does wrapping the exhaust improve performance of a harley in any way?

 

As the exhaust gasses cool they begin to slow down....we what to keep the gasses moving at rate between 280 and 300 feet per second. Once it drops below 280 the system starts to build a cork in the pipe and it quits savaging as well and causes reversion. The heat tape was designed to keep the heat up so the gasses didn't slow down. You don't see too much heat wrap any more because a stepped header serves the same purpose giving the same results without 15 to 20 lbs of wrapping weight added to your bike.

 

15 to 20lbs is a bit overboard unless your talking about a dual exhaust for a dresser or such. People wrap for different reasons, looks, performance, or whatever.
When doing mine, it wasn't about performance, but if I was to gain a bit, then so be it.
Mine was 2 fold. First, I had a WHITE plastic bag melt itself to the pipes. Needless to say it didn't come all off, and it didn't matter much cause I had already purchased the wrap to do anyway. Second, I also did it for the look, and also so I didn't burn up my leg. So, for me it wasn't performance based although you will hear others argue differently.
I'm happy with the looks, and the pain free ride!

 

if you wrap all your pipes up, even if you have a bagger of some sort w/exhaust sticking out 2 feet from the rear of the bike and you end up with 20 lbs of exhaust wrap on it you have issues to deal with. takes less than 1/2 a roll to do my thunder header, all of it. mabey 3-4 lbs tops.would be interesting to see a pipe w/20 lbs of tape on it though.

 

If your doing it for HP you will overlap the wrap which takes more than one roll....it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know the more insulation the warmer the gasses stay which speeds up the savaging speed.

But then again it takes me 10 minutes to boil a pot of water....you probably do it in seven minutes!!!

 

Some people should do a bit of research before they post.
Hi Doc! Hope things are going well for you.

 

Wouldn't that be a marval....lol....things are fine nvsteve, thanks for asking

 

Doc, I wasn't trying to be a smart ***, but for your info, I wrapped my stove, and I boil water in 3 minutes flat!

 

i just wrap my faucet and the water comes out boiling. took me 20 lbs of wrap to get it to come out that hot though. lol.

 

Wrapping increases heat. Heat in the exhaust is good thing on the drag strip. That is where the technique came from. Run it on the street? Have money ready to replace your exhaust when you burn through the pipes. I promise you they won't hold up. Want a technical explanation? Go to RB Racing website.