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One of the most important parts of a CBX restoration project is the original OEM factory stock exhaust system. Honda when thru pain staking efforts to design and tune the exhaust system to not only balance out the wide profile of the engine, but also to make a sound that is to this day, one of the most pleasing noises that one can experience. In my opinion it rates up there with such legendary exhaust notes like the DOHC V12 Ferrari Daytona, or a Porsche Turbo, the latter of which I think the CBX actually sounds like. These exhaust systems have become quite precious in recent years do to the fact that allot of them have rusted out, got damaged, or in the early years, got tossed to make way for 6 into ones, or 6 into twos, etc.

So when you get a bike that has the stock exhaust on it, or you find a system that looks tired, rusty, and blued or discolored, there is hope. The set of pipes that I found to replace the saddle bag hammered set that came on my bike was very tired and old looking and blue. It was grungy, had surface rust everywhere and the blue at the head pipes was almost purple fading to yellow as they emerged from the head. But, luckily, there were no dents, and the pitting was on the surface and had not penetrated the chrome. So as I have shown in the photos, I first completely disassembled them. Every nut, bolt, screw and heat shield came off.

Click on each picture for a larger view of the image

As you can see, the blue and yellow discoloration looks intimidating. Notice the minor pits as well. Using a damp wash cloth, and Blue Job, and about 4 to 5 hours for each side (3 into 2 set) they came out looking like perfect new pipes again. It may sound like I am exaggerating about the time, but if you want all the color out, it will take that long. So prepare yourself for allot of rubbing. Some guys tend to want to use a buffing wheel, of electric drill with a pad, or use rubbing compound, or some other quicker method of polishing these pipes, but if those methods are used, you will scratch the chrome and it will loose the brilliant luster. So, just think of what the final outcome will be, and that will give you motivation to endure. There will be times during this process that you will want to give up, thinking that its not working, or that you will not be able to get them any better, but walk away from it and return later, and keep on rubbing. I promise, you will be glad you did when they turn out looking like brand new pipes again. The pipes on my bike are like showroom new, and I no longer think about the amount of work or time that went into them.

Blue Job by the way is actually a powder. I used a damp 100% cotton wash cloth, and you dab the powder and just start rubbing it on the pipes. As you rub, it turns into a pasty polish. You just rub and rub in back and forth and circular motions until you need more. As time goes by, you will need to re-moisten the wash cloth. Again, be patient, it will be worth it.

By the way, do not waste your time trying this on headers or aftermarket exhaust. They will probably turn blue again as soon as you start the engine again. The Honda pipes will not turn blue again if you carbs are synchronized and set to the correct mixtures.

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This Site Was Updated on: Saturday March 29, 2008 07:31 AM

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