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General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
I'm working on checking the chain tensioners on my 2001 RK Classic but having trouble getting the front exhaust pipe out of the way.
I took off the shields and muffler and loosened the brackets and trying to do this by moving only the front pipe to access the cam cover. Are there any tips or tricks to get the front pipe loosened from the Y pipe without taking apart the entire exhaust system? I don't have a lot of movement on the front pipe to work it loose and don't want to damage anything so looking for advice.
If you removed the left side muffler and split the y pipe at the back of the rear head, you should be able to undo the 4 head pipe flange nuts and remove the header, without taking that piece apart you have circled.
Also, loosen the bolt for the foot board support arm and push it down out of the way.
Last edited by jake24lt; Oct 23, 2025 at 11:38 AM.
If you removed the left side muffler and split the y pipe at the back of the rear head, you should be able to undo the 4 head pipe flange nuts and remove the header, without taking that piece apart you have circled.
Also, loosen the bolt for the foot board support arm and push it down out of the way.
Are the pipes at the Y just pressed together and should pull apart once the brackets are off?
Are the pipes at the Y just pressed together and should pull apart once the brackets are off?
You can remove the left side and the right side will come off without separating the front/rear pipes. You can spray Kroil, PB or another good penetrating lube where you are splitting pipes to make separation much easier. Just tap the floorboard mount down to make removal easier.
I was able to remove only the front pipe by removing the floorboard, loosening the front motor mount, and jacking the motor up. Penetrating oil and lots of wiggling of the pipe and it finally came loose. I left the remainder of the exhaust intact. Important - when you are reinstalling the cam cover, be sure none of the bolt holes have oil in them. If you install a screw into a hole full of oil, you may crack the engine case when tightening. My bike is also a 2001 Touring.
Re-assembly almost complete after tensioner change, but you can see only the front pipe is off, the remainder of exhaust is intact.
Last edited by Rob Harper; Nov 3, 2025 at 12:52 PM.
Reason: clarify
I was able to remove only the front pipe by removing the floorboard, loosening the front motor mount, and jacking the motor up. Penetrating oil and lots of wiggling of the pipe and it finally came loose. I left the remainder of the exhaust intact. Important - when you are reinstalling the cam cover, be sure none of the bolt holes have oil in them. If you install a screw into a hole full of oil, you may crack the engine case when tightening. My bike is also a 2001 Touring.
Re-assembly almost complete after tensioner change, but you can see only the front pipe is off, the remainder of exhaust is intact.
Very nice! I might give that a shot since I have the front pipe mostly out already. Just need to remove the front engine mount. Thanks!
Need Help: Moving exhaust to get to tensioners
