dhines
06-22-2004, 08:34 AM
Selecting the best pipe for my new YFZ was not an easy decision. As a woods racer, I wanted a pipe that would provide the best low-end torque without compromising the YFZ's awesome mid and top end. I was also looking for a "quiet-core" option in the event that the various racing series I'm involved with began cracking down on the DB's.
After doing some research I narrowed my options to the Sparks, the standard HMF, and the HMF Bill Ballance Edition. I ran a Sparks on my 400EX and was very happy with its performance and my dad is currently running one on his YFZ. However, Sparks did not currently have a quiet core and did not have a precise date when one would be available. That did not completely eliminate it from my list, but it did make me look harder at the options from HMF.
3-4 weeks ago, I put in a call to the guys at HMF and discussed the various configurations that they had available. They were extremely patient and thorough in explaining the differences between their pipes, and I decided on the spot to make the purchase.
Less than two weeks later, my brand new black, aluminum Bill Ballance edition pipe (full) arrived on my front porch. The Saturday after receiving it, I rode out with the boy to my dad's house and got the pipe installed and jetted. For once in my life, I got the jetting absolutely spot-on the first time and the machine cranked over with a meaty-sounding roar.
Let's just say that this pipe is not for riding around the neighborhood. I have no idea what the decibel reading would be on it, but it is definitely in the "D@mn that thing is loud!" category. If you're a fan of a pipe with a gut rumbling 4-stroke grunt, this is the one for you. I honestly have not heard a better sounding pipe on a YFZ, but it will make your dog run for cover.
As to the performance, I'm not sure I can put into words how impressed I am with this thing. My first ride with it installed was frankly somewhat intimidating as I fought to keep my arms attached to my torso on the first high-speed run! Over two weeks later, I still grin when I think about how strongly my machine runs now. The engine is absolutely 100% stock with the exception of this pipe - no cam mod, no filter, and the air box lid is on. Jetting is the only other thing I've changed (stock needle on 5th clip, stock pilot 2.5 turns out, and a 170 main).
Even the old man was impressed at the power. The first thing he asked was how much I thought he could get for his Sparks pipe. I'm not ripping on the Sparks, I feel it is a great pipe, but yes, the HMF is absolutely THAT much stronger - top and bottom. Plus, as HMF advertises, the delivery is substantially evened out with the torque modifier. While the power is substantial, it is very linear, making the bike much easier to ride.
Sunday was my first race with the new machine. It was the Mid South race in Alabama. For those who were there or anyone who has raced it before, it is a TIGHT bugger of a track. My first lap was not particularly pretty as I am still getting used to the machine and I am not exactly in race-shape at the moment - plus, I am still running on the stock shocks which are a little stiff for CC racing.
However, when I started the second lap, I began to get into a groove and found that I could lug the machine in 3rd gear for the majority of the track - something I'm not sure I could have done on my modded 400. This setup has so much torque that I don't think I'm going to need the heavier flywheel I was planning to purchase.
I honestly can not recommend this pipe enough - for any type of riding. The power gains are amazing and I feel would be great for both CC and MX racing. The only area where the pipe falls short is volume. You WILL NOT be able to take this pipe anywhere sound restrictions are in place. However, if you are looking for an absolutely fantastic race setup, look no further. It may honestly be the ultimate YFZ pipe…
Dennis
p.s. I am in no way affiliated with HMF - or any other manufacturer for that matter. The opinions above are nothing but my honest impressions of this pipe. Take them for what they are worth.
After doing some research I narrowed my options to the Sparks, the standard HMF, and the HMF Bill Ballance Edition. I ran a Sparks on my 400EX and was very happy with its performance and my dad is currently running one on his YFZ. However, Sparks did not currently have a quiet core and did not have a precise date when one would be available. That did not completely eliminate it from my list, but it did make me look harder at the options from HMF.
3-4 weeks ago, I put in a call to the guys at HMF and discussed the various configurations that they had available. They were extremely patient and thorough in explaining the differences between their pipes, and I decided on the spot to make the purchase.
Less than two weeks later, my brand new black, aluminum Bill Ballance edition pipe (full) arrived on my front porch. The Saturday after receiving it, I rode out with the boy to my dad's house and got the pipe installed and jetted. For once in my life, I got the jetting absolutely spot-on the first time and the machine cranked over with a meaty-sounding roar.
Let's just say that this pipe is not for riding around the neighborhood. I have no idea what the decibel reading would be on it, but it is definitely in the "D@mn that thing is loud!" category. If you're a fan of a pipe with a gut rumbling 4-stroke grunt, this is the one for you. I honestly have not heard a better sounding pipe on a YFZ, but it will make your dog run for cover.
As to the performance, I'm not sure I can put into words how impressed I am with this thing. My first ride with it installed was frankly somewhat intimidating as I fought to keep my arms attached to my torso on the first high-speed run! Over two weeks later, I still grin when I think about how strongly my machine runs now. The engine is absolutely 100% stock with the exception of this pipe - no cam mod, no filter, and the air box lid is on. Jetting is the only other thing I've changed (stock needle on 5th clip, stock pilot 2.5 turns out, and a 170 main).
Even the old man was impressed at the power. The first thing he asked was how much I thought he could get for his Sparks pipe. I'm not ripping on the Sparks, I feel it is a great pipe, but yes, the HMF is absolutely THAT much stronger - top and bottom. Plus, as HMF advertises, the delivery is substantially evened out with the torque modifier. While the power is substantial, it is very linear, making the bike much easier to ride.
Sunday was my first race with the new machine. It was the Mid South race in Alabama. For those who were there or anyone who has raced it before, it is a TIGHT bugger of a track. My first lap was not particularly pretty as I am still getting used to the machine and I am not exactly in race-shape at the moment - plus, I am still running on the stock shocks which are a little stiff for CC racing.
However, when I started the second lap, I began to get into a groove and found that I could lug the machine in 3rd gear for the majority of the track - something I'm not sure I could have done on my modded 400. This setup has so much torque that I don't think I'm going to need the heavier flywheel I was planning to purchase.
I honestly can not recommend this pipe enough - for any type of riding. The power gains are amazing and I feel would be great for both CC and MX racing. The only area where the pipe falls short is volume. You WILL NOT be able to take this pipe anywhere sound restrictions are in place. However, if you are looking for an absolutely fantastic race setup, look no further. It may honestly be the ultimate YFZ pipe…
Dennis
p.s. I am in no way affiliated with HMF - or any other manufacturer for that matter. The opinions above are nothing but my honest impressions of this pipe. Take them for what they are worth.