RE: Polishing headers

R1200RS + R1250RS Forum � 1200 RS technology � Exhausts and Engine � Polishing headers

Page 2 of 2 � Page 1 2 Page �

Topic settings

Print view

Jump to forum

RS-Forum New Member Introductions Forum operation, design and help guest area My ride tour reports in planning training and coaching 1200 RS technology General topics Exhausts and Engine Tyres, Brakes and Suspension Tuning and modding Electronics Warranty stuff 1250 RS technology General topics Exhausts and Engine Tyres, Brakes and Suspension Tuning and modding Electronics Warranty stuff RS equipment Navigation accessories clothing and helmet What have you done to bike Knowledge Base Knowledge Base - how it works Knowledge Base Meeting Thread RS worldwide regions Africa Asia Australia Canada Europe Europe UK Middle East South America USA Midwest USA Northeast USA Southeast USA Southwest USA West RS Lounge Area Off Topic Other Bikes buy and sell forum rules

#16 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Sat Aug 03, 2019 7:29 pm

Zitat von Jetpilot5 im Beitrag #14
. There is also a visible difference between the chrome and the polished if you get them side by side. Mine polish up to a nice shiny silver but never get as bright as chrome and also my headers don't blue like most chrome exhausts do. I prefer the stainless.

I agree.

Lee
2016 R1200RS
Iowa, USA

Jetpilot5 likes the post

reply

#17 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Sat Aug 03, 2019 11:00 pm

I will have to have a look at the instructions on the OptiGlanz bottle tomorrow, but I suspect that you can't use it on chrome.

reply

#18 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Sun Aug 04, 2019 1:03 am

Flitz

https://www.flitz.com/flitz-polish-paste/

Been using it for years. Good stuff.

2000 Kawasaki Concours
2003 Yamaha FJR 1300
2005 Yamaha FJR 1300
2009 Yamaha FJR 1300
2007 Suzuki DR 650
2009 HD XR1200
2012 BMW R1200RT
2014 Yamaha FJR 1300
2016 BMW R1200RS

azqkr likes the post

reply

#19 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Sun Aug 04, 2019 8:35 am

Zitat von skinneroo im Beitrag #17
I will have to have a look at the instructions on the OptiGlanz bottle tomorrow, but I suspect that you can't use it on chrome.

No, it's for the stainless headers only.

reply

#20 | Blue Magic datum

Wed Dec 04, 2019 5:33 am (Last edited: Wed Dec 04, 2019 5:42 am)

Zitat von sgoat im Beitrag #18
Flitz
https://www.flitz.com/flitz-polish-paste/
Been using it for years. Good stuff.

Seems similar to this popular product: Blue Magic metal polish (<-- click for more info).7oz.png - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

In any case, one must avoid products with Hydrochloric acid like "Harpic" that damages/corrodes the surface. See this video.

I discussed cleaning options with my local BMW dealership today.
General advice is to let the oxidation run its course, spend more time riding and less worrying.
But they also offer the application of a ceramic coating (mat or shiny black), where the dealership removes/installs the exhaust and they outsource the job of getting the exhaust prepared/coated, for a total of about 550 $US (also need new gaskets). This coating covers the headers and all the way to the start of the muffler (remains as before), so it also covers the catalytic converter. Always time to do this, previous surface deterioration not an issue.

duccrazydave likes the post

reply

#21 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Wed Dec 04, 2019 2:09 pm

Zitat von Jetpilot5 im Beitrag #4
I have the standard non-chrome stainless headers with the brushed stainless can. I clean them up a few times each season with Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish. It takes some elbow grease but works well at removing stains and bringing up a nice shine. Keep in mind no matter how good you get them to look they will slowly turn wheat colored as the exhaust heats them up. Doesn't look bad to my eye but they will not stay the shiny silver that you'll get after a polish.

Here's what mine looked like after a good polish. The tan color is reflection from the driveway.

Here's what they look like after a few rides/heat cycles.

Both look good to me and certainly better than mine which has a film on it that does not come off with washing but needs to be polished off with the Autosol that I bought years ago and never used.

Regards,
Grumpy Goat
RSWasserboxer.com

Jim Evans likes the post

reply

#22 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Wed Dec 11, 2019 2:52 am

Bravo has nae responded to this thread? Back on the old F8 forum we had a muffler polishing contest...

duccrazydave likes the post

reply

#23 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:16 pm

I had a microfiber cloth one of the hot headers and a small amount of the cloth melted to the pipe.
I was able to use chrome polish to remove it.

Lee
2016 R1200RS
Iowa, USA

jdr likes the post

reply

#24 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:50 pm

Wow. Great detailing efforts. Has anyone gotten out the blueing in the header tubing, I wonder?
The only thing I've tackled is the muffler can itself. Mine is all stock.
I'll consider some of these polishes. A good thread to come back to.
Sometimes, if liquid cleaners/polishers don't work, I think about hand-applied 0000 steel wool in spots or (brace for it!) a brass brush wheel on a bench grinder at lowest speed- just to detail some smaller, non-mirror finish parts.

reply

#25 | RE: Polishing headers datum

Sat Jan 16, 2021 7:49 pm

Zitat von Lee im Beitrag #23
I had a microfiber cloth one of the hot headers and a small amount of the cloth melted to the pipe.
I was able to use chrome polish to remove it.

I replied to the wrong thread.

Lee
2016 R1200RS
Iowa, USA

reply

Oil change 2018 RS1200 � � Exhaust Header Nuts

Page 2 of 2 � Page 1 2 Page �

RE: Polishing headers - 2