2006 Scrambler Engine Covers

I have owned my 2006 Scrambler from new (first in Virginia, then in England since 2008), it has just turned 17,000 miles (it is a summer only bike that is garaged).
The engine covers (in particular the right side one) are starting to look a little scruffy - I think where road grit and salt have cut through the lacquer (see the two photos).
I'm planning to carry out the major service (valve clearances) this winter, so I thought I might improve a few cosmetic things as well. My question is: what is the best way of dealing with this? If possible I'd like to do the work myself (because maintaining bikes is part of the enjoyment of biking), but if necessary I could remove the covers for treatment elsewhere.
Best wishes,
Alan

 

Your lacquered side cases are in much worse shape than my 2005 chromed items but the engine casing and barrels look about the same. If you have the skills and equipment I would say go DIY but a local metal finisher/polisher will make light of things without being too heavy on the wallet.

Personally I would concentrate on arresting corrosion elsewhere (radiator, barrels and swingarm I would guess?) and servicing the mechanicals while getting a professional job on the cosmetics.

BTW I was trying to confirm the background colour on those wings...... doesn’t look khaki on my iPad!

 

Many thanks,

I had a better look at the engine cases today and I'm wondering whether they are actually painted rather than lacquered? If so that might make matters a bit simpler - just a matter of rubbing them down and repainting - possibly in the smart black that the later models used. If anyone knows how they are finished that would be useful.

As I've decided to catch up on any outstanding service jobs this winter I might as well get the cosmetic issues sorted as well - I'll get the engine and cam covers off when the bike is apart for the valve clearance check/adjust and decide then how to approach the problem. I like the bike and would like to keep it standard, but at the same time build in some longevity (hence considering the black painted finish).

... the parachute wings - should be the standard issue (khaki) colour.

Best wishes,

Alan

 

Phew! I was worried they might be blue!

 

Eeeeeeek!

 

Flat black stove paint on most engines let them run cooler for the most part.

 

Many thanks - the black does look very smart.

 

blue wings on a maroon tee with Pegasus on the sleeve
never has the enemy been so disheartened to see that coming towards them

 

Airborne!

 

all the way