Clear Coating Pipes

[TT]

First up, my apologies to YZ250H................. I hate chromed pipes. 

But it got me thinking. I remember a mate having a Pro Circuit (I think) pipe that was clear coated so all the welds etc were there for all to see (just like the factory bikes of the time) and it didn't rust.
With a pipe that looks as good as GMC's work, I reckon that would be a good option. Is it available today?

[YZ250H]

No apologies necessary TT - each to his own.  I hate black rims AND black spokes, so how weird does that make me 
I had intended to leave mine "factory" as well, but where I lived at the time dictated something different.  I thought the same initially, but it is growing on me.  I have VHT clear on my 250 head that I have tried to cure properly with the heat gun.  I think Tony B used that on his pipe with good results.  Haven't heard from him for a while.

[TT]

I hate black rims AND black spokes

I hate them too, but then I hate everything........... 

Ok, that answers the question. There is a VHT clear. Pardon my ignorance, but I'd never seen it.
I don't own a GMC pipe but one day maybe................  But I personally really like to see such exceptional work. I guess you can with chrome as well, but as you say, personal taste. 

[dave]

We used to sell PJ1 clear heat proof paint and I sure there are other brands in the shop. I tried it years ago and it worked fine as long as every now and then I gave it another quick sand and blast (depends on how often you ride).

[bigk]

I'm yet to find a clear coat, heat proof or otherwise, which doesn't go that yellow/honey color after it gets hot. The clear coat on the DG pipes is even poxier still and goes that dark brown color. As much as I love the look of a raw pipe, the upkeep is too intensive for a race bike IMO, and the clear option is poor, so black it is for me.
Cheers,
K

[LWC82PE]

i agree with Big K and also that black dissipates the heat better too

[Lozza]

i agree with Big K and also that black dissipates the heat better too

Why on earth would you want to by choice dissippate heat from a pipe? I use a 'top secret formula', that coats pipes and stops mud (and salt) from sticking to the pipe.No harder to maintain than a 2min spray before a ride. Every clear will go yellow on the header because that's the hottest part of the pipe. Not many clear coatings will survive 200 deg C+. A good trick is to 'bake' the coating first, in an oven if your lucky enough or just idling the bike stationary and reapply coats while the pipe is hot.Leave to cool over night.

[lukeb1961]

i agree with Big K and also that black dissipates the heat better too

Why on earth would you want to by choice dissippate heat from a pipe?

that is an interesting point re heat dissipation.
lots of good reading here:
http://cid-407d7ef0965d3991.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Racing%20Model/Two-Stroke%20Manuals
"Do You Really Want to Know About Expansion Chambers?" is a joy.

[Freakshow]

i have 2 or 3 clear coated pipes and all of them are still rusting ?  and kinda look a bit shitty now, and they had VHT engine clear on them in more than 2 coats...........

[TT]

i have 2 or 3 clear coated pipes and all of them are still rusting ?

Ah, but is it just that you can see the rust