I recently installed the stock engine guard and in order to do so you have to disconnect the right side exhaust pipe. After reinstalling the exhaust pipe the instructions tell you to check for leaks. Okay, here comes the stupid question, how does one go about checking for leaks? The bike starts fine and it sounds (I think anyway) the same as it did before I disconnected and reconnected the pipe. Is there some sort of "scientific" way to check for leaks around the head? Many thanks in advance for any insight or education you may impart.

I recently installed the stock engine guard and in order to do so you have to disconnect the right side exhaust pipe. After reinstalling the exhaust pipe the instructions tell you to check for leaks. Okay, here comes the stupid question, how does one go about checking for leaks? The bike starts fine and it sounds (I think anyway) the same as it did before I disconnected and reconnected the pipe. Is there some sort of "scientific" way to check for leaks around the head? Many thanks in advance for any insight or education you may impart.

I read somewhere to light a cigarette and while engine running move cig along ex pipe areas .If you see the cig smoke being sucked in it is an indication of leak. You might have to rev to 2k or so for it to worrk.Good luck!I hope this doesnt get you hooked on cigs.

Stick your ear down on the part and listen.

OK, don't do that!

Usually when you pull your pipes you need to put a new gasket on. Otherwise, it will backfire, because it is sucking fresh air into the exhaust which mixes whith the unburnt fuel and ignites. If you find that you do have a leak, replace the gasket with a Harley Davidson one, it is better than the Kawasaki gasket. At least that's what I hear on this forum.