Thermal tape wrapping the collector tubes

Did you find the exhaust manifolds wrapped in cool thermal tape? In this case, following these instructions, fit your motorcycle yourself with thermocouples!

Exhaust manifold winding

Wrapping the exhaust manifold with thermal tape is currently a particularly popular aesthetic measure in the field of customization. However, from a technical point of view, there are also good reasons for this. Here we show you how to skillfully wrap your exhaust. What may seem so simple at first is not always the case, especially if you want flawless results.

Instruments : Allen key for socket head screws, scissors, socket wrench, wire cutters, cable tie cutters

Why wrap the exhaust manifold?

Apart from the visual effect, the tape has technical advantages. It's all about the name: the thermal tape acts as an insulating layer that traps the heat of the exhaust gases in the muffler. On the one hand, it protects an already hot engine from an additional external heat source. On the other hand, it helps to remove combustion residues. Finally, it protects the driver and his clothing from burns in case of unintentional contact with the muffler, the temperature of which can reach several hundred degrees.

Training

The SILENT SPORT straps are available from Louis in four colors to adapt them to your vehicle concept. These strips over 10 m are supplied voluntarily in a large format, because the need to change them in the middle is painful and the result is never beautiful.

Before you start, here are some more tips: First, you will need a container filled with clean, cold water. Also have cable ties, zip ties, and stainless steel wire on hand for packing. Of course, you will also need tools to dismantle the muffler, which will make your job much easier. Don't you prefer to run the full length of the strip between the engine and the exhaust manifold at every bend? If you cannot do otherwise, of course, you can also wind the thermal tape around the mounted muffler.

We masterfully wrap the exhaust: here's how:

01 - Tape soaking

For a better wrap, let the strap soak in plenty of water even overnight to make it softer, more elastic and non-slip. To do everything well, you need to know how to find the time! Please note, however, that the tape can flow a lot, and there will be no dirt left on it. Therefore, gloves and work clothing should be worn. You can also wrap the collector with dry tape. However, when the tape gets wet, it shrinks as it dries and thus fits snugly against the exhaust manifold, and you will be satisfied with your work for a long time.

02 - Marker Placement

The exhaust manifold must be cleaned before assembly. Any existing rust must be removed to prevent the exhaust manifold from continuing to go undetected under the thermal strip. To learn how to properly remove rust, see Tips for removing mechanical corrosion.

Before detaching the last muffler from the exhaust manifold, it is a good idea to mark with a pencil how the pipes fit together so you can later see how far the manifold can be wrapped with tape.

03 - Wrap

Always start wrapping from the quiet side so that each turn of the strip overlaps like a shingle on a roof. Thus, it provides less surface area for wind, rain or gravel and therefore lasts longer. For a clean and level surface, wrap the tape at right angles around the tubing on the first turn. Then roll obliquely from the second circle.

Make sure there is no gap. If you are satisfied with the result, secure the first few turns with a cable tie or temporary cable tie (this is the fastest way).

04 - Regular wrap

Now continue winding the tape until you reach the end mark. To do this, always keep the strap taut and make sure the turns are always fairly regular.

The easiest way is to leave a roll of thermal tape in the water and wrap the muffler by rotating it. Thus, the result will remain even and the tape will not get tangled.

The note : In your own interest, keep moving the moving parts and carefully avoid the notches and vents.

05 - End of wrap

When you get to the end, cut off the rest of the strip. But be careful not to cut too short. Measure the required length accurately first!

As with the first turn, the last turn must be wound at right angles to the pipe and then secured with a cable tie.

06 - Put on stainless steel ties.

Make the final fixation with metal fittings. Either with clip or stainless steel cable tie.

Perfectionists can use metal wires for an even more elegant permanent fixation of the bracelet. Please note, however, that this method is for the experienced DIY enthusiast.

07 - Fastening with metal wire

Wire fastening is labor intensive, but the “wow” effect is significant and will cause everyone to admire at the next meeting of bikers. Begin! Agree, without a minimum of talent and a slight desire to complicate your life, you will not succeed!

Start by looping the metal wire, position it perpendicular to the wrap direction or parallel to the muffler on the fabric strip, then loop it a few times.

The temporary cable tie can then be removed.

After making a few tight turns, cut the wire, then pass the end of the wire through the loop.

Then, using pliers, pull the end of the loop so that it disappears under the coils of the metal wire.

Then cut off the protruding metal wire, preferably with wire cutters.

08 - Reassembly of the muffler on the motorcycle

Then install the muffler to the motorcycle. To do this, always use a new exhaust system gasket if the gasket was installed in it prior to disassembly.

09 - It's over!

Once the job is done, start your bike and embark on the epic tour. The exhaust will smoke heavily.

In order not to attract attention in an awkward way, we advise you to take a tour of the countryside and avoid the city.

Bonus tips for true DIY enthusiasts

Two-color wrap technique

Giving a motorcycle a special aesthetic is always a great idea. It will be more personalized and make you stand out from the crowd even more. The two-tone wrapping technique is a good example of what can be achieved without much effort. To do this, you just need to wrap two different colored heat tapes next to each other around the exhaust manifold(s). Perhaps the beginning is a little more difficult. You must be sure that you are making normal circles and working with great precision. But it's worth it... Go for it!