There funky to set up. Even the full termis had pressure points at the flanges.
I complained here about it when I did mine, nothing I could do but install that way.
Definitely some quality control issues on someone's part
Cracked header at 7,680 miles.
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There funky to set up. Even the full termis had pressure points at the flanges.
I complained here about it when I did mine, nothing I could do but install that way.
Definitely some quality control issues on someone's part
It's a combination of the vibration and heat cycling and little else.
Short of going to thicker material in the immediate area, there's nothing that can be done.
It's fatigue, plain and simple.
I suppose we all have this to look forward to
Where's AR when we need them?
Totally inconclusive.
One can not tell by the look of a weld alone.
The crack is in the HAZ and right on the toe of the weld bead.
A possible solution could be re-profiling the weld to a concave shape thereby improving the transition at the toe and minimizing the stress raiser at that point.
Such a fix would be difficult to perform correctly without thinning the already "too thin" material at the critical point.
Thicker material is required at the flange connection point.
Even some carefully engineered gusseting wouldn't go astray in that area to support the welded connection point and provide a better heat sink and improve heat resistance of the weldment. Either way, thicker material would be vastly superior.
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I don't know if they're purged when manufactured as I've never seen inside a new part.
Purging can help, but in this case I think it's doubtful, but it certainly wouldn't hurt if you were attempting to optimise the results.
A change to a different welding process from GMAW to GTAW may be of benefit as well.
It would be a different story if the interior of the tubing was exposed to a corrosive liquid.
The smooth/sealed interior surface of the weld would minimise corrosive attack into the grain structure of any weld bead that can tend to push through to the inside.
Alternately a bit of backing tape applied to the inside of the joint would work just about as well in this case.
All things being equal, the key to success will ultimately be to eliminate stress raisers at the toe of the weld and optimise the weld grain structure.
As mentioned previously a stressed exhaust component due to post weld misalignment doesn't help the situation.
Purging can help, but in this case I think it's doubtful, but it certainly wouldn't hurt if you were attempting to optimise the results.
A change to a different welding process from GMAW to GTAW may be of benefit as well.
It would be a different story if the interior of the tubing was exposed to a corrosive liquid.
The smooth/sealed interior surface of the weld would minimise corrosive attack into the grain structure of any weld bead that can tend to push through to the inside.
Alternately a bit of backing tape applied to the inside of the joint would work just about as well in this case.
All things being equal, the key to success will ultimately be to eliminate stress raisers at the toe of the weld and optimise the weld grain structure.
As mentioned previously a stressed exhaust component due to post weld misalignment doesn't help the situation.
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I'm going to partially agree.
I have issue with the little else.
These are binding with a lot of pressure on the exact spot. Mocked up mine [full termi] was angled where it bolts up, no matter how I moved the pipes around.
Now other did not complain of the same thing when I did a write up on it here.
So I'm guessing, somewhere there is as control issue of sorts with how these are welded up on the jigs.
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I'm not sweating it at all, even though I have the exact same exhaust setup as 80shilling. if it breaks, it'll get replaced under warranty. It'll be inconvenient if it happens, but that's about it.
Sounds fair enough to me then.
Not to diminish the significance of the issue.
Speaking in general terms if the item is jigged at the time of manufacture as one would expect, then it's hard to explain other than it's a product of a combination of production tolerances at the extreme ends of the spectrum and perhaps this set of headers was made on a bad day by a beginner without adequate supervision whilst learning on the job.
It does happen in every factory
It could also be argued the final responsibility lays at the feet of the installer If installing the full systaem. Especially if the misalignment was noted at the time and subsequently dismissed in order to complete the installation as a matter of expediency.
As noted, upon investigation other installations weren't as problematic.
This indicates that a problem existed with the individual items in question at the time of installation.
But without witnessing the problem first hand or having it documented at the time, it's impossible for any one else to quantify.
It's an awkward situation when one takes on the responsibility for the outcome at the time of installation by performing the work at home.
Is there a case for a warranty claim?
Inconclusive.
Otherwise a new set of headers could be fitted by a dealer with any potential problems being flagged and noted at the time of installation whether it be completed or not.
Alternately one could still perform the task themselves at home and exercise more prudence.
That would insulate one from liability in that regard and provide a sound basis for future claims about defective items and firmly place the blame at the feet of the OEM in terms of materials and workmanship.
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Thing is, any shop still would have finished the job the same way or worse then I did.
I took time, loosened everything back up and tried moving pipes around and twisting looking for the best fit possible.
But ya its on me if something happens. I figure when the exhaust gets red hot he first time I ride, it may set itself in.
My best friend ran a motorcycle exhaust factory, one can install the pieces in a jig before welding and there is a large grey area where the pieces fit and can be twisted for optimal fitting or downright fighting fit due to these twist not being dead perfect.
That's what I'm guessing is taking place.
I promise mine was not test fit before delivery, nor how I would make one. Nor how I would let someone else roll one out of my garage.
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I've installed Arkapovic, MotoCorse and Termignoni.
First two alway fit perfect, no force required, precise to 1/2mm. Termignoni (OEM Ducati exhausts) where ....! I don't know about their premium products.
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It seems like we have had one Akrapovic header break and one STOCK header with Termi slipon break.. Not a lot of similarities between the two circumstances.
Still waiting for feedback from my dealer, as to what the Ducati rep comes back with, in the way of answers.
Still waiting for feedback from my dealer, as to what the Ducati rep comes back with, in the way of answers.
Thanks I know mine was.
Not everyone complained though. Maybe others had the shop do it.
That's bit harsh Gecko and I think a little too broad.
Obviously there are some Termi's that fit to an acceptable standard.
Given the sheer numbers of Termi's out there and the necessity to manufacture them in larger quantities than the boutique brands, we may need to cut them a little slack.
After all they're Italian and a bit like a pizza bought at the local pizzeria on a busy Friday night.
From a certain perspective the price is right as well if you get a good one.
It would be nice if there was more success with them though
Not to mention the AR experience.
In fairness any of these exhausts are made to be as light weight as possible without prematurely failing in service.
They also have to endure the most extreme range of operating conditions in every respect.
By design, they also have to have an outrageously complex shape with changes of direction and sections.
For these modern bikes, by nature they are not easy to design or manufacture let alone be absolutely consistent in terms of dimensions.
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I also think that the fact that I commute daily on it on the pathetic excuse for roads we have here, is part of it. San Francisco looks like it's been carpet bombed it has so many freaking potholes. I am sure the daily beating the bike takes can't help matters.
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