Custom See-Thru Timing Covers!

[dallasb]

Ha ha we need to get ones that say "FUHD"

 

[badweatherbiker]

Keep us posted on the 08+ covers!

 

[xtremelow]

I think I have a couple loose LEDs and resistors sitting around so I am planning on back lighting mine for sure.

 

[polkiejoe]

Cool!
PM's sent

 

[jmcrutch]

Ok polkiejoe, I've got a challenge for you. I would like to know if you could come up with a clever scheme to replace the black plastic undertail tray on the XBS models with a translucent acrylic piece.

In the ideal scenario, this would be a direct replacement of the entire plastic tray, using the stock mounting points, having a cutout for the tail lock key, and shaped with all the same bends and curves.

In a more realistic world, it would probably be a part that is mostly flat and mounts to modified stock tray.

The ideal compromise would be having the entire externally visible stock tray replaced with translucent acrylic (would probably require shaping).

Please let us know what your capabilities are with forming acrylic (apparently it become pliable when heated). I think this would be an awesome part, and would probably sell like hotcakes. I really like the idea of balancing out the translucent color across the whole length of the bike. So, what do you think!?

 

[jmcrutch]

I'm talking of course about the plastic piece above. Imagine that in acrylic!! I will concede that there are some rather complicated shapes on the sides.

If you have any access to a vacuum forming machine, and made a mold from a stock undertail, this looks like it could become a reality!!

 

[polkiejoe]

That would be pretty cool but... I just don't have the equipment to do that[sad]

 

[jmcrutch]

[sad][sad][sad][sad] Noooo!!!! Well it looks like there are four vacuum forming manufacturers in my area. I guess I'll try to get a quote from them if I were to provide the mold and the stock acrylic. I'm sure the quote will be unreasonably high considering that I'd only be getting one.

I might also try the home-method since the piece would be small enough to fit into my oven:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVVE5EHzRnk&feature=related

 

[nitto12ss]

My covers came in today, I think I'm gonna go with the clear one. What do you think?

I like it, and I will give Pokiejoe a big thumbs up, this is a great and cheep way to make your bike stand out.

 

[303xb]

jm cutch, is that your bike? if so, any other pics?? sorry to hijack

 

[augustus_01]

The clear one goes better with your bike, IMO.

 

[303xb]

agreed clear.

 

[jmcrutch]

303 xb, that picture is not my bike, I just wanted to post a quick pic of the undertail I was talking about. I don't have any pictures up yet of my bike, since it is still a work in progress...

Its a 2003 XB9S that came with yellow fairings. So far I've replaced the airbox cover and windscreen with Hero Blue translucent plastics, and have carbon fiber front and rear fenders, chin fairing, and intake scoop.

Future mods: bar end mirrors, axle sliders, polkiejoe's awesome timing cover, tail chop, tail lift, and if the planets align, a translucent blue undertail (a truely one-of-a-kind piece). I actually just got off the phone with my buddy who works at Air Methods in Denver to see if he could use their vacuum forming machine to make my prototype, and HE IS IN!!! So, hopefully in a month or so I'll be able to show some pics of my completed bike, and if there is any interest in the clear undertails, I might just make some more.

 

[polkiejoe]

Are you going to use the trim rings with them? They both look really cool I think![up]

 

[nitto12ss]

Are you going to use the trim rings with them? They both look really cool I think!

Yes, the trim rings are on the inside and the cover is on top.

 

[stang65pony]

jmcrutch, depending on the cost i would be interested in this translucent undertail. thats a bad ass idea and i too have a hero blue lightning. mine is an 09' though. but like i said, if the price isnt outrageous i would be down. i want one of these timing covers too! hope the progress for the 08+ is going good. its awesome how innovative some people are!

 

[xtremelow]

Nitto for sure the clear one.

Thanks polkiejoe, also check your paypal for the tire payment.

Here is mine, back lit it with a single LED.

 

[jmcrutch]

stang65pony, I'm on it. I'll be making a high-density foam mold of the stock undertail tomorrow. I'm not sure what the cost will be for materials, shipping, hardware, and my friend's time, but I'm not gonna be looking to charge anything ridiculous. My target would be less than $100. I just got off the phone with Randy from Hawk Performance and I am totally on board with supporting the Buell community with awesome custom parts. Props to polkiejoe for his contribution too!

 

[polkiejoe]

That looks awesome!
Got the payment also thanks so much!

 

[303xb]

so badass! how did you wire that LED backlight? i love it!