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Tips for Cooling Motorcycle Exhausts

Motorcycles are not like cars, and while someone can drive a car without knowing much about the engine, it is recommended that anyone who owns or drives a motorcycle have a basic understanding of the engine and how to perform minor and temporary repairs. The simple point behind this is that motorcycle engines will fail and getting stuck on the side of the road is never much fun. Motorcycles tend to break down more often than cars, and most motorcyclists will play with their engine anyway to make custom adjustments and install high-performance parts. Knowing the basics of your motorcycle’s engine can lead to a quick or temporary fix to get you moving until you can find a trusted mechanic to do a more thorough repair job.

Due to the work an exhaust does, there are a number of problems that can occur with the part and with the entire exhaust system. Remember, the exhaust is basically the garbage chute for your bike’s jet exhaust gases and the inside and outside of an exhaust can get very hot while riding. Your tailpipes and drag pipes can experience a number of common problems, including overheating, which will cause a “bluish” effect on the tips of the pipes. Even with polished chrome finishes over time, heat will cause a bluish or black color to the pipes. Although this may seem like just a cosmetic issue over time, excessive heat can cause parts to deteriorate, which can lead to the release of harmful gases in all directions.

Since heat is your main concern, consider the different ways you can maintain the temperature in your exhaust so you don’t overheat, and what you can do if your system suffers from deterioration or even punctures from excessive heat. One option to prep your bikes ahead of time is to install high-quality chrome heat shields. Double or triple chrome heat shields are often designed to fit most standard motorcycle drag tubes and come complete with clips for mounting. Heat shields will provide a few additional layers of protection to lessen the damaging effects of heat and reduce bluing. Heat shields not only protect the exhaust system, but also add a shiny chrome finish to the exterior of your bike.

Another tip to preserve your motorcycle’s exhaust is to periodically rotate the pipes if you have twin pipes. The gas is not always evenly distributed and if you did a custom installation with an aftermarket exhaust, it is recommended that you rotate the exhaust pipes so that if there is excess heat on one side, you can moderate the effect it has in your pipes. You should check all motorcycle engine parts regularly for optimal performance, but regulating the heat in the engine is your main concern.

Other ideas for cooling a motorcycle’s exhaust include installing cooling clamps and using a liquid or air cooling system on the engine. You may also consider using a carbon fiber exhaust system with a carbon fiber exhaust cover, as this material heats up much slower than metal.

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