Black header pipes

[Desolation Angel]

Dennis Kirk has a MAC exhaust in a black/chrome combo. The black part is nice and glossy.



And I thought about these black/chrome shocks to go with the pipes.



I think it might look cool to back off the chrome a bit and go for some black. But does black on these parts stay glossy black?

This would be ref my 450 pictured in my signature below.

[humhead]

Those shocks are CRAP!!!! I tried a set on my first 750 & hated them.
Better to get a set from Hagon or Progressive. They are also available in black or chrome models.

Terry

[SqDancerLynn1]

The pipes will not stay shiney black It's only paint

[marvinsc]

They Do sell Hi Temp Black Paint for use on Grills and Such.

[jimcor]

Herb, those pipes will remain black and glossy...if you never start the engine once they're installed.

[Desolation Angel]

Thank you all very much for the info. I wasn't sure if the pipes were painted or treated with something else. About the shocks, thanks again, they look awful nice, but seller hasn't responded to e-mails asking what brand they are.

I'll check out the shocks that were recommended for sure.

I guess I better get the MAC in chrome, then. It's my only other option for "perfect" pipes besides custom made (expensive, I'd bet) or a freak occurance of NOS pipes on eBay.

[Desolation Angel]

Herb, those pipes will remain black and glossy...if you never start the engine once they're installed.

You don't know how close to that I actually come. My bikes are posed strategically in the garage and don't get started but every couple of weeks or so. But, man, they look cool in the landing bay!

[Detman101]

Herb, those pipes will remain black and glossy...if you never start the engine once they're installed.

He is right. I bought the same exhaust from dennis kirk and anyone can tell you the rusted mess that I have on my bike now.


That glossy paint stayed that way for like 2 days. Then it started fading and rusting. I even tried painting it over to stop the fading and rusting but it didn't help at all.

Get a supertrapp or Vance & Hines exhaust. Mac = Crap-build.

Plus, with the other brands you can put a sportbike exhaust onto the header part for a more modern sporty look.
Can't do that with the MAC crap header because the header port is 2.5 inches whereas sportbike exhausts are 2 inches.

[retrex]

Black exhaust pipes option

DA, See string title "exhaust heat paint" for what I did with my OEM pipes. Process and materials do seem to work, so far. As long as your original pipes are mechanically sound to start with that is.

I have been riding it on weekends for a few weeks now without discoloration, rust, fading or peeling. It sits in the weather when not used and pipes are exposed to the rain. No problems yet. The finish is still gloss black. On word of caution do not skip the curing process outlined.

It is a lot of work but it costs less than new pipes and it does look pretty darn good.

[Desolation Angel]

Re: Black exhaust pipes option

DA, See string title "exhaust heat paint" for what I did with my OEM pipes. Process and materials do seem to work, so far. As long as your original pipes are mechanically sound to start with that is.

I have been riding it on weekends for a few weeks now without discoloration, rust, fading or peeling. It sits in the weather when not used and pipes are exposed to the rain. No problems yet. The finish is still gloss black. On word of caution do not skip the curing process outlined.

It is a lot of work but it costs less than new pipes and it does look pretty darn good.

I am considering this and also the wrapping thing like the Brits do.

[Desolation Angel]

Herb, those pipes will remain black and glossy...if you never start the engine once they're installed.

He is right. I bought the same exhaust from dennis kirk and anyone can tell you the rusted mess that I have on my bike now.


That glossy paint stayed that way for like 2 days. Then it started fading and rusting. I even tried painting it over to stop the fading and rusting but it didn't help at all.

Get a supertrapp or Vance & Hines exhaust. Mac = Crap-build.

Plus, with the other brands you can put a sportbike exhaust onto the header part for a more modern sporty look.
Can't do that with the MAC crap header because the header port is 2.5 inches whereas sportbike exhausts are 2 inches.

That's what I was afraid of. Unfortunately, MAC is my only aftermarket choice for the 450. Unless maybe the mufflers could be cut off of the stock system and cans put on? Hmmm. Anyway, I can tell you don't like MAC and I've heard that before from others. Would you say that their chromed product is just as "crappy"? I found one below...

[jimcor]

A good friend had a later 550, with a 550 TSCC 16 valve engine that was Mac equipped. The headers were always rusty. As a no big deal thing, about once a week, he'd pull out a big piece of cardboard, guard his engine, and rattlecan his exhaust. This was a down home spry 'em if ya gottem job. Looked good for an hour or two. Then rusty again.