Sun and U V damage?

[DucatiTorrey]

so i searched for a bit and could not find help witht his topic

just wondering how concerned i should be about UV rays on my Carbon Fiber parts (termis)

i was thinking of getting a small cover for the bike during my days at work when the bike is completely out in the open. I am going to be riding it to work quite a bit.

also, if i shouldbe concerned will something like this work?
http://thejeephut.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3921

its meant for the outsides of kayaks, boats, rvs and such, and here for jeep seats as shown, not sure how ti will stick to a rougher coat, like carbon, as well as in heat (exhuast)

thanks for your help peeps


DT

[metallimonster]

Seeing as I just got my pipes I don't know much but try here.


http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=23618.0

[Bill in OKC]

I have the same concerns - I like riding to work but the thought of the bike sitting out in the sun for 8 hours grieves me.   I have a cover that I keep in my desk drawer.  Carbon is inert - but the resins that form the part are not.  CF will fade - get lighter and sometimes turn a greenish tint after a few years in the weather.  Rubber and paint are also attacked by the sun - so park in the shade or get a cover.  I guess the sprays and coatings help - like sunscreen - but a good cover is my choice.  Sometimes those liquids - wax especially - will seep into the weave and you have white spots in the CF that are hard or impossible to get out.

[ArguZ]

[Monster Dave]

I have a similar issue as where I work doesn't offer covered motorcycle parking (how retarded is that - rant for a later thread).

Anyway, for my seat cowl (CF) I've started using F-21 Super Protectant that we use on the dash of the car to protect it from the Arizona sun:



It's made by Turtle Wax and their web site states: Revolutionary nonotechnology formula combined with Sun-Stop® provides the highest level of UVA/UVB protection for leather, vinyl, rubber and plastic surfaces.

And it seems to be doing a pretty good job. However for exhaust, I'm not sure since it gets so hot, I doubt that you could use that on it. I've been wanting to get a CF exhaust too, so ultimately I've just decided that sooner rather than later that I'll have to get one of those partial covers that covers the bars, tank, seat, and exhaust.

CF looks so good until it gets sun damaged.