+- BMW R1200RS / R1250RS Forum Community (https://rswasserboxer.com/R1200RSforum)
+-- Forum: General Forums (https://rswasserboxer.com/R1200RSforum/forum-7.html)
+--- Forum: Appearance Mods (https://rswasserboxer.com/R1200RSforum/forum-10.html)
+--- Thread: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration (/thread-1070.html)
Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - Grumpy Goat - 02-10-2024
Came across this short video that may be informative on the subject:
Anyone tackle this tedious job? I still have an unopened tube of Autosol purchased years ago ...
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - Lee - 02-10-2024
Most of us have exhaust with a chrome finish.
The methods in the video will be too abrasive for chrome.
For people who purchased a base model with the brushed stainless finish the method in the video works good.
Also some people have replaced their headers when doing a complete exhaust swap.
I use a chrome polish on a rag wrapped around the pipe and use a sawing motion.
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - Grumpy Goat - 02-10-2024
(02-10-2024, 08:37 AM)Lee Wrote: I use a chrome polish on a rag wrapped around the pipe and use a sawing motion.
How long do you find the polishing lasts before you have to do it again?
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - Lee - 02-10-2024
(02-10-2024, 10:49 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote:(02-10-2024, 08:37 AM)Lee Wrote: I use a chrome polish on a rag wrapped around the pipe and use a sawing motion.
How long do you find the polishing lasts before you have to do it again?
The chrome will look good for a long time if you don't ride in the rain.
Even with riding in the rain, once a year is enough to keep it looking good.
BMW uses single wall pipes so they turn blue fairly quick. I don't bother trying to get ride of the blue because it would be a endless battle.
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - Grumpy Goat - 02-10-2024
(02-10-2024, 11:19 AM)Lee Wrote: The chrome will look good for a long time if you don't ride in the rain.
Even with riding in the rain, once a year is enough to keep it looking good.
BMW uses single wall pipes so they turn blue fairly quick. I don't bother trying to get ride of the blue, that would be a endless battle.
I thought so about the blue. One year ROI is good ... maybe I'll do mine on a rainy day after the bike is washed next ... for the first time ever.
I only ever wash them with the sponge / brush / whatever will fit, and if I miss a spot or three I am not bothered.
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - maxredline - 03-08-2024
Just two days ago I found a tube of Autosol that was my dad's as he was a huge motorcycle enthusiast. This tube must be 20 years old.
I found a old Vance & Hines 4-1 header that is very hard to find for my 83 collector bike. I had the header/connector pipe and muffler internals ceramic
coated and then needed to give the aluminum can a face lift. I though about buying a pedestal buffer but knew it would not get much use. I used 2000 grit wet sand paper on a 90 degree alternating direction sand then used the Autosol. In no time the aluminum can looked great! I finished it off with carinaria wax.
I have also used it on the RS's header to remove bluing. I didn't work it in hard and did get desired results. I also made sure to remove any residue before getting the system hot.
Autosol is amazing but recommend first using it on a spot not visible as a check.
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - maxredline - 03-08-2024
Attached is picture of the RS header 2 years after polishing with Autosol. Sorry about the poor lighting. The pipe looks better than this picture shows. As I remember the Autosol got rid of the bluing but there was some straw coloring left close to the cylinder heads.
Autosol used on aluminum.
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - Grumpy Goat - 03-08-2024
I edited your photo a bit ...
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - maxredline - 03-08-2024
Nice job!
RE: Exhaust pipe cleaning & restoration - Motorhead1977 - 05-16-2024
(03-08-2024, 10:31 PM)maxredline Wrote: Nice job!
Has anyone used Autosol liquid metal polish instead of the paste in the tube? Just wondering as Autosol shows both at their website here.