I had a similar problem on my CB as they were stained from the previous owner and just did not look good. If they have a uniform gold color that is OK but when they have road dirt/grime/tar that is cooked on that will not do. Now this is what I do and there is a caveat and that is don't do this if you have any qualms about your abilities. I use Easy-Off oven cleaner with #0000 steel wool and Wizard's metal polish (polish infused cotton). Use aluminum foil to mask off any paint areas as it clings and can be form fitted. Start with one pipe and leave on for 30 minutes or more and then use the steel wool then recoat. Do this for all the pipes and put on as many coats as possible each time using the wool for cleaning. Then finish up with the Wizard's. Now here in SoCal many formerly caustic chemicals have been taken off the market so, if you are in another state make sure to double up on your precautions. Like I say, do at your own risk but, I have done it on several bikes with good results.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
I'm hesitant to take any kind of caustic cleaner or abrasive substances to the pipes. My understanding is that is only a temporary fix, and may actually shorten the life of the pipes.
I've got some Nev R Dull wadding polish and 0000 steel wool. I might try those in a small spot to see what kind of results I get.
Having the pipes ceramic coated seems much less expensive than new pipes...
Since "STAIN-Magic" is made by Yoshimura, who makes exhaust systems, and I have used it on the CB1100 easily and successfully, there is no issue. Works great on stainless steel pipes.
Why don't you just wrap the headers? I think the ones that don't react to the heat are the deluxe ones, 'cause they have an inner pipe with a chrome cover. I've given up on mine and just accepted the worn look. I can't see them when I'm riding the bike, so....
(05-16-2021, 12:33 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Since "STAIN-Magic" is made by Yoshimura, who makes exhaust systems, and I have used it on the CB1100 easily and successfully, there is no issue. Works great on stainless steel pipes.
+1 on the Stain-Magic. It really is magic.
I was told that Nev R Dull does a good job if the pipes aren't pitted.
I also bought some dedicated stainless steel polish at the bike shop too. It was $10 for 8oz.
Depending on how much elbow grease I need for the stainless steel polish, I may revisit the issue with Stain Magic.
$40 for a tube is precious.
I'll post some before and after pics once I get started.
(05-17-2021, 01:12 PM)Yata-Garasu_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I was told that Nev R Dull does a good job if the pipes aren't pitted.
I also bought some dedicated stainless steel polish at the bike shop too. It was $10 for 8oz.
Depending on how much elbow grease I need for the stainless steel polish, I may revisit the issue with Stain Magic.
$40 for a tube is precious.
I'll post some before and after pics once I get started.
The thing with STAIN-Magic is - it works, and it lasts. Follow-up with your favourite single application of heat-indifferent polish on and the ordeal should last until the following year. At least in my case it does. STAIN-Magic takes a bit of time to take hold - maybe 10 to 15 minutes. Once it gets going, suddenly you realize the pipes are silver/chrome-lookin' again. Fire up the engine and the pipes turn to that slight mellow and uniform gold. Above all? Very little STAIN-Magic is required.
Shake well before use.