 Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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For those who have wrapped their headers, how do you get around the cross-over pipe and still maintain the same spacing in the wrap? I see that most people don't stop before the cross-over, they go all the way to the muffler. Here's an example:
Last edited by FriarJohn; 06/12/2007 12:53 AM.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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i did not wrap my america pipes, but did wrap the exhaust on my fathers R3, it is hard to explain but when you are doing it it is not that hard. kind of figure it out as you go. i would suggest wearing gloves though because the small metal splinters are tough to get out
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Could some one please tell me the advantage of wrapping header pipes?? Where I work we wrap and insulate steam pipes to keep the heat in and keep the steam hot. I just can't understand why you would want to keep the heat in on an air cooled engine. Can anyone explain?? Thanks. 
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Quote:
Could some one please tell me the advantage of wrapping header pipes?? Where I work we wrap and insulate steam pipes to keep the heat in and keep the steam hot. I just can't understand why you would want to keep the heat in on an air cooled engine. Can anyone explain?? Thanks.
I can explain it - it is for those who want to "ugly out" a beautiful bike! You can instantly turn a classic beauty into a rat bike in just a few moments of wrapping.
Pedal Till You Puke
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Well, if you don't want it because of the heat, maybe you want it because of the cool... 
"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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Quote:
.I can explain it - it is for those who want to "ugly out" a beautiful bike! You can instantly turn a classic beauty into a rat bike in just a few moments of wrapping.
maybe to hide corroded rusty headers in 6 years old bike ridden in every possible weather!!!! 
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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HEY! That wasn't the question! Go start your own thread! 
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
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From a performance stand point wrapping the headers retains the heat inside the pipe and acts somewhat like stepped pipes by promoting valve overlap scavenging. Bottom line is that it increases the airflow through the combustion chamber and translates into more power created.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
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FJ- It does mess up the spacing at that point, but it doesn't affect anything. As for performance, some say it traps in the heat allowing for the exhaust gasses to move quicker through the pipes, but I didn't experience any changes.
I installed the wrap because a) I like the look and b) I have a toddler that loves my bike. If he ever touches the pipes while they are hot there is some level of protection there (fortunately we watch him close enough that this hasn't been a problem).
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
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Just to be clear: this is for looks only. The header pipes are double walled and the wrapping won't do a dang thing performance-wise. I get it and I don't care if you don't like it. I'm just trying to cover up the crappy finish* on my pipes and perhaps make the bike look a little tougher. It's part of the makeover I have in progress. Thanks for the (applicable) responses.  * my pipes are discolored from a variety of things hitting them over the years (for example, the quilted liner in my leather jacket and lots of bugs and grime) getting baked on. I've never been very diligent about cleaning and/or polishing them and now they're cruddy and dingy. I took a brillo pad and Simple Green to them this weekend and they cleaned up fairly well, but are still stained in places. 
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
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Quote:
I get it and I don't care if you don't like it.
With all due respect, I disagree. If there's enough heat to discolor the double wall header then a good and proper wrapping will trap the heat forcing it out the pipe and improving airflow. Any performance gain might be negligible but there will be a gain.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
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It's quite possible. I'm just saying it's not my primary goal. I'm just frustrated that all too often on this site, especially in the tech forums, you ask a specific question and get a bunch of feedback that has nothing to do with the question. If someone had asked, "Now why the heck would you want to do that?" I'd be cool with that and explain. But that's not what I got. I got comments like this: "it is for those who want to "ugly out" a beautiful bike!" That's irrelevant to the question at hand.
Thanks.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Adjunct
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Gee, I thought it was a relevant answer in that it certainly would be for someone who wanted to ugly out the bike! Now let's see, I would like to ugly out my beautiful blue and cream Bonny. What would be the quickest way? I know, I know!! Wrap the friggin' pipes!! True, it did not respond to your original question good Friar, but SRS asked a question, and I was answering him - sort of. Besides, cage rattling is also fun! 
Last edited by pedalmasher; 06/12/2007 7:29 PM.
Pedal Till You Puke
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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I don't really know much but I have thought of doing this quite often. I always imagined taking the headers off completely, that way you can really get a good tight wrap, and try to get it as symetrical (sp?) as possible. like this  I don't know if that helps at all Friar.
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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That really looks good. From a V-Twin?
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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I thought about doing it when I had my pipes off but I don't want to do it until the new tin is painted and ready to go. I don't think header wrap looks good with all paint jobs. I think it would look bad with my current candy orange paint job, but will look great with my new paint.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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.....this post has been edited by....... yadda yadaa 
Last edited by DuckOner; 06/14/2007 5:06 PM.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Well it looks good here, so does the eye candy. And, Friar John you are oh-so correct that it only works with certain paint schemes...like black and chrome...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Wait, there's a bike in that picture?
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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I'm still new here. Don't even know if that kinda stuff flies. Sorry in advance if it gets yanked. Here is the link to that page, it has a whole write-up on how to wrap um up. http://www.bikernet.com/garage/PageViewer.asp?PageID=750
Last edited by DuckOner; 06/12/2007 7:59 PM.
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Probably not but I'm not the moderator on this forum. Not a think I can do about it. 
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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no nudity and nothing suggestive so I doubt anyone would have a problem with it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Right about now I should be checking the FAQ on rules.
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
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HA! I keep forgetting because of your high post count that you haven't been here for more than a few months. That kind of thing gets deleted all the time. Keep in mind that this is a family-oriented site, not a locker room. Yes, it's safe for prime time TV but this ain't TV.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Don't sweat it. Even if it gets removed it's nothing that will get you banned.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Adjunct
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Quote:
HA! I keep forgetting because of your high post count that you haven't been here for more than a few months.
Not even 1 month. I'm new to bikes in general, just trying to soak it all up like a sponge. 
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
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Actually I was replying to Ian. 
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Oh, I thought you were being sarcastic about the high post count and just breaking my stones.
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
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Not this time, but stick around - your time will come. 
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Oh, I'll be looking over my shoulder.
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Adjunct
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Now Ryan, those are some serious nice looking raps!! 
Pedal Till You Puke
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Another angle on that wrap job: 
Al
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Yah, the wraps look pretty good from that angle as well. 
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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She's a cutie, but I'd prefer a link to this stuff. That way I have a choice (of if I'm sleeping on the couch or not). Wifey walks by and occasionally reads these, then I have to take one for the "team". Just scrolling blindly into one of these would cause me undue grief. Silly as it is, she gets her feelings hurt. You guys have way too much class for that! 
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337 |
Quote:
For those who have wrapped their headers, how do you get around the cross-over pipe and still maintain the same spacing in the wrap? I see that most people don't stop before the cross-over, they go all the way to the muffler.
It's hard to explain, I wish I had taken a pic of it. Here goes:
You want the wrap coming from the back side of the pipe and over the top. When you come to the crossover, at the point where the wrap would hit the x-o pipe, instead of coming over the exhaust with a gap, make a wrap in the same direction you were going but instead of over the exhaust, make one wrap around the x-o pipe. You will come up on the back of the x-o pipe again, but the wrap won't shift on you and you can space it out. Use a spray bottle of water. It really helps. I had to make a couple of "dry runs" before I got it to fall correctly.
I'll tell you, I wound up taking my wrap off. My bike is all black, so it wasn't an aesthetics thing. First off, it stinks- and smokes- for a week. Every time it gets wet, it stinks- and smokes- for a week. It gets dirty and stays stained. My bike would "steam" condensation from the pipes any morning it was below about 60 deg F. When I took it off, my pipes were stained from it. It took a lot of work to get teh stains out (almost all came out, but not all).
Do as you please, and have fun with it. Just thought I'd share my experience with it. I was going to run the headers wrap with blacked out turnouts. There is a pic of the bike with the turn outs in my photo posts (no wrap).
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Thanks for the info.
A local Harley guy told me to just soak the wrap. That way I can work it and stretch it and get it goodentight. I didn't think about the smell and such. That could be a serious PITA with as often as I seem to ride through rain.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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you dont want it to be too wet tho, just a bit damp
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Sorry Friar i did steal your thread and I do apologise. 
Last edited by SRS; 06/13/2007 6:00 AM.
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Quote:
Sorry Friar i did steal your thread and I do apologise.
Thanks for coming clean Stewart, the good Friar was trying to blame the theft on me! 
Pedal Till You Puke
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 Re: Header Pipe Wrapping
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
Just to be clear: this is for looks only.
Can you get wrap in orange?
Soren
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