Header Discoloration

[Southpaw50_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...

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 with Coke and tinfoil, although I'm not sure what effect the tinfoil has since most tinfoil is actually aluminum foil. Anyone with more than my grade 13 chemistry, please chime in...
Amazon states a 4-6 week ship time. However, mine arrived in about one week. The cleaner actually comes from customizedchoppers.com in the UK. The stuff appears to be made in Germany or Austria because I can't understand the words on the bottle. Here are the instructions from the customizedchoppers website:

"OptiGlanz is an excellent product for cleaning stainless steel rims, exhausts or other items made of stainless steel. Just spray on, wait 1-3 minutes then wash it off with clear water. To add shine you can help with a fine sponge to optimise the result.

OptiGlanz cleaner is a high intensity cleaner for all stainless steel surfaces and does not (under normal circumstances) harm paint, chrome, rubber or plastic. However we would recommend covering painted surfaces as a precaution and testing product on a hidden place first. Do not spray on hot surfaces. Biodegradable.

OptiGlanz is an irritant - we recommend you wear proper safety gloves, protective goggles and clothing. If contact with eyes or skin use clean water to wash out and contact a doctor. Keep out of reach of children, do not use in closed rooms."