GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: dgyver on February 25, 2005, 07:41:21 AM

Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on February 25, 2005, 07:41:21 AM
Thanks to Dom....just got this in the mail yesterday:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/dgyver/BodyWork/GSchinfairing.jpg)

Here it is on Dom's bike:
(http://www.gstwins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12439/9ef.jpg)


I will start making the mold in a couple of days. It will be a couple of weeks before any parts are ready though. Plus I need to fabricate some mounting brackets. I have a good size list of parts to make already. Please do not pm me about these yet. The pm box is too small and you may get lost. But feel free to post a request here and I will add your name to the list. After I have them made I will contact you.
:cheers:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Jake D on February 25, 2005, 07:46:08 AM
Yeah!  First in line!

Let me know when they are ready.  I'd love to get one.

I MUST have one!
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: mastrind on February 25, 2005, 08:14:45 AM
....I could possibly be interested in one of these.....especially if they had holes for mounting the engine bars around it (yeah right...).....is this going to be a fiberglass mold or a CF project?....either way it's still very cool!!!....
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: starwalt on February 25, 2005, 08:20:06 AM
Is it one of the "unavailable" out of production Suzuki parts? If so, way cool.

Anyone out there with the handlebar one? One more mold is all he would need to fill a niche market for an OOP part. Add a few brackets and hardware and I see a marketing plan developing.  :roll:

Oooo, oooo, how about molding in some light pockets??
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: roguegeek on February 25, 2005, 08:34:28 AM
So the plan is to produce more of these bottom fairings? Is there an estimated price yet? Do you have plans to paint them or will they be unpainted? If the price is right, I might just scrap my plans to go out and get the Targa one.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on February 25, 2005, 08:44:49 AM
They will be made out carbon fiber. Eventually I will order carbon/kevlar is several colors. Sold as is, no clear coat or paint. I do not have the equipment to paint yet, so I would have to out source it and raise the price. The parts that I have taken out of the molds do look good without anything. Clear coating will add depth and protection.

As for a price, $75 + shipping.

Not sure who made this part. It is made out of fiberglass with a gelcoat finish. Damn is it heavy!

I have been watching ebay for fly screens. If I can get one, they will be made as well. I have thought about making one that uses a different type light, something like what is on Dom's bike.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Stephen072774 on February 25, 2005, 08:50:55 AM
Quote from: starwaltIs it one of the "unavailable" out of production Suzuki parts? If so, way cool.


The chin in the photo above doesn't look exactly like the Suzuki chin that I have.  The one above looks alittle wider.  I didn't know you were looking for one. :dunno:

I also have the suzuki fly screen I would let you borrow for a mold... but how would you reproduce the windshield?
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: quinnbozz on February 25, 2005, 08:53:04 AM
i would love to learn how to work with CF to play with it and make a couple of things.

is it tough or pretty simple?
AND what do supplies cost?
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on February 25, 2005, 09:30:57 AM
Yeah, the part I got does seem a little wide. I was thinking about making a part, cut it in half to narrow it and then make another mold.

About the windscreen....I was thinking of making it a solid piece. Not as to see through it but as a wind deflector.

Working with CF is really no different than FG. The type of resin used is very important, epoxy and not polyester. Different hardeners with different cure times are available. With using a slow cure epoxy, the parts are flexible. Polyester resins are hard and brittle.

Laying up the cloth sometimes is tricky and takes some patience, espiecally if the weave is to show. There is also mold prep and vacuum bagging.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: starwalt on February 25, 2005, 09:44:24 AM
QuoteI also have the suzuki fly screen I would let you borrow for a mold... but how would you reproduce the windshield?

Don't confuse my comments with dgyver's operation. This is *his* offering after acquiring another GStwinner's cottage industry. I have some fiberglass molding/repair experience, but my strength is in electronics and service.

Assuming a good source of polycarbonate material (lexan, plexiglass, etc.) of the appropriate thickness, a plug would have to be made from the clear portion. An oven/heat source is usually used to heat the material and have it form over the plug. Trimming and drilling follows.

This assumes the housing and screen are two pieces. I *guess* with the right equipment and resources a completely clear screen/housing could be made. That way matching paint could be applied #inside# the screen ala R/C car bodies. This product would probably require vacuum molding gear for the thick material and compound curves. This also leads to some exciting possibilities such as back lighting a translucent paint for the ultimate glitzy bike. But, I digress.

D, sounds like you have a volunteer for a flyscreen mold!
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: weaselnoze on February 25, 2005, 10:14:50 AM
hey who had that x1 flyscreen awhile back?
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Stephen072774 on February 25, 2005, 10:18:16 AM
Quote from: starwalt
QuoteI also have the suzuki fly screen I would let you borrow for a mold... but how would you reproduce the windshield?

Don't confuse my comments with dgyver's operation.


D, sounds like you have a volunteer for a flyscreen mold!

Yeah sorry, I was quoting you and talking to dgyver... confusing I know.

Yep I use the fly in the winter months, but I take if off in the summer.  So I can do without it a while.  However I leave in the morning for a month long business trip so I'll be out of town until March 21st.  After that I'd be glad to send it.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Stephen072774 on February 25, 2005, 10:19:32 AM
Quote from: weaselnozehey who had that x1 flyscreen awhile back?

Yeah thats an even better idea... mines pretty ugly, I admit.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: sprint_9 on February 25, 2005, 10:48:08 AM
Sweet, I might have to look into setting some money aside for one.  It is a little bulky but I think a little triming would help it, not trying to be an ass with that comment. :thumb:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: stevemac12073 on February 25, 2005, 11:05:54 AM
add my name to the list i definately want one. thanx.  :thumb:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Jake D on February 25, 2005, 12:18:23 PM
Have a big wide chin, like Jay Leno. . .

Maybe a bit more narrow instead?  Jennifer Love Spewitt perhaps?  


Heck, I'll take one either way!
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Dom on February 25, 2005, 12:36:16 PM
It might have been made for another bike, but just happened to fit on a GS...the one thing is that the cutouts on the sides of the chin match the shape of the engine pretty well.  I actually prefer the wider look to the skinny ones that you see...and I'm not just saying that cause it's mine  :mrgreen: ...though there is a possibility that it's an acquired taste...like beer.   :cheers:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: quinnbozz on February 25, 2005, 09:48:14 PM
Hey Dom what headlights you got on yer bike?
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Eisenfaust on February 25, 2005, 11:23:07 PM
I have an upper fairing I could donate to the cause.. OEM. Its a bit banged up, but from what I understand of fiberglassing work, it could be repaired.

I'd like one of the lowers, I think. :-)
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: vfrocket on February 26, 2005, 01:45:15 AM
I want one!!!! good price!
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: jmpowie on February 26, 2005, 08:31:32 AM
Put me on the list for a fairing.  If you start playing with cf make sure ever part of your body is coverd and after your done trimming and cutting parts throw away the clothes.   if you dont you will have little red bumps all over your arms for weeks.   I worked with the stuff with shorts on and I almost went nuts itching my legs.  that is just my 2 cents on cf.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Dom on February 26, 2005, 10:29:36 AM
Quote from: quinnbozzHey Dom what headlights you got on yer bike?
They are off a Buell Lightning.  $60 ....cheapest dual headlight setup I could find anywhere.  All the ones from Europe are like $250 before shipping.   :?
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: quinnbozz on February 27, 2005, 07:43:45 PM
thanks Dom!
:thumb:
where did you get yours?
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: alexXx on February 27, 2005, 08:19:45 PM
sweeeet, put me down for one...great price man...


- alex
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Dom on February 28, 2005, 12:01:12 AM
Quote from: quinnbozzthanks Dom!
:thumb:
where did you get yours?

The chin I got off fleabay.  The headlights I had to order and pick up directly from the Harley/Buell dealer.  As far as I know that's the only place where you can order Buell parts from...kind of a proprietary thing.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on February 28, 2005, 06:11:32 AM
One thing I did not take in consideration in the price is the hardware. Once I get that figured out then the price for the kit will be adjusted accordingly.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: quinnbozz on February 28, 2005, 09:39:32 AM
Quote from: Dom
Quote from: quinnbozzthanks Dom!
:thumb:
where did you get yours?

The chin I got off fleabay.  The headlights I had to order and pick up directly from the Harley/Buell dealer.  As far as I know that's the only place where you can order Buell parts from...kind of a proprietary thing.

so did you need hardware/ alter wiring/ etc.
did you fab the stuff?
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: sprint_9 on February 28, 2005, 09:56:45 AM
Would the brackets for the Suzuki fairing work, you could just order them from Ron Ayers or Bikebandit.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on February 28, 2005, 09:58:47 AM
Quote from: sprint_9Would the brackets for the Suzuki fairing work, you could just order them from Ron Ayers or Bikebandit.
I do not know since I do not know what they look like or have them to try.
Title: definitely
Post by: billdapart on February 28, 2005, 10:48:12 AM
Put me down for one as well.

Can't wait.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Cusimano on March 03, 2005, 12:11:34 PM
Put me down for one also
Great price :thumb:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: sprint_9 on March 03, 2005, 01:09:26 PM
Heres the diagram to the lower fairing, I think that might get you a start for the brackets.  Be sure to page down so you can see it, I missed it once.

http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/oem_schematic_view~mscssid~3TVXPL8ANK7E8KC6HRFATSTEFGJL8L6E~schem_dept_id~721319~section_dept_id~1~section_dept_name~OEM+%28Stock%29+Parts~dept_type_id~2~model_dept_year~1993~model_dept_mfr~Suzuki~model_dept_id~703260~model_dept_name~GS500EP.asp#stay
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Dom on March 03, 2005, 01:24:27 PM
The prices for those lower mounting brackets are nucking futz.  It'll cost at least $130 in just mounting hardware if we go that way.  If we can come up with a design and some dimensions I can get them made for like $5 each.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on March 03, 2005, 01:29:45 PM
Yeah those prices are way too much. But good to see the design. The lower that D-Day got has u-bolts and bent metal brackets. Nothing fancy but it works. He sent me pics. I keep looking around work for other ideas.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: sprint_9 on March 03, 2005, 01:39:44 PM
Yea I didnt even look at the price, I just figured it might help to see somthing.  :dunno:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Dom on March 03, 2005, 01:41:33 PM
Also if I have them made we can probably throw them in with a powdercoating order here at my work...$75 minimum charge so that would be a good thing if we could get out of paying that...but then again, it looks like there is going to be a high demand for these things so, proly won't be such a big deal.  90% chance that the color will either be a 20% black or a silver that is just a hare darker than the GS frame silver.
Just throwing that out there.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: jiggersplat on March 03, 2005, 08:18:08 PM
Quote from: sprint_9Yea I didnt even look at the price, I just figured it might help to see somthing.  :dunno:

the mounting hardware for the targa fairing was only $12.  i just ordered it from them not too long ago.  i called and told them i bought a targa air dam used, and it didn't have any hardware and asked if they would sell it to me separately.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on March 04, 2005, 06:41:14 AM
I would be interested in seeing what their hardware looks like. I doubt that I could buy or make anything that cheap.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: jiggersplat on March 04, 2005, 06:46:56 AM
it's basically a metal band that wraps around the frame.  it has a rubber sleeve on the inside, so it doesn't move around and scratch the frame.  it comes with a couple washers, two bolts and a real long nut.  i'll try and get a pic this weekend.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Jake D on March 04, 2005, 08:52:15 AM
I'm trying to picture what a real long nut would look like.   :)

It looks like your going to have to make like a dozen of these chin fairings.   I'm glad I'm first in line, baby!!!! :thumb:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: apbrian112 on March 28, 2005, 07:00:12 PM
i'll take one... once their made.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: VersOne on March 29, 2005, 08:37:20 AM
:cheers:   sweet...keep us posted
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: stevemac12073 on March 29, 2005, 09:50:44 AM
i want one i want one
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on March 29, 2005, 12:35:37 PM
I am almost done with the master for the lower of the full fairing. Just finishing some of the details. Going pull a mold of it to use as a chin fairing as well. Since the design is basically the same, I might be able to make several options with this: full fairing lower, chin fairing, and belly pan.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: apbrian112 on April 01, 2005, 02:04:22 PM
bumpity bump... just didn't want the thread to die! i'm sure you're working super hard trying to get this chin fairing out to us!  :thumb:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: scottpA_GS on June 27, 2005, 11:51:39 AM
I want one too..

keepin the thread alive
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: nisus1 on June 27, 2005, 12:31:44 PM
me too... any update...? it's been three months soooo, just checkin'...
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on June 27, 2005, 12:43:52 PM
no change. have not felt like messing with anything new.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: Lukewarm Wilson on June 27, 2005, 03:29:03 PM
if your shipping to australia I could be keen :thumb:  :cheers:
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: GT Eye on November 01, 2005, 01:52:15 PM
Any updates?
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: dgyver on November 01, 2005, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: dgyverno change. have not felt like messing with anything new.
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: onefastgs500 on November 01, 2005, 05:43:46 PM
ex 500 belly pan fits great looks even better got one modded to hold fluid(wera rules)on my racebike had to cut it way down for factory crashbars though
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: TheWall on November 01, 2005, 06:23:05 PM
I am in the process of trying to get a hold of an OEM upper cowling and make a mold and do pretty much what it looks like you (dgyver) are doing.  However, I am more interested in the upper cowling than the chin or belly pan.  I think a good idea for a carbon fiber finish is to use just the last layer or 2 of carbon and the rest fiberglass (like the rear huggers in the sticky by airbrush).  
I have access to an autoclave as well as all of the vacuum bagging materials and equipment and have worked with these materials for a while.  It will take a couple of tries I'm sure, but I have no doubt I can do it.  Also the windscreens themselves are still sold by Suzuki, just the cowlings are no longer available.  They are around $150 I think.  
If anyone has an OEM upper Cowling I would like to borrow it to make a mold.  I would be willing to pay for shipping.  Also I would get mine painted the 2001 blue so if others are interested in that color it may be cheaper for me to have them painted.
Title: fairing
Post by: fretbuzz on November 02, 2005, 08:18:21 AM
Yeah put me down for one! :)
Title: Got a chin fairing
Post by: jjr_vw on November 02, 2005, 11:04:23 PM
I would ask to be put down for one (of the chin fairings) , but I don't want
to get my hopes up... this seems like a vaporware project