Ceramic coating stock exhaust (with pics)

Don't know if this is of any interest, but I always like looking at what everyone else puts up so maybe someone will find this of some use.  I decided to get my stock exhaust (headers) ceramic coated rather than getting an aftermarket set. 

My logic was based on keeping originality and potential worries about fit of some aftermarket options.  I've no idea whether this will turn out to be a sound choice yet as I haven't put any miles on since they were done due to well... (long boring story omitted). 

I must have had a bit more spare cash in 2019 (when I had them done) than I do now, as I'm slightly embarassed to say it cost ~£300 not including shipping costs (I dropped off and collected).

Anyway, here are some before and after pics.  I had previously partially painted the stock headers once myself with VHT paint while they were still on the bike (I know). 

The coating was done by Performance 1 in Abingdon (UK) using their Volcanic range.  I can't recall why they recommended this range as it's overkill in terms of the temperature handling (1050 deg C).  I think it was because the standard bike finishes are a little rougher and they had the colour I was after in that range.

Although you can of course seem some pitting where they were already corroded, the finish is lovely and even the manky old clamps look good now fitted.

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They look great. What did it solve for you?

Hey Stuarbt, I'd say a good investment given our UK winter salt conditions on the roads. A full header system replacement would have easily cost you double. Love the quality look

3 hours ago, bmart

They look great. What did it solve for you?

I plan to keep the bike so it was an attempt at prolonging the life of the system. Whether it does or not? Painting it properly would have required removal anyway and wouldn’t last that long….at least that was my logic.

Looks like you’re in Charlotte? Have spent quite a lot of time there visiting family. Got up to the mountains but sadly never on a bike. Lovely place.

3 hours ago, Presson

Hey Stuarbt, I'd say a good investment given our UK winter salt conditions on the roads. A full header system replacement would have easily cost you double. Love the quality look

Thanks. I have reasonable confidence that out to in corrosion should be warded off for quite some time. Don’t know how much in to out corrosion is a problem. Hopefully regular use will keep that at bay.
 

Lovely pic of your bike on the other thread. Thought I recognised the spot, but given you’re in Herts it’s probably just similar.

29 minutes ago, stuartb3502

Looks like you’re in Charlotte? Have spent quite a lot of time there visiting family. Got up to the mountains but sadly never on a bike. Lovely place.

The mountains are lovely and it is a great center for track days. Charlotte itself...I'm rapidly losing interest. We're closing in on a combination of Atlanta and Chicago. It was nice when I got here!

stuartb3502, 3/10/2022 at 6:22 PM

The coating was done by Performance 1 in Abingdon (UK) using their Volcanic range.  I can't recall why they recommended this range as it's overkill in terms of the temperature handling (1050 deg C).  I think it was because the standard bike finishes are a little rougher and they had the colour I was after in that range.

Looks good!  I'm thinking about getting some headers ceramic coated, too.  Did you also consider going to Hi-Spec Coatings or Maldon Shot Blasting?  I'm wondering how Performance 1 compares, price-wise.  

Cheers,

JZH

Actually can't remember whether I looked at either of those. I did get an estimate from Camcoat at the time which was about £450, but the prices can vary quite a lot for all of them depending on which process and coatings they use. 

I also found it difficult to get my head around the coating differences from the information available (despite an engineering degree :-)). 

I think in the end I found dealing with Performance 1 reasonable as they did answer questions well on the 'phone and helped me choose a coating which was not the one I'd looked at on their website (and it wasn't an upsell).   But I couldn't say whether they are better or worse than anyone else; can only really say that I was delighted with what I got back.  If it holds up in use, I'll be even happier.

I'm considering doing this on my 3rd gen mainly to remove some of the heat from my rt. leg. Have you noticed anything in that regard?

Not yet I'm afraid because I have only had one decent ride out so far. And I still have the side panels off while finishing some other jobs. But I'll have those back on soon and will try to look out for this in particular. 

Here’s mine: 

I have to say that looks very nice. Who did you use and have you got any time riding to tell any difference.

1 hour ago, jefferson

I have to say that looks very nice. Who did you use and have you got any time riding to tell any difference.

This is the second time having it ceramic coated. 
 

it helps with the heat from the underseat exhaust. 
 

I used a local powdercoating company in Edmonton. 

Nice bit o’bling 🙂

I think comparing the 2 I would go with yours stuart3502 as it looks like a better than nice oem finish that doesn't draw attention to it. Either one is better than stock of course.