Replacing exhaust header on 74 850 Roadster

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Niagara850

Niagara850

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My exhaust headers are cracked and leaking (brazed just a few times over the last 36 years) and the exhaust collets (lock rings in Parts List) look like a dog has been chewing on them. I am looking to replace with 750 headers. I like the look better and I understand from forum searches that the aftermarket 850 headers are very prone to cracking. The current set-up has been drilled and wired. I am hoping the threads aren't stripped and there are no other suprises (ya right). What are the pro and cons of sourcing the headers? I see some from the UK and some from the US at ranging $150-$200 a pair. Any tips for replacing? Mike
 
Try Rabers in california. I got 750 style headers for an 850 head with no cross over pipe. They are really nice and thick and well made.
 
I have one suggestion, no matter which ones you pick, attach them to the cradle instead of the Z-plate. Other than that, pipes come in different qualities and sizes/fits. The worst I've had have been Macs, bent over mounting flange let go in about 2 000 miles. Quality wise I've had some nice 11/2" ones from BCS made in England that were nice but the fit left something to be desired. I talked to Mark and he said try them on and send back if the fit wasn't good, but too late as I had already cut them down to fit.

Will
 
willh said:
I have one suggestion, no matter which ones you pick, attach them to the cradle instead of the Z-plate.
Will
Click to expand...

That's not always possible, there are people who like the centerstand.
 
swooshdave said:
willh said:
I have one suggestion, no matter which ones you pick, attach them to the cradle instead of the Z-plate.
Will
Click to expand...

That's not always possible, there are people who like the centerstand.
Click to expand...

I know, but the headers last longer when they're not part of the Iso system, takes all the stress off them by mounting them that way. I thought Ludwig s mounting would work with the center stand, maybe not...
 
willh said:
swooshdave said:
willh said:
I have one suggestion, no matter which ones you pick, attach them to the cradle instead of the Z-plate.
Will
Click to expand...

That's not always possible, there are people who like the centerstand.
Click to expand...

I know, but the headers last longer when they're not part of the Iso system, takes all the stress off them by mounting them that way. I thought Ludwig s mounting would work with the center stand, maybe not...
Click to expand...

I totally agree that's the ideal solution. I'll let you know soon how feasible it is with a centerstand. :mrgreen:
 
I've been through a bunch of headpipes over the years, mostly because they get ugly with time. My original 850 pipes cracked at the crossover weld long ago and I've been using 750 style ever since. Be aware that different vendors bend pipes differently and some of them don't clear the kickstart lever on the right side. I avoid Domi Racer and Emgo. I think Commando Specialties on eBay sells a decent set at reasonable cost.
 
I have Commando Specialties ones on my bike and after a year I'm happy with them.
Fit fine with no fettling.
 
The problem with the aftermarket balanced systems seems to be just bad aligment meaning they are under stress when mounted. I gave up and used 750 style pipes but there are some nasty versions out there with turned flanges that fracture after a while. The set I have on now I got from Mick Hemmings and they fit perfectly, deep chrome and solidly made. Mick does offer balanced ones but he didn't reccomend them. One thing you need to check is that the flanges don't bottom out in the head before the pipes are tight. I had some 3mm spacers made up to sit alongside the gasket but you could use two gaskets.
 
The Commando Specialty pipes caught my eye with a good price at $139.95 US which comes to $144 Cdn. Mick Hemming's is close at $164 Cdn (l 99.80) . I got a price of $195 from Moto Montreal for UK orginated pipes. I have no problem paying an extra 20 bucks for quality but if they are the same I'll go with Commando Specialty. Its nice to see exchange rates working in my favour for a change, I was in England 4 years ago and the conversion rate was 2.54 vs 1.64... and Cdn /US converstion was 76 vs 98 cents.
 
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