Oxidation

[suchdune]

I am plagued by oxidation on my unpainted and unchromed engine parts. Never had this problem when I lived inland but now I live on the coast and the salt air seems to be the problem. Any one have any suggestions of a finish or inhibitor that will take the engine heat?
Also has anyone ever seen a full fairing, like a Vetter type, that would fit an R65? Lots of cafe and half fairings out there but no fulls. I know that the R65 isn't most peoples first choice for touring and I use mine to commute but on these chilly mornings some leg protection would sure be nice.

[Justin B.]

I think a lot of folks use WD-40 and a rag to help keep the aluminum protected once it has been well scrubbed.

There are a lot of fairings available, just depends on how patient you are.  You can get a used Vetter Windjammer and R65 mounting bracket, Vetter Quicksilver, Luftmeister (Windjammer clone), etc.  You can also put on one of the touring fairings from a larger Airhead (R100RT, R80RT, R100RS, etc.) without too much trouble.

[Bob_Roller]

I live in a desert, but I have relatives that have lived on a salt water coast for about 55 years ( Gulf of Mexico coast in Florida ), and WD40 seems to be the corrosion inhibitor of choice, but I'm not so sure about the temperature range of WD40 if it is applied to an engine, it tends to form a varnish like substance with time.

I bought my '81 R65 from a dealer with a full Vetter fairing installed, took all of 250 miles to realize that I wasn't a 'fairing person'.

Couldn't tell you a part number for the fairing.

[Justin B.]

I also remember that Amsoil has an aerosol product called MP (if I remember correctly).  I had a can years ago and it seemed to work well on guns but never remember trying it on aluminum...

[Semper Gumby]

If you would like the R65LT version may I suggest this...



Riding in comfort year round!   8-)

[Ed Miller]

Bill, what the heck kind of side bags are those?  Did you have to shorten your turn signal stem to fit them?  How fast can you go with all that stuff?

I have a Samsonite rear trunk for my bike but took it off because I don't use it.  It's too big, anyway.

I wonder if my aluminum parts are oxidizing under their protective (?) coating of road slime and mud.  I need mud flaps.

[scotty_b]

Oxidation. There is a product called ZOOP it is made for polished aluminum. It's urpose is to prvent constant p[olishing  on wheels, motorcycle parts etc. They claim it to last up to 2 years before needing to be re-applied. It is a simple wipe on application and works by seling the pores in the aluminum and adding a protective film, much like car wax. I persaonally have not tried it but intend to at some point. Kinda pricy but if it does what it claims it is well worth it.

http://www.zoops.com/zoopseal.asp

[Semper Gumby]

Bill, what the heck kind of side bags are those?  Did you have to shorten your turn signal stem to fit them?  How fast can you go with all that stuff?
<snip>

Hi Ed.  The side bags are Givi E41's. The Top gase is a Givi E52 with brakelights.  I had to move the the turnsignal stalk aft to the bottom mounting plate of the top case.  I just removed the whole stalk and base plate from under the tail light and extended the wires from.  Also the mufflers had tomove down an inch to keep them from melting the E41's.   I placed SAE quick disconnects in the wiring for when I dissassemble the whole thing for doing the spline lube.  The tail luggage rack is re-inforced with two peices of steep tubing.  Most of the weld joints have been re-inforced with either steel welds or bronze.  The tail rack is now quite strong.  I have had a 3 gallon boat aux tank strapped to the top of the top case!!

Max speed is 75mph.  I commute at 60 mph and usually keep the speed at or below 70 on the road to somewhere like camping.

[thrang]

I just use lots of elbow gease and WD40 to keep th salt from eating my ally'sand keep my bikes reasonably clean.
Cheers
Tony

[suchdune]

Tony, You hit a Pheasant as well ?  About thirty years ago I was riding on a back road in PA and took a Pheasant right in the face. I was going about 40. Fortunately it was a little off center so it didn't kill me. Pulled my hands off the bars and broke my glasses. I pulled into a friend's house that was close by and although I had a bloody nose and feathers sticking out of my helmet he still asked what happened.
Max

[Semper Gumby]

On this site http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-products-and-accessories/

is this link: http://www.homebrewers.com/product/6024

Used to clean aluminum.

I have no eathly idea how well this works.  Cavate emptor.  

[Mr_Smart]

Hi Suchdune.
I was initially sceptical of the ability of the R65 to make progress with a Windjammer aboard.

However,my experience over the past 2 years has converted me to it.
One things for sure,Craig Vetter did`nt just bend some plastic and bolt it on with his eyes closed,he did his sums and came up with a design classic that actually WORKS.

Plenty of good readin to be found on:

www.craigvetter.com

My machine is currently stabled at a friends place but as soon as I retrieve it after Christmas I`ll put up a few pics of the mounting,which IS a trifle agricultural I`m afraid..lotsa angle iron in view !!