ODIN
04-04-2005, 06:24 PM
Hi,
Ive been noticing for several years that some of the black plastic parts on my 1995 R1100GS are fading from a dark grey black to a light grey in color.
(Ive had this bike since new in 1995.)
It seems as though there are a couple of different types of plastic involved. Not all of them are degrading the same way.
These parts are black molded plastic, the color is 'thru' rather than applied to the outer surface. These parts are not painted.
The airbox has faded, and if i run my finger over the surface, i get a powdery whitish grey residue. Like chalk.
The plastic cover on the bikes right side above the fuel injector has turned to an ugly streaky black and grey pattern.
The plastic (bmw) handguards on the handle bars are faded and its easy to see the swirly effect from when the plastic was injected into the mold. They used to be uniform black, and are now a crappy looking light grey.
The hardbag attachment rails are also faded and chalky. They almost look 'brittle'.
But the air snorkel that leads into the airbox is as black and pristine as it was when new. So are many other plastic parts.
These effects are not from splashed gasoline, or sloppy polish application.
Needless to say, im becoming pretty unhappy with the way the bike is beginning to look, despite my efforts to keep it clean and babied.
My buddy suggested Armor-all, which i did try on a hidden edge of the sidecover. It turned it black looking for about 15 minutes, then as it dried it went to a darker version of the splotchy look again. Unacceptable.
Ive had other bikes whose surfaces were either painted or chromed. They never looked like this after 6 or 10 years.
Im guessing the effects of the sun and heat have dried out some of these items. But clearly, not all of the plastic is experiencing this aging effect.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to revitalize these parts to a newer looking condition?
My guess is that id have to pay to replace these items. A crappy alternative.
Odin
Ive been noticing for several years that some of the black plastic parts on my 1995 R1100GS are fading from a dark grey black to a light grey in color.
(Ive had this bike since new in 1995.)
It seems as though there are a couple of different types of plastic involved. Not all of them are degrading the same way.
These parts are black molded plastic, the color is 'thru' rather than applied to the outer surface. These parts are not painted.
The airbox has faded, and if i run my finger over the surface, i get a powdery whitish grey residue. Like chalk.
The plastic cover on the bikes right side above the fuel injector has turned to an ugly streaky black and grey pattern.
The plastic (bmw) handguards on the handle bars are faded and its easy to see the swirly effect from when the plastic was injected into the mold. They used to be uniform black, and are now a crappy looking light grey.
The hardbag attachment rails are also faded and chalky. They almost look 'brittle'.
But the air snorkel that leads into the airbox is as black and pristine as it was when new. So are many other plastic parts.
These effects are not from splashed gasoline, or sloppy polish application.
Needless to say, im becoming pretty unhappy with the way the bike is beginning to look, despite my efforts to keep it clean and babied.
My buddy suggested Armor-all, which i did try on a hidden edge of the sidecover. It turned it black looking for about 15 minutes, then as it dried it went to a darker version of the splotchy look again. Unacceptable.
Ive had other bikes whose surfaces were either painted or chromed. They never looked like this after 6 or 10 years.
Im guessing the effects of the sun and heat have dried out some of these items. But clearly, not all of the plastic is experiencing this aging effect.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to revitalize these parts to a newer looking condition?
My guess is that id have to pay to replace these items. A crappy alternative.
Odin