Mac 4-1 Observations

[Shuriken]

I've just spent the last 2 hours reading over a lot of information about 4-1 exhausts, mac vs jardine, 4-1 vs 4-2, etc.

I'm at the point where I'm trying to make my bike look better and I've been considering exhaust options again.

A few years ago I got a used 4-1 mac system. It was rusty when I got it. The rust is on the headers closest to the engine and on the top sides of the pipes underneath and near the collector.

The pipes are also a bit discolored - blue/gold.

So.... I can paint the pipes I have or I could get a new set of 4-1 pipes. Since I'm not really into the black headers look, purchasing a new set is tempting.

However, I've read that others have seen similar problems on their mac 4-1 systems:
- It seems that discoloration on these systems can't really be prevented due to the way the walls are constructed.
- Also, it seems others have experienced rust problems in the same areas on the headers and near the collector.
- Finally, it seems the final baffle and/or baffles rattle due to construction design where the baffle is secured only on one side with one screw.

I might be tempted to go with another mac 4-1 if I knew these problems weren't common to the majority of other mac 4-1 systems.

So, have any of you with the same system seen these same problems on yours?

It seems as though the choices are:
- used OEM, which are mostly crapped out by now
- mac new
- jardine new
- motad

All seem to be getting more expensive over time. Since I'm going for look, crappy rusted out systems aren't for me, unless I decide to paint.

Mac systems seem to be the least expensive right now, but seem to be around $330 shipped. It would be a waste to get another mac and have it quickly blue, rust, and rattle.

I like the looks of the jardine as far as how the muffler looks and how nice the chrome looks. But they seem way too pricey and the look to be cramped as far as bike access.

Any comments are appreciated.

Ben

[mason79]

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...nside+of+pipes

no problems with rattling on mine, i think keeping it clean helps with the rust and paint the insides it works




thousand miles no blue, just a little golding

[acof911]

The x-pipe is an option but I don't think anyone here has one -

x-pipe web site

x pipe thread



While we are on the subject, here is a used supertrapp 4 into 1 on ebay -
supertrapp on ebay

Andy

[cloerts]

pipes

Mac 4 into one on mine, no rattle. started to blue because I hadn't tuned. Fixed the carbs and blueing stopped. Also I ceramic coated the insides but was so out of tune small blue spots still got through in two header pipes.

[TADracer]

Hey Mason, looking good!

ae7f, I have had mac 4-1's for several years now and they are just starting to show alittle rust head the head. As far as the baffle rattle, what I did was take it out and expand the front ring flange just alittle bit so that it would be a tight fit. I had to tap it in for the last inch or so with a rubber hammer and then I put the screw back in. Rattle is gone.

[Shuriken]

Isn't "several years" far too soon for a chrome exhaust to start rusting? That's something that would prevent me from throwing down the cash for a new set right away ... that is if they rust so easily.

Ben

[Yamaniac]

have you checked with Jet-Hot or another ceramic type coating? I could be wrong, but I think I remember reading somewhere recently that to have your whole exhaust coated would be somewhere 185-200. Is it a new exhaust, no. but it would take car of the looks dept.

[skids]

I have 2 different Jardine 4-1's. The older one works fine. The newer one has had issues with rattling. In fact the outlet cone needed a couple of pop-rivits to keep it from falling out(!)

[Shuriken]

Yeah, the ceramic coating idea is functional but I do like as much shine on this bike as possible.

Sounds to me like a guy could expect at worst to buy a new exhaust every several years due to rust and discoloration?

Also, I like the 4-2 pipes as well, but I don't like the turnout look.

Ben

[randy]

Isn't "several years" far too soon for a chrome exhaust to start rusting?

NOPE!

Not if you live on the Eastern seaboard!

[TADracer]

Originally posted by ae7f
Isn't "several years" far too soon for a chrome exhaust to start rusting? That's something that would prevent me from throwing down the cash for a new set right away ... that is if they rust so easily.

Ben

I've had them since 1999. I had jardine 4-2's before that and they didnt last any longer. Dont get me wrong, there is not enough rust or deterioration to make me even think of changing them yet.