I have a new 2008 (100Klm) Suzuki Bolevard S83. The left exhaust pipe (as you sit on the bike)is turning a gold colour for approxiamtely 12 inches from the engine, however the right pipe has not changed colour. The service department at the Suzuki dealership said that this is normal. If its normal why is only one of the pipes affected? Is this something I should be concerned about?
It is normal. One cylinder & pipe are a bit hotter than the other. It is not at all unusual to see one pipe discolored more than the other.
Discoloration on chrome pipes is completely normal and is referred to as "bluing". It's caused by the extreme tempurature of the exhaust as it leaves the engine. Typically it will affect the first 12-inches or so of the exhaust pipe. The problem can be worse if your engine is running too lean a fuel mixture. Since your bike is relitively new the engine might not be completly broken in yet, this will cause it to run a little hotter than it normally would.
Why one pipe is changing color and not the other? I'm not sure, one cylinder may be breaking in quicker than the other, or the mixture in the cylinder may be leaner than the other (not too likely with today's fuel injected bikes). If your bike is running and idling correctly and not overheating you shouldn't worry.
Pipe bluing drives motorcycle owners nuts, especially Harley who like to put expensive aftermarket pipes on their bikes. As a result there are a number of products on the market that are supposed to be able to remove the bluing or insulate the interior of the pipe to prevent the bluing. Stop by your local aftermarket motorcycle parts store and talk to one of the parts guys. They may be able to suggest a product that will help you resore the proper color on your pipes.
Good luck!
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