Upper cowl damage

[AaronRic]

Hey all -

 

My new-to-me 1999 VFR 800 fell off the trailer last night, and broke a small section of the upper cowl. I'm planning to ABS cement that section back together, but I'm posting here (already posted WTB in classifieds) in hopes that 1) someone maybe has a red upper cowl they would part with 2) see if anyone knows a good way to repair ABS cracks, and 3) if anyone has any experience with eBay Chinese fairings. My gut says they're probably more trouble than they're worth, but figured I'd ask in case anyone has any surprises.

 

I have Googled around about the Chinese fairings and have seen some answers, but the posts were all a bunch of years old, and I find it's always good to ask for yourself rather than rely on searches all the time.

[Sheep61]

If you have all the bits, and the area with the broken bits does NOT support effort you can use PU glue,a fast acting 2 compenent glue that would solidify very quickly, they exist in transparent for discreet repair.

 

If you can't do that melted staple might be a good option ? It's fairly easy to use, cheap, and pretty strong once finished. Most kits come with everything you need for several big repairs.

[Thumbs]

Any photos of the damage?

[AaronRic]

On 11/18/2024 at 7:13 AM, Thumbs said:

Any photos of the damage?

I can take a couple and post them.

[Thumbs]

Most damage is a lot less than you would think, after the initial freakout it doesn’t look too bad and is almost certainly fixable 

 

Are you in Vancouver and hence not riding at the moment?

[MBrane]

Likely the cowl stay is bent too if it hit hard enough to break the cowl. That will make it frustrating to reinstall the bodywork, and they are not easy to straighten.

[AaronRic]

I am not in Vancouver, I am on the other coast of the US. It's nearing the end of riding season here. 

35 minutes ago, MBrane said:

Likely the cowl stay is bent too if it hit hard enough to break the cowl. That will make it frustrating to reinstall the bodywork, and they are not easy to straighten.

 

It doesn't look like it is, but I shall find out when I take it apart. 

[maxredline]

Two types of repairs

Cracks ABS one part

Tabs, cracks and contours 2 part

 

I have saved two bikes fairing using both products.

 

STAY away from Chinese knock offs if at all possible!

[maxredline]

I also use a laser level to check attachment points where possible.

You can draw a gid on the floor, line up the laser level and the bike on the center stand to make measurements to see if points are out of whack.

Cross measurements (multi point) work also.

It takes time and you are only as good as your measurements but it can give you a good Idea on which way to to weak a part.

If you know a part is bent and you are putting undue pressure on the plastics trying to tweak that part is worth it. Some stays are still available to by new.

[VFRRS]

I've just repaired the mounting lug to the upper fairing/dash cover,the small triangle ones.

 The spigot had snapped away from the fairing from a previous repair and had been incorrectly lined up.

Upon tightening the 5mmx16mm screw into the triangle piece the angle off the threaded brass insert was way off and tension pulled the spigot and lump of old glue clean off.

 Having tidied the spigot up and ascertaining the correct angle I used good old super glue and baking soda.

 It's now spot on for alignment of the cover screw hole and is stuck like shite to a blanket.

 

On 11/17/2024 at 10:45 PM, AaronRic said:

Hey all -

 

My new-to-me 1999 VFR 800 fell off the trailer last night, and broke a small section of the upper cowl. I'm planning to ABS cement that section back together, but I'm posting here (already posted WTB in classifieds) in hopes that 1) someone maybe has a red upper cowl they would part with 2) see if anyone knows a good way to repair ABS cracks, and 3) if anyone has any experience with eBay Chinese fairings. My gut says they're probably more trouble than they're worth, but figured I'd ask in case anyone has any surprises.

 

I have Googled around about the Chinese fairings and have seen some answers, but the posts were all a bunch of years old, and I find it's always good to ask for yourself rather than rely on searches all the time.

I've recently repaired the spigot which holds the brass insert for the upper cowl/dash side covers.

 Previous resin type repair had failed due to misalignment and broke away the fitting.

 I used super glue and baking soda to reattach the spigot at the correct angle to the fairing bracket.

 Stuck like shit to a blanket now👍

[VFR Capt.Bob]

My 99 has a similar side and upper fairing issue caused by prius darting out of the carpool lane last second directly into me. Managed to stay upright but dumbo turn signal got completely punched in and a small piece of upper fairing broke off completely.

Looking at purchasing new custom Chinese set while I completely restore all the pieces to original condition. Many imperfections even prior to the Prius assult.

I'll share any info on reputable plastic kit sellers here and gain info on quality repairs from the VFRD people. 

 

[AaronRic]

Thanks for the replies! I found an oem cowl on eBay in the UK, so we'll see how it looks. Do let me know how the Chinese fairings look, it might be worth having a set for spares if they aren't atrocious.

[maxredline]

Sad to say but the Chinese faring's are shite.

[VFRRS]

Just fixed this upper mount spigot with superglue and baking soda...worked a treat!