Motorcycles are not like cars and while someone can drive a car without knowing much about the engine, it is recommended that anyone who owns or drives a motorcycle have a basic understanding of the engine and how to perform minor and temporary repairs. The simple point behind this is that motorcycle engines will fail and getting stuck on the side of the road is never much fun. Motorcycles tend to break down more often than cars and most motorcyclists will tinker with their engine anyway to make custom tune-ups and install performance parts. Knowing the basics of your motorcycle engine can lead to a quick or temporary fix so you can move on until you can find a trusted mechanic to do a more thorough repair job.

Due to the work an exhaust does, there are a number of problems that can occur with the part and the entire exhaust system. Remember, the exhaust is basically the garbage chute for your bike’s reaction exhaust gases and the inside and outside of an exhaust can get very hot when you ride. Your exhaust and trailing pipes can experience a number of common problems, including overheating, which will cause a “bluing” effect on the tips of the pipes. Even with polished chrome finishes, heat will cause the pipes to turn bluish or black over time. Although this may only seem like a cosmetic issue over time, excessive heat can cause parts to deteriorate, which can cause harmful gases to be released in all directions.

Since heat is your main concern, consider the different ways you can maintain the temperature in the exhaust so it doesn’t overheat and what you can do if the system suffers deterioration or even punctures due to excessive heat. One option for preparing bikes ahead of time is to install high-quality chrome heat shields. Often double or triple chrome heat shields are designed to fit most standard motorcycle drag pipes and come complete with clips for mounting. Heat shields will provide a few extra layers of protection to lessen the damaging effects of heat and reduce bluing. Heat shields not only protect the exhaust system, but also add a brilliant chrome finish to your motorcycle’s exterior.

Another tip to preserve your motorcycle’s exhaust is to periodically rotate the tubes if you have twin tubes. The gas is not always evenly distributed and if you did a custom install with an aftermarket exhaust it is recommended that you rotate the exhaust pipes so that if there is excess heat on one side you can moderate the effect it has in your pipes. You should check all motorcycle engine parts regularly for optimal performance, but your main concern is regulating the heat in the engine.

Other ideas for cooling a motorcycle exhaust include installing cooling brackets and using an air or liquid cooling system on the engine. You may also consider using a carbon fiber exhaust system with a carbon fiber exhaust cover, as carbon fiber heats up much more slowly than metal.