Heading out for a ride on public lands? It's not just about having the right gear and a full tank of gas - it's also about staying safe and legal. A spark arrestor is a critical, and often legally required, piece of equipment for any rider who hits the trails. As the leading brand for universal spark arrestors, we've helped thousands of riders find the perfect fit and can't wait to help you, too.
Spark Arrestor 101: Safety and Legality
A spark arrestor is a simple device that prevents hot, glowing carbon particles, “sparks” from exiting your motorcycle's exhaust. These seemingly harmless sparks can ignite dry grass, leaves, or forest debris, leading to a dangerous wildfire. For this reason, a spark arrestor is often a legal requirement for riding on public lands.
In the United States, a USFS (U.S. Forest Service) approved spark arrestor is required for riding on most federally managed lands. Many countries, including Canada, have similar regulations that require a spark-arresting device on off-road vehicles. This is not the same as a silencer or muffler, which only reduces noise. While some mufflers come with an integrated spark arrestor, many aftermarket pipes and even some stock exhausts do not. If you're unsure, it's always best to check.
Choosing Your Fisch Moto Spark Arrestor: A Quick Comparison
We've designed our spark arrestors to solve the most common fitment problems, all while upholding our commitment to quality. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose the right one:
|
Feature |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
USFS Approved? |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Ideal For |
Most exhausts, particularly in the USA |
Exhausts with limited clearance or sharp bends |
Riders outside the USA or for performance on certain bikes (e.g., KTM TPI) |
|
Exhaust Diameter |
19.0mm-56mm (0.749"-2.200") |
20.0mm-29.4mm (0.800"-1.157") |
20.0mm-35.4mm (0.800"-1.394") |
|
Install Time |
~15 min |
~15 min |
~15 min |
|
Material |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel |
|
Mesh |
Fine Mesh |
Fine Mesh |
Larger, Domed Mesh |
|
Wash Plug Compatibility |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Our Spark Arrestor Lineup: More Details
1. The Original Fisch Moto Spark Arrestor
This is our flagship product and the go-to choice for most riders, especially those in the USA. It is USFS-approved and provides a perfect, secure fit for a wide range of motorcycles. If your bike has a straight-out exhaust with enough room for the length of the spark arrestor body, this is the one for you.
- Best For: Most motorcycles with straight exhaust openings, particularly riders in the USA who need USFS approval.
- Key Features: USFS-approved, ~15 min install.
Shop "Original" Spark Arrestor →
2. The Fisch Moto Stubby Spark Arrestor
Some exhaust pipes change angle sharply right after the opening, leaving no room for a standard spark arrestor. We created the Stubby Spark Arrestor specifically for this issue. It's the same high-quality, USFS-approved spark arrestor as our original, but its stainless steel body is 10mm shorter, allowing it to fit where others can't.
- Best For: Exhausts with limited clearance or a sharp bend after the opening.
- Key Features: USFS-approved, compact design for tricky fits.
3. The Fisch Moto Round Spark Arrestor
For our customers outside of the USA, or for riders who prioritize maximum airflow for performance, we offer the Round Spark Arrestor. This option has a round, domed mesh with larger holes, which allows for better airflow. This design works great on some KTM TPI bikes where our other spark arrestors may cause issues.
- Best For: Riders outside of the USA, especially owners of KTM TPI bikes.
- Important Note: This model is NOT USFS-approved and should not be used on public lands in the USA that require it.
Size Comparison
Note: Round and Normal/Original have the same body length.
Metric:
Imperial:
How to Get the Perfect Fit: Always Measure!
Our spark arrestors use a kit system (Kit 19, Kit 20, etc.) based on the inside diameter of your exhaust pipe. While we have a fitment guide, we always recommend measuring your exhaust pipe yourself to ensure the best possible fit. Your bike may have a baffle in the exhaust that needs to be removed, or a small ridge that needs to be ground down for a proper fit.
Here’s how to measure your exhaust’s inside diameter:
- Use a tape measure, caliper, or ruler.
- Measure the inside of the tailpipe opening.
- Match your measurement to our kit sizes(see table below).
|
Kit Size |
Measurement (mm) |
Measurement (inches) |
|---|---|---|
|
Kit 19 |
19.0mm-20.0mm |
0.749"-0.799" |
|
Kit 20 |
20.0mm-25.4mm |
0.800"-1.000" |
|
Kit 25 |
25.5mm-29.4mm |
1.004"-1.157" |
|
Kit 30 |
29.5mm-35.4mm |
1.161"-1.394" |
|
Kit 35 |
35.5mm-40.4mm |
1.398"-1.591" |
|
Kit 40 |
40.5mm-45.7mm |
1.596"-1.800" |
|
Kit 45 |
45.8mm-50.4mm |
1.803"-1.984" |
|
Kit 50 |
50.5mm-56mm |
1.985"-2.200" |
A Few Things to Know Before You Install
To ensure a proper and secure fit, you might need to handle a couple of common issues:
- Remove the Baffle: Some exhausts have an internal baffle that will need to be removed to make space for the spark arrestor.
- Smooth a Ridge: On some exhausts, a small internal ridge might prevent the spark arrestor from seating properly. This can be easily ground down to ensure a flush, secure fit.
A Perfect Companion: The Fisch Moto Wash Plug
Keep your exhaust clean and protected when washing your bike with our innovative Wash Plug. It's designed to fit snugly into our Original and Round spark arrestors, creating a satisfying seal that prevents water from getting into your exhaust system.
With a Fisch Moto spark arrestor, you can ride with confidence, knowing you're protected and compliant. We're proud to have an overwhelmingly positive reputation, with countless satisfied riders.
Ready to get yours? Shop our full collection of spark arrestors and find the right fit for your bike today. Shop here →
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