The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Red_Hen on February 01, 2012, 08:59:28 PM

Title: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Red_Hen on February 01, 2012, 08:59:28 PM
Hi Gang,

Hope my R65 pals are doing well!  

Been working on a story for BMW ON Magazine about the restoration of my R65LS and the friends I met along the way - and believe me, so many of you helped me get that bike together!  Could not have done it without so much collective wisdom.

So . . . here's my question - what are the words that describe a neglected Airhead and engine that sat outside, got rained, snowed and blowed on?  What words describe the aluminum when it looks like tarnished silver?

Looking for descriptive words.

To get the creative juices flowing:  Ratty, Dull, Grey, Tarnished, Sick, Anemic,  [smiley=mad.gif]

Kinda like some of the neglected trains in the train yard seen on Thomas the Tank Engine cartoons or like Gumby when his eyes were crossed.

Thanks much!

Ken
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Justin B. on February 01, 2012, 09:33:40 PM
The "Dawg" cases looked practically "furry" with all the corrosion and oxidization growin' all over 'em.  :P
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Dizerens5 on February 02, 2012, 04:44:40 AM
Not quite what you are looking for, but in France they have a good expression for what we might call an unrestored well-used bike. They say it is "dans son jus" which means: in its own juice.
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: wilcom on February 02, 2012, 08:05:20 AM
Pewter
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: wardan123 on February 02, 2012, 08:42:06 AM
patina
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Dave 2 on February 02, 2012, 08:42:31 AM
Gross Psoriatic Oxidation or GPO. D2
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Mike V on February 02, 2012, 09:16:14 AM
Ken,
Looks like you have some good descriptions to work with from earlier posts.  
My cases looked a lot like that 2-month old forgotten lemon growing a wool sweater at the bottom of the fruit bowl before I resurrected my engine cases.  I just haven't come up with a good single descriptive word for that one.

I do like: DPO, dans son jus, dawg and Pewder.
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 02, 2012, 10:53:24 AM
Quote
...What words describe the aluminum when it looks like tarnished silver?

Returning to Nature
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: tvrla on February 02, 2012, 11:14:22 AM
Mottled, age spots, neglected and unloved, left to the elements to wither and die, the passing seasons took their toll, punished by the elements, a thing of poetry in motion left to slowly erode by stagnation and corrosion...
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: k_enn on February 02, 2012, 12:57:45 PM
looking a little long in the tooth

has seen better days

weathered
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Red_Hen on February 02, 2012, 07:26:00 PM
Writing is so much about revisions - here's what I put together, based on many of your great suggestions: (just a start, of course).


She once was a knight in shining armor until some heartless soul left this engineering beauty queen outside through several Minnesota winters.  By the time I rescued her, she looked like an aging actress without her makeup - weary, weathered, corroded and tired.
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: tvrla on February 02, 2012, 09:46:32 PM
Uh, well --- I don't recall hearing about any female Knights in shining armor. There was Joan of Arc, but, still...

Did she wear armor?

I called her paTina (of the worst kind) - Tina for short. Poor Tina suffered through two Minnesota winters unprotected from the elements, unwanted and unloved. Her once lovely features sadly more resembling a bag lady than the star she once was.

And on and on bla bla bla yada yada yada...
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Red_Hen on February 02, 2012, 10:55:55 PM
Wirespokes - you have talent! Very clever - poortina  :)
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 03, 2012, 09:56:07 AM
Quote
... Her once lovely features sadly more resembling a bag lady than the star she once was.

You've met my ex?  [smiley=cowsleep.gif]
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: k_enn on February 03, 2012, 11:30:19 AM
Now, if you were talking about a woman (or someone's ex) instead of a bike, I would say "she looks like she has been ridden hard."   ::)

k_enn
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: tvrla on February 03, 2012, 12:24:56 PM
 :D

You DON'T wanta know MY X!!! I find it completely amazing how in twenty years she went from the sexiest woman at work to the bloated example she now is. If only I'd been perceptive enough to see the real being lurking behind that gorgeous facade, I'd have turned and run! One of life's little lessons...

Hey, I like the 'ridden hard' bit, but then how do you incorporate that with being neglected and un-loved?

"...she'd been ridden hard, then tossed in a corner (of the yard) to molder and decay."

It's difficult to incorporate the two concepts.

Like you, I'm considering writing an MOA article, but on the care and feeding of your airhead instruments. I haven't done anything like that before so will be something new. And I've never seen anything on that topic, so would be virgin territory.
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 03, 2012, 01:37:23 PM
here in Tejas, the saying originated with horses but is applicable in other situations: "Rode hard and put up wet."
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: k_enn on February 03, 2012, 01:43:17 PM
Quote
:D

You DON'T wanta know MY X!!! I find it completely amazing how in twenty years she went from the sexiest woman at work to the bloated example she now is. If only I'd been perceptive enough to see the real being lurking behind that gorgeous facade, I'd have turned and run! One of life's little lessons...   <snip>

You must always remember k_enn's rule --- "the ass never gets smaller"   :'(
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: tvrla on February 03, 2012, 11:03:10 PM
Well, yeah - but as long as the disposition is sweet - it just about makes up for it.

Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Red_Hen on February 04, 2012, 09:12:02 AM
Hi Gang,

What do you call the part of the engine behind the beauty shield that is painted black and has the silver fins?

Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Bob_Roller on February 04, 2012, 09:54:21 AM
BMW refers to it as the engine block or housing .

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0364&mospid=51897&btnr=11_1705&hg=11&fg=11
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Mike V on February 04, 2012, 10:01:02 AM
Ken,

Are you referring to the timing chest, or timing case cover (#6)?

http://tinyurl.com/88vohxk

-Mike V.
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Lucky_Lou on February 04, 2012, 10:07:59 AM
Quote
Quote
:D

You DON'T wanta know MY X!!! I find it completely amazing how in twenty years she went from the sexiest woman at work to the bloated example she now is. If only I'd been perceptive enough to see the real being lurking behind that gorgeous facade, I'd have turned and run! One of life's little lessons...   <snip>

You must always remember k_enn's rule --- "the ass never gets smaller"   :'(
Thats MSG,s for you McDonalds have a lot to answer for...
on the original subject    
Scabby, Shabby,Weathered,
Lou
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: raymr on February 04, 2012, 10:14:22 AM
A diamond in the rough.
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 04, 2012, 11:45:05 AM
Timing chain case.
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 04, 2012, 11:49:22 AM
Quote
   
Scabby, Shabby,Weathered

Ah, well Lou, that pretty much describes your look once you're all geared n' gunned up to help defend the Alamo from all those "roofers".
[smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Monte
Title: And the winner is:
Post by: Red_Hen on February 04, 2012, 11:55:45 AM
Black Timing Case Cover HOWEVER . . .

I always think of the "beauty chest" as the cover.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: tvrla on February 04, 2012, 12:18:53 PM
I still haven't figured out what the 'beauty shield' is. ??? much less the part behind it!
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 04, 2012, 03:30:50 PM
Quote
I still haven't figured out what the 'beauty shield' is. ??? much less the part behind it!

Think he means the engine's front cover; that part which sometimes gets buffed up with multiple applications of Simichrome. BMW parts fiche calls it the WHEATHER (sic) PROTECTION CAP... that's BMW's spelling, not mine.

BMW's Black Timing Case Cover, again, BMW's terminology, is next in line.

But you really did know that. Right, wirespokes? Just messin' wif us. ;)
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 04, 2012, 03:32:45 PM
Beauty Chest...

"Hey, man! My eyes are up here." What she said.  8-)
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: tvrla on February 04, 2012, 09:28:43 PM
Quote
But you really did know that. Right, wirespokes? Just messin' wif us. ;)

Actually, I never heard those terms before - it's always been 'timing' or 'points' cover. And Wheather protection cap is totally new and unexpected - guess I never had reason to access that section of the fiche.

I'm flattered you thought I'd know that and was pulling your legs.

Add that valuable little tidbit to my constantly expanding ring of knowledge.  ;D

Hey, now we can add that "...her beauty chest was now mottled and covered in grime. The poor girl needed a beauty shop in the worst way!"
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: R65Guy on February 04, 2012, 10:44:24 PM
Many years ago I saw a neglected airhead leaning against a tree on a barren hillside...
She looked like an aging stripper exposed by the glaring light of the midday sun...  no longer the youthful beauty that lustful admirers used to leer at ... :'(

Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: tvrla on February 05, 2012, 10:49:43 AM
Hey! That's good! Really good!
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 05, 2012, 12:23:41 PM
This thread really is one for the ages.

Ken, we'll all be expecting a .pdf of your ON article; mainly to see who you credit! [smiley=beer.gif]
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: balibeemer on February 06, 2012, 08:02:49 PM
I would use 'scabrous'
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: k_enn on February 07, 2012, 09:11:46 AM
She was like coin when first recovered from a Spanish shipwreck -- no longer gleaming and heavily encrusted with age, but still of immense value to those who can see through to the underlying beauty she once had and can have again.

Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: wilcom on February 07, 2012, 09:29:52 AM
Quote
She was like coin when first recovered from a Spanish shipwreck -- no longer gleaming and heavily encrusted with age, but still of immense value to those who can see through to the underlying beauty she once had and can have again.
 

Very Good!!!!  Makes me want to run to the garage and "mount" my R65
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: montmil on February 07, 2012, 10:26:45 AM
Quote
Quote
She was like coin when first recovered from a Spanish shipwreck -- no longer gleaming and heavily encrusted with age, but still of immense value to those who can see through to the underlying beauty she once had and can have again.
 

Very Good!!!!  Makes me want to run to the garage and "mount" my R65

Joe, ya better wait until you get that new Israeli oil filter extension. Oy vey, such a deal! ;)
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Red_Hen on February 08, 2012, 06:31:18 PM
I settled on Poor Tina and yes, if and when the story gets published, I'll provide a PDF.  Wondering how many of our group are MOA members - I know several of you are - no need for a roll call.   It was Mike, Boxermaf, who turned me onto this great place.  

Our international group is great!
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: tvrla on February 09, 2012, 10:28:44 AM
I used to be an airhead member but haven't paid any dues in ages. Hang out with the local airheads and go to the tech days. Been an MOA member since about 1994 but don't spend much time there - mostly here and Adventure Rider.
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Milo_357 on February 09, 2012, 04:21:03 PM
Quote
Writing is so much about revisions - here's what I put together, based on many of your great suggestions: (just a start, of course).


She once was a knight in shining armor until some heartless soul left this engineering beauty queen outside through several Minnesota winters.  By the time I rescued her, she looked like an aging actress without her makeup - weary, weathered, corroded and tired.

But wouldn't "But, boy, how, she sure looks like crap now." get your point across more vividly?

 ;)
Title: Re: Descriptive Words for Ratty Looking Engine
Post by: Lucky_Lou on February 11, 2012, 02:36:01 PM
Quote
Quote
She was like coin when first recovered from a Spanish shipwreck -- no longer gleaming and heavily encrusted with age, but still of immense value to those who can see through to the underlying beauty she once had and can have again.
 

Very Good!!!!  Makes me want to run to the garage and "mount" my R65
Kenn thats poetic..
Wicom be careful what you wish for......better have a cold one.. [smiley=bath.gif]
Lou [smiley=beerchug.gif]