5 minute DIY Sprint ST fairing fix for 05'+

[SprintST_Yes]

Hey Fellas,

For those of you that have broken-off the lower front fairing tabs, here a good easy fix. I'm referring to the fairing tabs that mate with the oil cooler bracket. So, here is a simple 5 minute DIY fairing fix. Pics attached and Linked here:


Also, once installed, it makes it much easier to install/de-install the bodywork IMO and if done right can be hidden behind the V-shaped cowl.[I]

1.) Grab some Galvanized Strapping Tape (aka: Plumbing Tape)

2.) Drill a couple holes in the smaller holes(seemed like perfect distance)

3.) Cut-off the ends at the dotted-lines with metal shears

4.) Bend as shown

5.) Mount the bolts carefully and the tapes bend will somewhat self-adjust to the right angle.

6.) Remove the bolts and put the lower V-shaped cowling back on (not shown)

7.) (Optional) Paint is optional since the galvanized coating was scratched where the tools hit the tape.

Voila!...Tough as nails.

Disclaimer: Try this at your own risk of course.

[SprintST_Yes]

Due to the attachment fiasco at the moment, I've re-linked the pic to my Flicker site, please re-fresh if you just visited in the last few minutes. Or just go here:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/...6bcd9562_b.jpg

//YES!

[oldndumb]

Just how does someone go about breaking those clips?

[Berto]

Originally Posted by oldndumb

Just how does someone go about breaking those clips?

I dunno.

But about five of mine at various points are broken--where the front fairing joins the side pieces on top and along the sides on the forward edges.

They were broken when I got the bike, I think, and I reckon it's vibe related.

--Paul

[oldndumb]

I seriously doubt it is vibration induced. There must be another cause.

[SprintST_Yes]

Originally Posted by oldndumb

Just how does someone go about breaking those clips?

Pretty easy if you're a bit careless, those lower tabs aren't really that strong. As the story goes, I was in a rush and backing the bike down a ramp off a (monster)truck with a steep angle to the ground and the "second ramp" (used to lessen the angle) was just slightly too far back and then the ramp-hook that grabs the tailgate just snagged the fairings and she went "crack". Yikes!

It's just like stubbing your toe on the coffee table. I lost one of the rear mounts on another occasion, but those aren't so important in keeping the fairing chatter to a minimum like these are. As you can see, my baby's has had some USE you could say, if you didn't notice from the pics. Oopsy! Anyhow, good as GOLD now.

[scritch]

I did a recent replacement of a broken tab on my '02 main body fairing, where it attaches to the black fairing in front of the radiator. Made a replacement tab out of Sch 40 ABS pipe using heat gun to flatten, then glued on with black ABS cement. It's been steady rain here in Seattle for weeks, so I haven't had a chance to see how it holds up under long rides yet, but I bet it works.

[oldndumb]

I have always advocated ABS cement for ABS plastic fairings. Seems like a no brainer.

I have also done the pipe cutting and fattening trick. Works good and lasts a long time.