Front engine cover ( the black plastic one ) ??

[aage]

I recently bought a very nice condition 2005 model of the BMW R1200GS. Browsing here I saw that some of these bikes have quite a bit of corrosion under the plastic cover and around it to. I took the cover off my bike and surprise , almost no corrosion, just tiny little specks. I sprayed the engine cover with some Waxoil. When looking at the plastic cover , I saw that there are 3 openings on the cover , not big but still big enough to let some water, salt and dirt in.


So my question : Is there anything against just closing that openings with tape to prevent dirt and water get under the cover ??

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

Unless you make it 100% waterproof water and crap will still get in only it won't get out so easy. This could make things worse rather than better. Either keep everything protected with ACF or your waxoil or get a crud catcher.

 

[aage]

I´m gonna get the crud catcher for both the front and for the rear. Also thinking about making some kind of a seal for the plastic cover from rubber or silicon.

 

[Bendy toy]

The cover on my bike has rubbed through the paint at the bottom edge. Vibration fretting I guess. I now have corrosion inside and outside. I suspect a gasket with silicone or better a Loctite instant gasket would stop it rubbing.
Leave a gap at bottom to let any moisture escape


Sent from a widget that can't spell.

 

[aage]

Thinking about it , the little openings are at the upper part of the plastic shield, not at the bottom, so its probably there to enable the water to evaporate out there. Maybe it would be good idea to make a little openings at the bottom of the plastic cover , then the water would drain out there and it would get some air to circulate instead of keeping it trapped in there causing corrosion and damage..

 

[Bendy toy]

Mine had a spreading patch of corrosion above, below and over the joint face. It didn't look like water had got trapped.
I believe some black silicon would stop any rubbing between the flexible plastic cover and solid metal casing. That would need drain holes.
One alternative is to have the timing cover chemical stripped and polished. Then just a rub over with Solvol and ACF50 will keep it happy.
If the metal is left rough cast it will always look grungy. But polished smooth is easier to keep.