Header Wrap Report

[N2Roost]

I've read some very interesting threads on this issue. I'm thinking of wrapping my stock headpipe to the clamp as my tank sits very close the head pipe and for a margine of safety for burn prevention. I sometimes play ride in So Cal mountains... I've had brush stick between my guard and pipe and start smoking. If my pipe was wrapped I'd remove the guard.

I came accross a thread where a DRZ had issues with tempering the metal which lead to cracking. I also read an opinion that stated more heat is sent down the pipe to areas that were not designed for the higher temps / they also mentioned the silencer will get hotter. I'm only interested in covering the first 12 inches or so...

I'd like to hear from people who've had wrap on their bikes for a year or longer who could pass on their experience.

[SRT426]

I wrapped my 01 YZ426 and I have had no problems (except for my recent crash where I tore it). I mainly did it to keep from burning my pants, but it also keeps the fuel line cool coming outta my desert tank. I don't belive you can wrap just a small portion though, It is my understaning you need to wrap it all the way to the can to avoid a possible hot/cold spot on the header pipe . Do a search and you'll find alot of info on this subject. When you buy the wrap don't get it from a parts store, I got a 50'x1" roll off of Amazon.com for like $15 (and it took almost the whole 50' doing 1/2" overlap)

[grayracer513]

I mainly did it to keep from burning my pants, but it also keeps the fuel line cool coming outta my desert tank.

These are the only two real advantages; insulating nearby components (or people) from the exhaust heat. Insulating the header of a 4 foot long exhaust system will not increase the exhaust gas temperature at the outlet or elsewhere within the system significantly.

[mkporn]

I have tried several types. They all work well for some time, just be warned that not only will a crash tear it, but so will the pressure washer and brush.

[BIG HAL]

I use it too... And yes keep the Pressure washer off it... Make sure you tie it with mechanics wire or safety wire..

[usmcpaul]

After a couple of crashes and 2 burns to my daughters leg I wrapped her

crf150f's head pipe last year. There have been no ill effects on the pipe yet. I know it's not an exact comparison so take it for what it's worth.

I used hose clamps to secure it to the pipe and they worked great.

[BIG HAL]

Hose clamps look bad..

[usmcpaul]

But work great, due to large clamping surface area. The safety wire had a tendency to not hold as well, so I started to use the clamps.

[mkporn]

get a quality t-bolt style hose clamp and turn the nut and tee in. It is a solid strap so you wont have the little cuts like a standard hose clamp has and the t-bolt portion can be positioned so it is hidden mostly by the pipe and only if you look close will you actually see it.

Looks better than safety wire or a standard hose clamp.

[N2Roost]

...but it also keeps the fuel line cool coming outta my desert tank.

I found a melted spot on my fuel line... that was close.

When you buy the wrap don't get it from a parts store, I got a 50'x1" roll off of Amazon.com for like $15 (and it took almost the whole 50' doing 1/2" overlap)

Are you saying it's all the same stuff so buy the cheapest I can find?

These are the only two real advantages; insulating nearby components (or people) from the exhaust heat.

This is what I'm interested in. I don't like the looks and I have issues with using it desert racing. I have a feeling it's going to get chewed up and REALLY look like a mess.

Insulating the header of a 4 foot long exhaust system will not increase the exhaust gas temperature at the outlet or elsewhere within the system significantly.

Sounds reasonable... common sense always prevails. There seems to be many varied opinions and theories. That's why I'm primarily seeking advice from riders who've used it and can pass on their experience.

I have tried several types. They all work well for some time, just be warned that not only will a crash tear it, but so will the pressure washer and brush.

Is there one type you recommend over others & why? I don't pressure wash so that won't be an issue but crashing sure will be. I think I'll wrap it and leave the stock pipe guard on.

Make sure you tie it with mechanics wire or safety wire..

I've seen on Harleys they wrap stainless wire about every 2 to 3 inches. I guess I'll go every 2 inches to minimize tears or at least keep them from unraveling from a tear. I have a fresh headpipe and it's still off of the bike... this should be easy I hope.

...I wrapped her crf150f's head pipe last year. There have been no ill effects on the pipe yet. I know it's not an exact comparison so take it for what it's worth.

Is it Ti? The stock headpipe is so thin I'm worried about it getting too hot... sounds like it'll be OK though.

Thanks for your posts everyone!!

[BIG HAL]

Dont worry about all this stuff.. GEEZ You'll be fine I think the problem here is too many ideas for one solution. Wrap it like you dont want anymore kids!! LOL!!!

[nap__kxf]

These are the only two real advantages; insulating nearby components (or people) from the exhaust heat. Insulating the header of a 4 foot long exhaust system will not increase the exhaust gas temperature at the outlet or elsewhere within the system significantly.

i'd do it to keep from burning my pants just because of how much they are, i had a brand new pair of fox pants that ran me $180 and i was bulldogging my bike down this one hill (couldn't get her sideways, front tire kept sliding. grr.) and burned a few holes in my pants. so yeah it would have been worth it.

[stnkbg1]

I wrapped the headpipe on my YZ400 mainly to keep from burning pants, and so far it's worked great. I just started at the rearmost portion (most visible) did a double layer to hold the tail end, then used a hose clamp right up where it bolts to the motor. With the radiator, frame and everything else in the way you have to really look to see the clamp. Came out looking very clean.

Dallas

[INJURY_69]

can you post a pic?

[Wes Woodin]

can you post a pic?

Yes, lets see some pics