Hi, this is my first post. I'm new to the forum and also 400s in general, so apologies if I've posted in the wrong place.

I have just bought a 1989 NC23 which is a runner (when the battery is not flat) but needs a decent amount of 'improving' all over. First thing I've noticed is when the bike is unweighted the exhaust touches the swingarm. When I sit on the bike it drops away but I don't want it knocking as I go over bumps etc.

Is there a sensible way of bending the mid section of the pipe out a little? or...
...adding a spacer where the downpipes meet the engine (ie larger gaskets)? (because of the angle of the pipe, pushing the system forward a little it would also move it away)

Any help gratefully received!

Try putting a washer behind the mount under the engine? Might just space it out enough to clear the swing arm?

I bought a scorpion end can that fouled the swing arm on my NC29.

Cut a section of the exhaust off - it kinda flared out at the joining end.

It was still touching - just - so removed the bottom exhaust bolt and then pulled the pipe away from the swingarm and slipped a big fat washer in between.

Anymore and I think I would have removed the exhaust and tried to bend it on a bench. It may break over time if there is too much flex pulling it back.