Triumphrat

Tunker2 · 07-23-2008

I am about to embark on wrapping my headers and have a few questions for those of you who have done this (successfully):

1. Where is a decent place (online) to purchase the black-colored tape?
2. Do I need any other supplies aside from the tape itself to complete the project?
3. I assume I remove the headers to get a better wrap but again, this is only an assumption.
4. Any other tips, tricks, etc. worth sharing?

Thanks much.

By the way, I was a "good member" and searched the forum first prior to asking the question. However, my experience using this search function has not been positive:

1. It is NOT keyword friendly and many times, my searches end up with "zero results" (even for what I would consider popular topics).
2. About 50% of the time, I receive the following error message:
"Your submission could not be processed because a security token was missing or mismatched. If this occurred unexpectedly, please inform the administrator and describe the action you performed before you received this error."

Tunker2 · 07-23-2008

One more question...

What are most people using on the Thruxton headers... 1" or 2" wide wrap?

Thanks.

BigDummy · 07-23-2008

I've used 2" on smaller diameter pipes without an issue, 1" might make you crazy.
Other than a set of clamps and a bottle of water you're ready to go with the wrap. Take the pipes off, I can't imagine the headache of wrapping them while on the bike.

Mmmmm, fiberglass in the ole' finger webbing...

Tunker2 · 07-23-2008

Very cool, thanks.

When you refer to "set of clamps" do mean the 6 metal ones (that come with the wrap) used to secure the tape at various points on the headers? Also, the spray water bottle? I assume this is not for a wet t-shirt contest in my garage but serves some other function. Please share.

Thanks again!

BigDummy · 07-23-2008

Wet down the wrap, but you don't need to submerge it in water. Also, pull that **** tight; nothing worse than a sloppy, sagging wrap job.
Yeah, those are the clamps I mean.

Baltobonneville · 07-24-2008

Can't imagine why you'd want to uglify your bike like that.

mrknowitalltoo · 07-24-2008

I've used DEI's 1" black wrap from http://www.atlanticspeed.com on (2) bikes, an '88 Heritage Classic & '07 Thruxton. With 1" wrap you don't have to wet it to get it pulled tight & you can wrap while the exhaust is on the bike.

When wrapping you're either anchoring the header and holding the wrap or anchoring the wrap and holding the header. If you take the exhaust off the bike, it's pretty difficult to anchor the header (which leaves you holding the header). I found it hard to get nice, tight, EVEN wraps that way. I get much better wraps when holding the wrap. And, what better way to anchor the header (than to leave it on the bike). I think it's only possible that way if you use the 1" wrap. It will take longer (& use more length) that's for sure, but I think it looks better in the end.

Also, on the Thruxton (starting @ the cylinder end) I used just a plain ol' s.s. hose clamp. I wrapped all the way back to the joint for the cans and used Triumph's original clamp (wrap & exhaust joint clamped together). That way, the wrap is held in only (2) spots, and (1) of those was already on the bike. Sorry, I don't have any pics yet.

o.k. then...

Pancho 3030 · 07-25-2008

Two things, first, Tunker, you are right, I can't figure out the search engine either. Anything I put in comes back with a prompt that says I haven't used enough words. Second, would you let me know what advantage, wrapping the pipes gives. I would like to know the theory behind it. I can understand it from a riders comfort point of veiw but does the wrap effect performance?

Tunker2 · 07-25-2008

From what I have been told...

Wrapping headers maintains hotter exhaust gases which will exit the system faster through decreased density. This produces increased exhaust scavenging, as well as lower intake temperatures.
Not sure if that is 100% accurate or not but I thought it was worth the $40 investment to try.

markbvt · 07-29-2008

Do the header wrap because you like the way it looks, not because it will increase performance, because it's not going to make a noticeable difference. The only way you might benefit is if you frequently ride in cold temps -- I noticed after I removed the AI from my Bonneville that there'd be some hesitation on throttle roll-on around 60-70mph in 5th gear in temps under 55 degrees or so (high airflow, relatively low revs; presumably the cylinder head and/or exhaust in the headers was being overcooled). Wrapping the headers solved that issue. But it didn't make the bike feel stronger otherwise or anything.

Use the 2" wrap, spray it down with water as you wrap and pull it tight. No need to pull the headers off the bike. If you use the black wrap and want it to stay black, make sure you get the preservative spray that's recommended for use with the wrap. Without the spray, the wrap will quickly begin to fade.

And get used to getting a steambath anytime you ride in the rain and have to stop at a traffic light.

--mark