How do you get melted shoes off stainless steel exhaust pipes?

Question

It never fails. I tell them, "Do not step on the pipes." Yet they all do. All my exes have pipe tatoos, too.

There must be a good way to remove the shoe goo. Any recommendations?

Answer 1

oven cleaner

Answer 2

Paint remover will soften the melted rubber, then use a thumb nail or a guitar pick to rub it off.
Repeat this a few times until you can use a rag. Then follow up with a light chrome polish.

Never use steel wool ,even 0000 unless you want scratches.

Answer 3

Go to any automotive store and get a clay stick and the spray that goes with it. This is what is used in minor detailing in all automotive applications including bikes. this takes allot of work but works well. all the other suggestions will work but the will in the long run dull your pipes and strip off the coating. You should consider longer pegs for the passenger too.

Answer 4

I warm up the bike and get the exhaust hot.
That will soften the scuffs.
Then spray with "contact brake" cleaner (available at auto parts and bike shops).
That will further soften the scuffs and help to dissolve any glue like properties of the scuffs.
If a rag still has problems removing them, then I'll scrape the exhaust with a "plastic" razor blade.
A "plastic" razor blade will not scratch stainless steel, like steel wool will.

Answer 5

Goof-Off
Goof-Off contains Xylene and Toluene. They are both agressive non-polar hydrocarbon solvents. They will melt the rubber and leave the metal intact.
(you won't etch or scratch the pipes)
You can find it in the paint section of any hardware store and it's only a couple bucks.
Pour some on a clean cloth and rub the melted shoe off with it.

Answer 6

Why not try and prevent the problem in the first place and get carbon fiber protectors for your pipes?

Here's one example: http://www.ecplaza.net/tradeleads/seller/4518645/ducati_999_carbon.html

As for getting the scuff marks off. Warm up the bike, remove what you can with a razor blade, then use degreaser to remove the rest.

Answer 7

I use carb cleaner and then clean that off with a basic cleaner like windex

Answer 8

Most chrome polishes leave behind a silicone barrier that helps protect Finnish. I just use elbow grease and polish. Metal polish and a dremel polisher work for stubborn spots.

Answer 9

I recommend chrome polish and a little elbow grease on cold pipes.

Answer 10

0000 steel wool