ike Hollywood stars we often think of great aftermarket companies in only one amazing role. FMF is like that in many ways, certainly a star player in the motorcycle industry and well known as one of the best aftermarket exhaust makers for motocross and off-road motorcycles as well as ATVs. Plus, FMF is the creator of the “Q” series of “quiet” high performance exhaust systems. FMF is so good in this role that we often forget that they are an increasingly more important player in the street market with their performance exhaust systems and also via their strong association with the FMF/STM Product segment. In fact, FMF/STM Clutches backed another winner in 2007 with Formula Xtreme Champion Josh Hayes of the Erion Racing/Parts Unlimited Team using the      FMF/STM clutch. Hayes is a rare example of a rider who has hung around the scene at a high level for a long time but only recently blossomed into one of the series’ elite. These past two seasons should leave little doubt as to his worthiness; in 2006 he rose up to beat a very powerful Yamaha works effort in Formula Xtreme with a clutch performance (pun intended as he was using an FMF/STM clutch) and 2007 has only seen him ramp up his ascension further against some incredibly strong race efforts from Attack Kawasaki, Celtic Racing (Yamaha) and Boulder Motorsports (Ducati). As defending Champ, the Erion Honda ace was far from the underdog in Formula Xtreme this season and did exactly what a #1 plate holder should, dominating both qualifying and the races to such a degree that he assured himself a repeat crown with one full race remaining. Hayes also came within a hair’s breath of winning the Supersport title as well. In the end, Hayes and FMF/STM completely dominated the Formula Xtreme Championship. What they learn on the racetrack, FMF/STM will put on your customers bikes. In addition to Josh Hayes and his racing teammate Aaron Gobert, FMF/STM also provided support for Corona Honda’s James Ellison, Neil Hodgson (Laguna Seca SBK only), Celtic Racing, Boulder Motorsports, Rockwall Honda and others.
      The FMF/STM clutch is a product that has its roots in the street with many years of success and development throughout Europe. Originally developed for Superbike racing, the STM/FMF clutch, uses advanced clutch technology; bringing new and innovative performance improvements to the rapidly expanding 4-stroke off-road, Supermoto and ATV markets. All components of this system are produced utilizing the highest quality manufacturing standards- ISO 9002-and Italian craftsmanship by STM. This system is a unique and highly effective engine-to clutch-to rear wheel power management system; the only one of its kind available anywhere. Its use of diaphragm springs, and smooth ramp and ball action allows for very controlled and precise slippage control. When the throttle is closed, this triggers the clutch to release and decreases unwanted engine braking. Already in use by top factory riders and teams, it decreases lap times, inhibits engine stalling, increases holeshots and helps create ‘neutral’ jumping characteristics by decreasing rear wheel drag in ‘throttle off’ conditions.
     While still operating like a conventional clutch from a dead stop or in ‘feathering’ situations with rider input, the releasing action of this system affects the negative handling and traction characteristics of any 4-stroke machine. The FMF/STM clutch system permits the engine to glide or coast more freely on deceleration, reducing engine braking and unloading the suspension. This allows the rider and machine to rapidly roll through braking bumps and corners without engine drag or to aggressively back it into an asphalt Supermoto corner at high speed. The end result is less stress on drive-train components increasing longevity and durability, while giving more traction control and feedback.
     And, FMF has also sponsored Street Stunt stars Jason Britton and Team No Limit, Kane Frieson, and Jessica Maine with FMF Powercore S and Powercore GP exhaust systems, because Street Stunt requires as much performance as any other extreme form of motorcycling. FMF knows this market is bigger than just the racetrack.
     All this proves that FMF has been a player in the sportbike market for some time. Currently, they are on the verge of releasing a whole new line of exhaust for this segment. FMF has taken race-winning technology and their years of experience with products like their highly successful Powercore GP line and created the ideal combination for today’s high performance rider. FMF has always been all about performance and they are backing up the promise of these new exhaust systems with a series of advertisements that will raise your customer’s awareness and drive traffic into your store just to see the new FMF products.
     The moral is: don’t judge an actor by his last role or typecast a company as a dirt-only brand. By the time you read this story, who knows how many more additional championship efforts FMF/STM will have under their belt and the new line of FMF sportbike exhausts will be right around the corner. Don’t miss out.