Beginning the modifications....

[gbergma1]

Couldn't justify the price of the TOURATECH heal guards, so began the process of making the stock ones better looking. Saw that the WORLDCROSSER used the same die for it's heal guards, but some material was removed, and they were powder coated black. Easy enough. Imported some pictures from the web scaled them to match the existing CAD, and got pretty close using a 3/8" bit and running an end mill tangent to the holes. Good enough. More to come, we're only getting this party started.....

 

[maddog5150]

Thats pretty awesome! Is your template something that your willing to share? PDF maybe? ;D

 

[3putt]

Nice, I will be watching, DIY is my thing!

 

[gbergma1]

These aren't exact, but it is certainly an improvement over stock. I used nice round numbers and a stock drill size so if one was feeling froggy, and maybe a couple beers deep, this could be done with a vice, a drill, Dremel, and some spray paint. If you have access to CNC than it would be a piece of cake to match perfectly. Ensure your printer is set up to print 100%, print, cut out, and use as a template. It is an ADV bike, not a prom dress. If you end up going for it, post some pictures.

I just took the entire rear frame off, figure might as well send that out to get coated as well. Can't figure out why YAMAHA spec'ed it grey. The new ones overseas are black. Also found out that Germany is selling the WORLDCROSSER guards for the swingarm bits. Trying to get some here, but not having any luck. May have to make them, probably less than shipping a set to the USA, but those will take some trial and error. If I break the code on the sizing, will probably burn a bunch off to at least break even on the project.

I'm new to the forum and some may ask why I am spending so much time farting around instead of riding, well the short answer is I got sick in January, and I can't drive until the DR clears me in June....so may as well fart around with the bike.

Enjoy.

 

[maddog5150]

It is an ADV bike, not a prom dress.

::003:: That might be my new favorite quote!

I just took the entire rear frame off, figure might as well send that out to get coated as well. Can't figure out why YAMAHA spec'ed it grey.

Please post pics when you get the rear frame back from powder coat and installed. I have many times considered this, as I think it would look oh so nice in satin black! Not satin like a prom dress, like bad-ass manly flat black! ::025::

 

[Combo]

Very impressive cad work and a good idea. ::008::

 

[gbergma1]

Don't ask if I would do this again.....

 

[gbergma1]

I still haven't milled out the heal plates, probably get that knocked out in a couple weeks. Surprise trip to Hong Kong, long story, different forum... Those will got get Rhino-lined as well. Doesn't need a precision fit and the stuff is super durable. The guy in Fletcher, NC did a nice job, but prices was about 4 times more than I thought it would be. I suggest you are very, very specific on your critical fit areas, easier to have them mask it and clean it up, than to come back and do it yourself afterwards. Not hard to work with once it hardens, I just used a sharp knife and a small file, rotary tool would work well also. Note the passenger grab handles are plastic (PA66+ an @$# ton of GF), I wasn't sure how well it would adhere, question answered, it worked great.

http://liners.rhinolinings.com/en/retailers/9/United-States-North-Carolina-Fletcher-Rhino-Linings-of-Western-NC

Now the powder coating was a different story. Be cool with them and provide clean parts and be clear what you can't have coated. The vendor I used does mostly production size work, so don't think your few moto bits are the most important thing on the planet, and they must shut down the entire assembly line just for your stuff. They usually run black, so you may get lucky and be able to sneak it in with their regular parts. The final goods came out PERFECT, no extra handwork on my end was needed. Speak with Ms. Loretta or TJ. They are a small shop, but busy, do your homework so you don't waste their time with dumb questions. Good excuse to hang out in the micro brew capital of the USA too...

http://www.ashevillepowdercoat.com/

Please let them know that Geoff Bergmark recommended them. At first they will say "Geoff who", but eventually if enough of you hate money, than I can build a solid relationship with them and try some other parts.