Here`s something you Aussies don`t have to contend with!

[Mincehead]

Yamaha`s ridiculous idea of using alloy collars around steel exhaust studs WITHOUT generous clearance. The alloy collars oxidise and grow, the steel studs do the same, then electrolysis due to nice winter `salty` deluge does the rest and it`s a barsteward to get the ferkers off!
I had to be brutal with this one even after having the alloy collars red with a blow torch it was resort to a ten inch cold chisel persuader in the end!

Exhaust collar 001.JPG

If you click on the image you can see it much more clearly.
So, one down the other to go and exhaust studs to replace, one to drill out so far but likely at least one of the other side will break off too.
I was amazed that the nuts (also steel and should ALWAYS be brass) came undone but I had been applying Plus Gas to the collars liberally for months as I knew the day was coming whereby I had to set about getting them off.

[dandywarhol]

I guess you're not into Scottish Nationalism then mince..................

[Mincehead]

Oh no I`m all for it but it`s a huge mistake if it`s attempted, Scotland simply cannot support itself away from Westminsters hand-outs.
The tea towel although new is destined for rag, I`m not in the least a proud Brit type, get on with anyone from anywhere and firmly believe that`s how it should be too.

[bagmaker]

Sounds like a bummer, Mince,
Unfortunately I cant see the pictures any more after I poked out my eyes because of your Tea-towel

[Mincehead]

My Mum collected tea towels and when my parents died I found literally hundreds of them some really naff ones too like the Union Jack.
I could use them as intended but seeing as they`re all clean they make perfect lint free rags.

[Stu99]

Those exhaust collars and studs can make for colorful cursing at the best of times, but the extra weathering and corrosion you guys have to cope with over there would require a whole new verbal rainbow of invective.

[Stankflapper]

Now that would not happen if you kept your bike parked in the garage, and polished it while drinking........... Another plus for alcohol

[Con Rod]

I decided to have a look at mine this evening. Living in Sydney but we have had a fair bit of lousey weather and I commute on the TRX so it has seen a fair bit of rain.

The exhaust was off in January and today I found a fair bit of corrosion, although not the the same extent.

Pretty surprising given the short mount of time since it was last off.

I bought some M8 316 stainless all thread when I did the resto with the intention of replacing the studs but never got around to it. Will have to add that to my to do list

[Mincehead]

Yes marine grade stainless studs will be going back in (316) with full, maybe even home made BRASS dome nuts too. Oh and if I do ever fit the stock pipes again I`ll be utilising the split collars (early Kawasaki ZX10) that I already have. Like these ones :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KAWASAKI-ZX-1 ... 3cba90187a

Oh and Stank, garage? No such luxury I`m afraid, Motrax covers and ACF50 are all that protect two of my bikes all year round.

[BigAl-TC]

I beg to differ Mince, both my rex's had me cussing getting the original's off. We might not have salted roads but it still happen's here.

[Stu99]

Oh well Mince, at least you Britts and Scotts don't have to contend with this grit and salt.

[Stankflapper]

Orrrr having this thing swan up to you when you pull up on your TRX asking for some Sun lotion to be rubbed in...

[Mincehead]

We have those too Stank, FFS it`s not the dark ages over here you know:



Ok the Scots diet doesn`t bode well for the skinny look, I grant you that.

Oh and Stu. we DO have beautiful white sand beaches up here too you know:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirkvdw/551162014/

551162014_aa1bc1a9c0_z.jpg

[Kenny]

I know what beach Id be on given the choice lol

[Mincehead]

Me too the one without the four deep fried pizza eating truffle hunters on!