| Author | Message | ||
     Conjure |
(What exhaust headers will fit my 98 M2) I'm asking because at first I thought the only header that could fit 97-98 models would be the header that goes over the frame. But then I saw pictures that show otherwise. Do I have other options after all?   | ||
| Ratbuell |
Nope. Under-frame headers are 99-up. The header is different...and so is the frame. | ||
| Conjure |
I get that the header is different, but if you look at the frame above, it is no different than the 97/98 models. 99 models and up have a tube that runs to the back much higher than the ones shown previously while the one below drops off at a more drastic angle. I thought this was to accommodate the new exhaust design..  | ||
| Jayvee |
I can't remember which way is is, the newer exhaust fits the old frame, or is it the old exhaust fits the new frame? In the second picture above, (red wheels and a 'cafe' tailpiece) has a heat wrap around the frame. That doesn't look stock. | ||
| Conjure |
The last image above should be a '99+ frame with the exhaust that comes stock. The first two images posted are what appears to be ‘97-‘98 frames with the stock ‘99+ exhaust that shouldn’t, according to most of the things I read, fit the same frame due to frame clearance. I just want some clarification here.. I don’t like the stock exhaust of the 97-98’s (I own a 98) “over the frame” exhaust. | ||
| S1owner |
On older tubers such as the 96 S1 the newer under the frame header wil not fit. It would work vis versa. Also beaware of what size 1.5" or 2" either will fit the motor but wont fit mufflers etc.  | ||
| Ralph |
I've always heard that the later exhaust will not fit the early frames. I've heard a few times you have to dent the header or some other modification to make it possible but nothing a guy would want to do. It seems pretty obvious that the later exhaust will fit the early frames (there's two of them right there). I don't see any dents or other funky stuff. However, I have a feeling that you can't pop off the old header and pop on the new one. It looks like you'd have to remove the old header, drop the motor (at least partially), install the new header and then reinstall the motor. That would kind of be a pain in the butt, but would give you the better bend. However, if you ever have a problem (broken head stud, bad exhaust gasket, dead starter) where you have to remove the exhaust in order to repair the bike....that would be a major pain the ass. This is all conjecture. I'd give it a shot, but I don't have time right now. But I will put aside that late style race header and muffler I was going to sell....just in case. (Message edited by Ralph on November 15, 2016) | ||
| S1owner |
Its tight but you can take the header off with out lowering the engine there is just enough room | ||
| Ralph |
Ken, in your previous post you said the new header wouldn't fit the old frame. This post looks like you're saying it will and could be done without dropping the motor. Please clarify. | ||
| Conjure |
Please refer to pictures in the original post. Those are clearly old tuber frames with the newer exhaust headers. PS: Please do clarify, Ken! Edit: I have found multiple bikes like this just by browsing google looking for old tuber frames with the newer headers, so I know this is possible, but like Ralph said, I wouldn't want it to be THAT much of a pain in the ass. If Ken is right, which I'm not doubting, it's totally worth it. (Message edited by conjure on November 17, 2016) | ||
| S1owner |
Yes the top two pics are old style frames with newer headers but there is not any room lok at the second pic he wrapped the frame. Old headers will fit the newer frame new headers should not be used on older tubers. So what I mean is the stock old tube header in the old tube frame could be done as the newer on the newer but I dont know if it could be done in these examples thats really tight As far as size there are two sizes of exhaust 1 1/2" and 2" round pipe either will fit the heads but if you have an existing 1 1/2" and get a 2" header it will not fit the existing elbow or muffler (Message edited by S1owner on November 17, 2016) | ||
| Ralph |
It's really hard to ignore photographs  I just love empirical evidence. | ||
| Conjure |
I do see that he wrapped the frame in that photo, but I have to say that this is the only picture I have found in all of my searches where this has been done. Like I had mentioned before, I have several examples of old frame/new header with no obvious modification done to the frame nor the header. Would you care to see more pictures? I've been hoarding them as of late.. PS: IT'S VERY HARD TO IGNORE PHOTOGRAPHS LIKE THESE, RALPH, IT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT | ||
| Conjure |
Here's another example  | ||
| S1owner |
Yep and did I say it could not be done I said it would not be a good idea in my opinion like I said its awful close to the frame these motors shake alot if you want to risk damaging a header that is hard to find or worse yet rub the frame and weaken it be my guest but there is a reason they put more money into redesigning the frame to get the muffler under it! Coming from someone who just registered in feburary if you really want to sit and tell me I do not know what I am talking about be my guest. I am just offering an experienced opinion. | ||
| Ralph |
Conjure, I'm thinking the frame was wrapped on that bike to protect the riders leg from heat. I doubt it would do much, but a little difference is all that may be needed. I wouldn't be surprised if the frame got pretty warm right there. | ||
| Conjure |
I'm not saying you don't know Buells inside and out and I really value your opinions and experience. Sometimes I just get excited about these things. I really don't like the old header, but I also purchased a 98' M2 before realizing this was a thing. My apologies if I came across as rude or arrogant. Thanks for the info, Ralph! I might just try this and let you guys know how it goes. You guys can call me Patrick around the forums.. Cheers | ||
| Court |
>>>I'm thinking the frame was wrapped on that bike to protect the riders leg from heat. I have a collection of Aerostich suits, from my days test riding Buells, with holes burned in the leg that attest to the research Brett and the team was doing on the headers at that time. We tested a bunch of different designs and a variety of shields. | ||
| S1owner |
Patrick Sorry for jumping all over you also! I know where you are coming from I lost a few pair of jeans to the S1 before I made a leather pad that I strapped on with velcro. But thats why mine has an X1 frame now and it was the only reason I switched frames! |
