What are you using to clean your headers with ?

cliffa · Apr 18, 2025

bucksfizz said:
Had you been in England, I would recommend a product I use: Harpic 10X household cleaner.
As an active ingredient, it contains hydrochloric acid, and it works extremely well on the 961's stainless steel pipes.
Here's a video explaining its use.
There are comments in the video that give alternative products in the US.

I strongly advise against using Harpic (or similar). Read my experience from this post onwards...

Post in thread 'Cleaning stainless.'

Sep 4, 2024

After cleaning the downpipes on my 961 with Harpic, I was surprised to see what looks like rusty specs on them some time later. So, for anyone reading this, apparently using strong acid such as Harpic is actually harmful to stainless steel as it attacks the chromium content of the stainless alloy, and will allow corrosion to start.

Read more on the care of stainless here…

How to Clean Stainless Steel and Prevent Corrosion

Learn how to clean and protect stainless steel from corrosion with proven methods to extend its lifespan and maintain its pristine appearance.

www.reliance-foundry.com

MAK · Apr 18, 2025

Stephen_Spencer said:
The thread is about cleaning MAK - feel free to add some value to the discussion!

Apologies for the delayed response, I have been out on my bike!
Personally I use solvol for everything, put it on a rag or a sponge and even on my buffing wheel.
Didn’t realise it was that serious, I will behave in future

peebee · Apr 18, 2025

MAK said:
Apologies for the delayed response, I have been out on my bike!
Personally I use solvol for everything, put it on a rag or a sponge and even on my buffing wheel.
Didn’t realise it was that serious, I will behave in future

speirmoor · Apr 18, 2025

I saw this on YT HD a guy with HD pipes and gave it a try because I already had the materials in the garage. Turtlewax rubbing compound and Scotchbrite pad (Red type). Pictures show about 2/3 mins worth of work.

What are you using to clean your headers with ?

City Garage · Apr 18, 2025

Stephen_Spencer said:
Staining on the down tubes is just about impossible to eradicate long term I think. I get a reasonable result using Solvo and a drill mounted buffing bit (relatively low speed) - with care. I have used a similar technique occasionally to really bring up the engine casings and sprocket cover.

We have had success with having pipes ceramic-coated internally, and this really helps almost eradicate the issue. Also, you can coat the pipes black on silver bikes and get a nice contrast.

Taking the pipes off is a 15-minute job if your sensor plugs are accessible. This also gives a chance to look into the exhaust ports as well. Personally we block off the sensors and put stainless plugs in them, Those sensors do little to help the bike. Alternatively, you can add an AFR to your bike in that port rather cheaply.

What are you using to clean your headers with ?

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