It used to only be seen on high performance racing bikes, but over time motorcycle header wrap products have been seen on recreational bikes as well. The benefits of this simple product are becoming known by the average rider, as well as new and upcoming competitive riders. But many new motorcycle owners are wondering if they really need it. Are the benefits worth the extra cash? Can you just get along fine without it? Let’s consider the benefits, downsides and whether or not your motorcycle really needs it.
It Looks Amazing
One of the biggest draws is the abundance of colors and patterns you can find. On fully custom bikes, you may want to find a wrap that compliments the overall color scheme or one that stands out and catches the eye of those around you. That’s easy to do with the wide range of colors on the market from simple silvers and grays to bright red, yellow and green. The motorcycle header wraps found on most markets today are made from asbestos-free fiberglass woven in an extremely dense fashion. Woven in among the fiberglass is often ceramic or ground lava rock which helps collect and dissipate heat through the muffler properly.
It Redirects Heat
The main reason people seek out header wrap and other thermal products is for the heat resistant or heat dissipating abilities. Not only can it help improve your engine function by a small margin, but it can also prevent burns on your legs when mounting and dismounting the bike. Some studies have shown an increase in horsepower and rpms in bikes with thermal products in use, while some say it has no benefit. In actuality, thermal products make scavenging within your engine more effective and allows both the intake and exhaust gasses to be moved through the engine more quickly. This can produce up to 1,000 rpm more in performance than you are used to, offering up to 2 horsepower more on that bike. From a casual rider point of view this may not be worth the investment, but for a performance situation this could be the extra edge you need to win the next big race. In the end, you will need to be the one to decide whether or not you want that extra horsepower or if it’s not a big deal. On the other hand, if your legs have a few scars from being burned on the muffler, thermal protection could be worth it for that aspect alone.
