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Motorcycle Chrome defects on Custon Exhaust System

2007

I have a new custom chopper type motorcyle. I purchased an after-market custom exhaust system (V&H) right after the bike was bought. I noticed that the chrome finished exhaust pipes have very small (.5-.75mm) tear-drop / irregular shaped discolorations within the finish. At first I thought it was tar or bugs and really but a good cleaning and polishing to the pipes. This just made them real shiny and did not remove the 'marks'. I spoke with the manufacturer and they said something must have been spilled and/or splashed onto the pipe's chrome to cause this discoloration. These tear-drop / irregular shaped marks are even / flush with the chrome surface and look to be intergral with the finish (to my bare eyes). There is no 'pittin' or uneveness in the surface.

I was wondering if the chroming process did this or are they possibly correct in saying something chemical caused the discoloration?

Any help would be most appreciated. I can send photos if needed.

William C. Vincent
Architect & Biker - Hartville, Ohio

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2007

Sounds to me like something dripped on the pipes. Maybe battery acid ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] or oven cleaner ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . The only fix is to replate.

I don't exactly know what the problem is with your pipes, but I have plated literally thousands of exhuast pipes and can most likely fix yours
Regards,

Frank DeGuire
- St. Louis, Missouri, USA