Leo Vince LV One or FMF Q4?

[robdogg]

These two seem pretty even on price/function. They both come with spark arrestors.. which is a must for me, and both are around $550 or so.. which is way less then the all the other brands.. but I think I have read about people having to futz around with the LV's.. either with the mounts, or with fitting on the headers?? or is that some other brand that has that issue? I guess both have fairly frequent repacking needs since they are straight through design?

personally I think the LV is a little more pleasing to the eye.. but that is last on my list, I'm happy as long as they don't look uglier then the stock cans.. heh

any other tips, advise to help me decide?

oh, and a 2010 990A would be the recipient

[T-Mac]

I had the LVs and loved them.

[DeepInIt]

My LV has done a lot of miles. My only complaint is the mounting system if you will be seriously offroading. The combination of a lot of weight behind the mount point and a wrap around band hanger allows things to loosen up in hard riding. One part of the assembly is a press fit. I only have had problems after 40K but... Best is a welded mount point that keeps the can secure in all directions.

[Cyclops Motorsports]

Originally Posted by DeepInIt

My LV has done a lot of miles. My only complaint is the mounting system if you will be seriously offroading. The combination of a lot of weight behind the mount point and a wrap around band hanger allows things to loosen up in hard riding. One part of the assembly is a press fit. I only have had problems after 40K but... Best is a welded mount point that keeps the can secure in all directions.

I have had lots of issues with the Leo joint. Nice pipe and I really like the Spark arrestor. The pipes been welded and still comes lose after a good ride. Anyone found a better solution to this issue? Based on the mount I would go another direction next time.

[robdogg]

good feedback.. thank you very much.. while I won't be racing my 990a offroad, I do like riding some pretty rough terrain..

FMF it is.. I had them on my 950, and never had a problem..

[KTMADV]

I have a 2 into 1 with a FMF Q4 and have never had any problems with the pipe. I aslo like the way the pipe has the mount welded to the pipe. Very strong and looks good.

[robdogg]

Originally Posted by KTMADV

I have a 2 into 1 with a FMF Q4 and have never had any problems with the pipe. I aslo like the way the pipe has the mount welded to the pipe. Very strong and looks good.

that's a fantastic idea.. thanks.. and I see advtank is selling the 2:1 with an FMF Q4 for $400. seems like a great way to go..

[KTMADV]

If you wanted to save money you can make your stock mid pipe into 2 into 1. Thats what I did

[robdogg]

Originally Posted by KTMADV

If you wanted to save money you can make your stock mid pipe into 2 into 1. Thats what I did

how would I do that? I don't have a welder, but if I did, got any plans or a how to write up?

[KTMADV]

You could tig weld it. Take it to a shop. Dont use a wire welder. Here is a pic of mine. My friends shop only charge $75.

[Cyclops Motorsports]

Originally Posted by robdogg

how would I do that? I don't have a welder, but if I did, got any plans or a how to write up?

I took mine to a local Auburn Wa Muffler shop who makes custom headers. Cost was 50.00 a single pipe is nice.

[robdogg]

Originally Posted by Cyclops Motorsports

I took mine to a local Auburn Wa Muffler shop who makes custom headers. Cost was 50.00 a single pipe is nice.

could you PM me the shop info please? I have a welding shop that has done some stuff for me, but I'd prefer folks that have experience with exhaust, particularly bikes.

[gweaver]

For those that did a 2-1 what pipe did you use? I've been trying to find something compatible with the 950, but most of the single pipes sold are dirt bike sized, and won't flow enough exhaust.
Alternately, is there a reason a slip-on for a liter bike wouldn't work? If an engine is just a big air pump, and given that the 950 is similar in displacement to a liter bike, any reason not to go that route? Ignore the mid-pipe and mount differences- shouldn't be too hard to have a mid-pipe made to fit, and use an exhaust hanger strap to get the placement right.
A quick search on-line shows a Ti Yoshi pipe for a CBR 1000 for $450. Not bad, and a fair bit less expensive than the Remus/Akra/Wings option.
Thoughts?
FWIW, I'm currently running a 2-1 with an FMF Powercore, but I think the pipe's too restrictive. I had the carb jetted, but the mileage is pretty bad: 25 mpg. Based on what I've read here, I should be able to get closer to 35 with a 2-1 and well-tuned carb. Just need to find the right pipe/jet combination. What's your secret?
G

[KTMADV]

Your bike should be getting better fuel milage. Here is what Iam running. Here is the link.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=839023

[corndog67]

I was having issues getting someone to sell me a pipe. They all quoted some new law that could take their license if I put the pipe on a street bike in CA. Finally, I called Leo Vince and talked to a real nice lady there, that said she'd sell me a pipe, and they happened to be having a clearance sale, and they also had a set of test mule pipes with dyno time on them, but no street miles. For $180. I told her I'd call back in 2 days, which I did. Well, she didn't work there any more. But someone else went to look for the pipes, but couldn't find them. So he sold me a set of new ones for $180. I almost came. Perfect fit. Fairly easy install. No leaks. They are straight (I've heard of people having stuff sitting a little crooked after the install). And it's real fuckin' loud. There was only 1 decibel killier in the set of mufflers, so I removed it in the interest of being the same on both sides. Yeah, that's it.

Leo Vince people told me that the dealers were overreacting to the new law, that it affected only 2013 bikes and any built after that.

Very cool people to work with and talk to.