NGC - Are motorcycles diseases communicable?

[SIR REAL ED]

File this under the "Huh?  That's never happened before!"

Yesterday I went riding with some guy on an Italian motorcycle.  I don't recall what manufacturer.  But I think the name on the side cover was the Italian word for "V-Strom."

A week earlier, I was riding with a guy on a Norton.

My bike was parked within 15 feet of these other two bikes for a period of time.

Last night I start up my Suzuki DR650 and it sounds like the top end is going to explode for maybe 45 seconds, then it gets as quiet as normal.  Definitely a top end noise.  I decide to check it out today.  It cools down overnight.  Re-start today, & a quick examination reveals that the two bolts that hold the exhaust plate to the cylinder head are gone.  The exhaust plate rattles around, and I suspect that when the pipe heats up a bit. it securely grabs the exhaust plate & the noise stops.

Conclusion, Nickel based never seize works great to keep the exhaust studs from seizing up, but is a lousty thread lock.

Did my poor Suzuki get this ailment from the Norton or the Italian V-Strom?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Note to self:  Every few years, check that those studs are still there.....

[Bulldog9]

File this under the "Huh?  That's never happened before!"

Yesterday I went riding with some guy on an Italian motorcycle.  I don't recall what manufacturer.  But I think the name on the side cover was the Italian word for "V-Strom."

A week earlier, I was riding with a guy on a Norton.

My bike was parked within 15 feet of these other two bikes for a period of time.

Last night I start up my Suzuki DR650 and it sounds like the top end is going to explode for maybe 45 seconds, then it gets as quiet as normal.  Definitely a top end noise.  I decide to check it out today.  It cools down overnight.  Re-start today, & a quick examination reveals that the two bolts that hold the exhaust plate to the cylinder head are gone.  The exhaust plate rattles around, and I suspect that when the pipe heats up a bit. it securely grabs the exhaust plate & the noise stops.

Conclusion, Nickel based never seize works great to keep the exhaust studs from seizing up, but is a lousty thread lock.

Did my poor Suzuki get this ailment from the Norton or the Italian V-Strom?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Note to self:  Every few years, check that those studs are still there.....

Ed,

I am completely confident in telling you that my stornello does not have any type of communicable disease.....

That said, your bike sounded strange to me but never having spent much time around a DR, I didn't know how it was supposed to sound. But what you're saying makes a little sense to me. You had more exhaust sound coming off the front of your motor than you had your tailpipe.

Perhaps if you threw your leg over a Moto Guzzi more often things like this wouldn't happen.... 

[SIR REAL ED]

Ed,

I am completely confident in telling you that my stornello does not have any type of communicable disease.....

That said, your bike sounded strange to me but never having spent much time around a DR, I didn't know how it was supposed to sound. But what you're saying makes a little sense to me. You had more exhaust sound coming off the front of your motor than you had your tailpipe.

Perhaps if you threw your leg over a Moto Guzzi more often things like this wouldn't happen.... 

Ahh.   It was a Moto Guzzi Stornello.  My dislyxia kicked in and I thought the side panel said "Stormyjello."  Special summer flavor available for a limited time only.....  Does Bill Cosby still make Jello commercials?   

You are probably right.  It sounds like a Norton disease.  I did notice about 15 feet of safety wire on my buddy's Norton....

It is weird.  I never noticed any change in exhaust sound.  After I found the problem I thought "Man that should have been as loud as Hell.  I'm amazed the header pipe did not move away from the cylinder head!!"

Even with a cold engine, cold exhaust and no bolts in the exhaust plate, I could not move the exhaust pipe away from the cylinder head or pull it out of the counterbore. Evidently, the midpipe mount kept securely it is place.

I've heard running engines with the pipes disconnected.  It is a pretty unmistakable pop, pop, popping sound.

Other than a ratting on cold start up, I never heard any strange noises.....