Exhaust systems

The header pipes on my bike seem to be solid, but the every inch of the chrome is completely rusted off, no shine left. Thinking about replacing them, but also fishing around for a way to resurrect the old ones. It also looks like the PO replaced the mufflers, as they are still bright and shiny, seem to be working well.

So what I'm needing here is some of the basics of the exhaust system, and chrome in general. For example, can I replace the headers and keep the old mufflers? Where do you get new header pipes? dealers? Is there a way to shine up the old ones? Was considering having them sand-blasted, but then what?

 

ceramic coating works well but thats just me i love the look of black pipes and chrome cans

 

Chrome is a very thin layer of hard shiny metal bonded to the outside surface of a metal. Once it's gone, it's gone -- there is no getting it back (easily). And definitely no getting it back on exhaust parts - chromers won't touch them.

You can have them sand blasted and painted with any header paint, or even better a good ceramic coating. Same as automotive headers.

You can also replace them (if you can find the right ones) and still use the existing mufflers.

 

The only pipe for your bike still available from the dealer is #2, for just over $100.

What I did for my 550 Secas: Bought 3 different exhaust systems/partial systems off eBay and played mix-n-match to get the one good set (plus a couple extras.) Additionally, found a couple of NEW NOS pipes (eBay also) along the way, plus bought one from Yamaha, so I now have quite acceptable systems on both bikes. (As long as you don't look REAL CLOSE at #2 and #3 on either bike.) #1 and #4 are what really make or break the appearance...

I believe Wizard used jet-hot on the exhaust for his XJ and it looks great. Check out http://www.jet-hot.com/motorcycles.html Click on the link for "stainless." You should be able to find someone local to you that offers their product/service.

 

Jet hot looks a good option, if fleabay doesn't provide.

Do the header pipes tend to rust out like mufflers do? As in, are they as disposable? Wonder if it's worth the effort to try and save the old ones. New ones are pricey, it sounds like.

I'm not near my bike, but I recall the mufflers being spot welded on. Guess I'll grind em off.

 

The head pipes on XJs are double-walled. Contrary to popular legend, the little plugs on the bottom are NOT drain plugs, they're EGA ports. As long as the pipes themselves, both inner and outer are solid, you can certainly reclaim them.

Pricey is relative. $100 for a new head pipe (if you could find one) sounds like a lot of money until you find out what it would cost to get it re-chromed IF you could even find a plater that would consider it.

With some patience, you will be able to piece together a real nice system from eBay (or salvage yards.) It just takes time. 550 Seca exhausts (especially mufflers) are QUITE rare, but I've managed to put together two bike's worth of very nice exhaust systems (although it took about 9 months.)

Mufflers don't rust IF properly cared for, a spray of fogging oil or WD40 down the pipes (and into the little drain holes) at layover time helps immensely.

I think you will find that the CLAMPS were spot-welded to the system, not the mufflers themselves.

 

Or go the simple route...header wrap
Not directing the thought to you Oak, just to some other members with similar, if not worse, issues

 

Here's a real clean #4 pipe: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/YAMAHA-8 ... ccessories