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.
Bending bicycle engine exhaust
- Thread starter sisdavid
- Start date
Re: Bending exaust
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.
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.
Re: Bending exaust
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.
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.
Re: Bending exaust
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
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
I took a sledgehammer to the pipe and it didn't bend. Propane torches don't get hot enough either.
Re: Bending exaust
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.
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.
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...
It takes nuton to warp the flange where the pipe bolts to the moter, warped mine finally welded a new flange on top of the old one. After porting it had become too weak. Be careful.
i wonder if i could bend my 1 piece crank 1 1/2" so it would clear my wide engine? i know its solid steel,cause my power saw wont cut threw it.
right now im using a 3 piece crank,its falling apart,want to go back to 1 piece.
right now im using a 3 piece crank,its falling apart,want to go back to 1 piece.
I bent my exhaust pipe by using a MAPP/Propane torch set. They're available at
any Home Depot or Lowes for about $39.00. Just clamp the flanged end in a vise
with wood or soft jaws, heat an area about 1-2 inches long while applying pressure.
It will dull the chome, but I wire wheeled the surface very lightly and it looks fine.
First BBQ your exhaust then jam it between a fork in a tree, shove a big screwdriver in the end of the exhaust and leaver to your own desire
A bit of ketchup helps with the discolouration of the chrome. LOL and dont forget to clean the plate with beer.
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..... all kidding aside, heating your muffler in a grill would help bend it much easier