1200GS Kiehan exhaust

[Jon T]

Chaps,
I've just taken the plunge & sprung for a 1200GS, which needs a little tidying up. I'm considering a set of Kiehan downpipes for it. Having read the threads they seem pretty well regarded, but there was a bit of hand-wringing about the lack of a bracket at the back, where the cat was. Has anyone with the older, bracketless design had any sort of problem with their pipes? Is the bracket available as a separate piece to retro-fit to a set of pipes without one?

Consider this the first of a steady trickle of questions as I make the transition from the known entity that is my airhead to this strange new, largely plastic world!

Cheers, Jon

 

[Yonkyo]

Hi Jon

Speaking from my experience with using various headers with and without the centre hanger.
I found that the centre bracket is not really necessary on de-cat headers, like Kiehan/Remus as they are much lighter than OEM.
It is probably fitted to the OEM headers due the weight of the Cat.

However, if you also fit an exhaust can with a loose ‘band’ type fixing e.g. Akrapovic.
Then a centre hanger might be advisable, as the can is not bolted directly to the rear hanger.

hope this helps.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Jon

All new Keihan headers are now supplied with a bracket. However, I've run mine for over 2 years, on and off road, without a bracket with no trouble whatsoever.

I think the bracket is only there with the OEM pipes due to the weight of the CAT.

 

[Jon T]

Thanks for the info - does an early Kiehan header (without bracket) work ok with the standard silencer?
Cheers, Jon

 

[Yonkyo]

Thanks for the info - does an early Kiehan header (without bracket) work ok with the standard silencer?
Cheers, Jon

Yes, it'll fit perfectly. and its probably the best combination.
It will sound a bit louder and give a significant perfomance boost.

 

[Kremmen]

Yes, it'll fit perfectly. and its probably the best combination.

As I'm still undecided which way to go with headers, what does probably the best combination mean... are you aware of fitment issues with say Remus headers??

 

[Yonkyo]

As I'm still undecided which way to go with headers, what does probably the best combination mean... are you aware of fitment issues with say Remus headers??

By combination, I mean performance gains to cost etc. De-cat headers (any brand) and standard end can, will improve performance, without being to noisy.
But if want more noise and extra weight saving, then fit a end can as well.

Had to rush this reply cause MotoGP has just started...

 

[Kremmen]

Many thanks for that, enjoy the race

 

[Sgt Bilco]

By combination, I mean performance gains to cost etc. De-cat headers (any brand) and standard end can, will improve performance, without being to noisy.
But if want more noise and extra weight saving, then fit a end can as well.

Had to rush this reply cause MotoGP has just started...

Spot on Yonko The end can is just for noise and aesthetics if thats you bag.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Thanks for the info - does an early Kiehan header (without bracket) work ok with the standard silencer?
Cheers, Jon

Jon

If you are buying a 2nd hand set of Keihan headers and need/want a bracket, let me know and I'll get one to you

 

[Jon T]

Cool, thanks all!

 

[Jon T]

Bingo - just bought a set of 2nd hand Kiehan's off the devil's swap-meet. Does one usually change exhaust gaskets when changing downpipes? As I understand it, the fuel injection sorts itself out?

Cheers, Jon.

 

[Yonkyo]

The exhaust gaskets are just very thin shims, and they can be re-used (and they are £10 each). My local BMW shop doesnt even change them.

So no. no need to change the gaskets.

Just fit the pipes and ride away. the ECu will auto adjust the fuelling.

now all you need is an Accelerator Module, but thats another story...........

 

[ianran]

Jon

If you are buying a 2nd hand set of Keihan headers and need/want a bracket, let me know and I'll get one to you

Dont suppose you could get a set of headers to me youve got laying about

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Bingo - just bought a set of 2nd hand Kiehan's off the devil's swap-meet. Does one usually change exhaust gaskets when changing downpipes? As I understand it, the fuel injection sorts itself out?

Cheers, Jon.

Jon

I always fit new gaskets when fitting the headers because sometimes you have to prise the old ones off. They are about £8 a set at my local dealer and as they are technically a one use item it's well worth the small expense.

The fuelling will sort itself out and you'll enjoy the midrange boost

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Dont suppose you could get a set of headers to me youve got laying about