Radiator shrouds fix

[Bench Racer 117]

I know I've seen a thread about attaching the upper and lower plastics together somewhere on here before. Can someone either give a link to it, or maybe post some pictures of what they did. I keep tearing them back and breaking them on the manzanita bushes around here. I figure if they are connected that it would make for a more rigid setup.

And why doesn't an aftermarket company make a one piece tank and radiator shroud. The current design is a flaw IMHO. I realize they do this to take the tank off quickly, but save that for the ISDE. I want reliable.

 

[firecrotch]

Dont get me started in the lack of after mkt options.
I have seen numerous times people have simply taken the botom radiator shrouds off and simply left them off. I am contemplating it too as it drives me crazy too. I also saw on TT some guy took maybe 6 inches of sheet metal about an inch wide and riveted them both togther basically forming one single piece. He did it in a cool way so it looked like a type of knife cutting its way through the brush.

 

[pvduke]

if yer snatching the upper tank covers off? that design prevents the lower register from going with...but....you can trim the knob off the upper and blend it so its less prone to grabbing- but, the longer prong thingy actually causes it to fold IN in most crashes, keeping it from getting snatched...also a
well-nut inside, button-head outside can link them. or a zip-tie. nothing will stop a peel back. yer just hittin too big of stuff there.

puttin' "knife edges" anywhere on a bike sounds like a chopper ride waitin' to happen, dont do it.

 

[kx3089]

I finally replaced my plastics because there was nothing left of either of the shrouds.I was constantly breaking them to pieces as the result of very tight single track and a lot of brush hogging.This time I took some Gorrilla Tape and taped them together on the back side then I ran a 6" piece folded from front to back up the leading edge to cover the joint.This works great,might have to replace tape from time to time .After 2 rides everything is still intact.

 

[Bench Racer 117]

I like the well-nut/button head fix the best. It would look clean. I don't want a zip ty on the side.

Keep'em coming.

 

[firecrotch]

check this out
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=886174

 

[Bench Racer 117]

Yeah buddy. That's what I was looking for. Thought it was on CH. It's a little overdone but it get the creative juices flowing.

Thanks Firecrotch.

 

[MOTORHEAD]

There is a thread on here somewhere, because I remember posting in it. I use the clip nuts like the one that holds the side panels to the upper shrouds to hold the lower shroud to the upper at the tab. Easier to remove than riveting it to the lower shroud and just as strong.

 

[robertaccio]

what year model, on my 06 i used street bike windscreen fasteners. on my 08 i just use gorilla duct tape (black) after cleaning the split line area, the stuff is tough and keeps the branches from getting caught up between the upper and lower.

 

[fletchman45]

These newer models, do seem to snag the lowers and uppers. And the 11 plastic to me anyways, seems to crack easier then the 10 plastic, even the side panels. The upper shrouds seem to wide. Not sure if it would help to have the two attached together.

 

[Bench Racer 117]

I got it figured out and fixed. But my pictures are messed up some how (damn phone) so I can't post them at this time. I'll try to show what I did when I get the pictures fixed.

 

[Bench Racer 117]

I finally got the camera to work. Here's what I did. It might be a little over kill, but I am sick of breaking shrouds. The lowers are brand new. The uppers are old and busted on both sides. Now they are attached and strong.