If you're running an aftermarket exhaust system on your WR250R, like the FMF Q4 shown above, and in need of a heat shield to help keep saddle bags and other items from coming in contact with the hot exhaust, checkout the Wolfman Kiowa Heat Shield. It mounts to the muffler using stainless steel mounting clamps, and fits 3 1/2” to 5 1/2” diameter pipes.
This past week we installed an FMF Q4 Performance Package on our 2008 Yamaha WR250R. The package consists of an FMF Q4 Slip-On, FMF MegaBomb Header, FMF EFI Power Programmer, and 12oClockLabs EXUP Emulator.
Installation:
Installation is pretty simple. First you remove the EXUP Cables and Servo Motor from the OEM muffler/mid-pipe, then you un-bolt the OEM header and muffler. We then plugged in the 12oClockLabs EXUP Servo Emulator where the OEM Servo Motor once was, and then bolted up the FMF Q4 Slip-On and MegaBomb header. Everything fit perfectly. Finally, we lifted the gas tank slightly to gain access to where the FMF EFI Programmer Plugs in, then mounted its control unit near the bike's battery. We had the bike up and running in about 45 minutes.
First Impressions:
It took less than a mile of riding to feel the benefits of this package. Gone is that dead spot early in the stock WR250R's powerband, and instead you get instant acceleration as soon as you twist the throttle. FMF claims the MegaBomb header increases power across the full powerband (low, mid-range, and top-end) and my butt dyno confirms that.... acceleration is much better, especially at lower RPM's. As for looks, the whole system looks great on the bike, especially the MegaBomb header, which gradually turns to a bronze-like color.
Sound:
The sound of the system is excellent... louder than stock, but not painfully loud like many of the exhaust systems on the market. In fact, of the four systems I've tried on these bikes, this is the first one that doesn't need a low noise insert to quiet it down. You can thank the technology FMF uses in the Q4 muffler for the aggressive, but not-too-loud, sound the system produces.
Final Thoughts:
After about 250 miles of riding, I think the FMF Q4 with MegaBomb header is the best available exhaust system for the 2008+ Yamaha WR250R. You definitely feel more low to mid-range power, which these bikes really need. Fit and finish is typical FMF, and the system sounds great... it's louder than stock, but not painfully loud like some exhausts. I couldn't be happier with this system and can't believe I waited two years to replace the OEM exhaust!
I had been running a Delta Barrel 4 exhaust on the WR250X project bike, and it was time to re-pack it so I thought what better time to try out a FMF Q4 exhaust system. I had already installed an FMF EFI Programmer for the fuel injection system, as well as an EXUP Eliminator, so all I had to do was un-bolt the Delta exhaust and bolt up the FMF PowerBomb header and FMF Q4 Slip-On Muffler. Installation was very straightforward and all hardware is included.
The FMF Q4 is probably the most popular exhaust for the 2008+ Yamaha WR250R / WR250X and for good reason... not only does it make the bike sound much better, but it's not overly loud like some exhausts. Don't get me wrong, it's still louder than the stock exhaust, but FMF has designed the Q4 to use intricate chambers and baffles that improves air flow while still dampening sound. It really does work and it sounds great without being deafening.
The Q4 muffler also includes a removable USFS spark arrestor, which is a must for off-road riding, and the Q4's aircraft grade aluminum and high strength stainless steel construction will also save a few pounds over the stock exhaust system.
Motorcycle-Superstore.com is now carrying the Doug Dubach Racing Dr. D exhaust for the Yamaha WR250R (and WR250X). One of the nice things about this exhaust is that you can still use the factory plastic heat shield (shown in photo above). It attaches directly to the silencer just like it does to the stock WR250X/R exhaust.
NOTE: Motorcycle-Superstore.com only lists the Dr. D exhaust for the 2008 model WR250X and WR250R. It will fit on the 2008-2011 bikes however, so you will have to choose "2008" as the YEAR of your bike.