Inside HMF
- Updated: September 1, 2006
Muffler, exhaust, slip-on or pipe – no matter what you call it, if you own a quad you need an exhaust! Beginning with the invention of the internal combustion engine was the need to muffle the sounds created by the explosion of the fuel and air mixture that creates the desired horsepower result.
Like so many other parts, there are as many different types of exhausts as there are quads. We recently spent an afternoon with the Cleveland, Ohio based HMF Exhaust company. Started and owned by Hans Luenger. Hans left Supertrapp as their head R&D person to start HMF in 1997. Since that time this efficient and popular company has been creating exhausts to meet the high demands of racers and recreational riders. With an average production level of 60 – 100 exhausts shipped per day, they are putting an amazing amount of labor back into the ATV racing and riding community.
Prior to our tour we immediately noticed how organized and clean they keep the place. There is a lot of room and space to work, including specialized areas for each part of the process. “It wasn’t always this way. For years we worked out of a small area the size of a garage. In fact it was in my garage,” stated Hans. This was mind boggling considering how much equipment, supplies and inventory that their new location was holding.
“We take pride in every pipe we ship out. And we have fun doing it.” Rich Lubinski said after providing our tour of their brand new facilities. “We handle nearly everything in house: design, testing, production and shipping.” Rich is in charge of marketing and rider support. “Call me if you have questions or need help deciding on a pipe! That’s what I am here for”, says Rich.
Another aspect that is obvious in the HMF team is their love of the entire ATV scene. And HMF always arrives prepared to help trackside racers. At round 11 of the 2005 GNCC series they strung a giant blimp 200 feet into the air as a reminder to all that they were onsite and available for anyone wanting to come and visit.
Currently HMF offers six varieties of their exhaust system including two pro designed systems and a “Bill Ballance System” that is available in carbon fiber, quiet core or custom colors. They also offer a utility series based on Mike Penland’s preferences. This design is offered in a pro series and QS1 designed to assist in taming the decibel level. Their most popular exhaust is their Sport Series that comes in eleven colors and eight quad brands. For those needing a race ready exhaust that will still meet the high standards of AMA decibel restriction they offer the QRS series it contains a quiet core and is USFS Forestry Approved. Plus all their pipes come with a two-year warranty.
Ten questions with HMF:
Hans, where did you come up with the idea of making pipes for a living?
Hans has been working with exhaust designs since he was a youth and spent a few years working with some of the best companies in the industry.
Is it true that the slightest alter of exhaust flow directly effects performance?
Absolutely! Even the slightest change to the bends in exhausts, length of head pipe or slip-on size can change the way an exhaust effects performance.
Are all pipes hand built?
All HMF pipes are CNC bent and hand welded. We take a lot of pride in our products and have spent a lot of time making sure we are producing the best looking exhaust with the highest performance possible.
How does HMF come up with the best bend for a certain quad?
Want to be rescued in style? HMF has one of the best-looking Yamaha Rhino SE’s around. Complete with Elka suspension, custom upholstery, dual HMF exhaust plus after market rims and tires. Sorry, bikini girl not included.Basically it starts with a trial and error process. After designing a basic design we feel is close, it can take 10-20 more trials on the dyno before we create something to pursue thoughts of production. And even after that we are constantly seeking improvements in the designs.
Do you always use dyno readings?
Most definitely! That is the only way we can really determine the power and efficiency of an exhaust design. We can provide dyno readings on all our pipe designs and given the same conditions each one should provide the same relative power span.
Are all your jigs custom?
Yes. After we come up with a final design and feel confident we are going to produce the product we spend the time to make a high quality jig to ensure every exhaust made will fit properly and be created in a consistent manner.
Above is the HMF cat. He’s got free roam of the place. And below is the strangest thing we saw while visiting HMF. They actually have pair of live gators in their office! Here they’re on their lunch break – eating mice.
Want your street bike to have a matching exhaust with your quad? HMF offers lots of options for all kinds of bikes and vehicles.
How many employees?
On average we have 35-40 people working on a regular basis. It fluctuates, but our workload is fairly consistent
What else does HMF make?
Bumpers, grab bars, brake lines, graphics, clothing hats and of course, championships!
What are your goals?
To lead the race industry in quiet performance exhausts. And also ECO friendly systems.
What is on the horizon for HMF?
We are looking to develop new ideas and items for all forms of motorsports. One new product line up will be released at the Indy Dealer Expo in Feb. We are now going to offer an HMF line of air filters and oil cleaners. Stop by our booth and take a look!
Contact Info:
Richard Lubinski, Dir of Marketing
HMF Engineering
5111 West 164th Street
Brookpark, Ohio 44142
1-866-HMF-PIPE or 1-216-631-6980
hmfengineering.com