Exhaust re-chroming

[Colin]

Just got my Valkyrie delivered today from the UK. 

Just getting ready to start stripping it this weekend as the front mudguard needs a re-paint and most of the chrome needs re-plating as it has sat at the seaside for the last 11 years of its life. Most of the bits I can take off and get re-done. The bits that have me stumped are the exhaust pipes. Looking in the Clymer manual and on line it looks as though the chrome is just a cover, is this correct? With the tips and the centre section being two separate parts. This is a photo of one of the tips
 
 

with the second one in the background and this is a photo of the left side centre section



where the chrome seems worn through and the copper plating is showing.

My question is Do the exhausts strip easily or is it a PITA job?

Any other help or advice is most welcome.

If you want to see some more photos of what I have taken on they are here

[Mikey]

My advice on the exhaust is to get some stacks, and call it good. You would loose the triple tip, but I know a lot of guys on here like the 4" truck stacks. It'd be cheaper than re-plating too

[Colin]

Mikey, Can you tell me what you mean by 4" truck stacks please? That is not something I am familiar with this side of the pond. 

Colin

[Mikey]

Here's a link, it's got a couple of pics. Different lengths, cuts, etc.

http://airflo.com/valkyrie.html

The nicest thing about them (in my humble opinion) is that they get rid of the rear seam, between the muffler and the tip. The downside is once you put them on... they're pretty much on there for good.

[G-Man]

The parts you are showing in the pics are all replacable.  They really are just covers.  I wouldn't bother fixing them.

[JimC]

I would not re-chrome them either,
If it was mine I would look for a used set or go with the truck stacks.
I have seen used sets in like new condition go for as little as $300 most are in the area of $400, but that would still be cheaper than re-chroming unless you know someone that does it.
The other option would be to take them and have them powder coated the color of your choice.
Jim

[mirion]

Go to the "All About Pipes" section of Shoptalk to better understand what your options are....


http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/

[Black Sled]

FYI - A new set of triple tips like yours cost about $200.  They are made by Hondaline. 

The chrome on the cans is clamped/strapped onto the baffle can.  Your headers would be the tough thing to fix.

I notice there are several sets of stock pipes on ebay right now.

Good luck - hope you enjoy the bike.

[Colin]

All, thank you very much for the advice and the links. Lots of reading and saving to do. Shipping from the US to Europe is so expensive and then there is the import and taxes to pay 

Colin

[NiteRiderF6]

Here is your answer. Good Luck!

Matt (TruckRacer) is a VRCC member and a good guy to deal with. Go for it!

Ride Safely!

http://www.carolinabikeandtrike.com/Exhaust1.htm