Cracked plastic. Best way to repair?

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Need some advice. I somehow rubbed too hard and cracked my plastic chainguard on my 1000. The crack is about 1 1/2" long. I don't want to ride it again for fear the crack will grow.
The crack didn't close back up perfectly like plastic sometimes does. There's a very small gap in it. I really doubt it would do any good to try to get something to go into the crack, so I'm thinking I should repair it from the back so the crack won't grow. Re-enforcement/patch is what I have in mind.
The crack is on a surface that's not flat. So I can't just place a 2" square plate of metal or something behind it and glue it. Too uneven for that.
Since you won't be able to see it on the back, I'm open to any repair idea as long as it's strong. If I do it right, I think the crack will become nearly invisible *BUT* the main idea is to keep the crack from growing larger.
You guys know how anal I am about my bike. I still can't believe I did it.
If anyone here knows what's the strongest plastic repair there is, I'd truly appreciate it!!

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

Drill a small hole at the end of the crack will stop it from growing

 

[kilroy]

Plastic welder has done well for me.It comes in a 2 tube setup.The key is to get the area to be welded cleaned up very well with soapy water...Devcon makes it.Lots of good polymers in their stuff..

 

[beby99]

Keith,
You can still get these guards from Suzuki:

CHAIN CASE (BLACK) (61311-49002-019)


$50.82




The way you are with your bike (understandable), I would think a repaired crack would drive you nuts.

 

[Pharkmeh]

perhaps even a small Fibre Glass repair kit... strong and cheap

if applied carefully buffing to an original finish easy enough too...

 

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Thanks for the replies.:smile: I didn't sleep too well last night, trying to think of things that could fix it. Yeah, I'm silly about this bike. The crack looks like the Grand Canyon to me.
Bret...you say the chainguard is still sold by Suzuki? The first thing that popped into my mind when I cracked it was..."they don't sell these anymore".
If they're still selling it I'd just go with that.
Where did you get the info? I'll go by the Suzuki dealer today and ask him.
Please anyone, in case I can't get a new one, anymore good repair ideas are welcome. Thanks again.

 

[jpaul]

For repairs, the best you're going to do is the plastic weld mentioned above, along with the drilling of small holes at the ends of the cracks. The only thing I would add would be a piece of cloth to cover the repair area. Fiberglass cloth would be the best, but some ripstop nylon would work nearly as well, and not build up the area as much. Impregnate the cloth with the plastic weld and place it over the area. Then put a layer of plastic weld over top of it with a putty knife. You should be able to do this on the inside of the chainguard, and with some sandpaper and spray paint, it will look as good as new.

 

[jimcor]

Like Square Dancer said drill that hole. Then I'd use Goop brand silicone adhesive/sealer on the back. I've got a windscreen glued together with it.

 

[beby99]

The part number is still showing as available at various onilne part suppliers so your local Suzuki shop will be able to order it.

http://alpha-sports.com/spst/1979 GS1000N,EN/06.gif

The best price I found was posted above from Flat Out Motorcycles:

http://www.flatoutmotorcycles.com/fiche_select.asp?mfg=Suzuki&partnumber=61311-49002-019

 

[kilroy]

For repairs, the best you're going to do is the plastic weld mentioned above, along with the drilling of small holes at the ends of the cracks. The only thing I would add would be a piece of cloth to cover the repair area. Fiberglass cloth would be the best, but some ripstop nylon would work nearly as well, and not build up the area as much. Impregnate the cloth with the plastic weld and place it over the area. Then put a layer of plastic weld over top of it with a putty knife. You should be able to do this on the inside of the chainguard, and with some sandpaper and spray paint, it will look as good as new.

I had forgot about ripstop!Good stuff!I used to use it when I flew combat RC planes.I used to "cook" it in some warm water before application.Thnx!

 

[KEITH KRAUSE]

The part number is still showing as available at various onilne part suppliers so your local Suzuki shop will be able to order it.

http://alpha-sports.com/spst/1979 GS1000N,EN/06.gif

The best price I found was posted above from Flat Out Motorcycles:

http://www.flatoutmotorcycles.com/fiche_select.asp?mfg=Suzuki&partnumber=61311-49002-019

Thanks Bret!:smile:
I went to the Suzuki dealer today just to verify availability and they said their computer showed "just a few" left in three warehouses countrywide. Two in the eastern area, two in the central region and none on the west coast. Both dealers here want $70. 7-10 days delivery.
The website you mention is cheaper, which is great, but that means that ALL parts suppliers have access to these warehouses mentioned? Hope this doesn't sound stupid, but I don't want to order from a cheaper supplier, send my payment, and then get nothing but the dreaded "back ordered" reply when I ask where's my part.
I don't know if I'm making sense or not, but do you think there's a better chance of getting the last of these hard to find parts by using a dealer or is there simply no difference between suppliers except price? First come, first serve as far as these warehouses are concerned? Do you think all the suppliers deal with the same warehouses? Lots of questions but I never gave it much thought before.
As for the repair, I think I'm going to try to modify the guard first. I never have liked the end of the guard with that little ducktail. The crack is very close to the spot where I would shorten the guard. If I can find a way to cut the brittle plastic without ruining it, I think it would come out nice. I just don't know how I can cut into it without ruining it. If it doesn't work or looks bad, I can just order the new guard and that's that. If I re-think it and try to repair the crack, I think I'm going to try several layers of PVC cement. The gray type doesn't eat plastic the way the clear hot cement does and I think it will work.

 

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Just want to say thanks for all the replies.:smile: I appreciate it.
Thanks Bret for letting me know I can still get a new one. I honestly thought they didn't have any around and wouldn't have bothered to check. I'm so used to hearing them say "nope...discontinued".
Knowing I can get a new one gives me the option to try the mod I talked about and if it fails, oh well.
Thanks again for taking the time.

 

[HiSPL]

If you can't get it new, then send it to these guys, http://www.empiregp.com/index.cfm?page=100

They are really good. When it's finished you would never have know nthe crack was there....


Good luck!

 

[beby99]

The website you mention is cheaper, which is great, but that means that ALL parts suppliers have access to these warehouses mentioned? Hope this doesn't sound stupid, but I don't want to order from a cheaper supplier, send my payment, and then get nothing but the dreaded "back ordered" reply when I ask where's my part.
I don't know if I'm making sense or not, but do you think there's a better chance of getting the last of these hard to find parts by using a dealer or is there simply no difference between suppliers except price? First come, first serve as far as these warehouses are concerned? Do you think all the suppliers deal with the same warehouses? Lots of questions but I never gave it much thought before.

Good questions and I would only have to assume that ALL suppliers have access to these warehouses...don't know where else they would get them from unless they order from Suzuki of Japan?? Concerning the differance in price, dealer is usually always higher + tax and no shipping charge (or is this included in the price?) Online retailers don't charge tax but do charge shipping. Hopefully someone else can enlighten us. Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

[Road_Clam]

Need some advice. I somehow rubbed too hard and cracked my plastic chainguard on my 1000. The crack is about 1 1/2" long. I don't want to ride it again for fear the crack will grow.
The crack didn't close back up perfectly like plastic sometimes does. There's a very small gap in it. I really doubt it would do any good to try to get something to go into the crack, so I'm thinking I should repair it from the back so the crack won't grow. Re-enforcement/patch is what I have in mind.
The crack is on a surface that's not flat. So I can't just place a 2" square plate of metal or something behind it and glue it. Too uneven for that.
Since you won't be able to see it on the back, I'm open to any repair idea as long as it's strong. If I do it right, I think the crack will become nearly invisible *BUT* the main idea is to keep the crack from growing larger.
You guys know how anal I am about my bike. I still can't believe I did it.
If anyone here knows what's the strongest plastic repair there is, I'd truly appreciate it!!

Is it a real clean crack? You might be able to use "Shoe Goo" on the inside. Once set up, you will probably not even be able to see the crack. Shoe Goo is absolutely amazing stuff!

Remember, you need a CLEAN crack, a jagged open crack is not good.......

 

[jimcor]

Is it a real clean crack? You might be able to use "Shoe Goo" on the inside. Once set up, you will probably not even be able to see the crack. Shoe Goo is absolutely amazing stuff!

Remember, you need a CLEAN crack, a jagged open crack is not good.......

Yeah, that's one of the Goop products. jpaul explained that the various Goop products are in reality the same thing in different named containers. His company tests competitor's prods and he is the tester.

 

[pntrdave]

Keith, if all else fails or you are interested I have a 79 gs 1000 parts bike with a decent chain guard on it. I'd be happy to send it to you and if you like it you could make a donation to the JoJo fund as payment. I just went out and looked I didn't see any cracks or deep scratches. If you want it I'll pull it off and look it over better. Dave

 

[cberkeley]

The Devcon plastic weld is good stuff and is what I use to repair stuff commercially ....it has saved my butt countless times on the job. The secret is surface prep (clean, clean, absolutely clean). However if a new part is economically available replacement would be my primary option.

 

[ghwrenchit]

Keith,

Suggestion on the cutting.... make a little dam of hot melt glue or packing foam on the inside of the area to cut to fill it up and not flex (hot melt will pop right out later). This will provide some support to reduce other cracking if you do try to cut it off and dress it up.

I too have a spare guard from an 80 750 that matches this number. I would need to dig it out and check the condition, but if you need it, it has your name written all over it.

Greg

 

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Thanks for the replies, tips and offers.:smile:
Between work and watching the Dodgers lose I haven't had time to work on it.
I can't make up my mind yet. If I cut it and don't like it, it's ruined. If I fix the crack, I'll probably still be able to see it. If I special order a new one, I have to pray it's in the new condition it should be in and doesn't have "storage damage", something I've dealt with before.:roll: Jeez, I sound pessimistic huh?
I'd really like to cut that ducktail off but I can't figure out just where or what angle I want to cut it...if I can cut it cleanly. I'd like the cut end to point straight back instead of that curve that ends in a ducktail.
I'll make up my mind this weekend when I have time to do it. If I cut it and it comes out nice, I'll post a pic.