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NicoDad
RS Fan
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I've been toying with the idea of casting the little plastic 'wings' that sit behind the headers in aluminum. Mine are a nice bubbly black color, which given the yellow paintwork, looks like crap. And given the amount of money the dealer wants for a replacement part that will soon be the same texture and color of the current pieces . . .
If I were to undertake this process, would anyone be interested in a set? I’m guessing that I can make a physically accurate copy. I’m not sure about the finish yet. I’m torn between leaving the sand cast finish, and going through the trouble of polishing the outer surface.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Interest?
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Michael Ampula
Dakar Yellow 1995 R11RSL
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Total Posts: 42 | Joined April 2003 | Posted on: 10:31 pm on May 19, 2004 | IP
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dickybeau
RS Meister
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I might be interested depending on price. I favour a matt black finish myself so something that could be painted would be good.
ricky
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be alurt! there are enough lerts in this world already.
[url]http://riksbmwhome04.mysite.freeserve.com/
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Total Posts: 137 | Joined Aug. 2003 | Posted on: 12:34 am on May 20, 2004 | IP
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Scott Huff
RS Meister
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I'd be interested in some sort of fix for this problem. Like Dickybeau, I'd like something a little more subtle. What other options are there?
I'm sure it sticks out on your yellow bike, but you have to really get down there and look to see the blackened bubbling behind the pipe on my bike.
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'95 Cobalt Blue RSL
'03 Liquid Silver FZ1
'70 Candy Ruby Red/White Z50
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Total Posts: 192 | Joined June 2002 | Posted on: 7:38 am on May 20, 2004 | IP
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BMW K
RS Neophyte
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Just as an aside, I would highly recommend powder-coating over "paint" for this application. Another alternative is to have the piece "jet-hot" coated - the color may be off, but you would never have the blistering issue with a jet-hot piece.
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STFU and ride.
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Total Posts: 9 | Joined May 2004 | Posted on: 7:48 am on May 20, 2004 | IP
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rkd
RS Meister
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I had thoughts on trying some cut-down pieces of the heat-shield stuff BMW used under the left saddlebag, when my bike was "RSL" gender 
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Ray Downes - '03 F650GS
Mostly bike stuff
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Total Posts: 316 | Joined Oct. 2001 | Posted on: 9:30 am on May 20, 2004 | IP
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jlotr
RS Neophyte
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I'd definitely be interested in some replacements, assuming the price was "acceptable". My RSL is glossy black, but even matte would look better than the crusty, blistered set I currently sport behind my pipes.
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Jeff
95 Black 1100 RSL
in good hands
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Total Posts: 6 | Joined Nov. 2003 | Posted on: 10:19 am on May 20, 2004 | IP
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NicoDad
RS Fan
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I know it's tough to see the blistering behind the pipes, but given the amount of traffic I'm going to wing up sitting in this summer, I'm just as concerned with the bike actually catching fire. Although it'd be quite the excuse for being late.
I'll start working out the technical aspects of casting a complex piece like this. As with most manufacturing, once I get the bugs worked out it shouldn't be much trouble to make multiples.
I'll keep you posted.
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Michael Ampula
Dakar Yellow 1995 R11RSL
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Total Posts: 42 | Joined April 2003 | Posted on: 9:57 pm on May 20, 2004 | IP
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toadfish63
RS Fan
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I would also be interested. My bike is black and I would prefer black in finish too. Like most RSL owners, this piece bubbling because of heat is annoying because of looks and possibility as being a fire hazzard. I've also thought of trying to 're-engineer' the piece with some protective covering but never got around to it. Let me know how you progress and what the final product looks like. Thanks.
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Mark - R1100RSL 95', Honda FT500 Ascot '82, Yamaha XT350 94', Suzuki RV90 '71, Push it to the limit on dirt or pavement!
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Total Posts: 28 | Joined Sep. 2002 | Posted on: 3:03 pm on May 21, 2004 | IP
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midknightbmw
RS Fan
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Sounds cool, if you can do it let us know.
has anybody tried to fabricate new side panels yet, or know of someone who (might) consider the idea?
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rubbin' ain't ridin'!
"arrest me red" '95 R1100RSL
midknightbmw
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Total Posts: 33 | Joined Aug. 2002 | Posted on: 5:24 pm on May 23, 2004 | IP
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NicoDad
RS Fan
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OK,
Here's the deal. I'm going to work on making these parts over the summer. Given that the state of the board is in flux, please send me an email with RSL Plastic in the subject line. I'll keep your addresses, and when I've got a product I'm happy with, I'll send out an announcement.
Sorry that it may take so long, but I hope to end up with a product I'm happy with, and I'm pretty anal about this kind of stuff . . .
I'm also open to other suggestions, so if you have one, please let me know. For example, I also considered making the parts out of hand laid fiberglass, and then attaching an aluminum heat shield of some sort. I'd prefer to go with the cast solution, but if fails, I'll try other things.
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Michael Ampula
Dakar Yellow 1995 R11RSL
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Total Posts: 42 | Joined April 2003 | Posted on: 8:40 pm on May 24, 2004 | IP
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BMW R1150RS and R1100RS
RSL Plastic Replacement
