Our 2003 Vinson (Manual Shift Option) has been with us since late '02, first as a shootout contestant in our '03 Open 4x4 test, then as a true long-term tester. We logged over 500 miles with the stock exhaust system so that we could establish a good baseline from which to compare future modifications. All of our riding has been done in the mountainous terrain of Western North Carolina with a great deal of incline. Overall our Suzuki has held up well, but we always seem to wish we had a little more power on steep accents and for riding in the deep snow and mud. Also since the machine has proven itself to be such a capable year-round sport-utility woods play-racer we want to start getting serious. First step: reducing some weight and gaining some power.
The folks from HMF Engineering in Brooklyn, Ohio sent us a slip-on HMF Performance silencer to try out. Upon first inspection we noticed how light the package was when it arrived. Removing the OEM Suzuki silencer and placing it on a scale revealed a weight of 10-1/4 pounds as compared to the HMF unit, which weighs only 5-3/4 pounds. Not bad. Installation was fairly easy although our silencer was missing one of the mounting bolts when it arrived. Simply remove the two mounting bolts holding the silencer to the frame and loosen the clamp that affixes the silencer to the head pipe. Slide the silencer out of position and remove the exhaust bushing/gasket from the head pipe in order for the new silencer to fit. To make fitting your new silencer easier spray some silicone or dab some anti-seize compound on the inside of your new muffler before slipping it over your existing head pipe. Tighten everything up and you are ready to rock and roll.
Fire up the engine and you'll notice a nice throaty idle. When you get on the gas however you'll realize the pipe is very loud in stock form and is suitable for nothing other than racing on a closed course. On the trail we received numerous ugly stares and comments such as "that's the loudest utility machine I've ever heard". If you care about preserving your right to ride on public lands, and we know you do, you will plunk down the additional $35 for the HMF 91db Quiet Core which gets the decibel readings well under the public riding noise restriction of 94 to 96 dbs depending on where you live. But you don't want to lose power you say? HMF claims that you will still keep over 95% of the horsepower you gain with an HMF performance exhaust. So you need to ask yourself would you rather lose 5% of power or 100% of your riding opportunities? You know the right answer.
The Quiet Core inserts into place by removing three screws that hold the turn-down cap in position. Simply insert the core along with the provided spark-arrestor, put your turn-down cap back in place, and tighten everything up. You will find the exhaust note is much more agreeable and plenty aggressive sounding for you posers out there. With the silencer comes a replacement main jet. We suggest obtaining a repair manual to read up on this procedure or have your local dealer install the proper jets if you are not comfortable messing with your carb. HMF suggests a 142 main without the core insert and a 144 with it installed.
If weight is a concern the HMF is a good option. Power increases are said to be in the neighborhood of 4hp on the bottom, 3.5hp to midrange, and 3hp on top with a 2lb torque gain overall. The silencer not only sounds good but the matching bright yellow color looks awesome. Suggested retail price is $209.95.
Contact HMF Engineering
8219 Clinton Rd., Brooklyn Ohio 44144
Ph 216-631-6980
Fax 216-631-6981
Business Hours: Mon-Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm (EST)
WWW.HMFENGINEERING.COM
One of the Suzuki's greatest strengths is its versatility. The Vinson can be trail ridden hard all weekend and then with nothing more than a hosing off its ready to work around the property. Because of this adaptability we've decided to make some improvements to the 500 that would compliment how we are using it. For starters we've installed a 3500lb SuperWinch to handle our work duties. With snow an ever-present threat this time of year, here in North Carolina, so we've gone ahead and outfitted our unit with a Moose plow. It's already helped us dig out of one snowstorm that caused our two-wheel drive ATV transport van to get stuck in the driveway. Off course there's no reason to let your hands get cold, so we've got a pair of PowerMadd hand guards to fit - just what might be needed to fight the winter chill. Finally, we've laid our hands on a fresh set of Maxxis rims and Maxxis Bighorn radial tires - they're all ready to be mounted up along with our new Works performance shocks that just arrived before deadline. Look for installation stories on each of these components in the near future.