Exhaust Gaskets & Seals
About Exhaust Gaskets & Seals
Exhaust gaskets seal the joint between the cylinder head and the exhaust pipe so hot gas travels down the pipe instead of escaping at the port. A leaking gasket tends to show up as a ticking or puffing sound on a cold start, black soot streaks around the flange, or exhaust smell near your leg. Many gaskets are made to crush and seal once, so riders buy new ones any time a pipe, header or head has been taken off.
The listings here are sorted by engine and port shape. Harley-Davidson owners will find gaskets and kits for Big Twin, Sportster, Evolution, Twin Cam and M8 engines, including crossover gaskets for the joint between two pipes on FXR and XL models. Japanese and European bikes have kits listed by make, such as Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Gas Gas, Husqvarna and KTM. Match the number of bolts and the port shape first, then the material.
Copper and steel-core gaskets are metal-based and tolerate heat well, graphite composite gaskets are softer and conform to slightly uneven surfaces, and some kits are listed in stainless or chrome finishes. Clean both mating faces before installing, and tighten the flange nuts evenly in stages, following the torque and sequence in your service manual.
Brands in this category include HardDrive, Cometic, FMF Racing, Moose Offroad and James Gasket. Exhaust fit depends on the exact model and year, so pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. A new gasket often goes together with Clamps, Flanges, Hangers & Hardware, and the pipe it seals is found in Manifolds & Headers or Exhaust Pipes & Tips.
FAQs on motorcycle exhaust gaskets
How can I tell if my exhaust gasket is leaking?
Listen for a ticking or puffing sound at the cylinder head, especially on a cold start. Look for black soot streaks around the exhaust flange, and notice any exhaust smell near your leg. Check with the engine off and cool, and never touch the pipe while it is hot.
Can I reuse exhaust gaskets after removing the pipes?
As a rule, replace them. Most are crushed or compressed when installed and will not seal the same way a second time. If a metal gasket is marked as reusable by its maker, follow those instructions, but a new gasket is the safer way to avoid a leak.
How tight should the exhaust flange nuts be?
Use the torque value and tightening order given in your service manual or in the instructions from the exhaust maker. Tighten the nuts evenly in several stages so the flange seats flat, and recheck them after the first heat cycles.
What is the difference between a copper and a graphite exhaust gasket?
Copper and steel-core gaskets are metal-based and hold up well to heat and repeated cycles. Graphite gaskets are softer, so they seal rougher or slightly warped surfaces more easily. Use the type the exhaust maker or your bike's manual calls for.
How do I find the right exhaust gasket for my motorcycle?
Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page, then confirm the engine family, port shape and number of bolts on the listing. Front and rear cylinder gaskets can differ, and some bikes use a separate crossover gasket.
