Thermal wrap for pipes
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, OH
Thermal wrap for pipes
I’ve heard and read conflicting information regarding thermal wrapped pipes. Does anyone have any actual experience with accelerated deterioration of an exhaust system due to wrapping? As I understand the mechanics, the exhaust is not really a key part of the cooling physics and the pipes should be able to handleany increased temps. Your thoughts?
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Copperas Cove Tx
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
i have my pipes wrapped i just did it recently not a whole lot of seat time............i mainly bought it for the looks and the cooling properties....it keeps the pipes a lot cooler than the sheilds that come factory i havent noticed any decline in performance associated with the pipes other than its a lil louder? (and i mean just a touch) might just be me but they seem that way and im runnin stock pipes with baffles cut out.....overall i like it compared to the factory shielding.....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
It's cooler, looks better, and yes, it will improve sound a bit due to insulation.
Just make sure you coat them with the Thermo Tec 2000* stuff...or they'll look like crap and do nothing for heat.
Just make sure you coat them with the Thermo Tec 2000* stuff...or they'll look like crap and do nothing for heat.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 2
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
I wouldn't do it. Thermal wrap is put on by several people because it looks cool and some racing machines use it. When it comes to street riding the wrapped pipes store trap moisture and will rust quicker. It's use on race bikes so the extreme heat from the exhaust doesn't damage other components that are near by. Those tend to have nice big trailors and aren't taken out in the rain. 
Rust isn't such a big problem on those.
Rust isn't such a big problem on those.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
I have mine wrapped for about 1000 miles so far and my observations are....
The pipes are a little louder.
My right leg doesn't feel like it is going to catch on fire at at stop light.
Looks good.
The wrap is supposed to keep the pipe hotter on the inside and speed up air flow for better performance.
I am not buying the rust thing because the pipe evaporates any moisture almost instantly. If you are riding in the rain and you pull into the garage, just let the bike idle for a minute and it will all be dry.
I also sprayed mine with the high temp paint for the color and the smell takes a while to burn off.
The pipes are a little louder.
My right leg doesn't feel like it is going to catch on fire at at stop light.
Looks good.
The wrap is supposed to keep the pipe hotter on the inside and speed up air flow for better performance.
I am not buying the rust thing because the pipe evaporates any moisture almost instantly. If you are riding in the rain and you pull into the garage, just let the bike idle for a minute and it will all be dry.
I also sprayed mine with the high temp paint for the color and the smell takes a while to burn off.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
Rain runs right off mine....they don't hold moisture at all...and I ride in any weather. In fact, they feel like solid ceramic (i used a whole can of the ThermoTec black coating).
You have to coat them right...if you don't, of course they're gonna be messed up. Make sure you get the rest of the pipe, the bracket, and the inlet, too...that way the bluing won't show on the bare part near the top.
And as far as rust...they rust just as easily with water getting trapped under heat shields. So it really doesn't matter either way.
You have to coat them right...if you don't, of course they're gonna be messed up. Make sure you get the rest of the pipe, the bracket, and the inlet, too...that way the bluing won't show on the bare part near the top.
And as far as rust...they rust just as easily with water getting trapped under heat shields. So it really doesn't matter either way.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
From: Cumming, GA
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
I am confused...does it make it hotter or cooler?????? My understanding about speeding up air flow is that if the pipes were cooler, air will flow better, as hot air has a bigger attraction to cool air (analogy, the cooler the flue on a fireplace , the better the draw of exhaust gases....when I worked around general aviation (small recip. planes) some of the ex. systems took cool outside air in a scoop and blew it over the pipes to cool themto augment the exhaust flow and keep the engine cooler....and these were air cooled engines as well....anywho.............later.....BINNY
ORIGINAL: bhtx
I have mine wrapped for about 1000 miles so far and my observations are....
The pipes are a little louder.
My right leg doesn't feel like it is going to catch on fire at at stop light.
Looks good.
The wrap is supposed to keep the pipe hotter on the inside and speed up air flow for better performance.
I am not buying the rust thing because the pipe evaporates any moisture almost instantly. If you are riding in the rain and you pull into the garage, just let the bike idle for a minute and it will all be dry.
I also sprayed mine with the high temp paint for the color and the smell takes a while to burn off.
I have mine wrapped for about 1000 miles so far and my observations are....
The pipes are a little louder.
My right leg doesn't feel like it is going to catch on fire at at stop light.
Looks good.
The wrap is supposed to keep the pipe hotter on the inside and speed up air flow for better performance.
I am not buying the rust thing because the pipe evaporates any moisture almost instantly. If you are riding in the rain and you pull into the garage, just let the bike idle for a minute and it will all be dry.
I also sprayed mine with the high temp paint for the color and the smell takes a while to burn off.
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
Myfriend Kris and I think it's ugly ourselves....but if you guys like it 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
You're right it does cool the outside of the pipes, which is why the wrap is pourous.
It's not that it actually HEATS the inside of the pipe....it just prevents uneven heat expansion and provides better insulation, which produces a more controlled flow and more powerful sound waves....they cannot escape as easily due to insulation and added pressure. Which is why you wet them down, wrap them VERY tight, and let them dry before coating them with the ceramic spray. As it bakes on, it hardens and shrinks even more, almost literally bonding to the pipe.
Flick it with the back of your finger nail, you'll see what I mean...it actually sounds metallic after they've cured. If you've done em right, you should have a hell of a time getting it off, should you ever decide to.
It's not that it actually HEATS the inside of the pipe....it just prevents uneven heat expansion and provides better insulation, which produces a more controlled flow and more powerful sound waves....they cannot escape as easily due to insulation and added pressure. Which is why you wet them down, wrap them VERY tight, and let them dry before coating them with the ceramic spray. As it bakes on, it hardens and shrinks even more, almost literally bonding to the pipe.
Flick it with the back of your finger nail, you'll see what I mean...it actually sounds metallic after they've cured. If you've done em right, you should have a hell of a time getting it off, should you ever decide to.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Copperas Cove Tx
RE: Thermal wrap for pipes
if you use the spray they have it prevents moisture from getting to the pipes so rust isnt a factor....go to DEIs site they gotta installation vid and short explaination.....i did a lil bit of reading before i chose to do it...all in all i like it plan on doing it to my honda soon....just gets harder and harder to grab the car keys instead of the bike keys you know?