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Post by jes on Jan 16, 2017 20:14:14 GMT -5
The exhaust gases leaving your engine exits the pipe in waves that travel through the muffler/silencer. Packing (typically fiberglass) around the pipe outlet helps the muffler/silencer control those waves as they leave your bike.
As you can imagine, the packing inside gets old, burns up and often exits along with those waves. On a two-stroke, the muffler/silencer’s packing ages because of the unburned fuel/oil mix that leaves the cylinder. On a four-stroke, heat is the main culprit that kills muffler/silencer packing. When it’s gone, your bike gets louder, neighbors complain, and its performance degrades (something that most people probably don't realize).
It happens very quickly. There are a number of mechanics who recommend new muffler/silencer packing after every 10-hours of riding. That could be once a month, or even more frequently for our hard core riders. FMF recommends repacking your muffler/silencer every 20-30 hours of normal use when properly jetted, and even more frequently if your jetting is less than optimal.
I'm betting that many of you don’t believe you really need to replace the muffler/silencer packing (or at least not so frequently). But did you notice your bike getting louder? My guess is probably not. Unfortunately, the neighbors/home owners around our lease have noticed, and they've complained – and that is very bad for all RCDR members.
Repacking your bike’s muffler/silencer will add horsepower and throttle response to your bike. With a freshly repacked muffler/silencer, your bike will run like it did when you bought it (assuming all other maintenance is up to date). You’ll regain the power you lost when your old packing material wore out, and more importantly, you won't be a sound violator at the lease!
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Post by jes on Jan 16, 2017 20:25:30 GMT -5
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Post by mundy on Jan 17, 2017 10:45:47 GMT -5
2 stroke $ saver, you can use unfaced R-11 or R-13 house insulation, secure with electrical tape. Worked for me for many years.
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Post by jes on Jan 17, 2017 21:33:35 GMT -5
For those who ride a motocross dirt bike, please remember that almost all motocross models actually have a higher db level from the factory then is allowable on our lease (because they were designed to be operated on a closed course). Additionally, after 20 - 30 hours of riding time you now have an exhaust with burnt out packing which makes it even louder still.
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Post by jes on Jan 17, 2017 21:48:43 GMT -5
2 stroke $ saver, you can use unfaced R-11 or R-13 house insulation, secure with electrical tape. Worked for me for many years.
Thank you Mundy for the money saving tip.
Before too many people rush out to purchase home insulation to use as packing, I would highly recommend that you (the owner of the dirt bike) are absolutely positive it will meet our lease sound level requirement (i.e., to save a long drive home if you couldn't ride because your dirt bike was too loud).
Remember, 2-stroke packing can be purchased for about $8.00.
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Post by gregtowers on Jan 18, 2017 12:07:13 GMT -5
I used house insulation for a while on a 450R. It's a little louder than regular packing unless you really mush it in there. Also absorbs spooge a lot faster but works great in a pinch. You'll lose bottom end quickly when it saturates. But, climb into the attic and away you go. Free! A decent Standard packing works well too, but I've found if you spend a few extra $ on the dense stuff, you'll cut db, and cut in half the number of times you repack. Especially if you're just a trail rider like me. But if you ride hard it doesn't make that much of a difference, especially on a high heat four-stroke. imo FMF premium is excellent and middle of the road priced. Fly is half the price but is junk on a 2-stroke. Stainless steel mat or wrap may be overkill, but a 2-stroke trail rider could go two years without repacking, as long as your carb is jetted correctly. Supposedly the db are lower also. SS wrap is only about $20. Use it under SS mat or under your fiberglass to seriously extend the life. I used all stainless wrap then mat on my VTX1300 Cobra pipes (held with safety wire) and never packed again. Might just try that on my YZ250.
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Post by dwade on Feb 12, 2017 18:40:34 GMT -5
When working with packing material, be sure to wear gloves. The fibers are extremely fine and will get under your skin. I forgot today and can feel it now, althoigh I can't see it.
Also, you can use 4 stroke packing on a 2T, but not the other way around. 2T packing isn't made to handle the heat of a 4T.
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Post by kdxer on Feb 13, 2017 9:04:04 GMT -5
Had my bike tested at the race clean up day and it passed but, decided to repack silencer anyway. Used the little more expensive material offered by FMF that Tim Miller suggested and got it at cycle gear, but it had to be ordered. Took bike for a spin yesterday and it makes a big difference, so much more quiet and a tad more low end.
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Post by ozzy on Mar 20, 2017 20:25:46 GMT -5
I just repacked a FMF Q on my Gas Gas 300. I used the FMF for 2 stroke white packing that was fluffy and really didnt fill up the diameter of the pipe fully. Mundy says it is quiter than a tight pack but won't last as long. No more than I get to ride, it should last me a year! LOL I'll be curious to see how it test. I'll bring some pink panther with me just in case I need to pack again. I'll just do it at the property.
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Post by honda250x on Mar 21, 2017 18:47:19 GMT -5
RIVER CITY BOARD MEMBERS IN CASE YOU DIDN'T SEE THIS AMA SOUND METER GRANT AMA IS GIVING AWAY A LIMITED NUMBER OF SOUND METERS SEE BELOW Deadline coming: AMA Sound Meter Kit Grant Program applications due Friday, March 31 Nine meter kits will be awarded in mid-Apil The AMA 2017 Sound Meter Kit Grant Program application process is underway. In fact, the deadline for applications is Friday, March 31. You can submit an application online, so it's definitely not too late. Each kit contains a Type 2 sound meter, a tachometer, training materials, a spark arrestor probe, personal protective equipment and a sturdy storage case. The kits are designed to provide all you need to understand your bike's sound level and for organizers to run events where meeting a particular decibel level is a requirement for participation. These kits are not intended for law enforcement or other legally-binding purposes. We'll be awarding nine AMA Sound Meter Kits in 2017 to those we've selected from among the organizations and individuals who complete and return an application. To be considered, organizations applying cannot be for-profit and must have at least one AMA member in good standing. We favor those whose applications are complete and focused on how they plan to use the kit, in keeping with the AMA Excessive Motorcycle Sound position statement. Completed applications must be received by email or at the U.S. mail address provided at the end of the application by Friday, March 31. The AMA is concerned about all excessively loud motorcycles and hopes these sound meter kits will help educate riders of all types of machines on this important issue. You can email the AMA if you have any remaining questions. Thanks for your interest in helping riders understand motorcycle sound, so we can work together to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.
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Post by honda250x on Mar 21, 2017 19:04:46 GMT -5
As a follow up I can forward a copy of the application if anyone is interested . Send me an e-mail and I will forward the form. badcr125honda@att.net .
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