R1100RT Bodywork Concerns.

[tlangman4]

I was finally able to spend some time tonight after work getting a closer look at my recently purchased 2000 R1100RT. With less than 10k on the clock, I knew the bike may have some issues due to low miles. It does run a bit rough and the front brakes seem a hang up a little, although the brake lines have been replaced.

My main concern is the lower bodywork, specifically around and near the exhaust header pipes/cylinder head area. Seems there is a support piece stretching from the inside of the main fairing which passes just below the header pipe and then to the outside of the main fairing, where it attaches again. On one side the piece is completely cracked through. On the other side the piece is totally missing. I inquired with a friend who is somewhat familiar with Oilheads who stated that the piece gets hot and breaks off easily. Makes some sense as it is close to the header pipe. But it seems odd that it fail with such low miles.

Even without the support, the fairing seems relatively stable, as long as the lower fairing is in place and attached securely. I would feel better with a fix of some sort, no idea yet.

Is this a common area of failure for the bodywork given the location to the header pipes? Any suggestions on repair to add strength to the lower fairing areas?

Thank you!!

 

[omega man]

I will move this to the Oilhead section shortly.
Good luck.
OM

 

[AntonLargiader]

The "shark fin." They get brittle and crack or char, especially when owners let the engine warm up without actually riding the bike. Don't do that!

What color? BBY has a few available about halfway down this page: https://www.beemerboneyard.com/r11001150rt.html

 

[tlangman4]

The "shark fin." They get brittle and crack or char, especially when owners let the engine warm up without actually riding the bike. Don't do that!

What color? BBY has a few available about halfway down this page: https://www.beemerboneyard.com/r11001150rt.html

Thank you very much!! Just ordered a pair! Not exact color but since mine is black I can make it work..!

 

[pauls1150]

My bike has a few miles, including stuck in traffic in hot weather...
Yes, heat makes the plastic brittle (and peels the paint), which means it no longer stands up to vibration, so my lower fairing has a few repairs consisting of hand-formed sheet aluminum plus JB Weld epoxy. Also, the previous owner apparently tried to jump a curb, so I repaired the bottom cowling with a few pieces of a coat hanger and JB; stronger than stock and you cannot see it unless you're specifically looking for it.

 

[tlangman4]

Nice! I’m looking at some repair along with obtaining the shark fin pieces as well. So I’ll be doing something similar. Thanks for posting pics, gives me confidence in the repair work. I’m also thinking of reflective insulation tape that I have to protect the fin from heat. And I agree, primarily looking mostly for structural rigidity in the lower fairing. My bike is black, so I can prolly blend in the pieces pretty well. My main concern is that the fins on the left are totally gone and not sure if I am missing more of the fairing itself. And not sure how they are suppose to look when repaired. But hopefully I will figure it out once I get the parts.
Thanks again!