Firefly
Active member
Finally got around to installing my new HMF Carbon fiber exhaust after my Hindle died (see other thread).
I can say these things are built really well and they look even better in person than in the photos.:thumbup:
The sound is very much like the Hindle--- a little more 'throaty', but I don't think any louder.
I did have some mounting problems. HMF couldn't say if this would mount properly with the BRP bags installed---well--- I can tell you that it WILL NOT--- without some modification.
I really love this pipe, but here are the issues:
1. Just like the hindle, the end isn't slotted so the clamp is worthless and it will leak.
2. The bend of the pipe puts it aligned too close to the parking brake assembly--- such that the pipe can bottom out and hit the parking brake actuation lever.
3. With the BRP bag setup, if you mount to the new lower mounting hole, the HMF pipe WILL bottom out and hit the parking brake actuation lever.
4. The rubber piece on the hanger strap supplied doesn't go all the way around-- so some part of the metal strap will hit the pipe and scratch it.
-------------------------------
Solutions to these issues:
1. Had to make 4 slots so the pipe would compress and seal. Also used some hi-temp RTV to make sure. No longer leaks.:thumbup:
2. I cut and installed a spacer to move the pipe further outwards, but had to put quite a bit of pressure on the pipe to hold it out so far.:thumbup:
3. I mounted the pipe in the upper hole which put it closer to the bag. I also installed DEI heatshield to the bottom of my bag to be safe.:thumbup:
4. Added 1" rubber to hanger strap.:thumbup:
These are fixes that shouldn't be needed--- I'll be contacting HMF and telling them about the problems.
What HMF should do to avoid these problems:
1. Change the bend of the 90 slightly so that the exhaust is moved away from the bike about 2" --- OR --- make the short part of the 90 about 2" longer and keep the bend how it is.
2. Supply a 1.5 - 2" stainless steel spacer for mounting.
3. Make the rubber on the hanger bracket 1" longer.
If they do those things---- I would say the pipe would be darn near perfect.:thumbup:
You can get the Carbon fiber version for around $325 and the non carbon fiber for around $225.
You can see in the photos the area where I now HAVE space where I did not before. The pipe doesn't give off that much heat-- and I probably don't even need the heatshield on the bag--- but I'm leaving it on anyway.
Sound is great, runs great, looks great. :2thumbs:
I can say these things are built really well and they look even better in person than in the photos.:thumbup:
The sound is very much like the Hindle--- a little more 'throaty', but I don't think any louder.
I did have some mounting problems. HMF couldn't say if this would mount properly with the BRP bags installed---well--- I can tell you that it WILL NOT--- without some modification.
I really love this pipe, but here are the issues:
1. Just like the hindle, the end isn't slotted so the clamp is worthless and it will leak.
2. The bend of the pipe puts it aligned too close to the parking brake assembly--- such that the pipe can bottom out and hit the parking brake actuation lever.
3. With the BRP bag setup, if you mount to the new lower mounting hole, the HMF pipe WILL bottom out and hit the parking brake actuation lever.
4. The rubber piece on the hanger strap supplied doesn't go all the way around-- so some part of the metal strap will hit the pipe and scratch it.
-------------------------------
Solutions to these issues:
1. Had to make 4 slots so the pipe would compress and seal. Also used some hi-temp RTV to make sure. No longer leaks.:thumbup:
2. I cut and installed a spacer to move the pipe further outwards, but had to put quite a bit of pressure on the pipe to hold it out so far.:thumbup:
3. I mounted the pipe in the upper hole which put it closer to the bag. I also installed DEI heatshield to the bottom of my bag to be safe.:thumbup:
4. Added 1" rubber to hanger strap.:thumbup:
These are fixes that shouldn't be needed--- I'll be contacting HMF and telling them about the problems.
What HMF should do to avoid these problems:
1. Change the bend of the 90 slightly so that the exhaust is moved away from the bike about 2" --- OR --- make the short part of the 90 about 2" longer and keep the bend how it is.
2. Supply a 1.5 - 2" stainless steel spacer for mounting.
3. Make the rubber on the hanger bracket 1" longer.
If they do those things---- I would say the pipe would be darn near perfect.:thumbup:
You can get the Carbon fiber version for around $325 and the non carbon fiber for around $225.
You can see in the photos the area where I now HAVE space where I did not before. The pipe doesn't give off that much heat-- and I probably don't even need the heatshield on the bag--- but I'm leaving it on anyway.
Sound is great, runs great, looks great. :2thumbs:
