2WheelTimes Review: FMF Ti Q4 Exhaust
By Doug Byers
For starters, the FMF Ti Q4 looks “factory”. This piece of perfectly formed metal looks like something you would find on any factory race bike. That's because the folks at FMF have been making race proven products for decades. FMF has done a great job with the Q-series mufflers providing a lightweight, low noise level, high performance product. All FMF mufflers are American made in SoCal using the finest materials and manufacturing techniques available. The Ti Q4 uses TiMetal canister and end caps, and comes standard with a USFS approved spark arrestor that can be serviced and end caps that remove for repacking.
2WheelTimes.com was looking for a pipe that would let the motor on the KTM breathe a little better than stock while keeping the noise levels in check. OHV’s ridden anywhere other than closed course racetracks need to adhere to acceptable noise standards of 96 dB’s or less! We are a firm believer in quieter motorcycles for the future survival of 2Wheelin. It is paramount that we respect others and be responsible recreationists (pick up your trash too!) or we will not have riding areas available to play with our toys.
I installed the Ti Q4 on our 08’ KTM 530EXCR, the muffler mounted up in just minutes with all the right holes in all the right places. The muffler mounts to the stock header or any FMF model header. A re-jet was not required for our test bike and riding conditions.
The Q4 gives the KTM 530EXCR a sweet “powerband” and lets the machine breathe more efficiently while keeping noise levels well below 96 dB’s. The Ti Q4 creates great bottom end power, good midrange, but you really feel the biggest difference when you twist the gas into the upper RPM’s. The 530 starts eating straight-aways for lunch with the Q4. That’s when you know you made the right choice. The stock muffler sounds like a cat chocking on a hairball, struggling to get out the exhaust note. Whereas, the FMF pipe sounds so sick weather it’s at idle or full song, plus it’s nearly impossible to keep the front tire on the ground through the first 4-gears (the way we like our big four-strokes). The FMF pipe truly awoke a tamed beast.
I would recommend this muffler to anyone, whether you’re into dual sporting, desert riding, woods riding or motocross, FMF has a wide range of mufflers to fit your style.
Prices run around $359 for the aluminum-stainless model to $399 for the Ti Q4. FMF has a saying “less is more”; less weight & less noise = more riding areas…We agree completely, keep up the good work FMF. Visit www.fmfracing.com for more info.
2WheelTimes Report Card: FMF Ti Q4 Slip-On
Install: A
Style: A-
Durability: A-
Performance: A
Value: A-
2WheelTimes Moto G.P.A. = 3.85
