new exhaust gaskets and bolts don't line up.

[bluepinner]

I just replaced the exhaust gaskets on my 450. The left pipe was a struggle to get the back bolt (near the rear tire) in but the right pipe is next to impossible. I tried just about everything I could by myself. Is this a known problem? I made sure to take out the old gaskets (which weren't there). Any suggestions to help?

[Nessism]

Did you cinch up the header bolts before trying to get the rear muffler bolts aligned? I like to get the head pipes into the ports on the head and then go to the rear muffler bolts started, not tightened, before tightening up the header bolts. Last step is tightening the clamps under the bike and the muffler bolts.

[bluepinner]

I lined up and started the header bolts about half way, then went to the rear bolts. I got the right side in but it was a slight more of a fight than I though. Good news is there is no longer an air leak at the header. She's purring pretty now.