Stain-"Less" Headers

[ChipBeck_imp]

Isn't there something like a ceramic coating that could be applied to where it wont discolor?

Ceramic coating resists heat well and looks good but it is fragile. I have it on my Shelby's headers and it chips very easily. On exposed headers like the CB I would go with Jet Hot's polished aluminum finish as it's more durable.

Chip

[Rolls_imp]

I wonder if ceramic coating on the interior of the headers, with its heat insulating properties, would help the stainless exterior brown less or more slowly.

[jamboa_imp]

I wonder if ceramic coating on the interior of the headers, with its heat insulating properties, would help the stainless exterior brown less or more slowly.

Jet Hot does inside and out. Really makes the headers cool off quicker.my Bonnie & B King have the Sterling Silver(polished aluminum look). You simply wipe off any street crud with water R soap and water.

[thessler3_imp]

Stainless steel holds up great over long periods of time. The stainless fenders on my 41 year old Ducati look like brand new. Headers will discolor (so will chrome) but are relatively easy to keep clean with metal polish. Mothers or Meguiars works as well as Simichrome and is cheaper. So will very fine rubbing compound. I do find Simichrome seems to hold up the best. If you headers turn blue, then try Blu-Away. It works but be careful you don't over do it.

I wish the fenders on the CB1100 were also stainless - they would never rust like chromed steel will if not kept clean and dry.

[furious_blue_imp]

A followup:
I chased down a bottle of optiglanz and used it (once) on my '13 headers.
Spray on, wipe off and rinse with water.
Without any elbow grease I was greeted with shiny un-brown pipes.
Yeah, that stuff is expensive @24-28 a bottle, but it saves so much time and physical effort that it's worth it.

My old '13 after optiglanz treatment on the right in photo:
http://www.cb1100forum.com/forum/attachm...p?aid=1469

The first time I saw a CB in the wild was in the Honda tent at Daytona Bike Week last year. The bike's headers were covered with brown stains. I figured it must have been ridden down a dirt road just before they loaded it on the truck for the show, and nobody bothered to clean it up.

Of course it turns out the header pipes get brown, crappy-looking stains every time I ride in the wet. I assume everyone else's does too. If this were a knock-around bike like my VStrom was, I'd either ignore it or spray VHS flat black on the pipes and forget it. But it's not, the CB's look and appearance are a big part of why I bought it. Rusty-looking headers are not going to cut it.

The only thing that really seems to clean them up is Simichrome and a LOT of elbow grease. BMW markets a spray that's supposed to work, but it's even more expensive than Simichrome.

What do y'all think/do about this?

I was curious and looked up this optiglanz stuff. Not cheap but if works by just spray on and wipe off with no elbow grease, it would be worth it to me.

I was curious and looked up this optiglanz stuff. Not cheap but if works by just spray on and wipe off with no elbow grease, it would be worth it to me.

[Ridem32_imp]

Simichrome has been around for many years I used it back in the 70,s on my Harley's back then 53 panhead and a brand new 77 super gluide. It's works good but elbow grease is a must. But will shine like new

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

Something I have found that works for me to maintain the appearance of the stainless header after cleaning with Simichrome is to wipe the header down with WD40 with a shop cloth after each ride once the pipes have cooled down. The pipes do take on a slight amber hue but no more leopard spots and heavy oxidation. The WD 40 does give off a slight bit of smoke upon start up but that quickly goes away. Best thing I have found to keep the header looking nice.

[Paul C._imp]

Being a "neat-freak" (anal according to the wife) about my bikes, always garage kept and/or covered, I hated to see the brown staining on the header pipes after a few short rides. I found a stainless and copper pot and pan cleaner, made by revere ware, don't know if th ey"re still in business , was an easy fix. Just wipe it on and it takes the stain right off. Just rinse with water good after and polish with whatever you got, no brown stain has returned after 400 miles, life is good! just my 2 cents.

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

Being a "neat-freak" (anal according to the wife) about my bikes, always garage kept and/or covered, I hated to see the brown staining on the header pipes after a few short rides. I found a stainless and copper pot and pan cleaner, made by revere ware, don't know if th ey"re still in business , was an easy fix. Just wipe it on and it takes the stain right off. Just rinse with water good after and polish with whatever you got, no brown stain has returned after 400 miles, life is good! just my 2 cents.

I would never have thought to use this product. I have used the Revere Ware Copper cleaner on our copper bottom pans in the past. Comes in powder form and you wipe it on with a damp sponge. Great stuff. I will have to try this out. Thanks for sharing.

[Tortuga_imp]

I look at the 'real' Hells Angels.. I see men of legend, urinating on each other's leathers as part of the initiation ceremony.

I remember Evil Knievel as a kid, trying to jump things to break records ( but mostlŷ breaking bones).

I see modern man, moaning that his pipes are too brown.

Dudes, are getting just a tad metro-sexual about bikes?