Polishing Black Headers On Triumph Trident 900 Sprint?

No they are not stainless steel.
Try cleaning first with oven cleaner... Something with 10% acid or so.
You will be surprised ! Little or no polishing required.

 

Harpic toilet cleaner is the usual stuff for this type of work - but first try it on the balance pipe under the engine, or where it doesn't show on the bottom run of the downpipes, before you go slapping it on all over the place. And be careful with your eyes and skin whilst you're doing it. Acid can be unpleasant.
Are you sure @capt that the downpipes aren't stainless? I was always lead to believe that they were stainless that had been black chromed. I may well have been misinformed - and not for the first time I may add!! I remember my downpipes being replaced under warranty due to rust, so you may well be right, but I do also remember the foreman mechanic at the dealers being very surprised at their condition even though they were not too bad - just enough to be noticeable. Hmmm....

 

You could try putting a magnet against the headers. A very strong magnetic "stick" would indicate steel whereas a weak "stick" would indicate stainless as it contains less or no iron depending on the type of SS.

 

@stevethegoolie yes I'm sure. The pipes are steel. Had to have a weld repair done on the centre stand stand off on the right hand pipe ! I laid the bike over on a slow U turn and the centre stand foot plate struck and did damage to the pipe.
The black pipes might be different , but I doubt they are Stainless.


cheers capt

 

Hi Dave just checked my front pipes on my 93 Trident 900 and they are non magnetic, suggesting they may be be stainless steel and the fact they’ve survived all this time,

 

Yes I had an early 900 Sprint back in the day, fairly sure they were stainless with some kind of coating like this. Triumph recommended using a Motorex 645 product at the time that has since been renamed Protect & Shine.

 

Hmmmm ..... judging by subsequent replies it would seem that some (may be) are/some (may be) aren't stainless. Out with the magnets then chaps!
To damage your exhaust in that way @capt was either bloody unlucky or bloody skilful. You choose!! I do hope that pain wasn't involved.

 

@stevethegoolie , some skill and uneven surfaces , front wheel into a slight dip and a buried rock ... In just the wrong spot.
There are unfortunately Many grades of steel. Stainless and titanium amongst them.
A good experienced welder would be a great help.

 

@stevethegoolie , some skill and uneven surfaces , front wheel into a slight dip and a buried rock ... In just the wrong spot.
There are unfortunately Many grades of steel. Stainless and titanium amongst them.
A good experienced welder would be a great help.