Author Topic: Why does the exhaust go brown  (Read 1740 times)

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Offline Brockett

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Why does the exhaust go brown
« on: February 05, 2014, 16:46:23 »
All modern bikes seem to do it.
The exhaust pipes on the glee start out nice and shiny like good old stainless steel should. With use and the odd drop of rain they start to go brown and have all the loveliness of rusty pipes.
What is causing this?
Should I clean them?
and
if so with what?
This doesn't last forever, so do it while you can.

Online 2112

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2014, 16:57:44 »
The pipes are stainless steel, but just about the lowest grade known to man ! I guess for cleaning I would use Solvol Autosol.
It's pronounced 'twenty-one-twelve'

Offline Oop North John

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2014, 17:14:59 »
To get rid of the browness on stainless steel exhausts use some alloy wheel cleaner like:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Supagard-Afte ... 27de098047

Just be careful how you use it, but the browness just washes away. Don't use on stainless exhausts that are chrome covered. Test a small area first.

Offline Descolada

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2014, 17:51:59 »
I think it's down to repeated tempering of the steel. More on it here, but when I get fedup with it (you probably aren't going to get rid of it altogether) I take the plunge and use high temperature spray to retouch the pipes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempering_%28metallurgy%29#Welded_steel

Offline stedor

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2014, 18:33:19 »
Use a fine scotch pad, that removes it in seconds. But it will eventually go brown again.

Offline mr_diver

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #5 on: February 05, 2014, 18:43:14 »
this is a known issue with the Deauville bikes.

the 700 versions get the brown exhaust, but the earlier 650 examples had double skinned mild steel down pipes and the outer side was chromed. they stayed perfect until they rusted through.

it's much the same with the strom- single layer low grade stainless.



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Offline Brockett

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2014, 07:50:57 »
Thanks to advice from all

Stedor - good tip. I have removed a lot of it with a scotch pad and also used some Autosol.
This doesn't last forever, so do it while you can.

Offline greywolf

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #7 on: February 06, 2014, 14:40:07 »
It isn't that the SS is low grade but that the alloy has to stand up to heat. The materials comprising the alloy and the level of heat determine to color. Leaner mixtures on the same material go blue so later model usually show some blue at the top. Unlike chromed dual wall pipes, stone bruises will never break though a plating and be followed by rust through. The Strom is not a chromed cruiser. If you must treat it as one, stick to the methods mentioned. Never use steel wool. Tiny bits will stick in the surface and the change in metallurgy will cause real rust instead of a protective coat of color.
Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A outlasted me.
Nicknames I use to lessen typing, Vee = 2002-2012 (K2-L2) DL1000s. Veek=2014+ (L4+) DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 (K4-L1) DL650s. Glee = 2012+ (L2+) DL650s

Offline KLV-Rider

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #8 on: February 06, 2014, 16:15:24 »
A friend of mine had his pipes ceramic coated, expensive but a very good durable finish.

Offline Toddy64

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2015, 11:00:04 »
Hi there,
Just tried http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/I.html?_nkw=o ... 7878368655
And it worked a treat, paint it on, wait three minutes and wash it off with hot water.
All the brown gone.
 :stirpot:

Offline greywolf

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #10 on: August 02, 2015, 14:38:47 »
It works by removing a layer to get to the one-oxidized metal below so it must have a very low PH. Don't get any on you and wash it off thoroughly in the time specified. As with abrasive creams, don't use it too often or you eventually won't have a pipe left.
Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A outlasted me.
Nicknames I use to lessen typing, Vee = 2002-2012 (K2-L2) DL1000s. Veek=2014+ (L4+) DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 (K4-L1) DL650s. Glee = 2012+ (L2+) DL650s

Offline Andy M

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Re: Why does the exhaust go brown
« Reply #11 on: August 02, 2015, 17:25:32 »
GW hits the nail on the head ( as usual).

Question: Why is the colour important?

The yellow/gold oxide can't get any more oxidised and is stopping anything going on underneath. If you scour off the layer either mechanically or chemically you just start it cooking off lower down.

Leave it alone and that's how it'll stay.

All exhausts IMHO should be powder coated  matt black IMHO.

Andy