I've searched for an oem pipe that didn't look like it had 18 years of abuse on it... and not been successful.
Until I am, I'm stuck with what's available. Since the FMF Gnarly is the usual pipe of choice for the riding I do (trail, hills, etc.), and most importantly, I can still get one new, that's what I'm going to get.
I'm not a fan of their shiny finish and I want it to look stock, so my plan is to remove the nickel coating (I know that's cringey for some), and have it refinished. I'm just trying to find out what the actual original color was and if it was ceramic or just high temp paint.
Thanks for the link to the pics of different years. Do you think the color changed? Or did they just go from a matte(flat) black to a satin (with more sheen) black finish?