Exhaust Gaskets

[Ditchfinder]

I've always been aware of needing the copper gasket at the manifold / head junction but up until now didn;t realise you needed gaskets at the junctions between headers/link-pipes and link-pipes/silencers.

How much damage have I likely done riding without them ?

When I replaced the silencers on the Triumph there weren't any gaskets present so didn't think anything of it but looking back I was conscious of a leak near the silencer/link pipe which I used exhaust putty on to solve.

Is it best to use gaskets or is there a kind of universal solution like tape/paste that works OK?

[Rockburner]

Not all bikes have them. Depends on the way the manufacturer has set things up. I'm guessing they may be more prevalent on more modern bikes where the manufacturers are chasing lower emissions.

[Ditchfinder]

I'm thinking a smear of RTV sealant might do the job just as well too

[MrLongbeard]

If it didn't have any to begin with, and it you've got 'em good n tight with no leaks I'd not worry.
The Harley doesn't use gaskets at the silencers junction, but I used a very thin smear of assembly paste when swapping them out, more out of habit than need though.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I'm thinking a smear of RTV sealant might do the job just as well too

Use exhaust assembly paste, rtv will melt or catch fire

[Rockburner]

I'm thinking a smear of RTV sealant might do the job just as well too

Use exhaust assembly paste, rtv will melt or catch fire

I tend to use Dow Corning silicon seal, just the regular bathroom stuff. Works fine. I think you can get a high-temp version, but the regular stuff works.

[ZRX61]

No gaskets on the ZRX11 Muzzy Megaphone... the pipes slide together in an "almost interference" fit... If there was a leak I doubt anyone would be able to hear it anyway.

[roadster]

I'm a firm believer in generous application of copperslip or other copper based grease for the joint surfaces and for the clamp inner surface and threads too. Assembly is much easier and clamps pull up tighter with lubrication. Then as the grease heats up a firm copper residue seals the joint. Its easier to take apart even after a long period. It can be messy but if excess is cleaned off after one heat cycle it doesn't stain the chrome. Exhaust sealers that set hard usually go brittle and crumble away in time because some movement and vibration is always present.