System case scratch remedies

[FredRydr]

I did a search and found older posts on dealing with scratches on system cases (not painted). One suggestion was: "wet sand paper 240 and then black magic (any car store)." Does that make sense? Is 240 grit paper correct for the case's unpainted satin finish?

I bet there are many thousands of posts on this topic on many forums and lists since the first oilhead with cases fell over back in '94, so I would think the perfect solution has been found by now! (I know the silicon sprays do not work well except perhaps for scuffs.)

Solution?

Fred

 

[sheridesabeemer]

useless reply

Bumper stickers of course.

 

[henzilla]

not sure of grit, but fine grade wet/dry works well for me. Unless you really get agressive,it won't remove the texture enough to see. I used McGuires Back to Black it seems to rejuvenate the color. I had purchased a used set of cases and they came out near to new with some wet sanding. Silicon is very temporary for sure

 

[FredRydr]

I got an email reply from a friend and professional body repairman, who is also the body/paint shop for the local BMW/Aprilia/Honda dealer (and high-end cars).

He writes:

Fred,

Don't go sanding the cover first (if you need to sand maybe 800, start fine and go from there). We usually just polish it with our small buffer and a little compound, which makes them much better looking. ​

That's nice to know!

Fred
'07 R

 

[SGTBORING]

Scatches are Kool

Depending on the age of the bike and your personal taste scratches on the bags are ascetically pleasing. Like crows feet or scars on a person they tell a story. When I see a bike that is for sale and it is advertised as Never Been Down & No Scratches I wonder what world some folks ride in??????

 

[medieval]

Esthetically pleasing........

 

[tmoyer]

Scratches? I thought they were like badges of honor!

 

[gnavecky]

I remember reading some where. Lay a 3M green pad on the area and tap it lightly with a hammer, would put the texture back. I have not tried it but sounds good. WD-40 gives them a nice shine

 

[ALIENHITCHHIKER]

I sanded out some deep gouges on my side case cover - sustained when I rode with the cover open - don't ask !!!

(I kept thinking"what's that strange sound" every time I leaned to the left )

The gouges are gone but the area stands out smooth & shiny in contrast to the matte texture.

I'll try the 3M idea - thanks for passing it on. I'll report back.

 

[lseidman]

I sanded out some deep gouges on my side case cover - sustained when I rode with the cover open - don't ask !!!

(I kept thinking"what's that strange sound" every time I leaned to the left )

The gouges are gone but the area stands out smooth & shiny in contrast to the matte texture.

I'll try the 3M idea - thanks for passing it on. I'll report back.

After I filled in the gouges on my case lids and sanded them smooth I sprayed them with several light coats of Duplicolor Truck Bed Liner and they came oiut fantastic. Now if i get a scratch or scrape I just take out the can of Truck Bed Liner and lightly spray the area.

 

[MCOLLECT]

I went another route. After scratching them trying to fit in a tight space, I sanded then down to smooth 600grit. Then painted them to match my bike, Atlanta Blue, and gave them 3 coats of clear coat. That was a year ago and they look great today. I wax them when I clean my bike, OK only once a year, scuffs come right off. Much better then original.

 

[mrich12000]

Depending on the age of the bike and your personal taste scratches on the bags are ascetically pleasing. Like crows feet or scars on a person they tell a story. When I see a bike that is for sale and it is advertised as Never Been Down & No Scratches I wonder what world some folks ride in??????