How Are Motorcycle Exhaust Pipes Made?

Exhaust Pipes

Motorcycle exhaust pipes come in many styles. They come in chrome, painted, stainless and brushed steel designs. The finish is can be applied after the exhaust system is made in most cases. It is actually the final process in most exhaust manufacturing processes. The first step is to create the pipe itself.

Form

Motorcycle exhaust pipes are nothing more than steel pipes which are less than 1/8-thick. The steel must be very high grade to resist a lot of heat, and withstand the elements, since the pipes are exposed to the weather. The pipes begin as a sheet of unrolled steel. Usually high grade carbon and steel composites, or high quality aluminum is used. The sheets are first treated to withstand heat by being forged. They are then rolled into piping and then welded.

Finishing

After being rolled into pipes, the exhaust systems are shaped to fit the motorcycle configuration. The pipe is heated in a furnace and then bent at precise angles to match the layout of the engine and bike frame. After this step the exhausts are taken to the finishing process. Here the pipes are coated in paint, chromed or layered in carbon fiber. In a final step, the exhaust pipes are fitted with mufflers and end caps as to the manufacturer's specifications, but this is not common on all exhaust pipes.

Resources

• Information about motorcycle exhausts