FMF's Q2 Silencer And More ATV Products, Accessories - Abused

FMF Q2 Silencer and PowerBomb HeaderMy 2005 Kawasaki KFX400's engine is showroom stock, except for four White Brothers 1-inch foam plugs that I added to the airbox lid for improved breathing. It's a fun quad, but it could use some help in the power department. I'd researched other pipes-White Brothers, Hindle, Muzzy to name a few-but settled on the FMF Q2 silencer and PowerBomb header. Quiet performance is a priority to me; I don't want to be one of those guys no one wants to ride with because I'm blowing out people's eardrums every time they get behind me.

Removing the stock exhaust proved to be somewhat of a challenge. The stock headpipe just wouldn't clear for an easy removal. After loosening the oil tank and then the bottom hose from the radiator-and muttering half a dozen swear words-I was finally able to free it. Fortunately, the PowerBomb header has a different bend compared to the stocker and slid in with ease.

After bolting it up, I moved to the Q2 silencer. I began to get excited halfway through this installation because the PowerBomb is awesome-looking, and I couldn't wait to hit the trails. After applying some high-temperature silicone on the inside pipe for a good seal, I slipped the Q2 onto the middle pipe without any hassles. However, I did not care for the strap mounting system securing the canister to the frame. I would liked to have seen the mount welded directly onto the silencer, as well as having two mounts (like the stock pipe) instead of just one. Another thing demanding caution is the midpipe that connects the silencer to the header; there may be some rubbing issues against the rear fender-I'm keeping my eye on it. Perhaps some heat-insulating tape will help alleviate this. Again, if the Q2 had welded mounts instead of a strap, this would not be a worry.

After everything was tight and double-checked, I eagerly fired up my KFX and was amazed at how quiet it was at idle. It's really not much louder than stock. After a quick warm-up, I gave it some throttle and again I liked what I heard. The Q2 has a nice bark, but nothing like a race pipe.

Enough wrenching-time to ride!

The proving grounds for the FMF Q2 silencer and PowerBomb header were tight Pennsylvania woods that never allowed me to get out of second or third gear. With the stock motor, I needed to slip the clutch to get my KFX to pull out of some of the tight turns with any real authority. With the FMF exhaust, that problem was gone! My engine now pulls well in the low to midrange, exactly where I needed it to. The front wheels now feel lighter, and not having to use the clutch as much gives my left hand quite a rest. In the high-rpm range, I didn't feel any change, so if you like to keep your KFX400 tightly wound up, there are better-suited FMF pipes to install. My motor ran smoothly, with no popping or backfiring. I did not change any jetting, and a further check of the spark plug revealed that it had a nice tan color, but I will keep a close eye on it.

FMF's Q2 silencer sells for $339.00, while its PowerBomb header retails at $199.99. I've got to say that $538.99 is a lot of money for an exhaust system. But the fit and finish of this system is nice, and for the amount of performance that was added to my Kawasaki KFX400, it was worth it to me.-Jeff Reed

Reader Tested
Reviewer: Jeff Reed, Johnstown, PA
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 195 lb
Skill Level: Intermediate