FE/FC FE501 stock exhaust

anybody taken an actual weight of the stock FE501 muffler vs aftermarket such as FMF, etc?

There is a weight difference, and it will run better with the aftermarket exhaust. But be prepared to install a powercommander 5 with the exhaust change.

I took it apart when new to get that double cone baffle out that sits in it. Didn't think it was that bad compared to aftermarket.
Weight wise it's light enough and sound wise it's throaty without being too loud. As always aftermarket will be lighter and louder.
I prefer the quieter sound as it seems important nowadays not to upset people, only need a few to complain and it's another place to ride closed.
Personally I think if you want more power a full system would be the way to go. (don't know why you would on a 501....)

Well said Sparky. Tons of power as is and my non S 501 blows 87db at the sound checks. Win win.

Amen to not loud 4 strokes

Power is relevant, depends on the rider. The 501 makes good power stock, but it's not enough for everyone. You can have quiet and power upgrade combined, but Akropovic isn't inexpensive. My 511 is proof of that.

4 stroke exhaust is stupid loud and expensive the quietier it gets....

Reminds me of a time when I was involved a bit in racing bikes on the track. There was a rider who constantly complained to the mechanics that he needed more HP to stay with the front runners as the bike was way too slow to run in the top ten. After a while the crew got sick of the moaning and fitted a data logger (yes a while ago as now most race bikes have them). Turns out the rider had the thing never fully open..... Different rider on the same bike ended up in the top 3.
Wonder how much time we actually have this 501 fully open in the dirt? I happily admit in my case not very often!

Your exactly right.... So many guys "need" this and gotta have this when they can't and don't use the power that a 125 puts out or use the suspension a 86 husky came with.... So many bikes I line up next to are pimped out with 4k worth of parts on top of what the new bike cost and I would fly by on my 15 yr old 125....

Very few guys are going to use the power a 450 puts out let alone a 501

You'll overall them races now

Pffff soft
H2R engine on nitrous nowadays, you're so old fashion!

Didn't say you can't have it, just saying most of us don't need extra power out of a FE501.
I do need the butter smooth engine with plenty of go.

Actually, the 450s are faster than the 501 as we found out at last years V2R, that's why we chose to race a 450 this year.

Hope you have a sense of humour!
Only if it doesn't blow up.....
The KTM version of the 501 wins every desert race here in Oz , ask Toby Price!

The KTMs are different, been trying to explain that on here for awhile now. The factory teams even use KTM engines. The 500xc-w will completely annihilate the Fe501. Btw, thanks for the "blow up" jab...

Tinken that depends on how your riding it....

and yours only made it 5 miles.....

501 your going to use torque not revs.... should be able to pull higher gearing.....

So I dont agree.... it may be quicker but not faster.....

anyone swapped out the endcap on one of these exhausts?

I have a 500exc and I can feel the restriction (and heat) being held in by the can. And I'd rather not spend $400 on a new system.
Do the BDS or PMB end caps truly open up the breathing on these engines?

The 450s accelerate quicker and are faster on the top end, regardless of gearing (That's the FC's, SX's and KX's, etc). No the 501 cannot pull the taller gearing, tried and tested. It's not just the engine, it's the intake/airbox, efi, sub-frame/rear suspension setup and exhaust. The FE501 is a smooth, comfortable, good riding bike. It's not the fastest Husky or the best for racing. But it's great tractor for the average rider.

My apologies to the OP. We run aftermarket exhausts on all of our 501 bikes. They will need fuel tuning after the change. Bill's and Zipty both use Power-commanders to accomplish this.