Topic: Repro standard pipes - opinions?

[ozpacman]

Hi guys,

Has anyone bought a set of these reproduction pipes to suit a CB750 K7?  I'm keen to hear opinions on the overall quality as well as fit and finish.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Reproduction-Honda-CB750K-1977-78-Exhaust-Muffler-/350871957478?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51b1992fe6&vxp=mtr

Looking at the some of the rusty used rubbish on ebay, I'm thinking that these pipes represent pretty good value.

Russ.

[Wobbly]

Although they are not genuine Honda parts, they are OEM made in Japan by the same factory. Considering what you had to pay for NOS pipes several years ago, they are a real bargain. I can highly recommend them. They are just like the genuine thing--only brand new.

[ozpacman]

Thanks for your reply Wobbly.

Are they as quiet as they were when new?  I'm kind of hoping that they may have left out a baffle or two for a nice burble - all in the interests of letting the moisture out so they last longer of course!

The price is certainly attractive.  I'm assuming you had no issues with fit and finish?

Cheers,

Russ.

[RAFster122s]

I wonder if a set of tire warmer style heating blankets that put out low heat to warm the pipes enough to evaporate the moisture when the bike is sitting would help reduce the issue? Thinking of a blanket with velcro fasteners to secure that is applied after the exhaust is cooled enough. Then it keeps the pipes dry until you are ready to ride again.  Would take discipline to apply as it would take a little while for the pipes to cool enough for a non abrasive material liner to handle.

[ozpacman]

That's an interesting point RAFster.  Maybe some heat lamps placed near the mufflers might do the trick?

Back in the day in Australia we we running around on leaded fuel which used to rust motorcycle exhausts in very quick time.  Even car exhausts had a very short lifespan compared to nowadays.  Once we changed over to unleaded they seemed to last a heck of a lot longer.  I think we only got rid of leaded fuel in about 1985 or thereabouts.

Russ 

[ekpent]

Maybe a little touch of two stroke oil in the fuel once in a while when tank gets low would 'oil' them up on the inside a little. Original smoker pipes usually don't have too much problem with rot from the inside.

[Pecantree]

Bought a set of HM341 reproductions from Bike Bandit about 2 years ago.
Dissapointed in the quality of the chrome. Ok for daily running but not for a show bike.
The #1-2 pair had to shim about 1/4" between the pipes at the foot peg for the rear crossover to line up .
Otherwise from the rear the exhaust would look like this. O   
                                                                                          O                         
The # 3-4 pair had to grind some at the same point to get the crossover to line up.
Also, just had the engine out  and noticed some rust bubbles on the inside bottom's of the mufflers.

Disappointing, BUT I would buy them again.
I like the stock look and sound of them.
Much better than the swiss cheese stocks I had when I bought the bike.

Good luck with whatever you do
Steve

[Wobbly]

Russ,
I am still running original mufflers (second set) in excellent condition, and I have yet another complete N.O.S. set tucked away along with N.O.S. tanks, side covers and other treasures. But I know this set vey well. Classic Motorcycle Supply in the Netherlands had them made in Japan. They are like the original set and fit perfect. So is the quality: perfect. You will be happy. Perhaps unfortunate, but they are just as quiet as the original Honda part. I am absolutely certain that you will be delighted though. Ten years ago, before this set appeared, people would have killed for a new set. Get it.

This is what others are saying: http://www.cmsnl.com/products/01800-405-779-muffler_01800405778/#reviews

[Pecantree]

Oz...

Sorry, just realized your talking K7. No experience with them.
I was referring to K6 and earlier.

Good luck.

[ozpacman]

Thanks very much for your replies everyone. 

The K7 I've bought is still in the USA and I am working through the processes to ship it to Australia.  In the photos I can see that the right lower muffler has a little bit of scrape damage on the underside but I'll wait till I see it and then make a decision.  The other three pipes look in excellent condition so it may be that I'll end up replacing just the one to make it nice again. 

The way I see it is that the four pipe set up on the early Honda fours is just so iconic that they are one of the main focal points of the bike - therefore they have to be nice!

This is only my second post on this forum but I must say I'm impressed with the participation of the members - thanks again!

Russ