Need help on KZ550 Exhaust leak..Urgent, leaving for road trip soon!

I noticed an exhaust leak on #3 cylinder where the header goes into the tailpipe. The 28 year old piece of fiberglass seal in there is history. I'm leaving for my Gulf Shores trip thursday, but I work a 48 hour shift starting in the morning, no time to get a replacement. I was wondering if I could just use a piece of fiberglass cloth wrapped around the header pipe in place of the seal. I have some cloth lying around, but i'm not sure if the exhaust stuff is special or not. My bike wont run for crap with this leak..

Please help

The fiberglass wrap just might work, but if it were me I'd feel more comfortable using the correct gasket - especially if planning a long trip.
Most Kawi dealers should stock that gasket (part# 11009-1667), as it fits quite a few models/years of current bikes (205 models/years to be exact).

Isn't there anyone who can run by and get one for you while you're at work?
You could always Google a dealership along your proposed travel route, then call them tomorrow to see if they have one and will place it on will-call for you.
Once you have it, it shouldn't take more than about 5 or so mins to install.

OR, you can simply order one from Z1 Enterprises (the listing doesn't show, but it DOES fit your bike) and hopefully have it by Wednesday.
Z1 Ent has always been lightning fast on shipping (normally 2 days from them in N.Y to me in So Calif), but to be sure you get it in time you can ask if they'll ship it via next-day air.

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Problem solved. I went down to advanced auto and got some "exhaust bandage" From what I can tell it's fiberglass tape that's impregnated with a heat cured epoxy. Wrapped the header pipe, stuck it in and tightened it down. Fixed!!