KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: toddwunsch on May 28, 2004, 05:52:25 PM

Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: toddwunsch on May 28, 2004, 05:52:25 PM
OK, before I go and purchase one of these universal pipe protectors that look like the back of a stegasaurus, I was wondering if anyone has some advice for a carbon fiber pipe protector for the Flow pipe that Ty Davis sells with the KX 500 KIT.  I contacted both Ty Davis and E-Line and both responded with no-help.  I searched all over the internet for information on Flow pipes and found nothing.  Apparently this is the company that makes the pipes for Ty Davis ??  Anyways, I have seen these carbon fiber pipe protectors that strap onto the pipe.  Since the Flow pipe is more like a 250 pipe rather than the original 500 pipe, I was wondering if anyone might now which other bike or pipe mfg/model's pipe is close enough to the Flow pipe where I could squeeze that carbon fiber protector on there.  Also, should I find one, is there any problem with using a dremel tool to modify the protector in case I need to to get it to fit.  I've never worked with carbon fiber before.

Thanks.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: mikesmith on May 30, 2004, 07:58:17 AM
Sorry,I think your out of luck on rigging one up.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: toddwunsch on June 04, 2004, 05:01:17 PM
Yeah, that's a bummer.  I think I'm going to take the pipe off and run down to my local dealer and start trying to match it up with other pipes on bikes that sell carbon fiber protectors for their pipes.  Maybe I can get close enough and with a little mod, make it work.  My pipe's getting beat up...
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: demographic on August 29, 2004, 06:18:42 AM
Quote from: toddwunsch
Yeah, that's a bummer.  I think I'm going to take the pipe off and run down to my local dealer and start trying to match it up with other pipes on bikes that sell carbon fiber protectors for their pipes.  Maybe I can get close enough and with a little mod, make it work.  My pipe's getting beat up...


I found this thread and as I have just recieved my Zipty kit from Dan H1 and it came complete with a Moose pipeguard, now after looking at it I am VERY impressed :D the pipeguard is a "Stegasaurus back" style ones but is a hell of a lot stronger than all the other ones I have seen, it is made from 3 mm thick aluminium and if our local atomic power station goes up I am stuffing it down my trousers :wink:

CLICK HERE (http://www.mxsouth.com/moose/moobodpipear.htm) to buy one.

(http://www.mxsouth.com/moose/moobodpipear.jpg)
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: mighty500 on August 29, 2004, 06:47:14 AM
Does it actually protect the pipe?
and todd you said the pipe protector was universal so doesnt that mean it would fit all pipes? just a thought.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: demographic on August 29, 2004, 07:35:14 PM
Quote from: mighty500
Does it actually protect the pipe?


I should say so :)

Makes the other universal pipeguards look a bit flimsy in my opinoin.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: KXcam22 on August 30, 2004, 04:53:49 AM
I put one of these on my stock pipe.  Mine is a cheap Korean copy but is also 3mm ( I measured it) gold anodized and quite stiff.  The silver is nicer.  A bit ugly but protects the pipe very well, no dints or bends yet. Cam.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: Rick on August 30, 2004, 05:02:08 AM
Yup, the Moose pipe guard is the ticket.  The only problem is that is it so strong, that it will allow the small pipe under the tank to tweak on a big impact.  Not a huge problem, and in my oppinion, worth the tradeoff.

Every onece in a while, I take mine off and clean it up with a wire brush.  Good as new...almost.

Rick
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: KXcam22 on September 05, 2004, 05:03:34 PM
My screwup.  I compared mine side-by-side to the moose one and the Moose is thicker and so much more stiffer there is no comparison.  2X the price though. Cam.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: rradar on September 05, 2004, 09:13:05 PM
QUIT CRASHING!
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: Paul on September 06, 2004, 04:06:07 AM
Quote from: rradar
QUIT CRASHING!

If only it were that easy :lol:

I can't remember the last time I wnet down. My pipes all busted up but thats from the rocky single track in AZ, not from dumping the bike ;)
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: rradar on October 06, 2004, 03:31:34 PM
Ok, so now I go out and smash my FMF Gnarly in the header area that sticks out the left side. I haven't seen protection for that part of the pipe yet. What's the easiest way to remove dents on those thick suckers? How about filling it with H2O and plugging the ends before sending it to the chest freezer for an overnight nap? I will never, ever tell anyone, ever again not to crash.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: Paul on October 06, 2004, 04:35:19 PM
I use plugs in both ends, one has a pressure fitting that connects to my air compressor. I set the ruglator for low pressure 15 - 20 lbs and then i take my torch and heat the dents up until the slowly get pressed out by the pressure in the pipe.

*** GO EASY OR YOU'LL END UP WITH A HOLE IN THE PIPE ***
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: KXcam22 on October 06, 2004, 04:51:58 PM
Paul,
  Did you make the plugs or buy them and how do they attach. How about some pics.  I have been considering making a "flow" type pipe protector.  It couldn't be that hard, basically saran wrap your pipe and do a fiberglass layup over it using carbon fiber cloth.  Sand the heck out of it to make it look purdy and figure out a mount.  Thanks. Cam.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: Paul on October 06, 2004, 06:51:21 PM
I measured the end of the pipe and bought the plugs at Home Depot. They have a bolt in the middle that you squish them with causing them to expland and fit the openings tightly. The big one I drilled a hole in and put in a brass fitting that my air compressor connects to.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: Rowdy-Yates on October 07, 2004, 01:37:10 AM
They are a Plumbing plug. Hmm Paul i might want to try this trick. I currently have an oversized tank and the peeps before me dented my FMF to install it. I am going back to a stock tank due to my size. Right now I cant squeeze the bike. Feels like I got some Huge elephant between my legs. I am keeping the clarke tank just for those long rides though. OH btw would a turbo torch do it or are you talking acetelene oxy torch?
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: Paul on October 07, 2004, 02:20:21 AM
I have an oxy acetelene and I DON'T believe the propane types will get hot enough to do the job, I might be wrong though
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: KXcam22 on October 07, 2004, 07:19:43 AM
Paul,
  Are they metal, rubber or plastic? Cam.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: KXcam22 on October 07, 2004, 07:22:50 AM
Oops already answered.  You might be able to use propylene or Mapp gas cylinders on your torch which are both substantially hotter than propane. I don't bother with propane anymore (too slow). Cam.
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: machine on October 07, 2004, 09:16:50 AM
I've used a dent puller B 4, then braze up the hole.
Not so pretty, but it works!
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: demographic on October 09, 2004, 05:25:00 AM
A fairly good explanation of how to blow out dents in spannies can be found HERE (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/stuart.lowson/Tips/Exhaust/Exhaust.htm) but don't forget to wear goggles just in case.......


I don't bother cos the last time I had a dented pipe I took it to my local Team Green shop and the very nice chap did it for a fiver which is about nine dollars to you lot :D
Title: Flow pipe protector ??
Post by: Rick on October 12, 2004, 10:45:21 AM
a propane torch with auto ignition will work just dandy.  However, I start with about 50 pounds of pressure.  As you hear the metal, the air gets hot, expands, and builds pressure, so starting with more pressure and using propan will work.  Also, with propane, you have less chance of getting a hole in your pipe, as it's tougher to liquify the metal.  

I've blown plugs out the end, and you DON'T want to get hit with that missle.  Make sure the ends are pointed towards the wall, and you wear safety glasses!!!!  It's tough to ride with only one good eye.

Rick