Black burnt spots on exhaust

Primo · #1 05-03-2005, 04:29 PM

Have a new RK Classic with about 900 miles on her. Last night I took the saddlebags off to give her a good detailing and found some black substance burned on to the exhaust mufflers. Used my usual wadding compound to try and clean but the black bumps had to be scratched off with my fingernail. Not sure if it is oil, tar or whatever. Not water-soluble evidently. Has a ruber like feel to it. Could it be residue from drive belt? More prominent on left (drive belt side). Didn't get them all and I'm not sure if they will come back. Anybody know of a good technique or product to remove this substance more easily? Thanks for your help in advance.

Johnny · #2 05-04-2005, 12:11 AM

likely to be road tar

tony2nuts · #3 05-04-2005, 12:16 AM

hi kellazo,,,i had the same problem with my electra glide...the first time i washed it i took the bags off and found the same black spots....tried soap and water ,no help, tried chrome polish not bad but still there..i read an articel in full throttle that someone used (oven cleaner) on hot pipes and it takes off just about everything like melted boots ,burnt on nylon riding pants and so on..i tried it and ,wow does it work,like a charm...give it a shot..remember the pipes have to be real hot before you spray it on....mines a 2005 electraglide classic and i was hesitant about useing it on a new bike ,so i tried it first on the pipes just under the bags so if it messed up and stained the pipe it would not show...it works ,,,give it a try...........................

tony2nuts · #4 05-04-2005, 12:26 AM

heres the bike i used oven cleaner on

[IMG]local://upfiles/1988/4759442443F14568A7CCBED83A961511.jpg[/IMG]

Primo · #5 05-04-2005, 08:50 PM

I've heard crazier stuff in my life. What the heck, why not? I'll give it a try. Thanks for the tip. It actually does make quite a bit of sense. I'll try like you and start on the section that would normally be covered by the saddlebags. Thanks again.

Johnny · #6 05-04-2005, 09:37 PM

Careful with the oven cleaner. I read about it somewhere on here that it eats the paint or something on that order.
Do a search for oven cleaner.

tony2nuts · #7 05-05-2005, 03:24 PM

yea johnny is right ,sorry forgot to mention that...cover all painted surfaces.hope i spelled that right lol... thanks johnny....................

Primo · #8 05-05-2005, 09:15 PM

I'll be sure to take all precautions to protect the paint. Thanks, guys.

Beefcake · #9 05-26-2005, 08:55 PM

I use good 'ol WD-40 and a brillo pad.

05 DELUXE · #10 05-29-2005, 11:35 PM

a buddy of mine had riding boots that the hell was to big and it would burn on the pipe and leave black marks. we got it off with simchrome, but i dont recommend it it was a bitch. you can try bug and tar remover then polish the pipes

john