Topic: Loss of power/strange white residue after exhaust install

[zeech]

Here's a quick background of what I recently did.

1) Removed stock throttle assembly/starter
2) Replaced with Motion Pro throttle and push button starter
3) Removed exhaust to replace oil pan
4) Touched up paint on exhaust and reinstalled

Now, when on the freeway I seem to have a lot less power and I'm wide open on the throttle only pushing around 70, whereas before these recent changes I always had another 1/2 inch or so of rotation to easily go 90. I checked and the carbs are opening all the way with the new motion pro throttle so I don't think it's that.

When I reinstalled the pipes they seem to fit nice, snug and tight. I also painted the pipes with some Rustoleum Enamel spray. Now with this loss of power I'm also seeing some strange white powder residue only up near the flanges which appears to be maybe exhaust leaking, or maybe it's just the paint burning off? I also noticed on my bike that it's missing the gaskets (part #18291-390-000) but I haven't had an issues before this.

Either way, the performance loss is what troubles me most. Any ideas what I can check for?

[flybox1]

didnt you install new crush rings before re-installing your exhaust?
best to pick out the old ones and put new ones in for a tight seal.

[zeech]

Is that what these are? Like I said, I don't even see them, unless they are fused in there and need to be picked out.

[Black 750K8]

Yep that is what those are. So you just change out and did not know you need gaskets in there? You need to get four new ones every time you take them off. The old ones may be in there they can be black and hard to see. Get a sharp pick and scratch around look for copper. Then dig them out. Look again I have found them 2 deep stacked on each other.

[zeech]

Ahh cool. Yea I didn't know I needed new ones each time. Could that be a source of the lost performance due to loss of pressure? I'll take the whole exhaust off and see what I can find.

I need to heli-coil a few of the stud holes as well.

[mono]

+1 on the exhaust gaskets.  since you know you're getting full range-of-motion from the new throttle cable, it's the only thing you listed that would cause any kind of issue.

[flybox1]

those copper crush rings are usually smooshed in there really good and carbon covered/hard to see.  get a small pick or awl and gently pick them out. 
4 new ones, with solid studs, will seal you right up.

they're cheap, and i always make sure i have 4 extras for the next oil change.
when i place another order, 4 more are always included.

[zeech]

Great thanks for the help guys. Just picked up 8 from the local Honda dealer for cheap. Going to go through all the studs and make sure they are good before putting these in there. Will report back with any performance gains or lack thereof.