G oog le Buell 1125R Forum | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archives 001 » Archive through November 06, 2009 » 1125r fairing melting? « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Superdavetfft
Posted on Monday, November 02, 2009 - 10:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi all;

Has anyone had problems with the fairing kit melting against the exhaust? I just put the first few hundred miles on my 1125r and noticed the fairing had started rubbing against the exhaust and had melted a pretty good spot. This is the kit offered by Buell. Any ideas on if this will be covered by warranty? It was purchased new with the kit installed by the dealer.

Thoughts?

Dave
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Poppinsexz
Posted on Monday, November 02, 2009 - 10:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Are the heat shields installed on the inside of the fairings?

If not that should be warrantied by the dealer.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Lostsumwhere
Posted on Monday, November 02, 2009 - 10:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yes I have had the same problem, easy fix is to bend the bracket just a little more and use a 1/8 rubber washer and all should be good
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Slojon
Posted on Monday, November 02, 2009 - 10:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Mounted Kit myself. Instructions vague, but knew needed to space out on exhaust side per experience with XBRR. Believe I installed a spacer on bottom hanger. No problems in 500mi except for retightening a bolt or 2. Since install was at purchase, should be covered under warranty.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bob_thompson
Posted on Monday, November 02, 2009 - 11:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

When I first installed my Catalyst fiberglass lowers I had a little paint starting to discolor from my exhaust so I installed some Thermotec brand reflective insulation. Really works. Good now and I'm glad to have the fiberglass instead of ABS plastic. FWIW, Bob
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Superdavetfft
Posted on Monday, November 02, 2009 - 11:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The fairing appears to have a tinfoil shield on the inside however I can see that it's getting chewed up by rubbing against the pipe.

There isn't any sort of bracket to help keep it away from the exhaust so I'm wondering if the dealer simply goofed and didn't put it on or if it was just a design flaw and the kit didn't come with one.

I hope since it was purchased new from the dealer with the kit on it that the wty will cover it....

Dave
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Sknight
Posted on Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - 12:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I think it was a design flaw. Mine was the same way, installed by the dealer. Once I saw the problem I used a prybar to "Adjust" the brackets some. Got about 1/4" clearance and no worries.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Redscuell
Posted on Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - 07:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"The fairing appears to have a tinfoil shield on the inside however I can see that it's getting chewed up by rubbing against the pipe. "

No doubt about it. When I did my original installation, I used a spacer and bent the brackets, fearing a meltdown like you've experienced. Later I put it back "as designed" and didn't get any melting, but did get the foil insulation chewed up.

I took the whole lot off when Buell went out of business, as a fall on the pods is a U$60 experience (assuming one side only); and a fall on the fairings is an A$800 experience (not available singly, also assuming a crash one side only).

As usual, the (now unemployed) rocket scientists at Buell didn't take into account the heat of an exhaust header in direct contact with an amorphous polymer (which is what the fairing is made of) when designing the kit. Better they should have moulded in a "power bulge" (as they're called on hoods / bonnets) for clearance, when vacuum forming the r/h fairing.

Maybe they were in a hurry, knowing their pay packets were coming to an end.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Geforce
Posted on Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - 07:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hopefully they warranty it. If not... Always attach the top bolt to the upper fairing FIRST. This will give you the best alignment AND help hold the fairing while you make adjustments. THEN attach the two lower fairing bolts. I used the metal spacer provided on the clutch cover bracket. In order to even the other bracket out I used a vinyl/rubber washer to get a little more standoff from the exhaust. When it's all assembled, and under hot traffic conditions, I have 0 rub, and 0 touch. To verify this, I mounted my HERO cam to get a good view of this, and went out and opened the throttle several times to get a good amount of heat going through there. No issues since.

*** I did bend the two brackets ever so slightly by removing them and using pliers wrapped around a rag to prevent scarring. I didn't go crazy with the bending, just little nudges to get the brackets lined up right. You will also notice when you play with the fairing that you CAN bend them outward slightly and force them into place and CREATE a better gap between the exhaust and heat shield. I would be careful about over doing this. ***

Unlike Red, I plan on keeping my fairings on. In the event of a low side I'd rather tear up plastic than metal, and the price of a new clutch cover, engine, frame may cheaper than the fairings...that is if the pods fail.

(Message edited by Geforce on November 03, 2009)
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration