Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Just wondering if anyone had any advice on what to do with my mufflers?

I cannot afford to buy a new set right now and as it is really only a cosmetic thing I was told that there are some places that can resleeve them.

I know there is a place in QLD but I was hoping someone knew someone in Sydney.

Or any other suggestions on how to make them look better.

(they both have major scratches and dents along the full length of the muffler where someone has dropped the bike)

If you are just doing it for cosmetics go and get a thin sheet of ali or stainless, measure (twice) and mark, cut out and pop rivet over whats there.
You wont notice the minimal extra weight and it will be a damn sight easier than trying to "re"wrap it. If you are going to THAT much trouble you may as well make one yourself.

I thought about doing it this way and i have already made one side (Rangehood ducting is a good option) but i was worried about moisture building up in between and causing rust.

Is this likely to be an issue?

Ali to Ali is one thing but different sorts of metal can react and create BIG issues. Dont know enough about metalurgy to help, sorry.
BUT I would be doing it out of one piece and wrapping it. You will have to cut a slot for the hanger attachment and when fitting this will be the bit you slide over first (for obvious reasons). You also want the join to be at the back (again for obvious reasons). I dont see any problems with running a VERY slight smear of silastic between the two to ensure no resonation anyway. I would also THINK that you would be replacing the muffler before any corrosion issues become apparent, but this would be ali to ali. Like I said SOME metals react with each other. ANyone ??

if its aluminum then use aluminum
what ever you do, don't use stainless steel...
The aluminium/steel combination would make a battery when moisture get between the metals. Galvanic corrosion will occur due to the different cathodic and anodic area.
The aluminum wouldn't last long, it would turn into white dust with time
Anodising the metal will help for a bit, but really, as soon as a bit of aluminum touches the stainless steel and you don't know about it, say bye bye.

I think the mufflers are steel as they have been chromed and where the scrapes are there is surface rust and I'm pretty sure ali doesn't rust.

I was going to use galvanised iron over this and paint the external surfaces in a heat proof black paint.

Does anyone know if this is safe to do?

Ali doesn't rust, thats right.

Galv iron and chrome steel mix isnt a problem, as steel is really iron that has been refined and removed of most impurities.

The problem comes when you get different metals with different cathodic and anodic properties and add a liquid, usually salt water or an acidic substance to the mix.

MrWasabi wrote:Ali doesn't rust, thats right.

Galv iron and chrome steel mix isnt a problem, as steel is really iron that has been refined and removed of most impurities.

The problem comes when you get different metals with different cathodic and anodic properties and add a liquid, usually salt water or an acidic substance to the mix.

someones a chemist.... or at least a chemistry buff!!!

MrWasabi wrote:Ali doesn't rust, thats right.

Galv iron and chrome steel mix isnt a problem, as steel is really iron that has been refined and removed of most impurities.

The problem comes when you get different metals with different cathodic and anodic properties and add a liquid, usually salt water or an acidic substance to the mix.

Ok so Mr Wasabi's had a bit to do with marine engines huh???

Don't waste your time with galvanised as it ultimately looks worse than what you have now and paint don't stick to it really well.

I'd be getting a couple of bits of zorst / offcuts from the local zorst shop the right size ie 100mm etc. Better still if you know anyone in the trucking business you might be able to scrounge a truck zorst sooter (stack) which may even be pretty chrome / stainless (ie Volvo/Scania)

Got a set of stock gumby cans here LOL!?