Hi everyone, I haven't posted much recently but I thought this might amuse some of you.

I know our K's do actually have mudguards, unlike many modern bikes, but, some time ago, while contemplating my solo from my tent, I thought it wouldn't be too difficult to add some sides to the rear mudguard. 

Now, as there are no camping events at present, the time was ripe to see what could be done. I bought a cheap rear guard from e-bay to save modifying the original (in case things didn't work out and I had to put the normal guard back), and bought some 3mm HIPS plastic sheet. No, I don't know what HIPS stands for. A cardboard template gave me some idea of what I needed to cut out.

With a bit of plastic left over, I made an extension to help protect the clutch operating mechanism. 



The RHS needed clearance for the rear spring.






Now I just need to be allowed to go somewhere to see how it works in practice, but it shouldn't be too long before I find some UK rain.

Paul.

Nice job Paul

Another practical, useful invention, along with those nifty aluminium triangles for supporting the rear shock & potentially weakened stud, from the creative mind of Sidecar Paul. May you be safely able to get out to ride and camp soon!

nice job Paul

Very practical mod!  Thanks for sharing that.  I'm living and riding in an arid area, so rain is almost never an issue with me.  However, in reading this thead I have found a new thing to fret over -- the rear shock's stud breaking!   
Is this a problem throughout the years of K-bike models, or something that was corrected by the time the factory got around to making my 1996 K1100LT?

I had a K1100LT and one stud broke and the next got a bend but was caught before it broke. I now carry a spare stud. I also made a support but it is more complex than the support you see on the K100.

brickrider2 wrote:Very practical mod!  Thanks for sharing that.  I'm living and riding in an arid area, so rain is almost never an issue with me.  However, in reading this thread I have found a new thing to fret over -- the rear shock's stud breaking!   
Is this a problem throughout the years of K-bike models, or something that was corrected by the time the factory got around to making my 1996 K1100LT?

Practical over rough as guts Aussie roads or for long-term heavy loads carried - Monolever.

RickG's version - Paralever.

Longer 12mm stud recommended, or thinner nut used. Imagine how tired that little threaded finger is after all those enjoyable (for you) miles over potholes, undulating surfaces and the preload often set too effin' 'hard' for weight and conditions?

I extended the rear of my mudguard to catch the crap before it arrived at the clutch, then found BMW did a tail extender anyway...  

Brickrider: be aware that what appears to be a 'flat' bottom to Sidecar Paul's strengthener is not actually flat. It's angled to fit against the rear drive. I made one and then promptly lost it at the next spline lube 

HIPS = high impact polystyrene. I bought some 2.5mm myself recently (arrived yesterday) for a job that now doesn't need doing. Sigh.

sidecar paul wrote: ...No, I don't know what HIPS stands for...
...Now I just need to be allowed to go somewhere to see how it works in practice, but it shouldn't be too long before I find some UK rain.

Paul.

Great to see your creative juices are still flowing!

HIPS - High Impact Polystyrene Sheet

Difficulty finding rain? Come further south Paul...we’re having lots these last few weeks!
You could always camp in my garden...we’re allowed outdoor meetings and England is open for riding (Welsh Wales is still closed - although I have had a few incursions to get to ride on the English part of that side of the river Severn) recently

A very nice idea SCP. I'm interested to see how much crud it keeps off the back of the panniers.