Corrosion on pipes

[PowderToastMan_imp]

Anyone else noticing some corrosion on the header pipes?

I don't know if it's corrosion or if it's the finish wearing away or just changing color, but I had some spotty discoloration in a few places, just noticed this morning after not having a chance to ride for a few days that it's a bit bigger than it was.

I should snap a picture...

I assume that it's not a real problem, but it's kind of a shame to have these nice smooth pipes already looking like this.

[oldyaler_imp]

Anyone else noticing some corrosion on the header pipes?

I don't know if it's corrosion or if it's the finish wearing away or just changing color, but I had some spotty discoloration in a few places, just noticed this morning after not having a chance to ride for a few days that it's a bit bigger than it was.

I should snap a picture...

I assume that it's not a real problem, but it's kind of a shame to have these nice smooth pipes already looking like this.

If the pipes are stainless steel the exhaust heat will cause them to discolor (goldish at the hottest area then turning blueish as the pipe cools). I've never tried it but some have used Simichrome polish to diminish the discoloration. After polishing the pipes will still have a goldish tint but it will be more uniform.

[Scoobynut_imp]

Anyone else noticing some corrosion on the header pipes?

I don't know if it's corrosion or if it's the finish wearing away or just changing color, but I had some spotty discoloration in a few places, just noticed this morning after not having a chance to ride for a few days that it's a bit bigger than it was.

I should snap a picture...

I assume that it's not a real problem, but it's kind of a shame to have these nice smooth pipes already looking like this.

Echoing what oldyaler said, get you on down to your friendly neighborhood Honda dealer and buy a tube of their Honda brand chrome and aluminum polish. A super fine steel wool pad, I think the size is .0000, is a good application tool for the polish. Make sure to only apply the polish when the pipes are cool to the touch, and don't let the polish dry on there for too long. Wipe it off with a good microfiber cloth and you'll have your pipes looking pretty again in no time.

I picked up a few stains on mine on my 170 mile ride home (bugs and a few water splashes on the hot pipes), but they polished right out using the technique above.

[PowderToastMan_imp]

Thanks, will give it a try!

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

Anyone else noticing some corrosion on the header pipes?

I don't know if it's corrosion or if it's the finish wearing away or just changing color, but I had some spotty discoloration in a few places, just noticed this morning after not having a chance to ride for a few days that it's a bit bigger than it was.

I should snap a picture...

I assume that it's not a real problem, but it's kind of a shame to have these nice smooth pipes already looking like this.

Echoing what oldyaler said, get you on down to your friendly neighborhood Honda dealer and buy a tube of their Honda brand chrome and aluminum polish. A super fine steel wool pad, I think the size is .0000, is a good application tool for the polish. Make sure to only apply the polish when the pipes are cool to the touch, and don't let the polish dry on there for too long. Wipe it off with a good microfiber cloth and you'll have your pipes looking pretty again in no time.

I picked up a few stains on mine on my 170 mile ride home (bugs and a few water splashes on the hot pipes), but they polished right out using the technique above.

Echoing what oldyaler said, get you on down to your friendly neighborhood Honda dealer and buy a tube of their Honda brand chrome and aluminum polish. A super fine steel wool pad, I think the size is .0000, is a good application tool for the polish. Make sure to only apply the polish when the pipes are cool to the touch, and don't let the polish dry on there for too long. Wipe it off with a good microfiber cloth and you'll have your pipes looking pretty again in no time.

I picked up a few stains on mine on my 170 mile ride home (bugs and a few water splashes on the hot pipes), but they polished right out using the technique above.
Great advice. Exactly what I would have suggested. Yes, the header pipes will start to discolor and even show some speckled dark spots. These will polish out.

[thumper_imp]

When I took delivery of my bike, the shop foreman gave me a copy of "the wrench" which is a newsletter for Honda technicians. This edition deals specifically with the new CB1100 and CBR500 models.

On the back page is a "Service Tip" about the CB1100's exhaust:

"Remove the Anti-Rust Coating From the Exhaust System at Set-Up

It is extremely important to remove the anti-rust coating from the entire exhaust system before starting the engine, otherwise the coating will burn and stain the high-luster finish. Use a solution of mild detergent and water and a soft cloth to remove the coating."

Hopefully what you're seeing isn't a result of the techs failing to perform this procedure on your bike.

[flynrider]

I think the "anti-rust coating" was a plastic film they stuck on to some metal parts. The dealer setup crew forgot to remove it from my swingarm. I noticed it and peeled it off when I got home.

I don't think that's the cause of the OP's pipe discoloration, otherwise there would have been mention of stinking melted plastic as well.

[the Ferret]

I think the "anti-rust coating" was a plastic film they stuck on to some metal parts. The dealer setup crew forgot to remove it from my swingarm. I noticed it and peeled it off when I got home.

I don't think that's the cause of the OP's pipe discoloration, otherwise there would have been mention of stinking melted plastic as well.

My dealer missed the piece of plastic on the swingarm too, but the anti rust coating is a spray that my dealer washed off.

[jimigalahad_imp]

My headers are completely yellow and spotty too. Going to try to clean them up next weekend.

[Obliviontoad]

I missed the little plastic covers on the twin horns out front. Looked weird, so I picked em off. Almost looked like they belonged. They look better now.