Exhaust pipes colouring

[a101960]

When returning from a ride my exhaust pipe headers (chrome siamesed) have a very slight yellow tinge. Once everything cools down this colouration completely disappears. The bike runs just fine, but I am wondering wether  this could be due to a timing or carburation problem. Anyone have any ideas about this?
John

[bsa-bill]

Mine are a beautiful straw gold colour, just how I like them, I'd leave well alone if that's the colour your getting, I'm guessing that although it disappears when it cools it will eventually stick.
Some folk run them deep blue, that I'm not happy with but it seems they keep going at that colour also

[muskrat]

G'day John.
As you suspect both could be the reason. Spirited riding on a hot day can do it too. Leanish mixture or retarded timing. Wear at the points or carb slide/air leak. Are the pipes new? Could be thinner walled pipe or chrome.
I like to see a bit of colour for 6" or so. Pic 1 is good by me, pic 2 I'd be rectifying.
Cheers

[a101960]

Musky, the discolouration is no where near the colour depicted in of either of the pictures that you posted. There is absolutely no sign of bluing at all. The yellowing is very light and extends for about six inches, but like I said once the pipes cool down the yellowing completely vanishes. Pipes are 14 years old, and the chrome is still in perfect condition.
John

[Greybeard]

Could they be Stainless pipes? SS tends to look yellower than chrome.

[beezermacc]

Sounds like the bike is running about right. A slight discolouration is quite normal. Obviously, he yellowing is caused by the effect of heat on the chrome. The quality of chrome, thickness of metal and amount of heat are all variable but yellowing is nothing to worry about.

[muskrat]

The pipes on my '51 are stainless. Been on there for 30 years with no discolouration. You know how hard I ride!! The pipes on the cafe are painted so no one see's how hard I ride.
Two ways to keep the pipes shiny and new.
1: Don't ride it.
2: Keep a soft tune.
As beezermac said, nothing to loose sleep over.
Cheers

[Butch (cb)]

Pipes on mine are rusty and heat wrapped. Got a few stains coming through the wrapping now.