More bike related stuff

[Plake]

I would use a scotchbrite pad with the autosol as the tubes are already brushed.
But make sure you get it all off and do not add any anti-corrosion stuff like ACF50 to the stainless, it is not meant to be used in such hot environments as header pipes.

http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle/streetbike.htm

I’ve always used it on my downpipes with no issues apart from waxy smoke for a few mins on startup.

[sweets]

http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle/streetbike.htm

I’ve always used it on my downpipes with no issues apart from waxy smoke for a few mins on startup.

Maybe, but on stainless pipes it is pretty pontless, and will almost certainly leave a residue that (as that site says) may smoke most of it away at the start but what remains will be changed by the heat anyhow.

Tony's pipes clearly show a spatter pattern of something reacting, and the only thing on them that may react to whatever spattered it is the ACF50. It may be polish residue instead, but stainless should not normally react like that in so patchy a manner, so something is doing it.

[Matt8500]

Well, I've been wearing them for years and she's never noticed...

That’s put me right off my beer

[Plake]

Maybe, but on stainless pipes it is pretty pontless, and will almost certainly leave a residue that (as that site says) may smoke most of it away at the start but what remains will be changed by the heat anyhow.

Tony's pipes clearly show a spatter pattern of something reacting, and the only thing on them that may react to whatever spattered it is the ACF50. It may be polish residue instead, but stainless should not normally react like that in so patchy a manner, so something is doing it.

Yeah, does look weird. You can’t rule out something being applied to the pipes as the issue, agree. Might also be something weird going on in the crystal structure of the alloy at those points I guess? Not a lot that can be done about the latter. Hopefully it’s the former!

A bit of patina looks fine on bikes anyway I think, don’t stress Tony!!

[learningtofly]

No, I won’t stress about it. Anyway, I can always paint the pipes with some black Hammerite

[pugster]

you are always going to get marks on downpipes , once you start polishing its a never ending cycle , some patina looks fine - ive known people to use gun blueing on stainless pipes to actually get that look on purpose , the harpic trick works well for really manky pipes but dont get it on any paint or alloy - failing all that just get them ceramic coated.

*dont let looking after and cleaning your bike turn into a major case of OCD :)

[I a n]

For better or worse I treated the Scrambler 1200 headers with Harpic 10x Powerplus...

This removed some surface pitting and some discolouration. The pitting has not returned but the headers have regained the brown discolouration - albeit it is now a more uniform colour, which I have grown to like (code for can't be arsed to worry about).

Harpic works surprisingly well...
This is on my Ducati Multistrada - the front pipe is usually hidden behind a plastic cover, but still wanted it to look better than it did.

Apply Harpic with paint brush or similar, wait 5 minutes, rub with scotch brite, rinse. Job done.

[bwest76]

that is a difference,does it last?

[I a n]

that is a difference,does it last?

I've done it once last year and probably need to do it again although it's nothing like what it was in the before picture above.
(And the good news is that it's a 20 minute job)

I think the previous owner was riding all year - I'm not.

ETA - Has to be the Harpic 10 stuff if anyone else wants to try this.

[learningtofly]

Well, that certainly worked!

Before...



After...

[MakeColdplayHistory]

Well, that certainly worked!

Scientific proof right there of the power of French knickers.

[bwest76]

big improvement,thongs would be no good,not enough contact area.

[oldoakknives]

Well, that certainly worked!

Before...



After...

Guessing that was the Solvol?

[learningtofly]

Guessing that was the Solvol?

Certainly was.

[spareparts]

A few days ago, visited a friend for a catch up outdoors to see how they were doing. We paused at Arundel and had a coffee from a portable Nespresso machine!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[downer]

Well, that certainly worked!

Before...



After...

Looks great. I will be interested to see how long it lasts before it needs doing again. My experiment with Harpic made a similar improvement but the brown colour reappeared within a few weeks. If the Solvol has a more lasting impact, I will give it a go.

[learningtofly]

Looks great. I will be interested to see how long it lasts before it needs doing again. My experiment with Harpic made a similar improvement but the brown colour reappeared within a few weeks. If the Solvol has a more lasting impact, I will give it a go.

I don't mind the brown/gold tint, it's the unsightly "marks" that I'd like not to return.

[Gyp]

I don't mind the brown/gold tint, it's the unsightly "marks" that I'd like not to return.

Have you considered exhaust wrap?

[learningtofly]

Have you considered exhaust wrap?

Not a fan, Ian. I do like to see some colouration - I miss the blueing that you get on chromed pipes, actually - and don't want to risk damaging the pipes.

[Gyp]

Not a fan, Ian. I do like to see some colouration - I miss the blueing that you get on chromed pipes, actually - and don't want to risk damaging the pipes.

Me neither - it's bloody awful. I was being mischievous. :-)

I did see a lovely looking HD for sale recently, but it had exhaust wrap that was so poorly and unevenly applied that I had to wonder what other horrors were covered up

[bwest76]

A few days ago, visited a friend for a catch up outdoors to see how they were doing. We paused at Arundel and had a coffee from a portable Nespresso machine!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

you took a coffee machine with you?

[learningtofly]

Some lockdown clarity for bikers. Obviously to be taken as advice (although from a specialist source), and to be considered in the light of pressure on the NHS in any particular area. Riding with one other person is within the "rules", albeit congregating outside cafes isn't.

[Enoch]

Not a fan, Ian. I do like to see some colouration - I miss the blueing that you get on chromed pipes, actually - and don't want to risk damaging the pipes.

Lovely stuff..... and when removed 18 months later, pipes were like new...👍

[Saint-Just]

It is a taste I haven't acquired personally. However I always thought that by keeping the exhaust isolated it could both change the dynamics of the burn and damage the pipes. I am glad to learn that the pipes come out new. It is quite possible that the first part is an old wives tale as well.

[Enoch]

It is a taste I haven't acquired personally. However I always thought that by keeping the exhaust isolated it could both change the dynamics of the burn and damage the pipes. I am glad to learn that the pipes come out new. It is quite possible that the first part is an old wives tale as well.

The reason I did it originally was because my feet were so close to the headers. But I admit I liked the look. As for burn dynamics, no idea, but I can’t believe that a bit of exhaust bandage would be of any significance one way ore the other, especially as they’re out in the open, and being hit by air whilst travelling along..🤔

[sweets]

My understanding is that wraps are ruination for non-stainless pipes, especially on bikes that can actually experience rain (imagine) and bikes that get left outside.
Then the wrap can keep water in contact with chromed pipe for a long time, massively promoting corrosion.

[Enoch]

The pipes on the bobber are stainless... the bike was used all year round for 18 months, and when I removed the wrap to sell the bike, the pipes were like new.

I imagine mild steel or chrome pipes would be a different matter though..

[Gyp]

This is what put me off...

[100thmonkey]

This is what put me off...

Who wrapped them? Stevie Wonder?

[Saint-Just]

The reason I did it originally was because my feet were so close to the headers. But I admit I liked the look. As for burn dynamics, no idea, but I can’t believe that a bit of exhaust bandage would be of any significance one way ore the other, especially as they’re out in the open, and being hit by air whilst travelling along..樂

I think the very reason you fitted it (before liking the look) indicates that they reduce the chances of you getting a nasty burn. While the bandaged pipes are still very hot, the fact that the wrap isolates from the heat means that the cooling of the gas is delayed, and the pipes are hotter at any wrapped point than they would be without.
Whether that has any effect at all is a completely different matter, of course :icon_biggreen:

[MadeOfCheese]

I did mine purely for cosmetic reasons.

[learningtofly]

This could be interesting - a new Tiger 850 Sport due to be unveiled on 17/11. I do like the idea of a bike that's comfortable after more than a couple of hours in the saddle!

[Saint-Just]

This could be interesting - a new Tiger 850 Sport due to be unveiled on 17/11. I do like the idea of a bike that's comfortable after more than a couple of hours in the saddle!

You'd have to adopt that seventies look, too, Tony

[learningtofly]

You'd have to adopt that seventies look, too, Tony

I like them but they'd be a bit awkward on the bike.

[Saint-Just]

I like them but they'd be a bit awkward on the bike.

Tigers are not for short-arses. I know, I struggled to put both feet (tip only) on the ground with a 31" inseam

[learningtofly]

Tigers are not for short-arses. I know, I struggled to put both feet (tip only) on the ground with a 31" inseam

Yeah, I know. They did a LRH in the 800 range, so I'm hoping this one might have an adjustable seat as a minimum. If it did I'd be sorely tempted.

[Enoch]

My mate brought this old thing around this afternoon..... oil and filter change, new brake pads and swapped engine case bolts out for a probolt kit...

Now he owns me a breakfast when we’re out of lockdown..👍🤪

[skmark]

It is a taste I haven't acquired personally. However I always thought that by keeping the exhaust isolated it could both change the dynamics of the burn and damage the pipes. I am glad to learn that the pipes come out new. It is quite possible that the first part is an old wives tale as well.

When I bought my Ducati Scrambler, the pipes had been wrapped from new by the previous owner. I had intended to remove it as one of my 'first jobs'.......however, after a lot of research there seemed to be little of truth from a negative perspective and a little bit of positive (the heat retention in the header improves the exhaust flow etc etc.) and to be honest the look quite grew on me too. It had been put on very neatly in my view which I guess helps too.



Anyway it sounds like we needn't worry about these headers anymore as Tony is after a new bike......

This could be interesting - a new Tiger 850 Sport due to be unveiled on 17/11. I do like the idea of a bike that's comfortable after more than a couple of hours in the saddle!

You definitely had a Thruxton itch which needed scratching but maybe the Speed Twin might have been a more comfortable option??

[learningtofly]

When I bought my Ducati Scrambler, the pipes had been wrapped from new by the previous owner. I had intended to remove it as one of my 'first jobs'.......however, after a lot of research there seemed to be little of truth from a negative perspective and a little bit of positive (the heat retention in the header improves the exhaust flow etc etc.) and to be honest the look quite grew on me too. It had been put on very neatly in my view which I guess helps too.



Anyway it sounds like we needn't worry about these headers anymore as Tony is after a new bike......



You definitely had a Thruxton itch which needed scratching but maybe the Speed Twin might have been a more comfortable option??

Yes, for sure, mark. However, I wouldn't have been able to achieve it with a zero cost of change (as I did with the Thruxton) so it remains one for the future.

Then again , considering the superiority of the TTR's components, I may consider a handlebar conversion as an alternative that provides the best of both worlds.

The again, again, I may just leave it as is and enjoy a wonderful motorbike as God Triumph intended.

[skmark]

Yes, for sure, mark. However, I wouldn't have been able to achieve it with a zero cost of change (as I did with the Thruxton) so it remains one for the future.

Then again , considering the superiority of the TTR's components, I may consider a handlebar conversion as an alternative that provides the best of both worlds.

The again, again, I may just leave it as is and enjoy a wonderful motorbike as Triumph intended..

Agreed, there would have to be a Speed Twin 'R' version to match the quality of your Thruxton..........a bit like the Motobob video a while back, but without the gold wheels. I can't believe Triumph haven't brought one out........there'd obviously be a price premium too though of course.


I think the handlebar conversion would be a great call though, I've seen a few and they look the dogs.

Personally I'd like there to be a Triumph Street Scrambler RS 1200cc ......... but if there was I wouldn't be able to afford it

[Enoch]

Tony.. This one has the free spirits top yoke and bar conversion (which I fitted for him) the owner is a relatively fit 67 year old chap, and he was going to sell due to the riding position.

However, now that he has the FS kit fitted, he can, and does ride all day long... he absolutely loves the thing now..

[Dave+63]

The again, again, I may just leave it as is and enjoy a wonderful motorbike as Triumph intended..

You keep telling yourself that Tony!

And when you do decide to change it, please drop me a pm, I may be interested if I haven’t bought an XJR1300 first.

[learningtofly]

Tony.. This one has the free spirits top yoke and bar conversion (which I fitted for him) the owner is a relatively fit 67 year old chap, and he was going to sell due to the riding position.

However, now that he has the FS kit fitted, he can, and does ride all day long... he absolutely loves the thing now..

That's certainly good to know, thank you. I've seen that kit and it would be on any list for consideration.

[learningtofly]

You keep telling yourself that Tony!

And when you do decide to change it, please drop me a pm, I may be interested if I haven’t bought an XJR1300 first.

Haha... I can't see this going any time soon, Dave - I'd probably do a handlebar conversion before changing it as it's a genuinely wonderful bike. I reckon two years, minimum

[spareparts]

you took a coffee machine with you?

Yep - this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wacaco-Mini...s%2C170&sr=8-5

It is an amazing bit of kit and perfect for rideouts.

Some lockdown clarity for bikers. Obviously to be taken as advice (although from a specialist source), and to be considered in the light of pressure on the NHS in any particular area. Riding with one other person is within the "rules", albeit congregating outside cafes isn't.

Very good. And exactly why we did not stop at a cafe, but a corner of the road and just the two of us.

[oldoakknives]

Tigers are not for short-arses. I know, I struggled to put both feet (tip only) on the ground with a 31" inseam

Before I bought the Harley I wanted a KTM. Sat on the whole range at the BMF and couldn't put both feet on the ground on any of them. Never had that problem back in the day. Benelli Tornado went the same way.

[blackal]

Yep - this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wacaco-Mini...s%2C170&sr=8-5

It is an amazing bit of kit and perfect for rideouts.



Very good. And exactly why we did not stop at a cafe, but a corner of the road and just the two of us.

FFS! I'm trying to save money! not spend more !!!!!

[learningtofly]

Yep - this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wacaco-Mini...s%2C170&sr=8-5

It is an amazing bit of kit and perfect for rideouts.

Don't you need access to hot/boiling water?

[Gyp]

Yep - this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wacaco-Mini...s%2C170&sr=8-5

It is an amazing bit of kit and perfect for rideouts.

... as long as you also have a kettle

[Saint-Just]

Don't you need access to hot/boiling water?

You do, but a jet-boil is a wonderful thing