One year with my 1250R

tima said:

After the first heat cycle... FAIL. I tried to follow directions to the T, but obviously it didn't work. Back to the drawing board. 👎

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Sorry to see this!

Oh well. It didn't work out. I'll have to figure on something else. I'll contact VHT to get their opinion.

It looked ok at first..lol

tima said:

Oh well. It didn't work out. I'll have to figure on something else. I'll contact VHT to get their opinion.

It looked ok at first..lol

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Do you need to replace gaskets every time you take the exhaust off?

You're supposed to. I won't unless they leak. I suspect (hope) they'll last for a few re-installs.

Did you wipe down the header with acetone before application? Just checking, as if the surface is too smooth, and has ANY oils, the paint won't stick.

No, I didn't use acetone. I used a degreaser and Dawn dish soap. I ran a second heat cycle and a little more is peeling off, closest to the exh port. I thought I cleaned it really well. Apparently not.

tima said:

After the first heat cycle... FAIL. I tried to follow directions to the T, but obviously it didn't work. Back to the drawing board. 👎

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That's a real shame. I will be getting my exhaust back this week I will let you know how much it cost.

tima said:

I was disappointed at first, but you know the saying, 'no balls, no blue chips'? Now I know how to r/r the exh manifold..lol

If the portion from the collector back stays like this, I might just wrap the header portion and call it a day.. We'll see.

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If you notices on my bike the rear half looks fine with 130k on it.

Hey Tima, now come your Akra has springs? My black one doesn't (it was one of the deal-breakers for me). Or maybe it's a different model? Does it have the 2 outlets, like mine? Just curious. Anyway, sorry all of your work didn't pay off. Not sure I'm right, since I'm not a painter, but that peeling looks at least in part like a lack of prep. You could give it a second try, cleaning everything perfectly, and finishing with alcohol (and gloves, of course). If not, you'd have to spend the money on a 'jet hot' coat. Good luck.

My Akra has springs because it was originally bought for my Tiger. I modified it to fit this bike.

Still mulling over what I’m going to do with my pipe.

Edit 4/11 --- I was just informed Jet-Hot has received my exhaust. 4 weeks until it's ready to send back...will re-visit this then...🤚