header wrap

[mcdonald1983]

I'm thinking of wrapping headers can they be wrapped with out removing the pipe? Who sells it and what's the best brand or type to get? Other than looks has anyone noticed any benefits from it?

 

[Urban_Assault]

Got mine at the auto parts store (Checker or Autozone), it was about $50 for the kit.

Your engine will run a little cooler, and you won't burn your leg on the exhaust pipe as easily. I think someone mentioned that it will give you about 2hp extra, since motor will run slightly cooler.

You can do it without removing the pipe, you just won't be able to get the first inch or two of pipe at the rear cylinder.

I wouldn't use those crappy steel "zip ties" that come with the kit, get a couple of hose clamps so you can really tighten it up.

On the rear cylinder, you can get pretty close to the top of the pipe if you work at it.

Wrap the material around the pipe three or four times, enough to cover about 4 inches. Put one of the hose clamps around it to keep it from unraveling, but leave it loose enough to slide a little.

Work that section of heat wrap up the pipe as far as you can, then tighten the hose clamp with a screwdriver.

After that, wrap away.

-Tim

 

[xtremelow]

Got mine fro ASB, the Black kind. You can wrap it on the bike but it is much harder to get it to look as good if it is off. Also you cant quite wrap it as high up with the header on since you cant get up inside of the frame very good.

The steel zip ties as stated above arent the best they work but hose clamps would work much better.

When I wrapped mine I used about 21' of the 25' that comes in the package.

 

[mcdonald1983]

Thanks guys[up]

 

[mcdonald1983]

How much is it?

 

[07Bolt]

u can get it for $10 or $50.

Use gloves, facemask, spray the wrap with water & do it in an open air area.

-spray wrap; spray as u wrap
-handle with gloves
-wear some painting clothes
-use goggles too
-use 1/4" overlaps, allows heat to escape better
-goes great with K&N airflow

 

[mcdonald1983]

Someone told me that wrapping your pipes can be a problem if they get wet since they will hold water against tne pipe

 

[rndrkeagle]

The pipes are stainless so the water being held up against the pipe won't really hurt them. Also, since the pipes are still getting hot inside the wrap, a wet wrap will "Cook" dry pretty quickly with the engine running. Unless you are leaving your bike out in the weather where it can get wet just sitting there, they won't stay wet long enough to get hurt even if they weren't stainless.

Lastly, If you use a high temp paint made for spraying header wraps, you'll create a bit of a "Seal" against moisture.

 

[xtremelow]

I got mine wet to wrap the header so to make the wrap tighter and it may have taken one short trip for it to completely dry out.

 

[mcdonald1983]

Will the header wrap hold up for a while or will it start to fade pretty quick?

 

[bikelit]

Your leg will like it, but the engine will probably run a little hotter. The outside air will not cool the pipes like before meaning less cooling. You should gain a couple of HP because gasses move quicker the hotter they are.

 

[CoastieRider]

Here is the link for header wrap install w/pics
PS: use 1" wide wrap for a tighter wrap, to get in the hard to reach places..

http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Do-It-Yourself-Buell-Mods/Header-Wrap-Install-WPics

 

[07Bolt]

depends on the wrap; the HD SE wrap will lose its color(if its black)if u SOAK it. if u moisten it then it usually stays the dark color, and will wrap better. use a water spray bottle, and squirt it as u go. should be enough. they also have adhesive sprays that u can use too.

 

[mcdonald1983]

Thanks bolt