Repairs: GIVI crash bar

When all is said and done, I was lucky that the damage to my Wee was mainly confined to the Givi crash bar and left side case. I am not in the habit of having to lay my bike down and the scenario had been flashing through my mind for several days. I was also lucky that we had summer-like temperatures last week when I purchased the supplies to undertake the repair since it is not recommended to paint during periods of low temperature as it would affect paint bonding.
While I had my armoured riding jacket on I think that my arm/shoulder took most of the force and "missed" the armoured pads as the snaps were bent and detached. I went down to my local HD (Home Depot) to purchase a couple of sanding blocks (different grits) and a spray bomb of Rust-o-leum flat black.



I sand the affected area firstly with the medium grit sanding block until the surfaces smooths out a bit. Then I changed to the finer grit to get ready for the paint.



When the sanding is finished I mask off the area to contain the overspray using plastic garbage bags held by masking tape



I carefully wipe the bar down with paper towels before painting



I apply a few layers of flat black paint applied in a sweeping motion from lower to upper being careful to hold the can farther back so as to have a finer mist. I allow 10 minutes or so between layers and eventually I have full coverage of the affected area. It was surprising to note that the flat black paint nearly matches the original colour and the damage is nearly invisible with a closer inspection



Eventually I am satisfied with my progress and go out to run some errands for a few hours allowing time for the paint to cure.

While I am heading downtown in the next lane I notice that a cager is crowding this motorcyclist who is riding a Beemer. I find a way to change lanes to protect his rear. I am heading north on Cambie Street intending to ride over the Cambie Street Bridge.


(downtown Vancouver ahead)

Often when I come across scooters on busy thoroughfares I pull behind and back off to allow them some safety. I hope they appreciate my gesture.


(BMW R75/5)

The look of older BMW's is growing on me and I wonder if this particular model has the self retracting side stand.

I eventually return home and remove all the masking tape and plastic. I try to sand the side case a bit, mask off the area and apply a few layers of flat black to minimize the "battle scars" . It works a bit and is less noticeable but the scratches are still there. I think it's time to affix a Canadian flag sticker. Of course I have the option of purchasing another side case if I have an extra $250. to blow. For now it is a badge of honour.



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Mr Conchscooter:
said


quote: "WetBob, some people change their oil on the only stand they have, so one can't be too cautious. The Bonneville cuts out if you put the engine in gear with the side stand deployed, and one day I'll try it and see if the lurch is enough to topple it. How do you know where the wee strom's filter is? you've only had it a week...? (I think you actually rode bitch on the very cool MP3 around l'isle de vancouvre)"



My oil filter is mounted on its side on the front of the engine just behind the front wheel. Nearly impossible to fill and screw on without dripping