Removing Left and Right Side Engine Cover for Painting...

[GSProdigy]

Quick Question. I wanted to paint the left and right covers on the engine black with some exhaust or engine paint. Are there any specifics I need to know before doing so? Like don't do it if I have minimal engine knowledge? Or is there a special torquing strength and pattern for the bolts? Or is there a easy way to paint it on the bike and get around the bolts>

Thanks

[werase643]

use a black sharpie to fill in the scratches

[Fry]

Make to cardboard patterns of your side covers with bolt hole locations, in these locations puncture the cardboard and insert the side cover bolts you take out, this will help you know which ones go where.

Remove Sidecovers...

Scrap off old gasket materials if originals/replacements don't come of completely.

Degrease and clean side covers with brake cleaner or another type of solvent.

Scuff up the side covers for the primer and paint to hold/stick better. Clean again.

Get a nice high temp paint of your choice. Follow directions on paint can.

[sledge]

Make to cardboard patterns of your side covers with bolt hole locations, in these locations puncture the cardboard and insert the side cover bolts you take out, this will help you know which ones go where.

Remove Sidecovers...

Scrap off old gasket materials if originals/replacements don't come of completely.

Degrease and clean side covers with brake cleaner or another type of solvent.

Scuff up the side covers for the primer and paint to hold/stick better. Clean again.

Get a nice high temp paint of your choice. Follow directions on paint can.

I would drain the oil first 

[werase643]

3-4 trash bags and 2 rolls of masking tape

you don't have to work that hard
don't have to even purchase new gaskets or oil/filter

or the budduh answer.....powder coat
the bling answer....polish

[ben2go]

Plan an oil change.Wash the bike really well and clean the engine off.Drain the oil.Be careful when removing the left side cover.The starter drive gear and shaft will slide out.No big deal as they just slide together.Just don't want them falling and getting nicked up.Make sure to cover the engine sides while the covers are off.Use new gaskets when reinstalling.Bike Bandit has the cheapest prices I have found on the gaskets.I just bought both side cover gaskets last week.It was still cheaper than my local stealership.

[Tombstones81]

and the Most important suggestion as far as MY experience goes....

Be VERYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY careful with those bolts holding it on. (crankcase cover)

the last idiot rider of my bike broke 2 and I was only able to get 1 out.

but yea, new gaskets in my opinion are a Must.
better safe then sorry, as oil leaking from either side is messy.
and they are cheap.

If theres only one for the left side too (I've only taken off the right side)
Then it will only run you around $20ish if u buy online. (both gaskets)

For my one broken bolt, I got some gasket sealer for extra insurance.
put a nice amount between the metal around the broken bolt but not a messy amount and its been holding perfectly.
not a drop of oil leaked so far (knocks on wood)
I might not have needed it but I just wanted to be safe.

and if your new to working on bikes like I am and not a mechanic ... Patience!
haha I had to back off a few times and Make myself relax so I didnt break anything

also, if your missing any bolts to the cover.
I got some extras from my 94 GS500e "right side crankcase cover" that I can toss in an envelope if ya dont feel like huntin em down at a hardware store.
I bought a used cover as I didnt trust the one on there and got all those extra bolts, but the old one was perfectly fine after taking it off.
Thats Just the cover bolts tho, I didnt need any others.

[The Buddha]

If you do powdercoat, mask off the mating surfaces before you do.
Cool.
Buddha.

[ben2go]

The torque on the side cover bolts is only like 8ft lbs.I use a small drop of blue loctite when I snug them down.

[GSProdigy]

Thanks Everybody!