Letter of the Week: Performance Gains on a 250X

Dear Dirt Rider,

I have a question regarding the exhaust on my 250X. I have read the articles on how to get more out of the bike, however, the exhaust used in these articles are not the ones that the large exhaust manufactures (FMF, Pro Circuit) recommend when I have spoken with their tech reps. FMF advised me to go with their 4.1 system and powerbomb header. Pro Circuit said their T-4 would work best and Big Gun said their EVO R complete exhaust system would be the one. All the information I have come across in reviews and articles use the Q series from FMF or the 496 silencer from Pro Circuit. Is this because of sound constraints? The area in which I ride is not as strict on db levels as California.

I am looking to get more low to mid out of the bike and possibly gain better throttle response. Keeping the low end torque or gaining more is also important. I know I will need to open up the air box as well as work with the jetting to get these results with the exhaust. My question is which exhaust would help me accomplish my goal. I appreciate any information you could send my way.

Thanks,

Joey Doom

Joey,

All of the loud performance pipes that we tested with the X added high rpm power but lost power in the mid-range. That made it difficult for the bike to pull gear to gear. The quiet mufflers are not only better, they are smarter.

Regardless of the current sound situation, a quieter bike is better for the sport. In your case, they work best on the trail as well. The only place the loud pipes worked well was when we were wide open in a sand wash. That isn't the best use for an X.

Karel Kramer
Senior Editor