Black stock pipes - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Jay313 · 03-30-2008, 04:40 PM

Since I've mentioned them a couple times elsewhere, I finally got out the camera. I love the look of black pipes, but until $600 falls into my lap (without the wife knowing, of course), this is what my budget allows.

I mentioned in the Stock Pipes thread that what bugged me most about the stock pipes was the look of them from the opposite side of the bike. I think the black is much less obvious. Anyone agree? I actually like the look of these. Feel free to say otherwise, if you don't care for them. Not gonna hurt my feelings either way.

bootsie · 03-30-2008, 05:11 PM

I like it. I was wondering if you could tell me how much it cost you to have done? I am assuming you had them powder coated?

EmwhiteM50L · 03-30-2008, 05:13 PM

I love the way they look! I have been wanting black pipes for mine for a while now!

I would love to have the stock ones coated but I don't really like how the factory pipes step up to different sizes.

Maybe the $600 check will help get me new pipes!! HEHE

Jay313 · 03-30-2008, 05:23 PM

They cost me $5 for a can of Rustoleum Hi-Heat BBQ Black, $5 for a bottle of paint prep solution from the auto parts store, $5 for a pack of assorted emory cloth. I also had to invest in a set of metric hex-end sockets to reach the bolts between the pipes, but that's about it.

I got quotes for powder coating from $200-$225, but I decided to try it myself first and see how it looked. So far, so good. We'll see how it holds up.

bootsie · 03-30-2008, 06:02 PM

UUUMMM!!! Well I guess I have another cheap mod to perform! Thank you

Jay313 · 03-30-2008, 06:52 PM

Have fun bootsie. Couple of things I learned along the way: I chose Rustoleum because it didn't require baking to cure the paint. Both Duplicolor and VHT, which you'll find at auto parts stores, suggest you bake the paint to cure it. VHT had a procedure for running the bike, cooling it, running it, cooling it, etc., to do the trick, but I wasn't convinced the mufflers would get hot enough to cure the paint with that method. I even considered suspending the parts in my smoker over a charcoal fire, but in the end BBQ paint was the simplest.

I found several threads with helpful hints for removing the exhaust. Unfortunately, I didn't save the links, but they shouldn't be too hard for you to locate. Separate the mufflers from the forward pipes for easier handling/painting.

On the prep, take your time. Sand and sand and sand some more. When you finish sanding, wipe them down with the prep solution (or lacquer thinner) to remove dust and oils. Wear latex gloves when applying the solution and when handling the pipes afterwards. You don't want oil from your fingers to get back on them.

I used old speaker wire to hang them up in the garage for painting. Remember to move your wife's car into the driveway, or she'll be really pissed that you "tinted" her windows. Finally, notice on the pictures that I didn't paint the flanges. To my surprise, these "floated" on the pipes. I couldn't figure an easy way to paint them, so I left them alone. Be careful when you remount the pipes, though, because the flanges can slide down and scratch the paint before you even get them back on the bike.

SNAFU · 03-30-2008, 08:08 PM

Nice work.

I think you should paint the air box too.

Nick Mystic · 03-30-2008, 08:16 PM

I have an '07 Limited Edition M50 as well, but I like the look the look of the chrome pipes, so painting them black isn't something I'm likely to do. Nonetheless, it sounds like, and from your photos, it looks like you did a good job. I hope you will post an update sometime in the future to let everyone know how well the paint is holding up. You didn't mention using any primer before your finish coat and I've never had good success painting metal without first applying primer. The paint always seems to scratch off very easily without the primer.

With the chrome finish under the black paint you used I'm thinking if that barbecue paint gets any scratches it's going to be very noticeable. The stock pipes on the M50 seem like they are easy to mar with your boots getting on and off, etc. I hope they work out okay for you.

DOGBONE · 03-30-2008, 08:38 PM

Dude, looks sweet. I guess I could of saved some cash!

(see DOGBONE'S M)

Jay313 · 03-30-2008, 08:41 PM

I go back and forth on the airbox. Wanted to live with the pipes for a while before making a final decision whether to paint it, too.

Waiting and wondering on the long-term success of the paint. The high-heat primers all recommended bare metal only, so I was worried about applying them to the sanded chrome. Good news is they should be easy to touch up. We'll see.

cyclesinct · 03-30-2008, 09:06 PM

Those look amazing! I like those better than the aftermarket blacked out pipes. Keep us up to date on how the wear over time.

ILIKEBUTTERNUTSQUASH · 03-30-2008, 09:27 PM

Right on man, I have never been a fan of the stock pipes, I changed mine the first week I had my bike, but those stock pipes powdercoated look quite nice, good work.

amvince · 03-30-2008, 09:45 PM

Looks good to me. I like the black pipes. I have painted my Air cleaner balack and also my pair valve cover. I went gloss instead of flat. I also have the balck stebel air horn and painted the silver part of that with the Rustolem black. Next may be the brake caliper.

Mario · 03-30-2008, 10:35 PM

now cut them like Everett Keith that would look awesome, that’s his picture from another topic black and cut

ulfire911 · 03-31-2008, 12:40 AM

Are those my old pipes? They look very sharp man! Very cool!

ghostriderchuck · 03-31-2008, 08:21 AM

Very nice job, I love that look, that is the way the pipes should look on this bike.

Jay313 · 03-31-2008, 04:52 PM

Those are your old pipes, Ulfire. (For those who don't know, what set me off on this whole thing was going down and scratching my pipes pretty bad.) Thanks.

Not sure I have the skills to pull off the E. Keith look. I kind of like having a brake light, too.

If I do paint the air cleaner (and pair valve to match both sides of engine), I'm thinking gloss black. I probably would've done the pipes in gloss, but high heat paints seemed to be strictly flat. I'm happy with the result, though. Gloss might have been a bit over the top for an exhaust system.

amvince · 03-31-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay313

Those are your old pipes, Ulfire. (For those who don't know, what set me off on this whole thing was going down and scratching my pipes pretty bad.) Thanks.

Not sure I have the skills to pull off the E. Keith look. I kind of like having a brake light, too.

If I do paint the air cleaner (and pair valve to match both sides of engine), I'm thinking gloss black. I probably would've done the pipes in gloss, but high heat paints seemed to be strictly flat. I'm happy with the result, though. Gloss might have been a bit over the top for an exhaust system.

I post some pics of mine soon. I have both painted gloss black.

03-30-2008, 04:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jay313 Ditch Magnet Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 07 M50 Limited Location: Dallas Posts: 158	Black stock pipes Since I've mentioned them a couple times elsewhere, I finally got out the camera. I love the look of black pipes, but until $600 falls into my lap (without the wife knowing, of course), this is what my budget allows. I mentioned in the Stock Pipes thread that what bugged me most about the stock pipes was the look of them from the opposite side of the bike. I think the black is much less obvious. Anyone agree? I actually like the look of these. Feel free to say otherwise, if you don't care for them. Not gonna hurt my feelings either way. Attached Thumbnails

03-30-2008, 05:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
bootsie In Training Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 05 M50 Location: Farmington MN Posts: 127	I like it. I was wondering if you could tell me how much it cost you to have done? I am assuming you had them powder coated? __________________ Mods -Debadged - Saddlemen Tattoo Profiler - drag bars - 3" lowering kit ( not yet installed )-Diamond Grips -Debaffled stock pipes Planned Mods - a full blackout is underway

03-30-2008, 06:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
bootsie In Training Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 05 M50 Location: Farmington MN Posts: 127	UUUMMM!!! Well I guess I have another cheap mod to perform! Thank you __________________ Mods -Debadged - Saddlemen Tattoo Profiler - drag bars - 3" lowering kit ( not yet installed )-Diamond Grips -Debaffled stock pipes Planned Mods - a full blackout is underway

03-30-2008, 08:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
SNAFU Want's A New Title Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 4,411	Nice work. I think you should paint the air box too. __________________

03-30-2008, 09:06 PM	#11 (permalink)
cyclesinct Kickstand Operator Joined: Feb 2007 Bike: Boulevard M50 Location: Connecticut Posts: 294	Those look amazing! I like those better than the aftermarket blacked out pipes. Keep us up to date on how the wear over time. __________________ '05 M50 black MAPAM backrest Corbin dual tour Highwayman Jumbo Straight Bags Johns Kit forward controls Debaffled exhaust

03-30-2008, 05:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
EmwhiteM50L Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: 2007 Boulevard M50 Limited Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 58	I love the way they look! I have been wanting black pipes for mine for a while now! I would love to have the stock ones coated but I don't really like how the factory pipes step up to different sizes. Maybe the $600 check will help get me new pipes!! HEHE

03-30-2008, 05:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jay313 Ditch Magnet Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 07 M50 Limited Location: Dallas Posts: 158	They cost me $5 for a can of Rustoleum Hi-Heat BBQ Black, $5 for a bottle of paint prep solution from the auto parts store, $5 for a pack of assorted emory cloth. I also had to invest in a set of metric hex-end sockets to reach the bolts between the pipes, but that's about it. I got quotes for powder coating from $200-$225, but I decided to try it myself first and see how it looked. So far, so good. We'll see how it holds up.

03-30-2008, 06:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jay313 Ditch Magnet Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 07 M50 Limited Location: Dallas Posts: 158	Have fun bootsie. Couple of things I learned along the way: I chose Rustoleum because it didn't require baking to cure the paint. Both Duplicolor and VHT, which you'll find at auto parts stores, suggest you bake the paint to cure it. VHT had a procedure for running the bike, cooling it, running it, cooling it, etc., to do the trick, but I wasn't convinced the mufflers would get hot enough to cure the paint with that method. I even considered suspending the parts in my smoker over a charcoal fire, but in the end BBQ paint was the simplest. I found several threads with helpful hints for removing the exhaust. Unfortunately, I didn't save the links, but they shouldn't be too hard for you to locate. Separate the mufflers from the forward pipes for easier handling/painting. On the prep, take your time. Sand and sand and sand some more. When you finish sanding, wipe them down with the prep solution (or lacquer thinner) to remove dust and oils. Wear latex gloves when applying the solution and when handling the pipes afterwards. You don't want oil from your fingers to get back on them. I used old speaker wire to hang them up in the garage for painting. Remember to move your wife's car into the driveway, or she'll be really pissed that you "tinted" her windows. Finally, notice on the pictures that I didn't paint the flanges. To my surprise, these "floated" on the pipes. I couldn't figure an easy way to paint them, so I left them alone. Be careful when you remount the pipes, though, because the flanges can slide down and scratch the paint before you even get them back on the bike.

03-30-2008, 08:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
Nick Mystic In Training Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: Suzuki M50 Limited Edition 2007 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 116	I have an '07 Limited Edition M50 as well, but I like the look the look of the chrome pipes, so painting them black isn't something I'm likely to do. Nonetheless, it sounds like, and from your photos, it looks like you did a good job. I hope you will post an update sometime in the future to let everyone know how well the paint is holding up. You didn't mention using any primer before your finish coat and I've never had good success painting metal without first applying primer. The paint always seems to scratch off very easily without the primer. With the chrome finish under the black paint you used I'm thinking if that barbecue paint gets any scratches it's going to be very noticeable. The stock pipes on the M50 seem like they are easy to mar with your boots getting on and off, etc. I hope they work out okay for you.

03-30-2008, 08:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
DOGBONE Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 93	Dude, looks sweet. I guess I could of saved some cash! (see DOGBONE'S M)

03-30-2008, 08:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jay313 Ditch Magnet Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 07 M50 Limited Location: Dallas Posts: 158	I go back and forth on the airbox. Wanted to live with the pipes for a while before making a final decision whether to paint it, too. Waiting and wondering on the long-term success of the paint. The high-heat primers all recommended bare metal only, so I was worried about applying them to the sanded chrome. Good news is they should be easy to touch up. We'll see.

03-30-2008, 09:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
ILIKEBUTTERNUTSQUASH Seat Tester Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 06 M50 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 51	Right on man, I have never been a fan of the stock pipes, I changed mine the first week I had my bike, but those stock pipes powdercoated look quite nice, good work. __________________

03-30-2008, 09:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
amvince Fifth gear streak Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 07 M50 Black, 06 Ninja 250 Blue Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 1,570	Looks good to me. I like the black pipes. I have painted my Air cleaner balack and also my pair valve cover. I went gloss instead of flat. I also have the balck stebel air horn and painted the silver part of that with the Rustolem black. Next may be the brake caliper. __________________ "ALL I CAN DO IS WHAT I CAN DO"

03-30-2008, 10:35 PM	#14 (permalink)
Mario In Training Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 07 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 145	now cut them like Everett Keith that would look awesome, that’s his picture from another topic black and cut Attached Images __________________

03-31-2008, 12:40 AM	#15 (permalink)
ulfire911 Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 2005 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 94	Are those my old pipes? They look very sharp man! Very cool! __________________ -"Sir...it's not necessary, or wise, to be naked..." -"Pssh, you sound just like my tennis instructor!"

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03-31-2008, 08:21 AM	#16 (permalink)
ghostriderchuck Seat Tester Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Chicopee Massachusetts Posts: 69	Very nice job, I love that look, that is the way the pipes should look on this bike. __________________ There is no shame in just watching the parade go by. Feel free not to jump onto a float and embarrass yourself and/or anyone who might claim knowing you as a character witness.

03-31-2008, 04:52 PM	#17 (permalink)
Jay313 Ditch Magnet Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 07 M50 Limited Location: Dallas Posts: 158	Those are your old pipes, Ulfire. (For those who don't know, what set me off on this whole thing was going down and scratching my pipes pretty bad.) Thanks. Not sure I have the skills to pull off the E. Keith look. I kind of like having a brake light, too. If I do paint the air cleaner (and pair valve to match both sides of engine), I'm thinking gloss black. I probably would've done the pipes in gloss, but high heat paints seemed to be strictly flat. I'm happy with the result, though. Gloss might have been a bit over the top for an exhaust system.