Things Happening to the 500
 

Well, basically a valve adjustment means major overhaul time in stages for the 500, just a few pictures with a few details. This is not a build, or a complete customization thread.

While doing a valve adjustment job when the valve cover was put back on low and behold one of those cheap fucking bolts broke off in the head. The result is time to fix lots of things on the bike. Here is a picture of the culprit, basically the hole.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7111889_n.jpg

As the bike sits now, it makes me very sad.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3664745_n.jpg

The first big project is these. These headers are from Jardine and are only Three years old, I am kind of pissed. I have never seen pipes do this before. The rust is incredibly thick, and is very hard to get off. Probably will use a high temp paint, or as Skrooze suggested a jet coating. I want them polished really but I doubt that is happening.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2354681_n.jpg

This is a comparison after 2 hours of sanding. Yes it was by hand but I was also doing it on travel for work so I couldn't just you know, carry around a sandblaster or something equivalent. Still this is one of the most rusted motorcycle headers I have encountered.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1980807_n.jpg

This is midway through the process but it is a really good close up of how bad the corrosion and pitting is. It makes me want to call Jardine and complain.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7078611_n.jpg

Another side by side, I have started on the main part of the headers. I also want the twist cut out of them.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2795701_n.jpg

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

UPDATE! UPDATE! :)


I can't believe those Jardine headers rusted like that...I really hope that doesn't happen to my Two Brothers

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

The broken bolt has been extracted, the headers are in the process of being cleaned.

Gas dripping down my tank took off some of the paint. Ordered some goodies but it will be a bit before they get here.

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

pics or shens... (when they show up)

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

those headers are mild steel, it's normal (though not pretty) for them to rust like that. without some sort of coating, they're gonna go back to being like that.. quickly. you could wrap them, but the problem with wrapping mild steel pipe is that the wrap traps water, and makes the corrosion occur faster, eventually rusting all the way thru. Best bet, jet-coat, or a high temp powdercoat (same thing) after you sandblast the HELL out of them. Then if you wanted to wrap them, you wouldn't have to worry about them rotting under the wrap.

you rarely see mild steel headers anymore except on cheap systems for older bikes (no disrespect Grom, seriously) so all ya'll guys with newer sportbikes probably have at least stainless steel headers.

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

ohh I Know how old my bike is, I just can't get rid of her and upgrade though. I keep saying I am going to and then I get another fun thing for the bike, or I go out racing again and remember why I want to keep her.

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

I know how you feel...if I get this Ducati I'm pretty sure I'm going to ride the ninja 3/5 days of the week cuz I love her so much.

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

buy a new bike you cheap bastard! <3

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

well fuck. you've gone and done it dude. you now have officially posted more pictures of my bikes than I have. (I swear I'm not embarrassed)

looks like it's time for me to finally get off my ass and get a project thread going. :rolleyes:

/threadjack

have you swapped those plugs out yet or diagnosed the source of your moto-wierdness?

Re: Things Happening to the 500
 

gotta wait for it to stop raining before I can do that. I guess I could roll the bike in the basement onto the new carpet.