Smoking Joints

Last Sunday I started my '82 Seca 650 for the first time this Spring. To my chagrin, I noticed bubbles, then steam, then smoke, coming from the left exhaust joint pipe. The bugger has rusted through, and closer examination has revealed that the right side isn't far behind.
Both joints need to be replaced, preferably with OEM units, but I'm having a hard time finding what I need. After an exhaustive (no pun intended) internet search, I have found only one source for this part, and they want close to two hundred bucks for it!
The headers and cans on my bike are in perfect original condition, and I want to keep them. Does anyone have a line on an affordable and available replacement? Thanks.

 

Try looking on ebay.

 

Are you talking about the collector and cross over unit?

I think I saw someone had built their own, or certainly had refurbed the existing one. Not on this list - might have been a link from the mailing list.

You might be able to source an after market collector... but ebay or a junk yard is the most likely spot for stock. The new price would absolutely horrify you.

 

Yes, or more specifically, just above it.
Ebay has nothing, nor does any boneyard I have contacted so far (and there have been many).

 

Mine was rusting out on my ninja... my temporary solution (that I never did get around to fixing) was to jb-weld the hell out of it... the jb weld held fine for me.

 

My dad had this happen on his Venture. Some touchy welding fixed him up. How bad is it and how good are you with a welding stick?

 

post a picture of what your looking for, there's a local shop (Recycle yard) that I could check if I'm sure of what your looking for. Apparently they have all kinds of parts for xj's although I have not been there as of yet.
Actually here's the contact Info for them.
Recycle Motorcycle
Stony Plain, AB
(780)-963-2999
http://www.recyclemotorcycles.com/

 

Thanks for the link, Veedub. I'll try to post a pic later, but for now I will just tell you that the short sections of pipe that join the mufflers to the crossover unit are badly rusted on both sides. As to ES's question above, I am not much of a welder.

 

I have a crossover but dont know if it will do you any good 81 xj650h.

 

Are you a decent JB welder? I personally have not tried it, but it might work. Until I see pictures, I don't know how bad it is. But the difference between 150$ and a pack of JB weld is significant.

The best thing would be to find a used one in good shape, but after trying to find one for a Venture, I am not sure that is easily done. Due to the nature of the chemicals in exhausts, stock parts only become harder (and pricier) as time goes.

 

Bummer...I see "Smoking Joints",read your post,only to find you're just like all the others;
1)Dateline...no chicks!
2)Cold Case...no beer!
3)Without A Trace...no mention of obtaining a lost title!

 

Smoking Joints ain't allowed down here in the southland........

Beer and whiskey....well, now that's a whole new topic.

 

The thing is, the rest of this bike is so incredibly clean and original that I really don't want to do some chewing-gum fix that would degrade its overall character.
If I have to search endlessly (and pay through the nose) for OEM parts, I will, but I'm hoping that someone on this site can spare me the time and expense of having to do so.