1975-1977 GL1000 Exhaust Tip Replacement

[cfairweather]

If you have ever wanted to replace your rusty, ugly chrome tips on your muffler, I have a solution. You can do this in about 30 minutes and you can probably do it without removing the muffler. You will need a cutting wheel. Simply make a straight cut about 1/16" to 1/8" deep. I went too deep on one of my cuts so be careful to keep the cut to no more than 1/8". Go the entire length of the chrome. After you make this cut, you will be able to peel the old tip off. Now, go to your local auto parts store and buy two 6" chrome tips that will fit pipes up to 1 3/4" (44mm). The ones I bought were made by Nickson (part numbers: 90156, 35594, 580156) www.nickson.com . I drilled and tapped screw holes using a 1/8" drill bit and a 4mm .75 thread pitch. Then used stainless screws to lock the tip into place. The last picture shows a new tip installed.

Here are some pictures that will help:

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[ritalz]

I did something very similar several years ago with one additional step. I used some of the molding putty used in plumbing to create a seal around where the chrome meets the muffler. The chrome is starting to pit now but it still looks better than the old rusted tips that were on it.

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[wingrider]

Very nice!

[redglbx]

Nice job guy’s

[Fred Camper]

Nice details for a common concern.

[redbike]

Can the original chrome tips be removed by drilling the two welds on the bottom side? Maybe apply heat to then slide the tip off?

[cfairweather]

I don't think you could remove the original tips with with heat or with a drill.

[Whiskerfish]

Gonna move this so it does not get lost

[redglbx]

One thing I would add is that while you have the tips off take the muffler and have it ceramic coated , you won’t regret it and then put the new tips on it. I have all my gl exhaust ceramic coated and there just isn’t anymore messing with them , I had the muffler on my red 76 (big red) done probably 30yrs ago and it still looks fresh as when it was done initially.

[digger]

Good “tip” Cedric, that looks great, seems like you are always finding and posting good things to keep these old girls on the road and looking nice. Thanks for the info.

[cfairweather]

Thanks Digger. I enjoy tinkering with these old bikes.