The CB1100 Community Forum

So I've only had my bike for a month and a half, and I'm already getting tired of polishing the headers. It certainly doesn't take long for the bronze color (which I don't mind so much) and the "liver spotting" (which really bugs me) to come back. Unfortunately, it's a pretty visible part of the bike, and I have a hard time "forgetting" and letting it go.

(As an aside, I find it odd that the stainless Akrapovic headers on my ZRX have never significantly discolored or spotted in the 3-4 years I've had them. What would account for the difference? Richer mixture and consequently lower EGT?)

Anyway, I've been thinking about solutions, and came across the TSR chrome headers from Takashi. It looks like a few of you guys have them. My question is this: Since I'd just as soon keep the stock muffler, if I only swapped headers, would I need to get involved with dyno tuning, power commander, etc. just to keep the thing running right?

This is mostly a cosmetic thing for me...so I'd be a little reluctant to go down that road. Actually, I'm a little reluctant anyway due to the pricetag on those headers, but that's another issue...

What about getting the stock header ceramic coated? A lot of the group of older bike owners I know ceramic cost their headers to give them the chrome look without the chrome costs...

Quote:Why is ceramic coating better than chrome for headers?

Ceramic coating originated in the aerospace industry, where it was used to coat the exhaust nozzles of jet engines. The coating was found to not only protect the nozzles from corrosion, but also helped reduce operating temperatures and increase the nozzles' life span. Adapting this coating technique to automotive headers provides the same results--high corrosion resistance, reduced underhood temperatures, and longer life. Chrome plated finishes look good initially, but will tarnish and turn colors during normal operation. Also, chrome will rust if not cleaned regularly.

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Once i get some of my 8000 projects finished I'm going to get around to heat wrapping my headers. I ride everyday rain or shine and I'm getting tired of seeing poop brown headers. Lol

(04-07-2014, 02:15 PM)dBuster_imp Wrote: [ -> ]What about getting the stock header ceramic coated? A lot of the group of older bike owners I know ceramic cost their headers to give them the chrome look without the chrome costs...

Quote:Why is ceramic coating better than chrome for headers?

Ceramic coating originated in the aerospace industry, where it was used to coat the exhaust nozzles of jet engines. The coating was found to not only protect the nozzles from corrosion, but also helped reduce operating temperatures and increase the nozzles' life span. Adapting this coating technique to automotive headers provides the same results--high corrosion resistance, reduced underhood temperatures, and longer life. Chrome plated finishes look good initially, but will tarnish and turn colors during normal operation. Also, chrome will rust if not cleaned regularly.

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That's a good idea....I wasn't aware you could do that, and the examples I've seen don't look too bad. Might have to investigate further. Thanks!

check this out before you order the TSR headers:

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....SR+headers