Motorcycle exhaust pipes are inevitably stained over time by the combination of heat, salt, water and carbon build-up. There are two main types of motorcycle exhaust pipes: stainless steel and chrome. Stainless steel pots can be cleaned with mild acids. You have to be gentler with chrome pots, which is why dirt is soaked first before being gently rubbed with a softer metal and cleaning product. Both types of pots can be rechromed and rechampis to regain their former shine. Cleaning your motorcycle's exhaust can be done at home. It should be part of your motorcycle maintenance routine because clogged pots can cause flashbacks, which is surprising and dangerous.
Motorcycle Exhausts - General Information
There are a whole bunch of motorcycle exhaust pipes on the market that meet specific needs. So, before you get started, we advise you to take a look at our complete guide on the subject.
How to clean the stainless steel exhaust of your motorcycle?
Stainless steel jars are forgiving so you can clean them roughly. If they have a dull brown appearance and are rough to the touch, it's time for a deep clean.
To clean the steel muffler of your motorcycle, use an acid
There are tons of mild acids you can use to remove the discoloration. You can use toilet cleaners that contain 9% hydrochloric acid to remove the discoloration. You can also use white vinegar. Just keep in mind that the milder the acid, the more you will have to repeat the soak.
The first step is to remove dirt and clumps. Toilet cleaners get stuck on the bogs and this can lead to plugging. You can soak them with damp rags before removing them with a steel brush. Once the surface is clean and smooth, apply the acid. You may need to do this a few times until the discolorations are completely gone.
To speed up the cleaning process, soak the pot in acid for a few hours. Put some agitators in it like nuts and bolts. Shake the pot, rinse and repeat. Agitators will scrape the interior surface and remove discolorations.
Some toilet cleaners, especially the harsher variants, can permanently damage aluminum pots. Start with a mild cleanser and do several soaks to avoid serious and permanent damage.
Rinse off all traces of acid completely when you are done. If they remain inside the pot, they could lead to corrosion of the metal. Use a microfiber towel to completely wipe down the jars. Microfiber towels are great because they are soft and won't scratch the jars. They are also extremely absorbent.
Polish the metal
There are many metal polishes you can use. It is recommended to use a polishing and protective product for heavy metals. Pair it with a metallic wool to polish the surface of the metal. Be sure to use the finest wool possible to minimize damage. Rub until the surface is smooth and free of stains. It may take you longer if the acid you used caused a chemical peel.
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Get rid of burn marks
Burns are caused by the extreme heat given off by the combustion of air and fuel in the chambers. This can be remedied by using a metal polish and fine mesh. More severe cases can be treated with oven cleaners. Be careful when using oven cleaners as the product can splash all over the place and damage your motorcycle.
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The final touches
Wipe off excess product with a clean cloth. You can add a top coat of heat resistant coating, such as a silicone coating, to keep your exhaust cleaner longer. You can also spray rust inhibitor, I use Rust Reformer spray to prevent any future rust.
How to clean the chrome exhaust of your motorcycle?
Chrome is thin and easily malleable, which is why you have to be careful when cleaning it. It is recommended not to polish or scratch the chrome, as the protective layer will peel off.
Preparation of chromium
Take some damp rags and soak the dirt and agglomerates on the chrome. The moisture will soften the mud and clumped mud. Clean them with the rag until the chrome is as clean as possible.
The most recommended method to clean chrome is to use soap, water and glass cleaner. Wipe the surface with a sponge or rags. This is an effective cleaning method for common carbon build-up stains and water spots. This also applies to anything burnt in the pots, such as bugs and insect guts.
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For more stubborn clumps that really stick to the chrome, you can use other softening agents like carburetor cleaner, oven cleaner, and tar remover.
Not all chrome stains are removable. Blue and gold colored stains are more difficult to remove. These unique stains are called "bluing" and can be removed with an anti-bluing agent. This usually happens when the chrome is not equipped with full coverage heat shields.
Scratch to clean
There may be a stubborn buildup that you will need to scrape off. The best tool is a copper brush or a penny made before 1982. Indeed, the penny is softer than chrome, with a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, compared to 8,5 for chrome. Gently scrape off any soft rubber or carbon build-up. Even though the metal is technically softer on the scale, it still helps to do it gently.
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After the interview
Remove all traces of cleaning products and humidity. Dry the jars thoroughly with a towel. A microfiber towel is ideal because it is soft and very absorbent.
Then apply automotive wax to make the chrome shine and give it a clean look. Polish the excess until it is completely dry. This will lock in excess moisture so your pot stays clean and reduce the chances of damaging the veneer.
Our recommended products for cleaning the exhaust of your motorcycle:
To conclude, here are some recommended products on Amazon:
