Baffle removal & treatment
Ideally baffles are best removed from a hot exhaust that is still mounted to the bike. The residual heat will thin any sticky oil aiding baffle removal and if you need to apply leverage or force you’ll be twisting and pulling against the mass of the bike. Having the appropriate tools to hand before you start and straight after a ride gives you the best possible physical advantage. Clean the baffles exactly the same as the exhaust system; solvent then caustic solution. They’ll also benefit from a sound wire-brushing as well. Always take a look down the baffles from the engine end and look for any obstructions. If in any doubt have a good poke about with a piece of steel rod to prise out any residual carbon etc. A/ With the retaining screw/bolt removed the baffle is withdrawn from of its register using pliers on the pull bar. If it’s reluctant to move, applying rotational force to the pliers normally sorts the job. B/ Some baffles don’t have pull bars in which case you’ll need a Plan B. A metal rod with large washers bolted to each end can be inserted into the baffle picking up on an internal flange. Tapping the rear washer should loosen the baffle. C/ If you can’t get a washer inside the baffle, make yourself a hooked rod that will grasp on to one of the baffle’s internal holes. B/ And if all else fails apply heat; here I’m working on a different exhaust. Even though the chrome is marked at least the baffle is free. In this instance it was rust not carbon/oil that was the issue so perhaps lots of penetrating oil might have saved me a rechroming job? Every day’s a school day etc.!