Hi Team, need to know where to get the right material to fit some 'under tank insulation' The new to me K100 has no insulation fitted and it seems smart to me to fit it here in Florida. :-)

As a new entry I'm not familiar with what shops have which kind available and I'd rather spent time in the garage than strolling through shops to get the part.

Any suggestions or experience? Alternatively I could try to get the original bits, but think that would end up rather expensive here.

PS Wish it would cool down a bit here. All he time 35C wears off quickly when you have lots to do on the bike.... 

Thermo-Tec Adhesive Backed Heat Barrier
The Adhesive Backed Heat Barrier protects parts and components from radiant heat. It can be used in applications to protect painted surfaces, plastic parts or any component from the damaging effects of radiant heat.


This stuff should be available from the big box aftermarket shops like Autozone or Pep Boys.  Also consider using a Johnny Blanket in addition to the adhesive thermal barrier, as it will significantly reduce heat related problems in your climate.

Great, cheers mate!

ReneZ wrote:Great, cheers mate!

The best solution.....
Come back in Nova Scotia. Remember, In July, you have to wear your winter clothe to ride to Lawrencetown.  

ReneZ wrote:Great, cheers mate!

The best solution.....
Come back in Nova Scotia. Remember, In July, you have to wear your winter clothe to ride to Lawrencetown.  

Both Mrs and me had a good laugh out of that one. Would love to, seriously. We had a great time there in every way! Still have the cold weather gear - never say never!

now you understand why I ride sans bottom fairings rene ?  well for at least 8 months of the year

good luck with the heat shielding

Heat, don't talk to me about heat.

Send some over here.

Ha, saw that picture and first thought it was my old bike in Scotland :-) Same colour!!

What scares me is how can you tell you have an engine fire on one of these bikes.

I like the idea of the Johnny blanket, but that aluminized bubble wrap is pretty pricey.  Has anyone tried using a windshield sun shield?  Harbor Freight has them with foil on both sides of 3mm thick polyethylene foam.  $2 for enough to do two bikes.  I may have to try it.

What scares me is how can you tell you have an engine fire on one of these bikes.
The black smoke and flames are the real give away.

I had an OSSA Pioneer catch fire under me at 70mph in a race and it took a competitor to point out the flames coming out around the rear wheel.  One does not usually focus on what is under the tank and between their knees when running at speed.

The heat when riding my K75 is eerily reminiscent of that afternoon 40 years ago.

Point-Seven-five wrote:What scares me is how can you tell you have an engine fire on one of these bikes.

I like the idea of the Johnny blanket, but that aluminized bubble wrap is pretty pricey.  Has anyone tried using a windshield sun shield?  Harbor Freight has them with foil on both sides of 3mm thick polyethylene foam.  $2 for enough to do two bikes.  I may have to try it.

I think you may want to run by Lowes or Home Depot. Foil backed bubble wrap is pretty inexpensive.

Example: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-16-in-x-25-ft-Staple-Tab-Insulation-ST16025/100012574

duck wrote:

Point-Seven-five wrote:What scares me is how can you tell you have an engine fire on one of these bikes.

I like the idea of the Johnny blanket, but that aluminized bubble wrap is pretty pricey.  Has anyone tried using a windshield sun shield?  Harbor Freight has them with foil on both sides of 3mm thick polyethylene foam.  $2 for enough to do two bikes.  I may have to try it.

I think you may want to run by Lowes or Home Depot. Foil backed bubble wrap is pretty inexpensive.

Example: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-16-in-x-25-ft-Staple-Tab-Insulation-ST16025/100012574

Yeah, and it would be pretty easy to sew into a pair of long-johns for under your britches! 

The windshield stuff has a plastic or cardboard core. When you smell it burning under your tank pull over quickly.  
I got a used home water tank blanket from a replacement water heater for free on craigslist. Working great all summer so far.
Cheers,
Rob

While I haven't purchased it yet, the windshield reflector I saw at Harbor Freight appears to have a lining of closed cell polyethylene foam which differs from the foil clad bubble wrap stuff in that it is a bit more rigid.  The polymer used, polyethylene, appears to be the same in both versions.  I would assume that if the bubble wrap works, the closed cell foam should work as well.  Both items should have a melting point of somewhere around 175 C.

As to price, at $2.00 U.S. the Harbor Freight item is a bit less dear than the 20 sqft roll of bubble wrap that goes for something like $10+.  Also, being thinner, I would think it will be easier to fit, and a cursory look seems to indicate that the foil may be a bit more robust on the Harbor Freight item.

I hope to get one this weekend and report back on it.