but not what you want on a 30º rocky (biggern' your head) uphill. A 'hit' is largely what you get when an engine goes FROM a poorly carbureted/tuned area of operation TO a well carbureted/tuned one.

That said...baldtire: You will be most happy with a KG30 (rev) on your 220. An FmF TCII is quieter than a PC S/A by a bit. It's also less likely to fit well. Either is a decent choice.

AND..if you want to improve mid-to-top on your 220, you must 'fix' your 33mm carb. Boring to 36mm isn't too many $$..the RB mod is more, but you get more for the extra bucks, too!

Oh..the rev pipe is MUCH larger (diameter) than the torque. It's a 'glass chin' that'll get banged up REAL good. You might consider a guard of some sort for it.

 

[JimVowell]

What Canyncarvr said....Good stuff, he is absolutely right on on every point including that fact that some of us including me, forgot to include which bike we have. 220 for me..Thanks...

 

[tom m]

Buy the PC pipe, I got a new FMF Gnarly pipe(KG35) for my 01, 200 it fits like crap !! Not very impressed with the power , I called FMF to talk to them about it, They hung up on me !!! This is my first last FMF pipe. Not very good customer service in my opion. Pro Curcuit all the way !!!!

 

[Sage]

Originally posted by tom m
Buy the PC pipe, I got a new FMF Gnarly pipe(KG35) for my 01, 200 it fits like crap !! Not very impressed with the power , I called FMF to talk to them about it, They hung up on me !!! This is my first last FMF pipe. Not very good customer service in my opion. Pro Curcuit all the way !!!!

I've ridden them all on the 200 & 220 (except Bill's Pipes) and I'd have to agree, PC rocks

 

[RTL]

I too have an 01 200. Set up with FMF Rev, fit perfect, bike screams. However, I love the look of the PC. FMF is generally known (in my world anyway) for excellent customer service. I have not seen a PC hauler with mechanics at any of the tracks wrenching amatuer bikes for free but I have seen the FMF rig doing just that! Sucks that they did you wrong Tom. I'm thinking that the quality and consistency of the KDX is more suspect than the aftermarket parts are. My 02.

 

[Tantrum]

Yeah RTL, I agree with you on fit. The KG-35 I put on my 98 220 fit just fine. And boy does that mother move. Maybe some years fit better than others. Then there is the whole interpretation of what is a "good" fit. I have to fish the pipe on there just right to get to fit in, but that is what I would consider a tight close fit that is less likely to rattle around or leak. I havent tried the PC pipe yet and I would like to. Anyone that wants to send me theirs I'll let you know how it works. ;)

B

 

[JimVowell]

My FMF rev pipe doesnt fit well either. Had to make mounting hardware changes of my own and it still binds a little. It works fine, but fits like crap....Also had a poor customer service experience with FMF..the rep sounded goofed out when I called and could not answer any basic questions....have not tried the PC pipes...maybe next time

 

[pilotboy]

Just installed the FMF rev pipe and TC2 muffler, what a difference, I can't believe that so much performance was hidden by the factory exhaust system.
For anyone contemplating this mod, don't hesitate!
low end stays the same as far as I can feel but now the bike comes on to the pipe and pulls instead of dying away, feels perfect to me.

 

[craig_enid]

Pipe/silencer switch

Pilotboy, did you switch both pipe and silencer at once?

I would like to see dyno charts on....
1) Stock pipe and stock silencer
2) Aftermarket pipe (X) and stock silencer
3) Stock pipe and aftermarket silencer (X)
4) Aftermarket pipe (X) and aftermarket silencer (X)

My impression is the stock silencer is the performance killer.
I can tell little difference between the stock pipe with a more free flowing silencer and the FMF Rev pipe/ free flowing silencer I'm currently running.