R1200RT Exhaust / Silencer Cleaner?

[windsailor97]

Hi All,

There is still snow on the ground here so why not do some cleaning?

I have a 2015 R1200RT and the exhaust / silencer / tail pipe is fairly discolored that doesn't wash off with soap and water. Has anyone successfully cleaned /polished this and if so do you have recommendations? Are these coated with anything or just brushed stainless?

TIA!

(Picture added)

 

[BC1100S]

Pictures of the affected area(s) would help.

 

[r0ckrat]

A picture would help, as I have the chromed exhaust on my 2016 R. They are not coated as far as I am aware, and I have used polish a time or two on mine. I wouldn't want to use abrasives on the brushed stainless, so chemical cleaners are probably going to be the best bet...

 

[lee]

Are these coated with anything or just brushed stainless?

Most are chrome and a few are brushed stainless.

 

[51797]

From your picture, it appears that you have a stainless steel silencer. Actually, pretty rare from those I have seen.
It CAN be polished with a lot of effort to appear similar to chrome.

Frank

 

[r0ckrat]

You might look at cleaners for stainless appliances, and always rub with the grain. If you find it necessary to use an abrasive cleaner and want to maintain the brushed look, use a rougher scotch-brite type pad, and again rub with the grain to maintain the brushed look. Practice/test any method first on the back of the muffler where the strap will cover up.

 

[pauls1150]

 

[windsailor97]

It does say its 'magic'

 

[dduelin]

Oxalic acid like that found in a powered cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend chemically cleans polished stainless steel that is oxidized from heat. I used it for years on the mufflers on my ST1300 which begin to take on the yellowish golden hue after about 10,000 miles. BKF returned them to a sparkling finish. Because it is slightly abrasive you don't use it to rub the surface clean like a polish or metal cleaner. Instead make a thick paste of BKF on a rag or sponge and apply it to the clean(!) wetted surface. After two minutes or so gently rub it with the applicator then rinse clean with running water. No elbow grease needed.

 

[windsailor97]

Oxalic acid like that found in a powered cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend chemically cleans polished stainless steel that is oxidized from heat. I used it for years on the mufflers on my ST1300 which begin to take on the yellowish golden hue after about 10,000 miles. BKF returned them to a sparkling finish. Because it is slightly abrasive you don't use it to rub the surface clean like a polish or metal cleaner. Instead make a thick paste of BKF on a rag or sponge and apply it to the clean(!) wetted surface. After two minutes or so gently rub it with the applicator then rinse clean with running water. No elbow grease needed.

Great advice. Thanks!