When it comes to motorcycle exhaust, the pipes can get very hot. Due to the proximity of the rider’s legs to the exhaust, accidental burns occur quite frequently. These burns can often be severe and require a significant amount of recovery time. Fortunately, there are inexpensive products available that can protect motorcyclists from accidental contact with exhaust pipes.
Motorcycle exhaust wrap is the leading solution for protecting motorcyclists from contact with exhaust pipes. These wraps are extremely easy to apply and are very durable, even for those installing them on exhaust systems for off-road vehicles such as an ATV or dirt bike. And the good news is that these wraps are usually very inexpensive and well worth the protection they offer.
Due to the ease of access to motorcycle exhaust systems, most people first remove the exhaust before wrapping it. In doing so, it allows easy access to tricky corners and enables optimal wrap that covers even the most complex turns. Regardless, most wraps are flexible enough to be applied without removing the exhaust system. The ones with straight pipes usually just install the wrap with the exhaust system still on the bike.
Exhaust wraps are typically made from fiberglass or pulverized lava rock. Those who install fiberglass wraps should use a layer of high temperature silicone on the installed wrap to protect it from dirt, grease and other debris. However, exhaust wrap made from pulverized lava rock naturally repels most contaminants on its own. Depending on the level of thermal protection desired and appearance, fiberglass wraps may be preferred to the dull gold color of most powdered lava rock wraps.
The thermal protection offered by the different types of motorcycle exhaust wraps is quite significant. Wraps made from fiberglass are typically rated at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, while pulverized lava rock wraps are rated much higher at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. While many desire the added thermal protection, it is important to note that no high color temperature silicone coating will properly adhere to motorcycle exhaust wrap made from powdered lava rock. Therefore, many motorcycle owners ultimately choose fiberglass wraps to suit their personal color preferences.
While motorcycle exhaust wrap will not prevent all burns, it will greatly limit the severity of accidental contact with the exhaust pipes. In many cases, a complete motorcycle exhaust wrap can be purchased for less than fifty dollars and includes everything needed to wrap most exhaust systems. Most exhaust wrap kits include two rolls of wrap, stainless steel zip ties and high temperature silicone spray. And for less than $50, the extra rider protection is well worth the minimal expense.