Polishing the side cases?? Motor case cleanup??

[Guest]

Can the Stator cover and clutch cover on the GS be polished?? Mine are a little dull from 30+ years... Wasn't sure if it was worth tackling or not.

Also, what do you guys do to get the motor cases and heads as clean as you can on the bike?? I have them "clean", but is there something that can be done to make them a little shinier again, short of tearing down the motor?

Just thought I'd ask...

[kparkfan]

They can be polished with some elbow grease. Or if you plan on taking them off you can use a polishing wheel. If steve sees this thread he will post a pic of the fine job he did on his wifes bike.

[Steve]

Nope, you're stuck with them just the way they are,

Here is some evidence:







As you can tell, that was HIGHLY tongue-in-cheek. They can be polished up quite nicely.
If you look closely, you should also notice that the forks and the passenger peg mounts were polished, too.
So a quick search, there are many threads about polishing your cases.

The float bowls can be touched up a bit, too:


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[Steve]

If steve sees this thread he will post a pic of the fine job he did on his wifes bike.

Methinks I have developed a reputation.

Kpark, you were just quicker on the SEND key. I was busy gathering pictures.

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[kparkfan]

Lol i just know your work. I like when you show it off.

[JCSkokos]

I believe Steve need a sticky polishing guide. That is absolutely astonishing. And I was here happy just to see a shine in my float bowls, then I see yours with almost a mirror surface.

[979roadrunner]

Those are beutifull cases, Steve, and as a former detailer (bike and car) I know exactly how much work that was to do. Damn.

[GS ace]

Nice work. It's not easy. I'd say about 12 hours worth of time. After doing four of my own and half a dozen others, I reallize how tired one's fingers and hands can get. But it's worth it!

[tkent02]

Hey, Steve, want to do some for me?

[albertaphotog]

Polishing aluminum

I just did mine. Wet sanded with 220, 400, 800, 1000 then 2000. Followed by buffing on inch cotton wheels with first black then brown then white polishing compound. I was really happy with the results.

[Darin Jordan]

Inspiring! I really like the gloss black cylinder head treatment also!

[Steve]

Hey, Steve, want to do some for me?

I will be home in two weeks.

Pack 'em up, send 'em my way.

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[Prairiesailer]

Beautiful Work. I am in the process of rejeuvinating my '79 1000 E that I have owned since new. Is it safe to assume that to deliver these kinds of mirror like finishes that you are removing both the Oil Sight Glass and the clutch actuating shaft from the clutch cover before refinishing? Thanks

[Steve]

I left them intact and worked around them.

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