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Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

If you think there are problems with M.20 exhaust pipes and silencers just try some of the replica offerings for WD 16Hs. I don't think I have ever seen 2 pipes the same and the problem is enhanced by it having to fit to two securing points as opposed to the one for an M.20 pipe. As for the WD 16H silencer I haven't seen a replica in the UK that was even close.

Of course I may not be looking in the right place so if you can please put me right - I would be most grateful.

email (option): keithchandler@clistandchandler.co.uk

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

My last and final dealing with Armours was years ago and I will never buy one again!

Two complete system were ordered, one for my 1961 Triumph Bonneville and one for a Norton Commando. Neither one could be made to fit. They were not even close. The front mounting brackets for the Triumph were off at least an inch and would have required removing the chrome to move the brackets to the correct place. One the silencer was fitted, its mounting brackets were in the wrong place too.

A friend of mine ordered a Velocette system and it was impossible to fit at all unless you left the foot rests off the bike.

I don't know how they remain in business when everything they make is crap!

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

This is a fairly old post but I just want to share some of the experiences I had last week with an exhaust from Armours. This particular exhaust was bought from Armours many years ago. I hope that since then some improvements are made in the shape of the pipe.

When I first fitted the exhaust it looked like this:

thumbnail-IMG-20210824-WA0001

I had already shortened the end of the pipe by approx 3 cm to have it more alligned with the cylinder and to be able to fit it. But I needed to do a lot of additional work (grinding, bending, knocking with a hammer) to make it a perfect fit. I spend about 3 hours to have it like this:

thumbnail-IMG-20210824-WA0004

In short: don't expect that the exhausts from Armours are a direct fit and only buy them if you have the tools or know someone who has the tools to adjust the exhaust to make it fit properly. A huge advantage imo: the stainless steel looks almost the same as cadmium (like the originals) after some time in my blasting cabinet and painting with heat resistant paint is not necessary. Besides that, Armours are the only 1 who are making the early tipped up M20 silencer.

Regards,
Bastiaan

email (option): wdmotorcycles@gmail.com

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

Hi, maybe we should ask the people in India for silencers and exhausts, because the English are not able tot make a good product 😭

John 👍

email (option): john.kater@chello.nl

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

Not that I have experienced their work, but how many of you are experienced in bending thin wall tube let alone making silencers?
There is always a certain amount of spring when bending a tube. Even when using CNC benders on some jobs every bend needs some tweaking. It's easier if they are slightly over bent as the bend pulls out better than it will pull tighter. If your making a lot of pipes the same you ideally should be working with a fitting jig. These can be expensive to make and even more to store. Also holding back your best pipe as a pattern helps too.
Buying a plated pipe is dangerous, as if it needs some adjustment the plating can be ruined. It's better to ask for it to be supplied unplated. Then an agreement to be made to plate it after making it fit.
Stainless is even more horrible to bend due to so much spring it the material, hence they are more prone to fracturing.

email (option): pes.sales@btconnect.com

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

['...but how many of you are experienced in bending thin wall tube let alone making silencers? '..']

Not many I shouldn't think...That's why we go to a pipe and silencer manufacturer who is supposed to know how to do it and give them our money....There really is no excuse for supplying silencers that make your ears bleed when compared to the originals and exhaust pipes that don't fit, in some cases not even being close to a fit...
It seems that 75 years ago it wasn't a problem but with modern machinery and production methods they can't do it...Don't even start me off on receiving pipes with tube that is severely 'necked' at the bends...That is just a tooling issue that can be avoided, I've been through that process myself with a manufacturer and they did get it right eventually...

It's really not the idea that the end user who may have no relevant skills or facilities should have to rectify anything before use...IT SHOULD FIT!!...It's like saying 'We've made your piston but you might have to remachine the ring grooves before you can use it'...This isn't rocket science, pipes are accurately bent every day for many applications and this is no different...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

I've very recently fitted a silencer and downpipe from armours ( ron pier stainless M20 type) and encountered the same palava...I shortened the down pipe ( cant remember by how much but obviously it would depend on the particular "bend" on the individually manufactured pipe..!?)...I'm thinking it was 70mm or so,but dont quote me on that!!...it was a very very snug fit in the cylinder head and used a course sand paper to rub it down a tad...of course action was taken not to let any grit and filings get into the head itself!... the fixing bracket was over long too but I drilled out a hole to take the mounting bolt approx "55mm centre" up from where the weld meets the pipe and cut off the excess accordingly!,..its close to the stand spring and toolbox but had to be! It's under a bit of pressure to get it up into place but,fingers crossed,not excessively!!....the toolbox lid can be opened 75% of the way but access to tools etc is not a problem atall.....I've been using armours for many years and cant think of a time that I haven't had to twist or bend a bracket??..which isn't too bad if its stainless but a right pain in the arse if its chromed!!.. a real shame because the pipes etc themselves are great quality!!......last year I had to bend both downpipe brackets on my new A10 downpipes and one kicked out slightly further than the other 🤨...too much poncing about but got it sorted in the end!!..a couple of years before I sent a pair of dominator pipes back because they were atrocious!!!!.......anyway,I hope some of this makes sense chaps?..I was going to send a couple of pictures but haven't got a clue how to😂?..pip pip shaun

email (option): jacko1977pfc@gmail.com

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

Hi Shaun
I also have 2 stainless down pipes - reason - if you bead blast you can mimic the dull chrome effect with no paint required

However, Like Bastiaan’s pipe - it’s not possible to fit without significant rework- again as mentioned before - it cannot not be difficult to get this right in this day & age - especially if they have been given an original as a template to base their work on

I have to buy 2 pipes from them for a 51 Troumph 3T I have here - going home to Ireland soon - I truly hope they fit when time comes to fit them - I need to order them on Tuesday

Another forum member recently had an M20 pipe made & it fitted well by all accounts - the company who bent this was Raysons Exhausts - it’s run by the grandson of the former owner of Unity Equipe -
I have seen some of their examples on printed media & social media posts - they seem to excel in making specialist & one offs to a high degree of accuracy
Maybe an option for the future
Br
Jo’b

email (option): jonnyob1@googlemail.com

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

To OP: wait until you will start the motor with the Armours system.
You will definitely need an ok from the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

email (option): michasteinmann@gmail.com

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

Well fitted my exhaust last week and it fitted perfect just needed a little taking off the rear bracket. So they must of copyed Rons .

email (option): chriscool@sky.com

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

Armorers are normally pretty good , all normally need a little fettle , I hate messing around with chrome,Well I have a problem with a wng silencer the bracket is in the wrong place but as it’s stainless I can move it , however the little indentation at the exit pint should it be at the top or the bottom, I think it should be at the bottom as a drip point what do others think ?
the chrome ones on my 1940 twin port single AJS upswept pipes and silencers fitted perfectly ,

email (option): warbikes@gmail.com

Re: exhaust problems BSA WM20

The flute is definitely at the top Andrew. I guess more ornament that use! The last contracts had the "Bell End" removed....OUCH! Ron

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upload pic

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

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