Header Discoloration

[Gumby 1100_imp]

I think the headers are coated with some sort of material. They are not just dis colored but looks like some of the coating is pealing off. That can't be right. I understand that the headers will tarnish and turn brownish but that is not the problem.

The headers are coated with a protective film that the dealer is supposed to wash off prior to running the engine. If they skipped that process, what you see pealing may be the remnants of that film.

Mine are simply turning a uniform gold colour, so my dealership must have washed the headers properly. I am, however, considering ordering the Optiglanz cleaner. The gold doesn't look too bad along with the Spencer Blue tank, but the Canadian model already has so many colours going on, that it might be nice for the exhaust to all be a uniform silver colour.

The headers are coated with a protective film that the dealer is supposed to wash off prior to running the engine. If they skipped that process, what you see pealing may be the remnants of that film.

Mine are simply turning a uniform gold colour, so my dealership must have washed the headers properly. I am, however, considering ordering the Optiglanz cleaner. The gold doesn't look too bad along with the Spencer Blue tank, but the Canadian model already has so many colours going on, that it might be nice for the exhaust to all be a uniform silver colour.
I wonder if it's available in Canada. Sending a liquid across the border might be a problem given the level of security these days.

http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorcy...24570.html

I found the Optiglanz here as well for $24 U.S.
However, they want $30.25 to ship U.S.P.S. to Canada!!!

Amazon is probably cheaper in the long run at $28 (not including shipping). They are usually more reasonable for shipping and handling to Canada.

Edit: I just did some research into the "biodegradable active ingredient" in Optiglanz. It is apparently simple phosphoric acid. Therefore, you might get the same cleaning reaction dowsing your headers with Coca-Cola (or any other cola product)! In fact, I have heard of people polishing metal (specifically rusty exhaust pipes) with Coke and aluminum foil. Anyone with more than my grade 13 chemistry, please chime in...