[Newbie question] Exhaust Wrap

Discussion in 'Bonneville' started by Samuel F, May 10, 2016.

  1. Samuel F

    Samuel F Well-Known Member

    Mar 24, 2015
    356
    63
    Glasgow
    Ok a little bit of context here.

    -I am nowhere close to be a mechanic, and clearly, I know very little about how bikes actually work, self servicing, etc... (it will come, just been riding since 2 days :p )

    -It is mostly for appearances

    -Yes I have seen a couple of videos :)

    How easy is it really to put exhaust wrap on the pipes ?
    I read something about re-mapping and I have no idea what that means.

    Should I try to do it myself ? ( i won't blame you if I screw up :D )
     
  2. thebiglad

    thebiglad Old fart, still riding !

    Sep 25, 2013
    5,066
    1,000
    Central France
    Hi Samuel, first of all there is no need to change the fuelling map (ref re-mapping) within the bike's ECU if all you are going to do is wrap the pipes. I'm assuming you want to do this for the look ? It's dead easy to do.

    Clean and polish the pipes very thoroughly before you wrap them. Secure each end with something that will stand a bit of heat. Most peeps use copper core wire. Make sure when you do the wrapping that you get a good, overlapping tight fit.
     
  3. Samuel F

    Samuel F Well-Known Member

    Mar 24, 2015
    356
    63
    Glasgow
    First above all thank you for your answer the big lad.

    Secondly would you be kind enough to explain to me what is the fuelling map ?

    I could google it, but I'd rather exchange with humans if you don't mind.

    thank you.
     
  4. Mischa Vladivostok

    Mischa Vladivostok Well-Known Member

    Feb 9, 2015
    234
    93
    Dublin, Ireland
    A few tips on that job:
    • soak the wrap before applying it to the bike (it'll allow you to wrap it much tighter around the pipes);
    • start wrapping at the exhaust end, finish at the engine head (that way there'll be less dirt, etc getting stuck under the wrap overlaps);
    • some people actually take the whole header pipe assembly off the bike: while this will allow you to do a much better job, it is not required (and it is a much bigger job).

    The fuel map has to do with the ECU in your bike, and as biglad stated, you needn't worry about it when wrapping your exhausts. It's a fairly complex subject, maybe start by reading the basics:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_control_unit
     
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  5. Samuel F

    Samuel F Well-Known Member

    Mar 24, 2015
    356
    63
    Glasgow
    Thank you very much for your replies ! (*Off to Wikipedia*)
     
  6. steve lovatt

    steve lovatt Something else

    May 12, 2014
    9,218
    1,000
    North Yorkshire
    Agree with Mischa, soak the wrap first and start at the silencer end so that the overlap is the correct way.
    Depending on what wrap you buy, you should bet some form of fastening with the kit. Mine came with steel cable ties that were very easy to use and neater than wire. Some people use Jubilee clips at each end for extra security.

    This is on my Enfield but you get the idea. DSC_0005.jpg
     
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  7. Samuel F

    Samuel F Well-Known Member

    Mar 24, 2015
    356
    63
    Glasgow
    Damn ! That RE..... O____O....

    so beautiful....
     
    • Like Like x 1
  8. thebiglad

    thebiglad Old fart, still riding !

    Sep 25, 2013
    5,066
    1,000
    Central France
    Hi Samuel, the "fuelling map" is the generalised name for the set of parameters and tables the ECU uses to control the fuelling of a fuel injected vehicle - car or bike.

    The ECU is programmed with a set of instructions, plus a collection of sensors that measure things like air temp; engine temp; manifold pressure; crank position; fuel pressure; throttle position etc etc. The ECU receives these various inputs and using pre-determined information, times the injection and duration of fuel entering the engine. If changes are made to inlet and/or the exhaust side of the motor then the fuel map is changed or modified, to take these changes into account to maximise the modifications.

    Modifications are also often made to Bonnevilles to remove the exhaust pollution equipment that strangles the engine.
     
  9. PETER CLARKE

    PETER CLARKE Senior Member

    Nov 11, 2015
    301
    120
    Essex
    Its a good job you rapped that pipe Steve that probably warms your leg very nicely.
     
  10. stevethegoolie

    stevethegoolie Elite Member

    Oct 16, 2014
    2,454
    800
    East Riding of Yorkshire
    Can't get my head round why people wrap strange bandages round a perfectly good, shiny, exhaust pipe! If it was bruised, broken, bleeding or just plain sore and in need of ointment I could probably understand. But it seems not to be the case. In my humble opinion it looks like a bloody awful bodge job.:(
    However, you may think differently to me, and you are perfectly entitled to do so, with no hard feelings from me whatsoever. We need to be different. Variety is the spice of life, after all.:)
    I still don't like it though!:p
     
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  11. Creaky

    Creaky Well-Known Member

    Feb 25, 2015
    109
    93
    Nottinghamshire
    Loving the Enfield, Steve.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  12. steve lovatt

    steve lovatt Something else

    May 12, 2014
    9,218
    1,000
    North Yorkshire
    It has a separate heat shield which I left off when I wrapped it - but I wouldn't want to wear biglads shorts!
     
  13. Samuel F

    Samuel F Well-Known Member

    Mar 24, 2015
    356
    63
    Glasgow
    Thank you for your very open minded answer stevethegoolie.

    It is simply a purely aesthetic choice. I never liked chrome that much. Same for the engine covers which I will end up changing to matte black. Without falling to far into the major modern bike fashion of cafe racers, I do like the general style, the effort of simplification and minimalism. And I tend to go towards that, with my bonnie over the years. I am, after all a Graphic Designer, and a photographer who started in the Parisian Fashion, no wonder I am influenced by style.

    And thank you very much for this very clear answer BigLad !
     
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  14. PETER CLARKE

    PETER CLARKE Senior Member

    Nov 11, 2015
    301
    120
    Essex
    Looks a good job you have done on that enfield Steve
     
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  15. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

    Mar 6, 2016
    3,150
    1,000
    south shields
    That Enfield is bloody beautiful !!! I'm very envious Steve
     
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  16. GaryM

    GaryM It's him, you know who. Him from you know ....

    Apr 28, 2016
    862
    500
    Patna , Ayrshire
    Wrapping is one of those things you either love or hate.
    I would say take the exhaust off thou. Then wrap it.
    That way it looks half decent rather than something the cat dragged in.
    Taking the exhaust on/off is an easy job. All you need is a socket set and replacement exhaust gaskets.
     
  17. steve lovatt

    steve lovatt Something else

    May 12, 2014
    9,218
    1,000
    North Yorkshire
    Thanks mate. Started life as a blue 05 plate Electra X, but previous owner had the full Hitchcocks Trials conversion done and removed the electric start. All I've really done is replace the CV carb with an Amal Mk I concentric one. The bike runs much better with it.
     
  18. Samuel F

    Samuel F Well-Known Member

    Mar 24, 2015
    356
    63
    Glasgow
    why do you need to replace the gaskets ?
     
  19. GaryM

    GaryM It's him, you know who. Him from you know ....

    Apr 28, 2016
    862
    500
    Patna , Ayrshire
    If you do take the exhaust off where the exhaust goes into the engine there is a copper sealing gasket.
    They are one use and need to be replaced when the exhaust is put back on.
     
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  20. PETER CLARKE

    PETER CLARKE Senior Member

    Nov 11, 2015
    301
    120
    Essex
    Wrap looks good on some bikes and bobbers / rat bikes but what will pipe look like when wrap removed??
     

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