I've noticed that the front header pipe has been rusted on every Hawk I've seen so far. Is this a common problem with the Hawk? If so, what do you do for a remedy?

 

not a problem.... just keep the bike clean... it's just exposed to the elements more then the rear

 

Rusted as in corroded or discolored? I've never seen one that was corroded.

 

Actually, rusted is the correct term for ferrous metals, I think.

 

No, I mean what do you do with it once it starts showing signs of rust. I would think it would look pretty good if you were to sand it down, then spray paint it with that flat black high temp paint.

 

Ceramic coating works well, and increases thermal efficiency as a bonus.

 

Is that something a person can do themself, or would that have to be done by special process? Sounds costly.

 

Naw send it out......

http://www.jet-hot.com/

or

has a picture of a SH

http://www.hpcoatings.com/industries/motorcycles.aspx

or Google ceramic coating


Karl

 

I went to my local auto parts store and bought a ceramic based paint that is made for car headers. If you follow the curing instructions to a T then the paint becomes almost bulletproof. 500 Miles so far and no rock chips. AMAZING and it comes in 6 different colors.

 

Ceramic coating is not expensive. I had my headers done (from the motor to the mufflers) at a local shop for $125CDN.

Two plus seasons later (30000km) they still look new. They clean up with a damp rag. I had the 'Simi-chrome' coating and the pipes look like polished aluminum. I think I gained around .003 horsepower too!

Geoff in Almonte
99VTR

 

My $10 USD can of paint can coat the pipes at least 3 times so I like the cheaper alternative.

 

I had mine ceramic coated for $70 and they have held up for 6 years so far including 3 years of salt air in Hawaii. I recommend it.

 

I also have jet hot coating as well and while not quite as shiny as wet sanded and polished pipes it's close and it's durable and doesn't discolor. I previously did wet sand and polish my stock header and it looked awesome. It will however immediately turn a deep gold when you start and run the bike. It still shines really nice but it requires constant maintenance with a polish like Mother's. If not maintained it will turn that ugly brown over time. If you're not into all that elbow grease then the coating is the way to go.

 

And while you may call it "rusted" it's just on the surface and a little wet sand and polish will take it off-they're stainless. It's not like the rust you get on a pair of dynomax steel mufflers on your car that flakes and rots holes in it.

 

Though the front header pipe is exposed to more elements and damage from road derbis, the rear header pipe is more likely to endure more extrem teperature. Since it is exposed to less airflow, the rear cylinder heat gets trapped between the riders legs and heat up the rear shock, which reduce the damping effect of the oil inside.
I just got my headers coated at JetHot, I havn't been able to take my SuperHawk for a ride yet, but from my previous experience with other bike that have JetHot coated header pipes, the engine heat between the legs are reduced drastically.

 

Grampi, did you ever buy a Hawk?

 

I took mine off at 5k and bead blasted it. I like the look of it. I do wish it were a little larger in diameter though. Its been a few years and needs to be done again. Free if you have acess to a blast cabinet and want a new textured look..

 

I just wrapped my pipes with exhaust wrap tape from autozone.

 

I attacked mine with a dremel tool, various wire wheels, then started with 400 sand paper, then wet 600 and finally 1500 wet...then used a buffer on a drill
...looks pretty good...it looked really screwed at the front..but cleaned up real well..as someone said it is stainless..and with patience get's real shinny..I'm going to see what it does next season...looks like deep cleaning once in a while might do it..don't mind if it turns gold..I was wondering about something like brasso silver or brss polish to remove the tarnish..hmm next time...This bike is even fun in the winter..to work on I mean.. pretty simple to work with...After a St 1300 and a Valkyrie this is simple

Take Care
Dave:-D

 

I just went to Discount Auto and bought some header wrap. $40.00 and two hours later I had pipes just like those chopper guys! I have a full system that is like six pieces so I just wrapped each pipe seperately so I can still remove pipes without unwrapping. I used saftey wire on the ends, some people use hose clamps. If you go this route, use a little model cement on the ends to keep the wrap from fraying on the ends. It will have a tendency to fray on the cut edges.

 

I've been looking forward to winter (well, not really) so I can take the headers off and send em out to get ceramic coated. IMO, its the best thing to do to them. The coating looks awesome, almost like chrome, and it also improves exhaust scaveging (sp?) for improved exhaust efficiency...

SO I vote for jet-hot. Just hoping mine get there first!!

 

How much is it. $

 

Jet-hot quoted me 150 plus shipping, and I looked at that HP website which give a vtr-specific quote of $115 plus shipping. Go for the coating on the inside and the outside. (HP charges 15 bucks less for the outside coating only)

 

I had mine polished and it looks great!

 

I lived in a town that had 3 Powdercoating factory/stores or whatever locally and the best quote I got was $75. Worst was $150. Not cool. I instead sanded and wire brushed the crap out of em. Then bought a can of Dynacolor High Heat Spray paint with ceramic rated to 1200*F. Cost about $6 and looks good all done up with a few layers. Though I havent fired up my bike since so I dont know how well it will hold up, but we'll see... Ive heard from other folks on a Bandit Forum that it works pretty well. Just have to prep really well, and if you have an accomodating oven, cure it nicely. Youll be set. (BTW my pipes didnt fit in the oven)

 

here is an older link to the mod I did.
turned out great and still looks great.

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...read.php?t=184