Downpipes.. Old ones off - cant get new Motad ones on

[Dead Eye]

I did have her running, just slipped the link pipe on and my new exhaust without sealing them and it sound amazing but i couldn't feel any leaks.  I read that new pipes can sounded abit tinny so I might be that and the smell of burning wd40.
Is there an easy way to check for leaks without roasting the crap out of your hand!

If you can't tell then you are probably fine especially if its running ok - you'd hear it as well especially with it being right next to the head. Realistically the exhaust is to get the exhaust gases out of the way and prevent any gasses / crap from going back in to the cylinder

Only way to check without burning your hands would be to use something like kitchen roll and see if it flutters about next to the pipe (indicating a leak). If it doesn't move, you should be fine - might be able to use paper but it will probably be too stiff to move with a slight leak