Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey all. I just got a Yamaha V Star 1100 used with almost 33k miles on it. Its a 2000 model and in very good condition. Anyway, I have a bunch of questions about various topics. Perhaps y'all could help a newb

What is good chrome polish, paint wax, and soap (so I don't damage anything; I heard to use blue soap) so wash and maintain the crisp look?

I have a question about pipe anatomy. I am venturing to guess that the exhaust consists of three main parts: the pipe itself, a chrome piece on top of the exhaust pipe, and headers (which I think are the connection between the exhaust and the head of the engine). So, if I want to get new chrome, do I have to necessarily get all new pipes, or can I save a bunch of money by just replacing the chrome section atop the exhaust?

First.... to TMW.

Nano Polish is good chrome polish.

Mother's makes good products as does Meguiars.

Plexus is good for the windshield.

Simple Green is a good cleaner. Turtle wash, Dupont, etc.., are all fine.

As far as the chrome question, it depends on the bike. Basically chrome itself cannot be replaced, it's bonded at the molecular level to whatever it's attached. So as far as the actual muffler goes, take care of it, because any damage can only be fixed by replacing the whole thing (very very pricey). Now the rest depends on your setup. My marauder had pipes that were chrome covered (as in the actual exhaust pipe was chrome plated). However, some bikes like my Shadow, have chrome plated heat shields, which is not part of the exhaust pipe, but an extra piece surrounding it. Still, even when replacing the heatshield, I assume it won't be cheap because I'm pretty sure most of the cost of exhaust parts IS the chrome.


tl;dr, No you can cannot usually replace just the chrome, it's not something that can be sprayed on like paint.

Heavy Metal Flyer, did you mean the stainless steel end cap ?

blues2cruise wrote: Simple Green is a good cleaner.

I love that stuff. Best cleaner in the world, and cheap!

Eric

Lemon Pledge ... works on paint, chrome and windshield.

bzippi wrote:Lemon Pledge ... works on paint, chrome and windshield.

+1, it's what the shop uses... that and mister moto pro prep...

Autosol is great for chrome. If you have any rust spots, use #0000 steel wool and it'll buff out quickly.