Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Exhaust Right Header Pipe Discolored

On my 09 efi America the right header pipe is starting to discolor badly. The left header pipe has not begun to discolor more than 1/2" coming out of the engine. I know on the carbed models the air box removal was a fix for this. I have read that on the efi models the air box should not be removed. I don't really mind the discoloring but am a little concerned about the fact that it is only happening on the one side and not on both header pipes. Also my bike has a habit of stalling and shutting off when idling. When I start the bike or am sitting still (such as at a stop sign or light) I have to keep on the throttle or the bike will stall and shut off. It idles at around 1,000 - 1,200 rpms. I thought that was a normal range. I love the bike and hope nothing is wrong with it. A buddy at work who rides HDs says he thinks it may be running too rich. I am not a mechanic and don't know. I am at just under 900 miles right now. The dealer did the first service at about 570 miles. I am still using semi-synthetic until the next service.

On carb models it was the air injection we removed, not the air box. But that's about all I can help you with. There are plenty other members here who know a bunch about this. I'm sure they will chime in soon enough to help you out.

Sounds to me like you're running lean. Lean=hot. Check with your dealer. I'm not familiar with efi to tell how to fix this.

On the EFI bikes do the throttle bodies have to be balanced like our carbs?

If it's a '09, wouldn't it be under warranty? I'd have the dealer take a gander.

I've the same problem with mine (2009/1200 km). Only right header pipe has braun color. I talked to my vendor. He cleaned it an said me to ride a few in order to take a picture and go with warranty. By now, color has not return, but as soon as it become braun again , I'll bring it back to him.