Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 9 Jun 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephano View Post
Indeed.

As well as some sort of heat shield, consider wrapping your exhaust from the headers to the end with exhaust wrap. It's not that expensive on eBay and can also save you from a nasty burn or singed trouser leg one day.

You also get that professional, rally-prepped look...

Here's one I made earlier...



Stephan
PS As another DIY mod, I picked out the best-looking finned computer heat sink from work and I think it would work pretty well jammed between the exhaust and the plastic. I've got adhesive insulating material on the underside of the plastic which is much thicker than the thin stuff that Honda glue on at the factory.
That XR makes me feel all warm inside......

I miss mine... I hope my new DRZ fill the hole a little.

A quick note on the exhaust wrap though... Keep a very close eye on it.

Exhaust wrap

If you get holes, it superheats it and causes FIRE !!!!!!!!
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 9 Jun 2009
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
That XR makes me feel all warm inside.....
Look a bit closer, Ted. It's a CRF 450X.

I've had no problems at all with the exhaust wrap so far and I've never heard of these issues before. I'll keep an eye on it and promise to repost if there's a conflagration or the header cracks.

Anyway, to keep on topic, if you use soft luggage make sure it's secure and kept away from the exhaust pipe.

Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 9 Jun 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephano View Post
Look a bit closer, Ted. It's a CRF 450X.

I've had no problems at all with the exhaust wrap so far and I've never heard of these issues before. I'll keep an eye on it and promise to repost if there's a conflagration or the header cracks.

Anyway, to keep on topic, if you use soft luggage make sure it's secure and kept away from the exhaust pipe.

Stephan
So it is.. Shame on me.. (especially as I used to have a CRF450R lol)...

I just saw the tank and got all excited thinking about my BRP.

The exhaust on my DRZ is looking very rotten so im going to sand it down, coat it with exhaust paint then use heat wrap on it.... I like the look of it and have never used it myself.. Looks cool
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 23 Jun 2009
Ride Far's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Central New York
Posts: 344
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbg View Post
BTW, another tip - we didn't use bungees but straps with buckles to tighten, then you don't need to worry about it pinging off and catching you a bit unawares!
'Zackly, straps with plastic buckles are the way to go.

It's easy enough to build a brace to keep the right-side pannier off the exhaust. I used two lengths of light steel bolted together, and bolted to two places on my DR650. Less than $10 at Home Depot and a couple hours in the garage.

I used hard panniers previously and much prefer the soft.

__________________
http://ridefar.typepad.com
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 23 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,102
Ted - re exhaust wrap, I've been using it on the exhaust of an old 60's Lotus for the last 15 yrs, trying to stop manifold heat splintering the glass fibre bodywork.
Each application lasts about 2 - 3yrs before it falls off bit by bit but I've never noticed any parts of the car going up in flames (and with Lotus's build quality in the 60's putting out flames is part of the maintenance schedule ).

What I have noticed is the wrapped part of the exhaust corrodes badly. My guess is that the stuff holds moisture - either from rain or condensation or wherever and the metal rusts away out of sight. On a bike it's likely to spend a lot of time wet.

The other thing is that it doesn't stay that nice sandy, rally prepped colour for long. Rain, dirt and heat turn it into a colour close to the rust that's forming underneath. Use it for your SA trip but stick to paint for the UK
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 23 Jun 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
Ted - re exhaust wrap, I've been using it on the exhaust of an old 60's Lotus for the last 15 yrs, trying to stop manifold heat splintering the glass fibre bodywork.
Each application lasts about 2 - 3yrs before it falls off bit by bit but I've never noticed any parts of the car going up in flames (and with Lotus's build quality in the 60's putting out flames is part of the maintenance schedule ).

What I have noticed is the wrapped part of the exhaust corrodes badly. My guess is that the stuff holds moisture - either from rain or condensation or wherever and the metal rusts away out of sight. On a bike it's likely to spend a lot of time wet.

The other thing is that it doesn't stay that nice sandy, rally prepped colour for long. Rain, dirt and heat turn it into a colour close to the rust that's forming underneath. Use it for your SA trip but stick to paint for the UK
Cheers for the advice. I'll give it a miss then. My pipe is so rotten it might be worth me just getting a new stainless one ! AHHHH expense, expense , expense

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:29.