Plastics...

[er-minio]

I want to do some cosmetic fixes on my 2007 GSA. Bike is at about 74k miles at the moment and has been well used (and abused). Runs fine, but could do with some refresh here and there...
Question for this thread is: plastic bits.

Plastics on the bike started fading. The beak is the worst as you can start seeing the plastic fibres in full sun. The actual black plastic from the tank is perfectly ok, but all the other bits are graying out quite a lot. When I wash the bike I do apply the rubber/vinyl care product from Autoglym (or a coat of ACF in winter ) and makes them shiny again for a while, but it is just a cover.

Not sure if there is any method to refresh the plastic or if the only solution is to replace all the bits.

 

[TLSgazza]

Mine look like that too.
I do the same as you, I have used a black polish from time to time to refresh the plastics.

 

[tonytobo]

Hi I’m sure there is a video on you tube where the guy has a faded black plastic car bumper and he is flashing a gas blow torch flame over it

 

[Neil W]

Smooth peanut butter is your friend although it does smell if not you get very good results with Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel

 

[jefformston]

I want to do some cosmetic fixes on my 2007 GSA. Bike is at about 74k miles at the moment and has been well used (and abused). Runs fine, but could do with some refresh here and there...
Question for this thread is: plastic bits.

Plastics on the bike started fading. The beak is the worst as you can start seeing the plastic fibres in full sun. The actual black plastic from the tank is perfectly ok, but all the other bits are graying out quite a lot. When I wash the bike I do apply the rubber/vinyl care product from Autoglym (or a coat of ACF in winter ) and makes them shiny again for a while, but it is just a cover.

Not sure if there is any method to refresh the plastic or if the only solution is to replace all the bits.

Try heating them with a hairdryer, works on plastic car trims & bumpers.

 

[steadysteve]

Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber Care. Quick and easy.

Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel . Needs a bit more elbow grease but might be necessary on those particular plastics.

 

[Neil W]

Another option for a long term fix is to remove the plastics , clean them thoroughly and spray them with a black car bumper paint , I have had very good results with Holts Dupli colour bumper paints on top boxes , BMW plastic system panniers etc

 

[Bryn]

Hi I’m sure there is a video on you tube where the guy has a faded black plastic car bumper and he is flashing a gas blow torch flame over it

I saw that done with faded stadium seats.. worked a treat

 

[botus]

ACF 50 makes everything look brand new - don't get it on the brakes - they'll still not be working properly 6 months on

 

[Santa-2512]

Peanut butter !!!

I kid you not!!

 

[er-minio]

ACF50 and Autoglym's stuff is what I've been using for ages. I wrote that in the first post.
I was looking for a more permanent method and I was thinking about the stadium seats video Bryn mentioned above. I'm just not sure if it is the same type of plastic.

I'll try trim and bumper gel first, then heath. Worse case scenario, I'll have to replace on piece of plastic.. I also actually still have an old broken (last summer) spotlight... I can try on that one first.

 

[Neil W]

This Givi box was very badly scuffed ,prepared it with a scotchbrite pad and sprayed with bumper paint and it is a good finish and almost impossible to spot the repair

 

[MacJ]

I've used boiled Linseed oil in the past to revitalise black plastic trim. Works a treat.

 

[DevonAl]

I've used boiled Linseed oil in the past to revitalise black plastic trim. Works a treat.

Saw that on a van group yesterday, was going to try on the van trims & bumpers.

Al.

 

[Mr Bean]

Silicone oil works a treat and lasts for ages

 

[botus]

ACF50 and Autoglym's stuff is what I've been using for ages. I wrote that in the first post.
I was looking for a more permanent method and I was thinking about the stadium seats video Bryn mentioned above. I'm just not sure if it is the same type of plastic.

I'll try trim and bumper gel first, then heath. Worse case scenario, I'll have to replace on piece of plastic.. I also actually still have an old broken (last summer) spotlight... I can try on that one first.

UV ages the plastic - on some you can cut it back a bit, then use products to mask the cosmetic aging effects and the good ones protect from future UV damage a bit - but there is no going back - the pastic is old and messed up by life and UV

as far as I see ACF 50 wipes the floor with all the rest buy a huge margin

 

[dashfixer]

Peanut butter !!!

I kid you not!!

Smooth or crunchy?

 

[JoeBiff]

Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer.
Not cheap but is far longer-lasting than Autoglym.
Available on fleatray.