Fixing a 696 tank cover

[JasonV]

Went down two weeks ago on 3rd Ave after being cut off, right side tank cover near intake got cracked from handlebars hitting it, small piece now missing.  Was thinking that since it's plastic if anyone knew where I can get it fixed instead of replacing whole piece and saving myself $380.  Thinking a resin/epoxy type fix like how you would fix a surf board than just having it painted.

Any ideas where or other options. 

(Metal tank would just have a ding, sigh...)

[He Man]

not worth fixing IMHO...a lot of work done in fixing and painting it. if your into looks then youd have to get a new one.


if not, id ghetto stitch it with zipties

[Howie]

Gotta agree with He Man if you want it to look good.  Professional painting doesn't come cheap.  You could give Steve Nunez a ping, he is local and real good.

stevenyc1@aol.com

Most painters would want to do the panel repair them self.  You could go halfway between stitching with zipties and a nice, professional job, like filler covered with a sticker.  A photo may help for ideas.

So, how's the injured finger doing?

[JasonV]

Think I need to get a pic up.  Don't understand how zip ties will do it.  It's a small hole, triangular in shape.  I know someone that does auto body so would call in a favor for painting.  Was looking for a cheaper option for now. Would replace it if I sold it.

Howie, thumb is pinned and on the road to healing.  Still have to get in touch of Koppell, didn't forget. 

[Howie]

Think I need to get a pic up.  Don't understand how zip ties will do it.  It's a small hole, triangular in shape.  I know someone that does auto body so would call in a favor for painting.  Was looking for a cheaper option for now. Would replace it if I sold it.

Howie, thumb is pinned and on the road to healing.  Still have to get in touch of Koppell, didn't forget. 

My kid went through a similar injury a couple of decades ago.  Bicycle accident on the Brooklyn Bridge.  Perfect recovery.  I'm not surprised you haven't contacted Koppel yet, you've been busy.  Now that elections are wrapping up is probably a good time.  Keep me posted.

[JasonV]

Here's the picks.  Lighting sucks was in the garage.  Realizing upon closer inspection with the crack going down where intake is, not going to be a quick fix.

[JasonV]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43025458@N06/4053077884/#

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43025458@N06/4052335269/#

[He Man]

doesn work. your video is private.

[JasonV]

doesn work. your video is private.

How bout now?  Thought it was public, sorry.

[GLantern]

if you still had the plastic piece that broke off you could use a surfboard repair kit to do it.  I cracked my front fender on my 1098 and am going to do the same thing.

[JasonV]

if you still had the plastic piece that broke off you could use a surfboard repair kit to do it.  I cracked my front fender on my 1098 and am going to do the same thing.

That's what I was thinking.  Except I don't have the piece.  Too much going on at the time to even think of looking for it.  Sigh...

[Howie]

It is repairable as long as whatever you back the hole with with doesn't interfere with anything behind the panel .  The real question is cost.  Take the panel to your body guy and get an estimate.  A temporary solution could be a piece of dull black duct tape over the hole.

[He Man]

paper mache!

[Raux]

i gotta say that crack looks hard to do with the steering lock not being jacked up or your bars not being bent.
have you check everything else?
the bars would normally be about an inch from the vent at full stop. if they are anywhere but there.. you got more problems than just a cosmetic issue.
but as far as cosmetics. how about some model plastic. like airplane models. about melt some down, build a back side with some balsa wood to create a buck and then melt the plastic onto the buck just covering the hole. cool then sand.
not sure the melting point of model plastic, or maybe something similar.

[JasonV]

i gotta say that crack looks hard to do with the steering lock not being jacked up or your bars not being bent.
have you check everything else?
the bars would normally be about an inch from the vent at full stop. if they are anywhere but there.. you got more problems than just a cosmetic issue.
but as far as cosmetics. how about some model plastic. like airplane models. about melt some down, build a back side with some balsa wood to create a buck and then melt the plastic onto the buck just covering the hole. cool then sand.
not sure the melting point of model plastic, or maybe something similar.

The steering lock was adjusted when my Rizoma bars were put on, and I know I had much more clearance and play in turning than with stock.  Everything looks straight.

I will probably just buy a new one...thanks for all the input.