Kawasaki ninja 250 headers glowing?

M

mdono10375

New member
I have a 2009 Kawasaki ninja 250 with a dynojet stage 2 kit (DJ98 main jet, airbox snorkle removed, and K&N filter) and a full yosh system. if i run the bike while in the driveway and rev to 5000-7000 rpm, the headers begin glowing- is this normal? the bike runs wekk at all speeds,but i dont want lean condition. shouldi fatten up the mains? suggestions. - feel free to refrain from the "why are you modding a 250" cracks - i have 4 other bikes. Thanks.
 
I think everyone else has jumped to the most obvious conclusion, which is most likely wrong. Most Japanese factory exhaust systems have dual wall pipes on the headers to keep the pipes from getting hot and discoloring the chrome, turning it blue or gold. Many other manufactuers use singlewall pipe, even the expensive ones. Look at any BMW, old Norton or Triumph and many Harleys and you'll see the discoloration. Most aftermarket exhaust systems are singlewall as well, which is how they get more flow capacity with the same outside diamater pipe.

Since you have a complete Yoshimura exhaust, I expect that's the cause...single wall pipes. If the bike runs well, doesn't stagger, stumble, knock or ping and seems to have adequate power delivery without flat spots, then I wouldn't worry. Now if the Yoshi system does have double wall header pipes, them take the advice of the others.
 
how long do you have to rev it for it to start glowing ? i'd pull the plugs and see how you're doing on your burn they will tell you if your lean or rich
 
Seen this happen on some other vehicles so for what it's worth... Typically a choke left on or overly rich mixture causes combustion of the mixture into the exhaust pipe even after the exhaust stroke has expelled the supposedly burnt mixture. This continued burning can also raise hell with the exhaust valve faces and seats. Run it over to a shop with an exhaust gas analyzer. They'll take all the guessing out of it.
 
LOL I am out on my Ninja 250 today... they are fun little bikes to ride!

I don't think that the headers are supposed to glow- you may be running a higher octane fuel than you need to. Usually regular unleaded is sufficient enough and high test burns at a higher temp.

Make sure you burn the fuel out of the carb when you aren't running the bike- I do it every ride when I return- the ninja carb is bad about getting clogged with this ethanol mix they sell in Georgia. Not sure if your area has the same but Kawasaki actually sent the dealers a warning about it greening the carbs even with a jet kit. Hope it helps...
 
Back
Top