That doesn't look good. Hole in my sidewinder exhaust, sugg???

[wirelessguy]

I've just begun evaulating my newly bought GS1100E and checking for issues.

Started my oil change and noticed that in additoin to all the rust on my sidewinder exhaust there seems to be a a decent sized tear.

Any thoughts on remedies?
Do I just buy a new sidewinder? Do I blast/repaint and then get exhaust tape?

All sugg welcome.

Thanks.

[wkmpt]

If you decide to replace, I have a sidewinder header in very usable condition, no major dings, only a little surface rust. The can has no baffle and has been squashed a bit, but is almost certainly repairable.

[Dave8338]

If you have access to a tig or mig welder, that can be repaired. The trick will be getting the amps low enough to not burn through the header pipe. Likely 16-18g steel and add to that the rust, it can be a little tricky.

[blowerbike]

throw that rusty turd in the trash and get another pipe.
brand new side winders are not much over 200.00 or find the correct street header used from a member here.

[wkmpt]

throw that rusty turd in the trash and get another pipe.
brand new side winders are not much over 200.00 or find the correct street header used from a member here.

I have V&H street header too, that's not in as good shape as the sidewinder, but still usable. And the can is intact with baffle...

[tkent02]

Do you like to turn right?
Drag pipes suck.

[Planecrazy]

Go with wkmpt's pipe if you want the most inexpensive, similar solution. The problem with trying to repair the old, rusty pipe is that the likelihood is the other pipes are in almost as bad a shape ... ready to fall apart anytime. Seems like a complete waste of time to even bother with them, given the options.

Regards,

[kochic]

This is a street 4/1 in the first post.
Marc

[Texasgs]

re

That pipe is pretty much history, unless you are a master with a tig, and are willing to section in some new bends. Odds are the rest of the pipe is so thin near the hole that it wont weld. If you want to plug the hole you might try some brass brazing rod, but it would be better to replace it.

[wirelessguy]

Replacement purchased, agreed that this fella is beyond repair.

Quick question: existing header has black thread lock/ JB weld (or something of that sort) around the mounting screws. What's the best way to remove? Do I heat them to losen? Is it OK to do while bike is full of gas or should I be running her dry first?

Thanks