Cracks in a screen

N1Rat

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When I was doing something to the bike this morning I noticed cracks radiating out from around one of the large adjusters at the side of the screen:eek:. I am unaware of anything having happened to cause it, though I do know that if you are not careful these adjusters do work loose.
So do I just ignore it and hope it does not get any worse, or has anyone else any good Ideas of how I can repair it to prevent it getting any worse.
I am sure I am not the only person to have had this as I have seen screens for sale with cracks arround the mounting points.
 
Screen Cracks

Hi there
I have one small crack radiating away from the top mount of the GSA screen i fitted to my GS, the only way I know of to prevent the cracks getting any worse is to drill a small hole at the far end of the crack away from the mounts. This seems to halt the whole process.
Good Luck
Mike
 
The biggest problem is one really impressive looking one going downwards to the bottom of the screen. I think this could be expensive:eek:
 
Ignore it, or:

(a) if bike is under warranty, ask BMW to replace

(b) Buy a new screen or a secondhand one (without cracks, preferably)
 
From my apprenticeship days (marine architecture module), I recall the stresses at the tip of a crack being infinite due to the lack of a radius to dissipate them, hence the need to drill a hole at the end of a crack to provide the radius and stop the crack spreading.

Obviously a screen with holes drilled in it isn't much good.

The cracks may continue to grow over time, they may stay as they are and go mostly unnoticed. Either way, the only practical cure is a new screen. Sorry for the bad news.
 
It would be a good idea to check you have all the bits on your adjuster assembly - there should be a couple of spacers in there - if these are missing for some reason, they will allow the tightening nuts to stress the screen, which could be a cause of cracking.
 
Its a bugger

Mate, happened to me too, I think from simple and understandable overtightening.

`fraid I`ve got to agree with the ther Fine Yeomen of the German Wunderbus - you`ll need a new screen and some little tenderness next time on the fasteners.

If its any consolation, go for the smoked screen, its cheaper and looks nice.

regards,

Mark.
 
mike j said:
Hi there
I have one small crack radiating away from the top mount of the GSA screen i fitted to my GS, the only way I know of to prevent the cracks getting any worse is to drill a small hole at the far end of the crack away from the mounts. This seems to halt the whole process.
Good Luck
Mike
Click to expand...

What he said
It worked for me
 
That works well on glass and metal but plastic is easily cracked as the drill breaks through. Diamond drills are used on glass but they will melt the plastic.

What we need is a glass bond type adhesive that can wick into the cracks. Has anyone tried?
 
Ben De Toy said:
That works well on glass and metal but plastic is easily cracked as the drill breaks through. Diamond drills are used on glass but they will melt the plastic.

What we need is a glass bond type adhesive that can wick into the cracks. Has anyone tried?
Click to expand...

A new 1mm drill will do the job nicely.....we did several over the years in Morocco and never had one crack from doing it. :nenau

Grant Johnson (Horizons Unlimited beardy geezer) had (may even still have, I don't know) a cracked screen on his bike for several years going RTW......they drilled holes every 3cm or so along the length of the crack(s) and 'stitched' it up with white cable ties.......perfectly adequate as long as you don't mind your bike looking like a bit of a shitter :D


No matter what you repair the crack with, it will always be visible as the light catches in the plane of the crack itself.

Bodge it and ignore it or buy another, but for a temp repair, a 1mm drill or red hot needle at the crack tip and if necessary, cable tie lacing will see anyone to the end of a trip :thumb2
 
I put an AF330 screen on my GS, then i promptly went and dropped the bike :blast. This caused cracks to the O/S of the screen, I cured the problem by using super glue and letting it wick into the cracks.
 
stever1 said:
I put an AF330 screen on my GS, then i promptly went and dropped the bike :blast. This caused cracks to the O/S of the screen, I cured the problem by using super glue and letting it wick into the cracks.
Click to expand...

If the warranty computer says no I'll try that.

How does the Givi AF330 compare to the Adventure screen for turbulence & noise?
 
Ben De Toy said:
If the warranty computer says no I'll try that.

How does the Givi AF330 compare to the Adventure screen for turbulence & noise?
Click to expand...

I acnt compare it to an adventure screen as i had a normal GS. What i can say is that i had the AF330, and winglets fitted and it was a BIG improvement over the stock item.:thumb
 
Fanum said:
No matter what you repair the crack with, it will always be visible as the light catches in the plane of the crack itself.
Click to expand...

It won't necessarily show if the refractive index of the glue is the same as the material being repaired. I've used glue on glass in the past and it's spooky to see it curing as the crack literally vanishes in front of your eyes. Of course, if no such glue exists for acrylic, you're stuffed :blast
 
If you decide to drill a hole take care to do it right at the end of the crack, the absolute end can be hard to find if the crack is very fine and tight. Otherwise the theory is fine, and it can work in practice.
 
stever1 said:
I acnt compare it to an adventure screen as i had a normal GS. What i can say is that i had the AF330, and winglets fitted and it was a BIG improvement over the stock item.:thumb
Click to expand...

Thanks. :)

If BMW walk away from it as a warranty issue. I may try the AF 330.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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