Melted cargo net on exhaust.

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

I’ve melted a cargo net on the OE end can of my 2003 (5PW) Yamaha R1. I hoped it would eventually burn itself off over time but it hasn’t, and I don’t want to scratch the can by scrubbing it. I think the can is titanium but not sure. Neither WD40 nor nail polish remover (acetone in water) cleaned it. Any recommendations? It can’t be the first time this has happened.

https://i.postimg.cc/bwtQw3Hb/IMG_1922.jpg

[stinkwheel]

Well, if it's a titanium oxide coating, there isn't much solvent-wise that's going to upset it. I'd have thought your acetone would have been the best bet though. How dilute is the nail polish remover?

Carb/contact cleaner for a more volatile solvent. Petrol? Isopropyl aclohol? MEK if you can get it?

Assuming it's titanium oxide, it should be really resistant to even very strong caustic, but I'd try it on a hidden area first.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[MarJay]

Brake cleaner is usually my first port of call with stuff like that. Obviously DO NOT do it when the exhaust is hot, or you might die. Really, it creates phosgene gas if you heat it above something like 300 degrees.

But, it does evaporate quickly, and does clean most anything that can be cleaned.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Islander]

You can buy 100% acetone from Amazon or eBay which should remove it easily.

[VFR1200rider]

White spirit?

[stinkwheel]

The other thing about titanium oxide is it's extremely hard. I doubt a green scotchbrite would mark it. Again, try on an inconspicuious part first.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

I got myself a small bottle of 100% acetone from a pharmacy but it didn’t seem to have much effect. I might have to rub a bit harder before trying the other suggestions. I will update. Thanks.

(Oh, and my mistake, it wasn’t a cargo net, it’s an ‘Oxford Blanket’ rubber mesh used to protect the bodywork from luggage.)

[stinkwheel]

If it's rubber, you could try some vulcanising solution to soften it. The stuff in the little tubes you get in puncture repair kits. It kind of melts the surface of the rubber then bonds it to other bits of rubber. You'd need to be quick with it though.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Suntan Sid]

This is not a wind up!
If all else fails try some full strength "Jungle Formula" insect repellent.
Try not to get it on any plastic, ie. the indicator in the photo.
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"Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!"

[Kawasaki Jimbo]