Instrument cowl... any creative fixes?

[AlfromNH]

My rubber instrument cowl is broken in the typical fashion at the 4:00 and 7:00 positions. I say typical because virtually all the ones I see on ebay have the same affliction.  It also seems like it been that way long enough to have taken a set, and doesn't want to stay "closed".

Anyone have any ideas/pics of creative or effective fixes? I'm thinking about cutting off the portion that sits on top of the triple crown, then perhaps the rings around the gauges would hold together more easily.

[Barry]

Can't help with a fix but for those that are still intact I found mine had just started to split from the back on one side.  As a precautionary measure I stapled the split closed to prevent it getting worse.

Over time the cowl can get quite attached to the instruments so I assume they split from the stress of being removed. I make sure to apply a little silicone grease around the instrument bezels to make things easier the next time.

[Luca]

I have an idea for you.  I'm dying for you to try it, since the instrument cover on the LS has similar afflictions and I was thinking of doing this

With the crack pushed back together as tightly as possible, use a good quality epoxy and attach a "splint" or "backing material" to the inside of plastic cover across the crack in the plastic.  Should provide a strong and tidy repair.

[Tony Smith]

I have an idea for you.  I'm dying for you to try it, since the instrument cover on the LS has similar afflictions and I was thinking of doing this

With the crack pushed back together as tightly as possible, use a good quality epoxy and attach a "splint" or "backing material" to the inside of plastic cover across the crack in the plastic.  Should provide a strong and tidy repair.

Agree totally with the above with one exception - use superglue.

[AlfromNH]

Ill try that and report back 8-)

[livingdeadhead]

i got one off ebay for about £14 , mine had split so i gave it to a car bodyworking friend , i think hes had it a year now , possibly more , wonder how its going ? mmmmm

[montmil]

Another adhesive to consider is the relatively new 2-part, 5-minute epoxy for use on PVC material.

Usually, little or nothing will stick to PVC. That's why it's an excellent material to use for plumbing drain lines. Slicker'n scum off a Louisiana swamp, it is.

Consider a slight rough up of the cowl components prior to the bonding experiment. I've used it. It will work. There just seems to be lots of built-in stress within that instrument cowl 'cow's tongue'.

[Julio A.]

I used super glue on mine. Worked really well. Held up for three years under constant installation and re assembly.

[Matt Chapter]

I used super glue on mine. Worked really well. Held up for three years under constant installation and re assembly.

Silly Julio, motorcycles are for riding!!

But seriously, why would you be taking the instrument panel off so often?

[livingdeadhead]

221320825206     on ebay now mate

[Julio A.]

Silly Julio, motorcycles are for riding!!

But seriously, why would you be taking the instrument panel off so often?

Leaking Master cylinder, jammed odometer, steering head bearing loosening itself up, speedometer needle falling out, turn indicator lights mysteriously missing, short circuit somewhere inside the front indicator lights, stripped threads in the triple clamp, and leaking forks. It would have been nice if all of these would just appear at one time. But the bike decided to show me each problem a month or two apart.
 

[AlfromNH]

Well, that was not difficult at all. Super glue, some rubber material as backing/reinforcement. We'll see how it withstands installation and use...

Still a little clean up to do:

[livingdeadhead]

looks a nice tidy job ! would strips of steel been not as noticeable ? might get mine back and do that. which super glue did you use the flexible stuff ?

[RSMike]

Mad coincidence! I was just now browsing the BMW Bayer site and came across  a new part they are offering: http://www.bmwbayer.de/index.php?page=product&info=3865
Looks like you have a solution for now, but that new part may be useful for others. I noticed they say its good for R65 and R100 so I wonder how well it fits he R65.

I have bought a /7 seat from them in the past and found then good to deal with.

[AlfromNH]

Interesting, still pretty pricey tho.

LDH: I used rubber because I thought the flexibility was important in making it more durable.

I used Gorilla brand Gel Super Glue