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Post by ford67ranger on Jun 25, 2015 11:27:56 GMT -5
I've seen alot of folks running header wrap for use in the forest and some events. Can someone confirm when / where it's required and on what bikes?
Thanks!
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Post by bmiller on Jun 25, 2015 16:45:24 GMT -5
Only needed on four stroke bikes (not quads). I don't believe Osceola nor Ocala National Forests require it. As for sanctioned events (Hare Scrambles, Enduros, Dual Sports, etc), they will usually specify it on any fliers or registration forms. Its up to the land owner and any other parties involved. It can even change depending on the drought conditions.
If you're ever in question, play it safe and use it. The purpose is to reduce the risk of a fire starting if the bike falls over. Over the years there has been several instances where a rider has fallen (usually a casual tip over), pick the bike up and ridden off not knowing that a fire is starting behind them. The header pipes on four strokes get very hot and with the dry conditions we are experiencing, they can be a bad combination. Quads don't require it because its very difficult for the header pipe to touch the ground/brush, even if it rolls over. Two stroke expansion chambers run much cooler, so they don't require it.
So unfortunately, there is no black and white answer, unless you have a quad or two stroke.
Header wrap can be a constant maintenance item, especially if you ride a lot of single track, but its good protection. And most people say it increases performance too.
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Post by ford67ranger on Jun 25, 2015 21:16:16 GMT -5
Thanks Barry- I have seen the header pipe on my XR actually get hot enough to start glowing- so I'll certainly be getting some to play it safe.
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Post by queenofslow on Jun 25, 2015 21:38:25 GMT -5
Thank you Barry. My experience: - I have seen more than one fire started by a hot header (4 stroke) and it is not pretty; I like to ride (well, sorta), not play firefighter - just for grins, run your 4-stroke at idle in the garage and then shut off all the lights. You will see your header GLOWING in the dark. That gives you an idea of how hot it gets. - I crashed my Honda ( I was still riding red)pretty bad when riding in the woods and when I woke up (several minutes later) the bike was still running (yes, red bikes run forever) .... on top of me! Carb leaking gas which was puddling in my helmet. The header was a couple of inches away from my face. I think I used up one of my nine lives that day. I did not regret the fact that the header was wrapped.... my ego was bruised and my brains scrambled (still are)but I rode myself out of that one. No forest fires, no Queenofslow fires. All good. On the other hand, I can show you the indent on my leg where ... some 40+ years ago? -- my skin touched the exhaust of a ... Bultaco? Ossa? Husky? (that tells you how old I am*). The burn was so severe that it literally left a hole in my flesh. -for all the purists who claim that the wrapping rots the header - here is a fact for you. Last week I replaced the wrap on the Pumpkin, or what was left of the wrap after my forays off the single track (for old club members, that's what Mundy calls "freeriding"). I feared rot or rust. Nope. The metal is good, no problem. I have had the same experience every time I replaced the wrap on all my bikes-always good. In my opinion, those who fear rust from a wrap are those who have never tried it.(Maybe they should ride a HD- or polish it?) So my suggestion is, if you have 4 stroke... wrap the header! *drag racing in swimsuits... we have all been kids once!
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Post by jes on Jun 26, 2015 10:44:18 GMT -5
Remember to start at the back and work your way towards the motor.
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Post by ktm317 on May 18, 2016 12:31:40 GMT -5
I'm new to the header wrap as well. Do I need to get the fiberglass or titanium wrap?
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Post by jes on May 18, 2016 15:07:59 GMT -5
I'm new to the header wrap as well. Do I need to get the fiberglass or titanium wrap? Either will work, but you'll need to soak the fiberglass wrap in water prior to using it to ensure it goes on tightly. The DEI Titanium wrap does not require that step.
Here's the link to my post about Header Wrap.
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