custom Triumph bonneville T100, how to remove Bluing/scratches from motorcycle Exhausts!

I get asked questions about this a lot! so here is my method for removing Blue staining and scratches from your exhaust and getting that factory look back!
T cut original metal polish. amzn.to/2ojGIId
Meguiars nxt generation metal polysh. amzn.to/2oggSES
Cotton stockinette amzn.to/2EEL1Vm
PATREON. / stuartfillingham

[@robhasty4399]

I have to give credit where credit is due. I have a 2014 BMW R1200GS that I bought new and I’ve put 16000 miles on it, mostly off road. I started using Autosol’s bluing remover a couple of years ago and it works well. I saw this video and tried to get the products but wasn’t able in the states. But I did start using this technique with what I could get and the results are amazing. Today someone asked me if my bike was new and how I kept it so clean. Thanks for the video.

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Rob, most metal polishes will do the job, I just use what I find works best for me. im glad you got the result you were looking for!

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

Another interesting cleaning video. Slightly off topic but on viewing some of your back catalogue of KZbin videos I notice that you sometimes use the Humber Bridge in the background If you look underneath the bridge there are two maintenance platforms which run underneath the bridge span.When I first started my apprenticeship these inspection platforms were the first job that I worked on.This was back in 1974 when I started my 4 year apprenticeship with Butterley Engineering, who where based in Ripley Derbyshire. Unfortunately, they went into Receivership a few years ago, not a very auspicious end to a company who were founded in 1790. I left Butterley in 1995 to pursue a career with Rolls-Royce - best move that I ever made!

[@stuartfillingham]

very interesting Michael i shall look out for them next time im there! thank you for watching sir!

[@rhiannemoll3386]

Nice job! Deleting/disabling the SAI on your bonnie will hugely reduce the rate at which blueing occurs (there is no extra oxygen injected into the exhaust port so no post-combustion occurs in the header)

[@mozdickson]

first of your vids I've watched - and I've de-blued my 67 Daytona pipes more than once, using the second of your two products. Fantastic instructional video - reminds me of being instructed by tradesmen I worked under in the past. thanks. Will now set about de-blueing my new 2007 Bonneville

[@nicholasspinicelli2911]

Thanks for the great content! I'm a convert, going from an R6 to something more usable and I'm drooling over the T120. Slightly different world (but I'm keeping my race bike!). I'll be in the market as soon as I get a house by November so keep the videos coming!

[@kennethfoley3536]

Thanks for posting a video on this subject. I've tried to remove bluing on other bikes in the past with not so good results. Now I know how it's done.

[@Rosakru]

You and I share the same methods of dealing with headers. Nice to see you using what I thought was my trademark method with the polishing rag. 🙏🙂

[@stuartfillingham]

LOL sorry matey ive been doing it this way for over 30 years! its nothing new i know, but some people do struggle to get this stuff off, so i thought it was time to let a trade secret out!

[@mar0364]

Uncle Stu, I have joined the Triumph family. I have a 2016 T100. Absolutely in love with the bike. But it does have that blue on the pipes. I should have known you would have the answer. Thanks!

[@flyinggyros9745]

Stuart this is very impressive. And an hour per pipe is nothing. Time well spent. Looking good.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you sir! glad you found it useful, thank you for watching!

[@darkwhorse]

I've always liked the exhaust burnished look

[@MatthewWheatiesClark]

I always laugh at the guys that purposely do it to their bikes It's not a great sign on the bike to begin with, and could be indicative of a cooking issue. Harleys often have them just from sitting in traffic. That oil cooler engine isn't a fan of not getting a little throttle to pump it through

[@itlcurtis]

As usual Sir you are full of knowledge and excellent advice with some great techniques on offer, thanks for this, I will apply it to my Stripple pipes to get them back to a state that they deserve. See you soon on my new Scrambler (March) 👍

[@marciusgoh3939]

Good content, nice video quality, and a wonderful attention to detail that greatly benefits beginners like me. it's surprising you haven't got more subscribers.

[@Mark_KE8YCV]

I tried it. It worked with amazingly little effort. Thank you for this! I used the TCut with cheesecloth.

[@jasonsp8210]

That video was fantastic, thanks for the no nonsense approach abd clear demonstration. I choked up looking at a T100 the one I binned into a post. But will apply the technique to the new Enfield. Thanks again great video.

[@daveackers4373]

Great vid Stuart, gonna try this at the weekend on my Thruxton. 👍

[@thisisme7587]

1 hr per pipe! Man i dig your dedication to keeping the bike minty. Im so lazy ive learnt to like the blue, shame for the next owner if i try to sell it though. I belive the method is technically called the push me pull you.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you David i knew there was a term for it, but i just couldn't recollect it at the time!

[@markmottershead646]

Hi again Stuart. Would you believe I ordered some Autosol this morning to bring back the chrome on my 2018 Speedmaster so glad I watched the video! Tonight therefore I’ve gone over it with Tetroseal instead and it’s come up a treat. Thanks again, I’d be lost without your videos haha

[@billbarrett6285]

Very nice job. I just noticed your bike has the chrome bracing from the back of the front fender to the forks. I quite like that because it adds to the classic feel and appearance to me. I wish the latest model had it as well. Perhaps it can be added if requested. I hope so. The latest model only shows the chrome bracing on the front of the front fender. I'm really looking forward to the rider course I have to take coming up so I can get my own T120.

[@ginoandgina4553]

Awesome job as always Master Stuart.

[@triumphrider9796]

I own an '02 T100; several years ago I had the pipes polished, cost a couple hundred bucks, they haven't blued since (more of a gold tint, no bluing). I'll have to give this a try! I believe the bluing is mainly the result of using single-wall pipes, as well as the SAI (which I have removed, along with the airbox; also mounted the Triumph performance mufflers). Suspension was too soft; Race-Tech cartridge emulators and springs transformed the front end most marvelously, I mounted Ohlins shocks out back. I've done over 500 miles in a day, no problem, with the stock seat. Great bike!

[@stuartfillingham]

$200 to polish the pipes! i think ill take this video down and start up a business! lol. all very worthwhile mods Mr Rider, rear suspension has already been replaced and front progressive's waiting to go on, the bike will be transformed over the next few months, watch this space!

[@triumphrider9796]

Sounds good! I don't know if later models differ much from my '02 (aside from the greater displacement), but the only kit needed to take out the SAI on mine was two plugs to cover the holes in the head; I chose a couple of nicely polished ones with the Union engraved on them. Aside from that it was just a matter of removing the plumbing. The aftermarket for the Bonnie gives you a lot of options (I also replaced the stock igniter, raised the rev limit to over 8K).

[@stuartfillingham]

Raised the rev limiter to over 8k? intriguing! what affect does that have on performance?

[@allancrawford4243]

Loving your videos Stuart. Just bought a used T100, only done 3000km or less than 2000miles a year, this is my second T100, both black and white like yours. I'm looking forward to reviewing your maintenance videos. I think this T100 will be my last bike! Maybe?

[@robertyoung5910]

Great video Stuart, good tips that I would never had thought of. Thanks.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Robert, glad you found it useful!

[@bm7760]

I find this kind of job really therapeutic. Quiet time in the shed. Great for the blood pressure. :-)

[@RobVespa]

Wow - Excellent... Thanks for sharing. I haven't ever had results like what is shown in your video. I look forward to trying this out...

[@stuartfillingham]

Your welcome Rob thanks for watching!

[@phcastilho]

This is exactly what I was looking for ! My T120 thanks you !

[@stuartfillingham]

Your welcome Pedro thanks for watching!

[@REKLESSWOLVES1]

Excellent video mate, my 2002 Triumph America has the exact same bluing on both pipes, now ive seen this video i`m gonna give it a go, 10/10 Brother, thanks. `Mr Claypole`.

[@stephendonaldson2306]

Take the air injectors out. Removal kit from Triumph consists of two bolts that replace the injectors. Have owned two T100s and a Speedmaster and taking these measures worked a treat.

[@stephencarrahar286]

good info on the cutting ability of different compounds. Having owned a T100 I know where you coming from. My present bike r1200rt has blue pipes and I will give it a go. I have noticed on numerous BMW's hand marks in the blueing area. The oils/sweat of the assemblers hand marks leaves a recognisable pattern after the engine is test run.

[@stuartfillingham]

yes the good thing about BMW is that they use a high grade stainless steel on their headers so they dont get as bad as other brands. Its hard work the first time Stephen but the its well worth the effort! thanks for watching!

[@pritulaag]

I actually like the look of the blue on exhausts. To me, it means the bike is being ridden and it kind of gives it a bit of flare. Although, I do agree with cleaning it off a couple times a year if it degrades the quality of the metal.

[@stuartfillingham]

It ok if its a nice clean blue. the only problem is it doesn't stay that way and will eventually turn black and rough, not a good look!

[@bonnytrippler2966]

Excellent work Stuart. I am learning from every one of your videos. Cheers

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Mr Trippler and thanks for watching!

[@charliedeshawn7290]

i know im asking randomly but does someone know a tool to get back into an instagram account? I somehow lost my account password. I would love any assistance you can give me

[@mylesdarwin3000]

@Charlie Deshawn Instablaster :)

[@carolblay]

As usual a great video. Hopefully when i get my new street twin I’ll keep my pipes shiny.

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi Stu, this header blueing on the 865 air cooled Bonnys is caused 100% of the time by the SAI (Secondary Air Injection) system. Removing this system will allow the engine to running cooler, especially in traffic. Under certain throttle openings the SAI allows fresh air to enter the cylinder head just aft of the exhaust valves. This then ignites any unburnt fuel in the headers, which super-heats them. The system is very easy to remove without any onerous consequences.

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi David, we will be getting on to those sort of modifications later in the pay day projects series. This video was intended just to show people how best to deal with bluing on exhausts, something nearly all bikes suffer from. Thanks for your comment and of course for watching!

[@kirktotallyrocks]

I've had the SAI deleted from my Newchurch since it only had 500 miles. Still blues/blackens the pipes. They're black by the end of every season.

[@jeffandrews2673]

Good video, i’ve been doing this for years and it works👍

[@bullthrush]

Very nice result. (It has to be said) I'll be in the shed, polishing my pipe. :))

[@stuartfillingham]

LOL theres nothing quite like polishing your pipe in the privacy of your own shed!

[@davidefland1985]

I love that white and black bonney

[@jimmylincoln4082]

Very interesting and informative as usual, thanks for sharing

[@stuartfillingham]

Your welcome Jimmy, Thank you for watching!

[@BarryFrancis-id1tn]

This is pure genius, did you invent this process or learn it at college maybe?

[@bishoptc]

I’d never believed in a million years that the dreaded blue could just be polished out like that, but sure enough l Just spent half hour on one of my headers and lo and behold, it’s slowly disappearing and a shine is trying to return, l’ll have another go at it tomorrow…

[@philmulheran2390]

Thanks Stuart. Great video

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Phil!

[@christopherberry1759]

Very informative, as always. Thank you Sir!

[@stuartfillingham]

Your welcome Christopher, thank you for watching!

[@manmeetsharma2632]

Great video , I couldn't find this polish here in Australia. I got Autosol one, it did good job. I have done 600kms since, the blue colour haven't returned.

[@stefanovon]

I did the work too some months ago ( 2015 t100 never polished in six years) and headers like mirrors... Not blue but a yellowish tint appeared again in a week after 250 km trip... hard life :-(

[@sait33]

Wonderful idea. Appreciate it 🙏

[@sendheron1]

Great video, very helpful 👍👍

[@user-fl9jl2tk3r]

It actually works

[@andrewhannam.]

Embrace the beautiful blue and gold! When you see blue pipes, you know it has been ridden.

[@stuartfillingham]

Or you could just look at the odometer!

[@andrewhannam.]

True enough good sir, but the blue has a certain charm vs reading an odometer lol cheers!

[@jasonchicoine4282]

Badly adjusted carbs is what isee

[@bundiq]

That is so briliant and so simple! What would you recommend for me to use for my handlebars (i’ve got few rusty spots on it:( ? I’ll try that double loop cloth and what could I use? Autosol polish? GT-83? Or some other antitrust/polish thing?

[@allancrawford4243]

I actually like the blueing, it's like a badge. I plan to get a better seat and upgrade the suspension. And the airbox mod

[@tinks43]

Came up a treat! 👍🏻

[@stuartfillingham]

good to hear Mr Cotti! glad you found it worked ok for you!

[@johnwright6995]

You can get kits to remove the air injection system on these bikes I think Norman Hyde do one the air injection system super heats the exhaust gases burning more unburnt fuel which turns your pipes blue the kit includes a bolt which replaces the air injector which is located next to the spark plugs

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi John, yes we will be fitting such a kit from MOTONE later in the PDP series, this video was not intended to be a triumph specific video, more a guide for all bikers, and as i said in the video the pipes were also badly scratched!

[@johnwright6995]

stuart fillingham thanks for the reply Stuart fitting the kit will get rid of the popping on the overrun most people leave the pump in place connected to the loom if you disconnect the pump altogether you get a engine warning light on your dash you can fit a resistor instead of the pump that fools the ecu into thinking the pump is still there

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi John thanks for that! i believe MOTONE are putting a comprehensive kit together so will see what they come up with, but we will be doing a lot more to the bike performance wise, its still very early days yet!

[@stuartfillingham]

Yes its an ancient method Jerry, i just thought i would share with those who dont know about it. a few minutes a week is definitely the best way to go, i dont hold with the idea of just leaving them to grime up! thank you for watching!

[@notyourpapa]

Thanks for this.

[@daveharriman2756]

Hey Stuart, I was always under the impression that stainless pipes do not go blue, and I feel sure that my old T100 had chromed steel pipes. My Thruxton R has stainless pipes, and if left, they don't go blue, but a golden brown, (I haven't tried the magnet test, so don't know the quality of the stainless) I do use your method to clean, and I must confess, have always used Solvol Autosol. My old Laverda had stainless pipes also, and they also turned a golden brown, and if left, then to a dirty brown, but never blue. good tutorial though mate!

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Dave, it depends on the grade of stainless steel. higher grades contain far more nickel than steel in which case the pipes will discolour more slowly as there is very little magnetite present in the alloy, so they will go a subtle brown colour. low grades contain more steel than nickel so the bluing will be more pronounced as there is far more magnetite present to be pushed to the surface. also if you have the wc thruxton, i believe the pipes may be double skinned as in the T120, so you cant actually see the down pipes they are hidden.

[@daveharriman2756]

stuart fillingham Hi Stuart, yes I understand that, as I remember A2 denotes the best quality for fasteners etc, and 303 is good for machining, My Thruxton R unfortunately is not double skinned, so I Do have to keep on top of it. My T120 like yours is double skinned. I still think the T100 is chromed mild steel! I'd sooner be talking all this over a pint! Cheers mate! On a side note, my Thruxton pipes are absolutely non magnetic

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Dave, the Golden brown is an indication that the pipe have a high nickel content and low steel. so high grade stainless.

[@rohitdaghe]

The motion is called churning motion. We use it churn curd to get ghee. We wind a rope to a churning stick and pull/push the rope to rotate the stick. Exactly like what you were doing with the cloth to clean the exhaust.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Rohit, We dont churn much of anything here in the UK any more, which is probably why i didn't know the term for it!

[@drkumaraprasad]

Sir great video with crisp explanations. Just wanted to know that will fixing a centre stand greatly reduce the ground clearance of the bike.. I live in India and many speed breakers scrape the underbelly of my Bonneville... But I'm finding it difficult to do the routine maintenance without out the centre stand

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Kumara, if your already having ground clearance issues a centre stand will almost certainly make things worse. but have you considered a paddock stand or a simple motorcycle scissor jack for maintenance, it would perform the task of a centre stand but would not be permanent, and there are may available for a little over £30 that are ideal for maintenance tasks!

[@drkumaraprasad]

stuart fillingham thanks for the proMpt response... I've ordered for a scissor jack and hope it serves the purpose

[@tompritchard301]

Great video! There is a lot of advice going around about 0000 (finest grade) steel wool working well to clean chrome, specifically for removing burnt on 'bits'. In your experience, will metal polish applied with cotton stockinette remove these bits, or is there another method that you would recommend? Not sure if I want to test the steel wool method... Thanks!

[@tompritchard301]

Update on my test: The 0000 steel wool and metal polish lightly scratched the chrome, it's mostly not noticeable unless you look closely. It was very effective at removing bits stuck to the exhaust, but was overall a large failure. Not sure why so many people recommend this? I used the same method to fix some light scratches on the silencer and made it a lot worse. I now have to replace it. Hope this can act as a good warning to others. Listen to Stuart's advice!

[@marcr660907]

I do this on mine too. I’ve been reading that removal of the Secondary Air intake system can slow the bluing build up. Any thoughts on that?

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Marc yeah its nothing new, but i get asked about it a lot! yeah ive heard the same, apparently it allows the engine to run a little cooler and i believe Motone are working on a kit right now!

[@iannightingale3363]

hello Stuart ,,, those headers look good after the polish. Have you seen Motone’s big fin exhaust clamps. ?

[@stuartfillingham]

I think i have a pair kicking around somewhere Ian, ready to go on when the exhaust is replaced!

[@billy942]

another informative video, look forward to every one coming out.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you William! and thanks for watching!

[@halz7]

Have you ever tried Simichrome metal polish. I have used it for years on lots of applications with good results. Also I have had good results using one heat range colder spark plugs.

[@stuartfillingham]

I must confess ive never actually heard of simichrome!

[@halz7]

If you get a chance give it a try. It's sold at most motorcycle shops.

[@karlandelainechadwick8940]

For chrome I use Windoleen or Sainsbury's window cleaner.

[@stuartfillingham]

Good idea, both pretty gentle chemicals with no abrasives!

[@HieuPham-kv5uc]

hi, what is the brand of the tube you are using to polish the exhaust pipe? Thanks

[@varunatria]

Does the liquid cooled T120s have this exhaust turning blue issues?

[@pfc-]

thanks for the video. very helpful. can I ask a question? I can't find the T Cut product in Italy. can I use alternative products? for example Autosol?

[@pfc-]

?

[@pfc-]

can I use Autosol instead of the T cut metal polish that I can't find in Italy?

[@crimmond06]

Hi Stuart, Just found some light swirls on my T100 WC chrome silencers. Can you suggest a remedy or do I just live with it. Cheers

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Kevin, if they are not very noticeable i would just try to live with them, they could be polished out but it would take hours of work!

[@TheShotokan6]

Does the blueing return after the polish?

[@darkwhorse]

Is that Motone seat real leather?

[@jjnewman65]

I like the bluing. However my T100 headers are black coated and my SpeedTwin the down pipes have turned a brownie colour which aren’t that attractive.

[@juans3728]

I have no bike yet, but all you are sharing in reference to taking care of your second wife can that polish also be used on other metal areas of the bike? or is this strictly for the pipe. Reminds me of brasso that was used to polish military metals for the uniform.

[@stuartfillingham]

can I suggest you take a look at my other bike care videos? all is explained in those!

[@juans3728]

@@stuartfillingham Will do and thanks.

[@juans3728]

@@stuartfillingham Will do.

[@gilbrown5739]

Where can you get T cut metal polish

[@connorgoodwin2216]

Forgive me but I seem to be having a hard time understanding what type of cotton cloth with your heavy accent. What kind of cloth is best suited for this job? Thanks

[@stuartfillingham]

Read the description

[@realinohio]

What year is that triumph?

[@granto6738]

❤ Hi I'm looking atva 15 plate t100 on 421 miles on it pipes r very blue and has 5 owners very strange

[@bryantmatos996]

Hey Stuart, T-CUT doesnt ship to US. Any recomendations on what i can find in US

[@stuartfillingham]

any medium fine metal polish will do Bryant.

[@dlcarburetor]

Too much work for me but that looks good

[@sait33]

👍❤️🙏

[@ROMABUSCADOR]

LiKe!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Sir!

[@granto6738]

Can't get hold of the original t cut metal polish halfords have just t cut metal polish but don't say original will this do bud 😮

[@granto6738]

Wil it be the same it says t cut metal polish