sw-motech engine guards, removal

[Dr. Strangelove]

I am considering removal of the sw-motech engine guards on my 12 to repaint them a different color.

I would think it is prudent for stability of the engine to do one at a time; it looks like the subframe in the rear is involved in attachment.

Should I put a block under the engine to keep it from sagging, or is that unnecessary? They will be off for about a day each. And I would put the retaining bolt into the subframe during work.

Also, red locktite or blue? The instructions on the Twisted Throttle site make no mention of engine support and, although they say thread cmpd, they do not specify the color.

Thanks.
John

[angellr]

I am considering removal of the sw-motech engine guards on my 12 to repaint them a different color.

I would think it is prudent for stability of the engine to do one at a time; it looks like the subframe in the rear is involved in attachment.

Should I put a block under the engine to keep it from sagging, or is that unnecessary? They will be off for about a day each. And I would put the retaining bolt into the subframe during work.

Also, red locktite or blue? The instructions on the Twisted Throttle site make no mention of engine support and, although they say thread cmpd, they do not specify the color.

Thanks.
John

John, IIRC, they do not support the Engine in any way. You would be safe to remove them both at the same time, paint, and reinstall. I also did not use ANY loctite when I installed over 3 years now ... and they are still firm and tight. Just put the bolts back in when you remove, tighten firmly and then reinstall would be what I would do in your shoes. BTW, I also believe they are ceramic coated, not painted.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Hey, Bob, thanks for the reply. That is the same response I received from Twisted Throttle. I really didn't think I'd hear from them so soon.
Also, they said blue locktite.

That they are ceramic coated...would that have any impact on spray painting as far as you know?

[griffi]

I just recently installed mine and called Twisted Throttle before doing so. I was also concerned about the weight bearing aspect. The service tech said to just put it on the center stand and do one side at a time. It will be fine. So, the opposite process, reinstalling the original bolts -- just finish one side then move to the other.

[Dr. Strangelove]

did you see any sag of the engine?

They told me I could removed them both at the same time. Maybe I'll put some support under the engine anyway? It's a couple of days away anyway. Looking for the proper paint, though I think Rustoleum metal will work.

I want them to be Ohlins Yellow.

[griffi]

did you see any sag of the engine?

Not really, but as I was doing only one side at a time perhaps thats why. I had no need to test it with both sides out at the same time.

[angellr]

Hey, Bob, thanks for the reply. That is the same response I received from Twisted Throttle. I really didn't think I'd hear from them so soon.
Also, they said blue locktite.

That they are ceramic coated...would that have any impact on spray painting as far as you know?

You can call around town ... plenty of places do ceramic coating ... and I would love to have Olin Yellow ... spray painting may not last and chip sooner (especially with the heat).