Brushed vs. Polished vs. Ceramic Coated Stainless Steel Motorcycle Exhausts

When it comes to upgrading your ride with a performance exhaust, choosing the right finish is about more than just looks. You want style, durability, and an edge in performance to match the bold statement your bike makes on the road. At Sawicki Speed, we know every rider is different, so we’ve created exhaust systems that allow you to choose between three unique finishes tailored to your needs.

Here’s the lowdown on our three finishes and how they stack up against each other. 

The Core of Every Exhaust System

Every Sawicki Speed exhaust system begins as raw 304 stainless steel. Our crew cuts, bends, and welds their way to perfection, turning these materials into high-performance 2-into-1 exhaust systems. The result? Pipes that don’t just perform, they dominate. Once complete, you can choose from three standout finishes to make your exhaust uniquely yours.

1. Hand Brushed Finish 

Our hand-brushed finish is the OG. It’s no wonder it’s our most popular. This finish gives your pipes a rugged, clean, uniform look that screams grit and style.

Why riders love it:

• Clean and rugged: The hand-applied brushed texture is perfect for both show and go.
• Easy maintenance: A little soap and water with a clean cotton cloth gets the job done for general cleaning. Need to tackle road grime? Grab brake clean, acetone, or MEK and a scotch brite pad, steel wool, or SOS pad, and you’re good to go. 
  

The hand-brushed finish is as much about performance as it is about showing off your ride’s personality mile after mile. 

2. Mirror Polished Finish 

Shiny, bold, and ready to turn heads, our mirror-polished exhausts are all about that high-shine glam with stainless steel performance. Each pipe is meticulously polished to a chrome-like reflectivity while maintaining the durability of stainless steel. 

What makes this shine stand out: 

• Double-take worthy: The glossy, reflective surface creates a mirror-like finish that’s impossible to ignore.
• Luster that lasts: Soap, water, and a soft cotton cloth handle general cleaning, but if you want to bring back the shine after heavy use, you’ll need brake clean or acetone followed by a high-quality metal polish like White Diamond or Blue Magic.
  

Just a heads-up: Since it’s uncoated stainless steel, the polished pipes will color over time due to heat cycles. But hey, that patina? It’s proof your bike lives on the road, not parked in a showroom. Golds and blue will begin to flow through the head pipes as it heat cycles.

3. Ceramic Coated Finish 

If you want top-tier performance with durability and a sleek black aesthetic, our ceramic-coated exhausts are calling your name. We partner with the best, Jet-Hot®, to ensure your pipes are next-level durable and corrosion-resistant. 

Why ceramic-coated finishes dominate the street: 

• Tough as nails: The Jet-Hot Extreme 1300 ceramic coating delivers a pure ceramic top coat over a ceramic-metallic base. This keeps oil, gas, salt, and grime off your pipes, protecting them from wear.
• Cooler temps, better performance: By reducing heat transfer through the exhaust, ceramic-coated pipes stay cooler during rides, meaning less heat around your bike and better horsepower from smoother exhaust gas flow. Jet-Hot® estimates around 65% lower exhaust temps compared to uncoated systems.
• Easy upkeep: Forget fussy cleaning routines. Non-acid-based cleaners like Simple Green with a cotton cloth work wonders for tougher grime. 
  

Compared to powder coating, ceramic coating takes the win for both durability and high-temp resistance. While powder-coated pipes may look cool, their finish can’t handle the heat like Jet-Hot® ceramic. Just be aware that if you’re planning to put this pipe on your brand new off-the-showroom-floor Harley or Indian, Jet-Hot® advises that you complete your engine break-in before installing and running a Jet-Hot® coated Sawicki exhaust.

Does the Finish Impact Performance?

Here’s where things get interesting. While the brushed and polished finishes offer clean aesthetics and maintain the rugged durability of raw stainless steel, the ceramic coating takes things up a notch. Thanks to Jet-Hot® technology, the ceramic layer reduces thermal tumbling, increases exhaust gas velocity, and eliminates pressure problems. Translation? More horsepower and performance just from your finish choice, according to Jet-Hot®.

If you’re someone who craves that extra edge, ceramic-coated exhausts are more than just a pretty face. 

Maintenance Cheat Sheet for Each Finish 

No matter which finish you choose, keeping your pipes in top shape is essential. Here’s how to maintain them like the pro you are:

• Hand-Brushed Pipes: Use soap, water, and a cotton cloth for everyday cleaning. For stubborn grime, break out the brake clean, acetone or MEK with a scotch pad, and always work the pad in a perpendicular motion to match the original grain.
• Mirror-Polished Pipes: Soap, water, and a cotton cloth clean surface dirt. Finish with a high-quality metal polish to maintain that mirror shine.
• Ceramic-Coated Pipes: Simple Green or a similar non-acid-based cleaner keeps grime at bay. No fancy polishing required.
• All finishes: Make sure pipes are fully rinsed off of any cleaner and fully wiped down ensuring there are no fingerprints or other oils on the pipe. Any leftover residue increases the risk of stains or discoloration with the next heat cycle. 
  

One thing to remember? Exhaust finishes evolve over time due to wear and tear. That’s not a flaw; it’s part of the story your bike tells.

What About Warranty?

Sawicki Speed’s Limited Lifetime Warranty guarantees your exhaust against materials or manufacturing defects for the life of the pipe. Finishes are not covered under Sawicki’s warranty as normal wear and tear, scratches and dings are to be expected after racking up miles on the road.

However, Jet-Hot® does offer a lifetime warranty for their coatings. If the coating fails to protect the stainless steel when properly installed, used and maintained, they will recoat the pipe once for free. Click here for more information about the Jet-Hot® warranty policy and instructions for contacting them about a warranty claim.

Which Finish Is Right for You? 

Riders know their style better than anyone. Picking the right finish depends on your vibe and riding needs. Want a bold, rugged look with low-maintenance cleaning? Go hand-brushed. Craving head-turning brilliance? Reach for mirror-polished. Need superior heat protection and performance? Black ceramic-coated pipes will have you covered.

No matter your pick, every Sawicki Speed exhaust is engineered to boost performance, design, and durability. And rest assured, each system is crafted with the care and attention to detail that defines American-made craftsmanship. 

Final Thoughts 

Your bike is an extension of who you are. From how your pipes perform to how they complement your ride’s look, every detail matters. Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines of a brushed finish, the shine of polished steel, or the performance edge of ceramic coating, your exhaust system should add to your ride’s story – not distract from it.

Got questions or want to take the plunge? Reach out to our team or explore our full range of performance exhaust systems.