Switching to s pipes

Beemer · Aug 24, 2021

Looking at pros and cons. Really like the s pipe configuration . Any tips?

gortnipper · Aug 24, 2021

Maney style pipe, gives approx. +5bhp. Available new from NZ in either black or silver.

HRD · Aug 25, 2021

Beemer said:
Looking at pros and cons. Really like the s pipe configuration . Any tips?

What year is your commando ? What size front tyre /mudguard is fitted because the pipes will contact the front guard if running the larger front guard .

gortnipper · Aug 25, 2021

The Maney repro pipe works fine with a larger guard.

Ron L · Aug 25, 2021

On a '71 or later Commando either of those pipe sets will prevent you from removing the left side cover. On those Commandos the left side cover contains the tool pouch. Maybe a minor issue, but still and issue.

Derek Wilson · Aug 25, 2021

I have fitted a couple of sets over the last year.

A few things I noticed:

-Both sets were from Wassell and required a bit of tweaking to fit and sit properly.
-If you have added gussets to your shock mounts to bolster the rear loop, the muffler hanger bracket won't fit
-The forward heat shields are a bit fragile and the tang that fits behind the jubilee clamp frequently breaks off over time
-As each muffler is only supported by one rubber mount, make sure you use good quality mounts
-Dry fit it and make sure that you don't have to force it into position - any undue stress will cause the mounts to fail or the fractures in the pipes

gortnipper · Aug 25, 2021

Ron L said:
On a '71 or later Commando either of those pipe sets will prevent you from removing the left side cover. On those Commandos the left side cover contains the tool pouch. Maybe a minor issue, but still and issue.

With the Maney style pipe for street bikes, you can remove the roadster style side cover but you have to pull the tank first. The Interstate cover won't work on that side with that pipe, you need to use a roadster cover.

ILLF8ED · Aug 25, 2021

The original S pipe mounting was prone to breaking. Likely the reason Norton stopped production after only 15 months.

Interbak · Aug 26, 2021

illf8ed said:
The original S pipe mounting was prone to breaking. Likely the reason Norton stopped production after only 15 months.

The original mounting bracket on my S system was cracked when I found it in a parts lot about 30 years ago, used it anyway and it’s still going strong. I’ve had the mounts on the mufflers shear off and more recently, the left side pipe fractured at the head weld. Such is life with S pipes.

Deckard · Aug 26, 2021

gortnipper said:
With the Maney style pipe for street bikes, you can remove the roadster style side cover but you have to pull the tank first. The Interstate cover won't work on that side with that pipe, you need to use a roadster cover.

Hmmm. I bought the Maney style but haven't installed yet. Seems like something creative could be done with the sidecover rear pins to allow removal without pulling the fuel tank. I see more fabrication work for the '71 rebuild

Add to the list, exhaust is a priority, and access to tools is always necessary.

mean gene · Aug 28, 2021

these stared life as "S" type head pipes. Rear attaches to support plate. Reverse cone has great sound. Just food for thought

Peavey Jeltz · Aug 28, 2021

How to make friends and influence people with megaphones.

motorson · Aug 28, 2021

I searched for the Steve Maney replica pipes in NZ. Viking Exhaust doesn't seem to have them. What is the NZ source?

gortnipper · Aug 29, 2021

motorson said:
I searched for the Steve Maney replica pipes in NZ. Viking Exhaust doesn't seem to have them. What is the NZ source?

@Brooking 850

Switching to s pipes

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