Weird smell after performance kit install

• honda shadow 600
• Exhaust
• max performance kit

• JB

  Jacob Boucher

  9/23/26, 3:36 PM

  After installing the kit (max performance kit for shadow 600) my bike is running rich which is not the topic of my question but may help you to answer it (idk), the pipes (chrome backdraft dump out) have changed color from chrome to yellowish and a smell is coming from the exhaust and from around the exhaust which is sweet but doesn't quite smell like coolant i really can't describe it too well. This smell was not there before the kit and since installing it i've only ridden 20 miles. I hope i did not blow a headgasket but i want your opinions. Could it be the coating on the pipes burning off??? My bike only has a bit over 5,200 miles

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  TJ Admin Staff member

  9/24/26, 6:10 PM

  @Jacob Boucher its hard To say from here man II don't know what the smell is but if it's sweet at all that's coolant Installing a performance kit would not have anything to do with your coolant it was likely already there but due to the baffling and restrictions in the stockpipes you probably weren't able to smell it It probably burned off or burned up enough by the time it got out the exhaust the chrome can change color but this is why it's very important to tune. If you haven't already go to the FAQ section here on the forum and look at the free tuning guides it'll be a big help. 
  Add 5200 miles I don't think You blew a head gasket, But you may have neglected a certain coolant hose honestly at this point I can only make guesses I need much more information in order to continue any kind of diagnostic

  DO FUN SHIT!
  Check the FAQ's here for tons of tuning info and more!! - t.ly/MA6r6

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