Pipe recommendation
- Thread starter gasIdaho
- Start date
SpeedyManiac
New member
Messico or GasGas make the best performing pipes, but they're super expensive. I'm now running FMF Gnarly pipes and am quite happy with the performance. My 200 is now a full on stump puller with the LTR powervalve cover, FMF Gnarly pipe and 13/52 gearing.
WoodsRider
New member
The best perfoming pipe I used was the stock Messico on my '98 EC250. However it was so thin that, even with a CF guard, one ride in the rocks made it look like an empty beer can at a frat part. Toughest pipe I ever used was the Motowest on my '98 and '01 XC300. I modified the Messico CF guard to fit the MW pipe. In six seasons it only suffered one dent where it hit the right side PV cover. Too bad the MW pipe doesn't fit my '03 EC300. Even with a CF guard, the stock FMF Fatty on my '03 took one too many hits. I've replaced it with an FMF Gnarly and Flatland guard.
Unfortunately most pipe guards don't absorb energy (I've only seen pics of the Hyde guard GMP has, so I'll reserve comment). Pipe guards do prevent a lot of small dents and dings, but if you hit something hard enough the pipe will be damaged. Either dented, bent or both. You can also break the cast exhaust spigot bolted to the front of the cylinder.
Best guards I've ever seen were the ones the guys in Hawaii made for riding the, now defunct, Mauna Kea 200 Enduro. A steel cage welded to the frame surrounding the pipe. Probably added 20 lbs. to the bike, but I bet they never smashed a pipe.
Unfortunately most pipe guards don't absorb energy (I've only seen pics of the Hyde guard GMP has, so I'll reserve comment). Pipe guards do prevent a lot of small dents and dings, but if you hit something hard enough the pipe will be damaged. Either dented, bent or both. You can also break the cast exhaust spigot bolted to the front of the cylinder.
Best guards I've ever seen were the ones the guys in Hawaii made for riding the, now defunct, Mauna Kea 200 Enduro. A steel cage welded to the frame surrounding the pipe. Probably added 20 lbs. to the bike, but I bet they never smashed a pipe.
GMP
Active member
Bill,
The newer GG OEM pipes are like a Messico but made of heavy gauge steel like a Gnarly, maybe heavier. Good pipes. The Hyde combo guard is very rigid and with its frame mount transfers energy to the frame like the Hawaian cage guard but is way lighter. It also tends to slide off obstacles so this also helps. I just had it off for inspection and everything still looks good.
The newer GG OEM pipes are like a Messico but made of heavy gauge steel like a Gnarly, maybe heavier. Good pipes. The Hyde combo guard is very rigid and with its frame mount transfers energy to the frame like the Hawaian cage guard but is way lighter. It also tends to slide off obstacles so this also helps. I just had it off for inspection and everything still looks good.
WoodsRider
New member
The Fatty and Gnarly are identical. The Gnarly is made from heavier gauge steel and is slightly heavier weight-wise. No performance difference that I could tell, but opinions vary.
The sad fact is 2-stroke pipes are a wear item. I'm just glad they don't run underneath the bike anymore, like on the old Pursangs.
I've got a nice collection of bashed and twisted pipes hanging from the ceiling of my garage. Friends who don't ride will stand there staring at them with that "WTF is that?" look on their face. The observant ones will say "looks like you're adding to your collection!" every once in a while.
The sad fact is 2-stroke pipes are a wear item. I'm just glad they don't run underneath the bike anymore, like on the old Pursangs.
I've got a nice collection of bashed and twisted pipes hanging from the ceiling of my garage. Friends who don't ride will stand there staring at them with that "WTF is that?" look on their face. The observant ones will say "looks like you're adding to your collection!" every once in a while.
skid jackson
New member
I keep hearing about the doma pipe. What exactly does it do?? smooth out the hit??
widebear
Banned
(Motowest)
REVERUP
Gold Level Site Supporter
LoL, I'm not laughing at you, only with you!
That totally reminds me of all the nickle plated pretzels I have hanging from my garage rafters! Different brands different styles some with carbon guards still on them cause those are toast as well. Then I start thinking about how much they each cost and I start CoL! Then my mind drifts to my spent tire pile and It really hits home. My garage is a money pit!
SpeedyManiac
New member
LoL, I'm not laughing at you, only with you!
That totally reminds me of all the nickle plated pretzels I have hanging from my garage rafters! Different brands different styles some with carbon guards still on them cause those are toast as well. Then I start thinking about how much they each cost and I start CoL! Then my mind drifts to my spent tire pile and It really hits home. My garage is a money pit!
I can definitely relate. I have 3 mangled pipes hanging up, had 4 sets of worn out tires but I finally threw some out. With the ISDE stuff, I have so many spare parts sitting around I could probably build another bike. Well, maybe not quite, but it's still insane. Add in tools, riding gear and everything else and it's pretty rediculous how much money is involved in racing.
