CB/CL Exhaust Bracing Question

[TheBullitt]

I'm working on wrapping up my CB/CL build and am trying to decide on which headers to run. The bike is technically for my wife but most likely I'll ride it more. I have both headers for this bike, CB and CL. I really want the high pipes but my wife is worried about burning her legs. To make matters worse (for her), I'm not planning to run heat shields at all...just header tape.

Question for you is:
Assuming CB headers - Can I just connect the headers at the engine and run them with mini cones or do they have to be braced somewhere near where the headers and mufflers connect as well?

Assuming CL headers - If I am not running the stock mufflers - maybe headers only - what is the best way to brace them? Does someone actually sell a piece? Striking out on Bike Bandit, etc.

Thanks!

 

[redbiker]

I won't be much help with the rigging of the exhaust. I do know that engine performance can be enhanced/decreased by exhaust system. Hopefully one of the guru's here will answer.

As far as your wife burning her leg on CL pipes, I have a pair of expensive nylon riding pants that are rather nicely melted and singed down a bit above my ankles from regular pipes. It took a year or two, but it happens.

Do you plan on using "all the gear all the time" as the saying goes. Even leather chaps will protect her from the heat. An extra layer of leather in the area the pipes are will do even better. Get some scrap leather and sew a patch for the protection. A lot of tack and saddlery shops, shoe makers, and hobby stores would be good sources of the scraps.
There are 2 types of riders, those who have already crashed and those who will. I've been down, it wasn't a fun 3 month recovery. I didn't have, let alone wear, any protective gear. I do now. Heck, a long time ago, I fell over while stopped at a stop light. Broke a finger. Fancy protective gear would not have helped.

ride safe.

 

[Flugtechnik]

Yes, you need to support your exhaust somewhere else besides just at the cylinder head or something at that attachment will eventually break.

Try a little experiment. Pick up you exhaust and only hold it at the end that goes into the engine. Make sure they are pointing straight back, one header in each hand. If you can actually do that, then jump up and down as high as you can and keep them in that position. You won't. That is what you would be asking you engine to do.

Now hold both headers at the engine attachment in one hand and hold the other ends in the other hand so they are level. Easy. Now jump up and down. Easy.

Experiment over.


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