127-65549 Zephyr ZR550

[sidotoole]

Hi,

I've been looking to buy a Kerker Meg exhaust system for my Zephyr 550.

I live in the UK and have recently been given a quote and estimated delivery charge for the following order by one of your suppliers:

127-65549 MEG SERIES BLK
KAW ZEPHYR 550 90-92 4:1 SS

I emailed them back and confirmed that I would like to put an order in but I haven't heard from them since (this was neary a month ago).

They said that Kerker has discontinued the standard systems for this bike but that they do make a specialty system and gave me the above part number.

Can you please confirm if I am able to purchase this exhaust for my bike as I have had mixed messages from different suppliers and I am quite confused now.

Thanks.

[bschultz]

The referenced P/N 127-65549 is still manufactured as a "special" order, expect an 8-12 week build time.

[sidotoole]

That's great news. I was told by one your distributors that I would need to pay a 20% deposit which is fine but they haven't contacted me back about and I'm very eager to put an order in as soon as possible.

Would you be able to give me the contact details of any other distributors that would be willing to send overseas?

Thank you.

[bschultz]

Contact our Customer Service Department during business hours;
Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm

[sidotoole]

Thanks for your advice. I have put my order in and all I have to do now is wait for a bit.

Can you tell me if the exhaust comes with collets for it. I think they are also referred to as retainers.

[bschultz]

If you are referring to "split collars", yes.

[sidotoole]

Hi again,

My Kerker Meg has now been on my bike for almost a year.
I like the sound and performance of the exhaust but I have a few issues.

The downpipes don't tuck under the bike very well and therefore doesn't leave me much ground clearance. I can live with this as I have learnt to be extra aware of the road surface and I avoid anything that even looks like a pothole.

But one thing I am not happy about is the condition that the endcan is in after only one year. I do use my bike all year round but I clean it regularly and I am especially careful when cleaning the exhaust.

I believe that the down pipes are stainless steel, these are holding up well although the paint looks ten years old as opposed to one year old.
But the end can is showing signs of rust, how is this possible?
I thought that it was made of aluminium.

I doubt very much that it will last many more winters.
The main reason for me buying a new exhaust was that my old Motad one was starting to rot. I bought the Kerker one not just because I love the look of it but because I expected it to be longer lasting, to me the end can is behaving as if it were mild steel.
I am very disappointed as I have gone to great expense to obtain a Kerker.

I am now at a loss as to what to do to stop the end deteriorating any further.

[bschultz]

The Kerker K-Series systems have an aluminum can; however your system is a Megaphone Series and the megaphone is made of mild steel and coated with a high heat paint. The coating, not being a gloss finish, can be prone to chemical attack from road grime.
I personally have an early 70's CB750 with a black Megaphone Series pipe which was on the bike when I purchased it over twenty years ago. It's still in great shape, solid, no holes or weak spots; however the nature of the component from normal use deteriorates cosmetically. I pull the system off the bike every few years and have it bead blasted and hit it with some high heat paint...like new again!
Regular cleaning with mild soap & water should insure the longevity of the system. Stay away from acidic based cleaners which can break down coatings quicker.

[sidotoole]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

The dreaded M word.

It was the distributor that made the mix up with the info on the exhaust; not yourselves.

Thanks also for the advice; it does me give hope that I'll be able to salvage the situation and get lots of years out of my exhaust.

I just have a few more questions.

When you paint the endcan do you also remove the baffle?
How often does the baffle need to be replaced?

If I do remove the baffle what condition would it be in; as I don't have a spare one?

Do you paint over the Kerker badge or just around it? It doesn't look like it can be removed easily.

Thanks again,
Sid.

[bschultz]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

The dreaded M word.

It was the distributor that made the mix up with the info on the exhaust; not yourselves.

Thanks also for the advice; it does me give hope that I'll be able to salvage the situation and get lots of years out of my exhaust.

I just have a few more questions.

When you paint the endcan do you also remove the baffle?Not necessarily… yes if you’re having it bead blasted first. No if you are just freshening up the finish.
How often does the baffle need to be replaced?The packing deteriorates over time and should be replaced when the exhaust note becomes louder; however the baffle should not need replacing unless you are swapping out to a competition version.

If I do remove the baffle what condition would it be in; as I don't have a spare one? The baffle or perf tube is made of steel and if used regularly should not fail. Failures occur more often when a bike is left setting or not used and moisture collects in or on components and corrosion sets in.

Do you paint over the Kerker badge or just around it? It doesn't look like it can be removed easily.I drill out the pop rivets and remove the badge and reattach after refinishing.

Thanks again,
Sid.

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