Rockster carbon fibre availability

[adam1759]

Hi guys

I am working with the UKGSER forum to potentially produce some Carbon Fibre items for them as I am building my own product development and distribution company, working with an established Carbon Fibre supplier in the UK (and I started there as I own an 1150 Adv!).

This is not in any way a tout for business, just an enquiry about how available parts are for you guys and if there is anything you would like to be able to buy but which might not be available right now? I'm exploring the market and getting as much info as possible so I know where to direct my efforts. Any feedback would be really appreciated. I've included two links to threads with the GSer boys, just to confirm my intentions.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258237

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258562

Thanks
Adam

[riceburner]

One thing I might be interested in (and the R1150R boys might be too), would be a pillion seat replacement unit that is a lockable storage unit.

imo, I'm not interested in replacing existing parts with CF bits - but a NEW item would be of interest, and if making it from CF means it's got extra strength/is lighter and that's an advantage for the part, then great.

[sweatmark]

This is not in any way a tout for business, just an enquiry about how available parts are for you guys and if there is anything you would like to be able to buy but which might not be available right now?

Thanks for considering us Rockster folks.

Due to the small number of R1150R Roadsters and Rocksters manufactured, you might be challenged to find part(s) that you can produce and sell in sufficient quantity to make profit. But that's your call.

Specific to the Rockster model, the only body piece that is unique to the model is the bike's instrument "cap":
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/ ... d=03192010
09 46637678996 INSTRUMENT COVER - SAPHIRE BLACK .......... that's the corresponding piece for my Edition 80.

When procuring parts for my bike's repairs last year (after another rider hit me), the most difficult piece to find was the "cap". With Rocksters out of production, it appears that the only replacement pieces in BMW inventory are unpainted, with appropriate paint applied following an order. I looked for an aftermarket carbon fibre piece without success, but did see evidence that such a piece had been produced at one time by a European carbon specialist firm.

As for other possible pieces, R1150R oil cooler covers are already available in carbon, as are rear tire huggers.

<EDIT> Idea: what about a carbon fibre version of the infamous Stanton engine (valve cover) guards?! That's something I would purchase right now! By necessity would need to be thick and strong.

[adam1759]

One thing I might be interested in (and the R1150R boys might be too), would be a pillion seat replacement unit that is a lockable storage unit.

imo, I'm not interested in replacing existing parts with CF bits - but a NEW item would be of interest, and if making it from CF means it's got extra strength/is lighter and that's an advantage for the part, then great.

OK, thanks for the view point. I will be specialising in replacing OE parts or using OE designs because I'm also working on Marine and Domestic applications so I want to be able to guarantee manufactures fit etc..

[adam1759]

This is not in any way a tout for business, just an enquiry about how available parts are for you guys and if there is anything you would like to be able to buy but which might not be available right now?

Thanks for considering us Rockster folks.

Due to the small number of R1150R Roadsters and Rocksters manufactured, you might be challenged to find part(s) that you can produce and sell in sufficient quantity to make profit. But that's your call.

Specific to the Rockster model, the only body piece that is unique to the model is the bike's instrument "cap":
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/ ... d=03192010
09 46637678996 INSTRUMENT COVER - SAPHIRE BLACK .......... that's the corresponding piece for my Edition 80.

When procuring parts for my bike's repairs last year (after another rider hit me), the most difficult piece to find was the "cap". With Rocksters out of production, it appears that the only replacement pieces in BMW inventory are unpainted, with appropriate paint applied following an order. I looked for an aftermarket carbon fibre piece without success, but did see evidence that such a piece had been produced at one time by a European carbon specialist firm.

As for other possible pieces, R1150R oil cooler covers are already available in carbon, as are rear tire huggers.

<EDIT> Idea: what about a carbon fibre version of the infamous Stanton engine (valve cover) guards?! That's something I would purchase right now! By necessity would need to be thick and strong.

Well the "Cap" sounds like it could be interesting. The good thing with forums is that if there is a market for something, you'll know quickly. If not then nobody will show an interest - guess we'll see if anybody else has an opinion on it! It look like it would be very easy to make for you guys.

I'll look into Stanton engine covers but any pics would be appreciated. What about tank plastics and seat units?

[sweatmark]

I'll look into Stanton engine covers but any pics would be appreciated. What about tank plastics and seat units?

The Stanton engine/valve cover guards were produced in USA for while, then a similar design was produced in batches via Steptoe's UK "The GS Shop":
http://ralph.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/St ... 0044_8j8Zf
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527544
http://www.gsshop.biz/

The GS Shop parts list does not currently include the engine guards, but i don't know if that means they are discontinued or between batches or some other issue.

BMW offers factory-designed valve cover guards made from fiber-reinforced plastic. The BMW guards function well, but tend to break as result of moderate fall.

If an engine guard / valve cover design was produced that offered similar (or better) protection when compared to the BMW pieces, then such design would apply to all R1150** oilhead bikes. Here's the BMW version of carbon fiber valve cover designed for the R1100S Boxer Cup replica (and applicable to other models):
Carbon Fiber Valve Cover

[adam1759]

OK, If I can get a set of the original's (Stantons) I can get them produced in carbon and kevlar.

With the 1100S Cup covers, I can also get these made with a Kevlar strengthening inside because we all know CF doesn't really do abraision does it?

[riceburner]

Where are you based??

I have a set of (rather battered) Stantons you might be able to use for patterns?

[jas]

The cylinder guards would be great. How about carbon side panels, and a brow/sceen/cap (whatever it's called), similiar in design to that on the 1150GS but a staight mount-up to the rockster?

[adam1759]

The cylinder guards would be great. How about carbon side panels, and a brow/sceen/cap (whatever it's called), similiar in design to that on the 1150GS but a staight mount-up to the rockster?

Side Panels should be pretty straight forward, I could also do these in blue, yellow, red and green cf if people wanted them to colour blend.

The screen cap has been mentioned, but the standard Rockster one. I'm going to intentionally steer clear of trying to modify things because I don't want my business to be into 'aftermarket' parts, I'd like to try and stay as OE as possible. I will probably be making the screens for the GS boys so you could always adapt them yourself?

[adam1759]

Where are you based??

I have a set of (rather battered) Stantons you might be able to use for patterns?

I'm either in Cambridgeshire or London (home or work). Scuffs and scrapes I can probably fill and make good for moulding. If there is enough interest I'd happily try? Guess we'll see if anybody else is interested

[riceburner]

I'm going to intentionally steer clear of trying to modify things because I don't want my business to be into 'aftermarket' parts, I'd like to try and stay as OE as possible.

Speaking as a potential customer, I'd rather see innovation and improvements on the OE parts.
My point of view comes from the following:
We're in a recession, so people are less likely to buy a new part "just" because it's CF (at least in the BMW market IMHO).
BUT - offer parts that provide a substantial improvement over the OE part (not just CF bling), and I would think you'd get more business. Especially if they integrate seamlessly with the bike and mounting points etc.

In other words - sell functional improvements that improve the bike, not just "bling". For example - I'd like to see a part that is the same fittings as the "eyebrow", but incorporates a mini-fly-screen shape as well - added functionality, a key selling point, and replacement of the OE part all in one.

Not trying to be negative about your business btw, I wish you all the success you can make for yourself.

[adam1759]

I'm going to intentionally steer clear of trying to modify things because I don't want my business to be into 'aftermarket' parts, I'd like to try and stay as OE as possible.

Speaking as a potential customer, I'd rather see innovation and improvements on the OE parts.
My point of view comes from the following:
We're in a recession, so people are less likely to buy a new part "just" because it's CF (at least in the BMW market IMHO).
BUT - offer parts that provide a substantial improvement over the OE part (not just CF bling), and I would think you'd get more business. Especially if they integrate seamlessly with the bike and mounting points etc.

In other words - sell functional improvements that improve the bike, not just "bling". For example - I'd like to see a part that is the same fittings as the "eyebrow", but incorporates a mini-fly-screen shape as well - added functionality, a key selling point, and replacement of the OE part all in one.

Not trying to be negative about your business btw, I wish you all the success you can make for yourself.

I appreciate your views
My own are that I personally don't/wouldn't want to have aftermarket looking parts all over my bikes. My business will revolve around be able to guarantee OE fit and purpose - in much the same as many manufacturers now offer CF versions of parts as options when new or list as official accessories. I'm sure others will have the same thoughts as you and I could even loose their custom, but I have to remain loyal to my additional idea and have customers know they will get the best quality CF that will fit and work first time, every time.

[borderbiker]

Hi there, another potential customer here too. The brow/ screen would be a winner , and i would go for the engine guard too. Side panels? possibly if they were affordable. Thanks for including us in on your work, keep us posted.
Cheers Dave

[jfslater98]

How is everyone's front fender holding up? Mine has seen better days, chipping in the leading edge. Plus I can see cracks developing on its side, from certain angles.

So while not a customer right now, I would certainly consider a replacement fender from another source than BMW. Not sure that helped much, but maybe this will get others to check their fenders out.

[riceburner]

How is everyone's front fender holding up? Mine has seen better days, chipping in the leading edge. Plus I can see cracks developing on its side, from certain angles.

So while not a customer right now, I would certainly consider a replacement fender from another source than BMW. Not sure that helped much, but maybe this will get others to check their fenders out.

I think I've gone through 2 already - but luckily I have a pristine one waiting in a box.

Disc-lock accidents are the main causes of my broken mudguards.

[adam1759]

Guys, let me know if you have enough interest for me to start a poll on possible items. I see that as the next step towards getting the pieces you would like produced. I can open and leave for 2 weeks to see specifically what you guys are looking for?

[jas]

As you well know, the interest in the items would probably have a lot to due with cost and shipping (for many of us in the US). That being said, a poll is a great idea.

[adam1759]

jas, absolutely. I'll get a basic poll up and see if there is enough interest to start the ball rolling in earnest.

[barney9784]

hi guys, i just damage my front fender ,that carbon fiber thing is not really strong,,and to buy a new one i think is to much money
i'm thinking to make it nice again with carbon folie ,,i think it's possible
anyone got better idea to fix it cheap?