FMF factory fatty raw pipe maintenance

smv ryder
Posts
877
Joined
11/2/2014
Location
Aspen, CO US

Just curious if anyone knows how to remove the rust/stains on the pipe? 2000 grit sand paper? A chemical? 
Thanks for the help

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NSP139
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1203
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5/6/2021
Location
Temecula, CA US
4/22/2026 5:50pm

I use a scotchbrite pad to clean it then WD40  

 

I do the same but I spray the WD-40 on the Scotch BrightD and use it as a lubricant Then polish it And then wipe it down with Paper towel

14
eeazye
Posts
310
Joined
10/22/2009
Location
Akron, OH US
4/22/2026 7:05pm

How about for a heavily rusted raw pipe? Mine looks like scrap steel around the area where the front tire spray hits it. Scrotch brite doesn’t even touch it really. Should I go with graduating abrasive levels of steel wool, or just get it blasted and try to seal it?

The rest of the pipe is ok, and the scotch brite works decent. 

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profmur
Posts
85
Joined
3/13/2024
Location
Somewhere, NJ US
4/22/2026 7:14pm
eeazye wrote:
How about for a heavily rusted raw pipe? Mine looks like scrap steel around the area where the front tire spray hits it. Scrotch brite doesn’t...

How about for a heavily rusted raw pipe? Mine looks like scrap steel around the area where the front tire spray hits it. Scrotch brite doesn’t even touch it really. Should I go with graduating abrasive levels of steel wool, or just get it blasted and try to seal it?

The rest of the pipe is ok, and the scotch brite works decent. 

CLR (calcium, lime, rust) cleaner is the solution you seek.   Spray/wipe it on and with a bit of steel wool the pipe will look new.  Be sure to use eye protection. 

7

The Shop

eeazye
Posts
310
Joined
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Location
Akron, OH US
4/22/2026 7:31pm
eeazye wrote:
How about for a heavily rusted raw pipe? Mine looks like scrap steel around the area where the front tire spray hits it. Scrotch brite doesn’t...

How about for a heavily rusted raw pipe? Mine looks like scrap steel around the area where the front tire spray hits it. Scrotch brite doesn’t even touch it really. Should I go with graduating abrasive levels of steel wool, or just get it blasted and try to seal it?

The rest of the pipe is ok, and the scotch brite works decent. 

profmur wrote:
CLR (calcium, lime, rust) cleaner is the solution you seek.   Spray/wipe it on and with a bit of steel wool the pipe will look new...

CLR (calcium, lime, rust) cleaner is the solution you seek.   Spray/wipe it on and with a bit of steel wool the pipe will look new.  Be sure to use eye protection. 

Thanks! I’ll do that this weekend

4/22/2026 7:52pm

Heavy WD40 after every wash should help prevent future build up.  

6
sandman768
Posts
7946
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY US
4/23/2026 5:36am

For that small amount of rust, the wd40 scotchbrite ….if its really rusted I use Muriatic acid to wipe down, then neutralize the acid….then scotchbrite….if you want to add some longevity to the raw look, after the final scotchbrite sanding, wipe down with mineral spirits and spray pipe with high heat clear paint…most auto parts stores sell the clear….much as I like a raw pipe, on my woods bikes its  crome plated for the ease of maintenance..IMG 0641 0

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Crutcher
Posts
236
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1/12/2023
Location
Lawrence, KS US
4/23/2026 6:05am

I use BelRay’s version of WD40 and a drywall sanding block. I can’t remember which grit, whatever feels reasonable. I’ll coat the pipe and let it soak for a few minutes then get to rubbing. I really love the finish the drywall block provides. 

When it comes to pipe cleaning there is no get out of jail free card, you have to do the work.

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Fresh prepped Dubach
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1
4/23/2026 6:09am
eeazye wrote:

Thanks! I’ll do that this weekend

Make sure you use some rubber gloves, that shit is toxic on your skin

GrapeApe
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8753
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Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
4/23/2026 6:23am Edited Date/Time 4/23/2026 6:44am

I always used Lime-A-Way when my two stroke pipes started to get stained or rusty. I assume it is similar if not the same as CLR, it worked really well. WD40 for maintenance after every wash.

2
mx65
Posts
49
Joined
10/14/2011
Location
ID US
4/23/2026 6:26am
smv ryder wrote:
Just curious if anyone knows how to remove the rust/stains on the pipe? 2000 grit sand paper? A chemical? Thanks for the help

Just curious if anyone knows how to remove the rust/stains on the pipe? 2000 grit sand paper? A chemical? 
Thanks for the help

IMG 0916 4IMG 0917 2.jpeg?VersionId=dKtLZCYX9NjXuickhXk XyX

I have used Fine steel wool and WD40 with a little elbow grease it'll look new-

like others have said, WD 40 after a wash works great, I spray it on a dedicated sponge I keep in a ziplock and wipe the pipe down.

The best thing I've seen though is to get it clean and then clear cerakote it, it'll never happen again!

2
Natester551
Posts
95
Joined
4/25/2024
Location
St. George, UT US
4/23/2026 6:40am

I never really ride in mud/wet conditions here, but after I wash my Sherco I hit it with my leaf blower, then spray a little WD40 on a paper towel and wipe on a light coating over the pipe.  Keeps it looking good....

For rust, some pretty good suggestions here (although I'd avoid the harsh chemicals and stick w/WD40 and Scotchbrite if it were me).

Andy7
Posts
471
Joined
2/24/2017
Location
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe AR
Fantasy
4/23/2026 7:31am

The Fatty I had came a little bit polished, so it was almost impossible to keep it looking new. But what I do to works pipes in general is wash it really good, and try not to use scotch brite, unless is necessary. Then, after I have dried it up, I get a steel wool pad (like the one in the picture), soak it in engine oil, and go around the pipe in straight motion, not in circles. It leaves a very nice finish, and engine oil does a good job on maintaining the raw metal. I apply WD40 on hard to reach areas.
Steel Wool, 0000 Super Fine, One Pad

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Andy7
Posts
471
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2/24/2017
Location
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe AR
Fantasy
4/23/2026 7:49am
Andy7 wrote:
The Fatty I had came a little bit polished, so it was almost impossible to keep it looking new. But what I do to works pipes...

The Fatty I had came a little bit polished, so it was almost impossible to keep it looking new. But what I do to works pipes in general is wash it really good, and try not to use scotch brite, unless is necessary. Then, after I have dried it up, I get a steel wool pad (like the one in the picture), soak it in engine oil, and go around the pipe in straight motion, not in circles. It leaves a very nice finish, and engine oil does a good job on maintaining the raw metal. I apply WD40 on hard to reach areas.
Steel Wool, 0000 Super Fine, One Pad

When it gets stained pretty bad, just use an acidic wheel cleaner to make it look new (it will remove even the blue of the welds). This was my Fatty after 40 hs of use. The repair weld on the FMF logo is proof in case you don't believe me lol.
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4/23/2026 8:46am

I started using Cerakote detailing wipes and it is hands down the best for keeping the pipe looking awesome. I cleaned my pipe really good with scotchbrite pads, wipe clean with parts cleaner, then wiped again with rubbing alcohol just in case. Then you wipe on the Cerakote (they’re little disposable wipes you can get a pack of 10 on Amazon for like $15). Waited about an hour and wiped on a second coat. The main portion of the pipe has held up with zero maintenance. I do have to touch up the initial curved part of my 250 pipe by very lightly scuffing with a scotchbrite pad and reapply. The rest of the pipe doesn’t get hot enough to affect the Cerakote.

The only drawback is it does give a gloss finish, so if you want a dull finish this trick isn’t for you.

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After a couple of rides you can see where the Cerakote got a little cooked here. Extremely minimal scuffing required before reapplying to that area.
9
4/23/2026 10:05am

Steel wool and a mixture of bleach and water and they always come out great. 

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TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA US
4/23/2026 6:33pm
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4/23/2026 7:24pm

I use a scotch brite and the anti corrosive WD40.  Works amazing.  Then clean if off with a paper towel 

1
mx216
Posts
808
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3/21/2009
Location
Portland, OR US
4/23/2026 11:25pm Edited Date/Time 4/23/2026 11:27pm

Numero uno is cut the badge off. 1000001248.jpg?VersionId=h5C92guqSyEUB1000001246cause they arent paying you. Second is hit with ultrafine scotchbrite with wd40 without hitting the welds. Third is hit it with SOS pad and then you're good to go. 

 

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RACING
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Location
Waddafeuque FR
4/23/2026 11:47pm

Do WP and GasGas pay you? 

 

6
sandman768
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Location
Saratoga Springs, NY US
4/24/2026 3:59am
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sandman768
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4/24/2026 4:03am
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sandman768
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Saratoga Springs, NY US
4/24/2026 4:05am
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mx216
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808
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3/21/2009
Location
Portland, OR US
4/24/2026 7:30am
RACING wrote:

Do WP and GasGas pay you? 

 

Maybe....

5
826
Posts
34
Joined
10/29/2025
Location
St. Maries, ID US
4/24/2026 8:11am
mx216 wrote:

Maybe....

Being the parts guy at a dealership don't count.

 

1
GrapeApe
Posts
8753
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
4/24/2026 8:59am Edited Date/Time 4/24/2026 9:00am
mx216 wrote:
Numero uno is cut the badge off. cause they arent paying you. Second is hit with ultrafine scotchbrite with wd40 without hitting the welds. Third is...

Numero uno is cut the badge off. 1000001248.jpg?VersionId=h5C92guqSyEUB1000001246cause they arent paying you. Second is hit with ultrafine scotchbrite with wd40 without hitting the welds. Third is hit it with SOS pad and then you're good to go. 

 

Aside from the pay thing which is kinda strange I like the way that looks with the badge removed. I never thought to do that.

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FGR01
Posts
6010
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
AZ US
Fantasy
4/24/2026 10:21am

Pressure wash with rest of bike....  do nothing else.  Looks perfect.  I guess this sort of relies on living in Arizona.. 😁

1
SEEMEFIRST
Posts
13534
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8/21/2006
Location
Arlington, TX US
4/24/2026 10:29am
FGR01 wrote:

Pressure wash with rest of bike....  do nothing else.  Looks perfect.  I guess this sort of relies on living in Arizona.. 😁

Ride the woods of the middle of north Texas. You become more worried if your pipe is still the same shape it was when you left the barn.

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ARM670
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2108
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12/11/2020
Location
Napoleon, OH US
4/24/2026 4:20pm

Oddly I use WD40 on my plastic,  makes it shine better than new, but stay off shroud and what ever happens dont let it get on the seat. 

Ob917
Posts
1061
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9/29/2021
Location
Cardiff, CA US
4/24/2026 7:10pm
mx216 wrote:

Maybe....

826 wrote:

Being the parts guy at a dealership don't count.

 

If you guys only knew 

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