I installed a new V&H big radius 2-1 yesterday, but didn't fire it up until this morning.

A few moments after starting the entire system began smoking. I immediately thought it must be a leak, but the smoke was coming off the entire length of the pipe from under the heat shields.

Figuring it could be the newness burning off, I took it for quick spin. When I stopped at a red light a couple miles later, the smoking was gone, but the smell was still present. It's like a burning chemical smell.

Before I put any more miles on it, or torque down any more on the flange nuts (which I torqued to 100 ft lbs), I thought I'd ask you guys: Is this a normal burn off of the new ceramic coating fumes?

BTW: I tried searching the forum, but didn't find anything similar to my situation. Thanks for your help.

 

I heard that ceramic pipes need a burn-in procedure after they are installed. Did any instructions come with the pipes?

BTW, very nice looking bike - those pipes look awesome!

 

Nothing about a burn-in procedure in the installation instructions.

Just warnings about cleaning the pipes of fingerprints and residue before starting, which I did. I'll do some googling for a burn-in procedure. Thanks for the reply.

 

This is normal, as well as when you wrap pipes with header tape. Just take it for a 30 min. or so trip and the smoke and odor should subside.

 

Thanks for the reassurance. I'll take it for a longer spin after work tomorrow and report back.

 

Closing this one out: after 20 minutes or so of riding, the smoking was completely gone, and the smell was gone by the time I got to work this morning. Thanks again 95custmz for the advice.

I found a couple of great suggestions searching the forums for exhaust leaks, one of which convinced me I was safe to head out for a longer ride.

Hold a burning stick of incense near the heads while the engine is running. Watch the incense smoke for signs of exhaust leak around the flanges. I wish I'd know about that when I replaced the exhaust on my '65 VW .

Anyway, all is well. I love the new pipes and the Dynajet guys tweeked a tune for me so it runs and sounds great.