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Paint and Warranty
Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 6:20 am
by jas
Just noticed today that the paint on my valve covers is starting to bubble. Seeing as how this appears to have happen to a number of bikes, has anyone had the covers replaced under warranty?
I have a 2004 Rockster, purchased new in June of 2006 (I have about 8 months or 12K miles left on the 3/36). If I read the warranty correctly, all painted or coated part have only a one year or 12k mile warranty.
If not replaced by BMW, what is the best way to prep them for powder coating?
Re: Paint and Warranty
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:55 am
by riceburner
just wait until the fork legs start to go...
Re: Paint and Warranty
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:24 am
by jas
just wait until the fork legs start to go...
At least I have something to look forward to?!
Looks like my winter project list continues to grow. Right now the paint is starting to bubble, feels like rubber when warm.
Re: Paint and Warranty
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:19 pm
by Robert_winter_1000
Yes riceburner, it is correct. I have got this problem already. According the dealer is this type of paints is really bad (don’t ask me why BMW doesn’t do something about it!
). He advised me to do nothing about it till it will get really ugly. The fork legs are made from a light metal alloy which will not corrode.
Robert
Re: Paint and Warranty
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 5:29 pm
by owldaddy
what is the best way to prep them for powder coating?
I would use walnut shell media blasting, after cleaning thoroughly with a degreaser. The cover is a real soft metal, so I would be careful to remove only the paint. I bet the folks doing the powder coat will have the ability to do it.
Don
Re: Paint and Warranty
Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:54 am
by riceburner
Robert_winter_1000 wrote:Yes riceburner, it is correct. I have got this problem already. According the dealer is this type of paints is really bad (don’t ask me why BMW doesn’t do something about it!
). He advised me to do nothing about it till it will get really ugly. The fork legs are made from a light metal alloy which will not corrode.
Robert
BMW CAN'T change it - they're bound by EU ecological restrictions and laws NOT to use harmful materials in their factories. That includes two-pack style paints that are more robust. So they're forced to use less robust, but "safer" paint materials. The cars have similar problems.
Although it has to be said, the rest of the bike's paint seems to cope ok. I think the fork legs are so bad because it's where you'll pick up tiny nicks and scratches from stone chips and road dust.