VOLUME 57 ISSUE 22 JUNE 2, 2020 P103
S TANDOUT FEATURE
Developed tightly with Husqvarna
Factory Racing efforts, FMF systems
should be the perfect choice for those
looking for an exhaust upgrade on
any bike in the lineup.
RIDER AN ALYSIS
The first step in evaluating an
exhaust system is installation. And
there have been nightmare-ish KTM/
Husqvarna steps in the past to get
mid-pipes and headers removed/in-
stalled. Thankfully, that job is no lon-
ger an issue, as the 2020 bikes allow
easy stock-system removal. Likewise,
the FMF Megabomb header comes
in a header and mid-pipe setup so
you can simply thread it through the
chassis.
The only slightly complicated part
of swapping the header system is
re-routing the exhaust sensor. The
stock header pipe locates the sensor
in front of the cylinder, highly visible,
and somewhat vulnerable to break-
age. The FMF system smartly tucks
the sensor behind the frame, inside
the rear of the engine compartment,
completely protected and barely
visible. You'll need to loosen the tank
and route the sensor cable to the
rear of the engine. That's the extent
of the install complications.
The FMF unit comes with all the
hardware you need to install it except
for the frame-mount grommets and
collars. You will re-use the stock
LOWDOWN
MSRP: Q4 Muffler: $389.99, Megabomb Header: $474.99
Website: www.fmfracing.com
aluminum collars and rubber pieces.
These are easy to pop in and out with
a dull screwdriver or punch. Keep their
orientation organized and slip them
back on just as they come out. It's
simple and if you have leftover parts,
try again.
The whole system lines up well
and the supplied spring retainers are
a welcome part of the complete job.
They have cool rubber covers that
provide a nice clean finish. The muffler
also shares the stock grommets and
collars.
If you start with the header, move
to the mid-pipe and then the muffler,
slipping the system together along the
way and waiting for everything to be
connected before you tighten frame
mounts, you should have an easy
install. If you find the pieces aren't
sliding in, don't be scared to apply a
little light spray lube. But keep all the
bolts loose until the end.
You'll notice this isn't an ultra-light
system right away. And that's fine.
We're not overly concerned with sav-
ing weight; we really just want a little
more bark in this beast. The quality
of the construction is more appealing
to us. We weighed complete systems
back to back and the stock stuff is
around a pound heavier as tested.
The FMF system maintains a low
overall sound level, but the exhaust
tone and crackle are definitely differ-
ent and more aggressive than stock.
And the bike felt like it gained power
where we wanted it—on the lower-end
of the range, especially right off idle.
The differences aren't mind-blowing,
but it's nice to have a little more from
the stock powerplant. It's here we feel
the FE lineup needs the most massag-
ing and our exhaust upgrade seemed
to start the process nicely. CN
The aluminum muffler and
stainless-steel headerpipe might
not be as light as titanium but are
ultra-strong and durable.
MUFFLER AND MEGABOMB HEADER
