Stone Chip Blues

Stephen_Spencer · Aug 7, 2020

Awesome roads around the Sunshine Coast however, there are a lot of smaller interconnecting roads with loose gravel randomly spread all over the place. This, in combination with a super sticky rear tire has led to a badly pockmarked rear to the airbox (and surrounding components). The carbon hugger really does’nt cut it; it’s just too short.

Are you suffering with the same problem? Resolved it? Don’t care?

A riding mate and I decided on fabricating a guard. Mk1 is made from 1mm ally plate, that will do the trick. Not sure about the look although if painted black I suspect that it would ‘disappear’. It is secure/rigid with flex and vibration minimal. No problem with rear wheel clearance. It looks more obtrusive in the pictures than in the flesh, noting the pictures show the ass end of the bike jacked up on a stand.

Thoughts/ technical input from the discerning members of this awesome forum would be appreciated.

Fast Eddie · Aug 7, 2020

If that’s aluminium, I’d say it’s gonna fatigue, and fracture, with the 961s inherent vibration.

Why not simply stick some protective material to the exposed face of the airbox ?

Stephen_Spencer · Aug 7, 2020

Hi FE, yes that was my initial plan however a mate was very keen to fabricate a guard. He’s looking for anything to keep busy as he’s currently going through Chemo. So, why not I thought. He’s had something similar on the rear of his Ducati for 12 months plus, without problems. Not as much vibration of course. Thank for your input. Jury is well and truly out!

TonyA · Aug 7, 2020

How about a rear hugger extension ?

Voodooo · Aug 7, 2020

Stephen_Spencer said:
Awesome roads around the Sunshine Coast however, there are a lot of smaller interconnecting roads with loose gravel randomly spread all over the place. This, in combination with a super sticky rear tire has led to a badly pockmarked rear to the airbox (and surrounding components). The carbon hugger really does’nt cut it; it’s just too short.

Are you suffering with the same problem? Resolved it? Don’t care?

A riding mate and I decided on fabricating a guard. Mk1 is made from 1mm ally plate, that will do the trick. Not sure about the look although if painted black I suspect that it would ‘disappear’. It is secure/rigid with flex and vibration minimal. No problem with rear wheel clearance. It looks more obtrusive in the pictures than in the flesh, noting the pictures show the ass end of the bike jacked up on a stand.

Thoughts/ technical input from the discerning members of this awesome forum would be appreciated.

View attachment 18010 View attachment 18011 View attachment 18012 View attachment 18013 View attachment 18014

The first thing I do when I get my bikes, I apply Xpel clear paint protection film to all the impact and wear areas. It’s clear, self healing and is nearly invisible. It’s available in clear and matte.
I use clear on my Commandos gloss paint work and matte on the frame work.

StuartSF2015 · Aug 7, 2020

Often thought a rear mudguard would be a useful after market item for those that ride in less than ideal conditions. That’s everyone all the time in the UK!

Stephen_Spencer · Aug 7, 2020

Thanks guys, must admit I keep my bike immaculate also - it has never seen the rain! Should have put a wrap or clear covering on the airbox from the start so I’m pretty pissed with myself that I did’nt sort it sooner. I guess stone chips under there are innevitable but definitely can be minimised.

The carbon hugger follows the profile of the tire really closely and is nicely profiled at its edging, not really sure how best an extension would be achieved - anybody tried?

Fatiguing and cracking of the guard shown (as mentioned by FE) may be a bit of a problem; 1mm ally sheet floating around in the vicinity of the rear wheel and chain could lead to a poor outcome.

There are several professional Wrappers in the local area. May see what they can come up with to protect (hide damage to) the rear of the airbox. A proper carbon cover matching the hugger would work well

. “Niff naff and trivia - just ride it“ I hear you say! Why is it the little things that bug you so much, you know, that little scratch on the tank that only you can see! I think I need help!

Voodooo · Aug 7, 2020

Stephen_Spencer said:
Thanks guys, must admit I keep my bike immaculate also - it has never seen the rain! Should have put a wrap or clear covering on the airbox from the start so I’m pretty pissed with myself that I did’nt sort it sooner. I guess stone chips under there are innevitable but definitely can be minimised.

The carbon hugger follows the profile of the tire really closely and is nicely profiled at its edging, not really sure how best an extension would be achieved - anybody tried.

Fatiguing and cracking of the guard shown (as mentioned by FE) may be a bit of a problem; 1mm ally sheet floating around in the vicinity of the rear wheel and chain could lead to a poor outcome.

There are several professional Wrappers in the local area. May see what they can come up with to protect (hide damage to) the rear of the airbox. A proper carbon cover matching the hugger would work well . “Niff naff and trivia - just ride it“ I hear you say! Why is it the little things that bug you so much, you know, that little scratch on the tank that only you can see! I think I need help!

Another option to help prevent chips would be to get a longer carbon mudguard made.

Stephen_Spencer · Aug 7, 2020

Voodooo said:
Another option to help prevent chips would be to get a longer carbon mudguard made.

Been looking at that too, this guy is local to me, and is producing carbon components. I’ll have a look at the quality of his work and see what’s on offer.

Stone Chip Blues

Stephen_Spencer

Fast Eddie

Stephen_Spencer

TonyA

Voodooo

Guest

StuartSF2015

Stephen_Spencer

Voodooo

Guest

Stephen_Spencer

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