Bending bicycle engine exhaust

sisdavid · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 11:40 PM

Anyone know how to bend the exaust so it will fit a frame, or bend it the way you want it. Heat it up, or will that chip the chrome off.

Can Harm Hen · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 12:00 AM

I went to the art department workshop on campus and borrowed their acetylene torch. Did the trick, but it leaves the pipe discolored. Doesn't bother me a bit, as long as it works.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 05:50 AM

For the best results, fill the pipe with sand, heat it cherry red in an area about 3-4" long and bend it over a curved object like a big steel pipe or other steel object about the radius of the bend you want.

The sand reduces the possibility of kinking the pipe. You will ruin the chrome.

Some have bent the pipe slightly (less than an inch to clear the pedal crank of front fenders on some bikes) with no heat, if you want to try a moderate bend (under 45 degrees) without heat, still use the other steps above.

**CRUISER** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 07:52 AM

i personally could not bend it at all so opted to bend the crank out a little to clear the exaust which was a hole lot easier

Can Harm Hen · #5 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 01:44 PM

I took a sledgehammer to the pipe and it didn't bend. Propane torches don't get hot enough either.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #6 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 06:03 PM

Oxy/Acetyline will.

cityevader · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRUISER

i personally could not bend it at all so opted to bend the crank out a little to clear the exaust which was a hole lot easier

The crank bent before the exhaust! Holy mackerel!!!
Perhaps my mountain biking background has my perception of cranks trapped, but I can't even fathom bending a crank. Perhaps street bikes or cruisers are not built as stout?

You could take you're pipe to a muffler shop, not only do they have the right torch, but will also have a tubing bending tool. If they have the right die set, you could possibly bend it without heat or cracking off the chrome, depending on the amount of bend of course.

**CRUISER** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 05:37 AM

lol well my pedal bicycle their is no way i would bend the crank however i only pedal my motorized bicycle enough to get it started so was not worried about it and it did the trick

thatsdax · #9 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 10:34 PM

Protect the exhaust pipe with wood in a vise. Bend it slowly. No heat needed. You may have to stand up and pull on it. But make sure you block it off with wood to not damage the chrome. Bend it slow so the chrome will not peel. Enjoy the ride...