Gravity Check...

[Patch]

Gravity? Yup, it still works.

Parked on a slight incline - thought I was in gear. Nope.



Can't seem to figure out what that little plastic tab is sticking out now... its not part of that plastic cover, might be an 'inside' tab? Anyone know?

Damn...

[AncientMariner]

Major bummer, dude.

[Patch]

So how does that plug wire cover "pop" off these newer heads exactly?

Thanks to JVB I know the old versions pry off with a flat-blade and a tug from the wire end - do these pull off as easily? Don't really feel like snapping anything else at this point, but i'd like to get a better view of the inside. Any tips?

...besides getting some protectors!

[PhilSB]

Put head protectors on before you drop the bike.
When you buy some put them on straight away, you feel foolish knowing you have scratched your engine when you have covers in the garage

If you are going to drop it do it on the left side so the final drive sticky outy bit doesn't get scratched. Alternatively get a protector for that http://www.wunderlich.de/shopart/870098 ... T-S-ST.htm (this is a new type to me)
http://download.wunderlich.de/Blaetterk ... 2010-2011/

Phil (in cold, sleety Yorkshire, fortunately without snow)

[BoxerSteve]

Put head protectors on before you drop the bike.
When you buy some put them on straight away, you feel foolish knowing you have scratched your engine when you have covers in the garage

If you are going to drop it do it on the left side so the final drive sticky outy bit doesn't get scratched. Alternatively get a protector for that http://www.wunderlich.de/shopart/870098 ... T-S-ST.htm (this is a new type to me)
http://download.wunderlich.de/Blaetterk ... 2010-2011/

Phil (in cold, sleety Yorkshire, fortunately without snow)

Or, just don't drop it. It's like mountain climbing without a belay: rule #1 is "no falling" (there is no rule #2). The consequences for breaking this one and only rule can and probably will be severe.

I know, I know, easy for me to say. I've not dropped my MC for a while now, knock on wood. But if / when I do, I'll be sure to drop it on the left side.

It's bound to happen sooner or later though isn't it. The natural repose for a motorcycle is laying on it's side. There's only two types of motorcyclists: those that have gone down, and those that haven't gone down yet.

[mogu83]

Good news is if you use the Beemer valve cover protectors they will cover the scuff marks.

My 2 cents on falling down. The only way to be a really good rider is to know where the 'edge' is and the only way to find the 'edge' is to go a little over it. Sometimes that results in falling down. Parking lot stuff is usually just bad luck. IMHO

[Catchina]

Is there a way to sand out the scratches in the magnesium?

[AncientMariner]

There are no touch up rattle cans available for BMW motors. If you want it painted, you'll need to take it an auto body shop.

I managed to remove the entire valve cover two weeks before my paint job appointment.

My new bike had valve covers before I took delivery. No charge for installation. Sweet.

Bruce

[Patch]

Put head protectors on before you drop the bike...

Phil, I feel like you know exactly why one should do that... I promise to put mine on as soon as they arrive!

Mogu, I agree that parking lot stuff is just plain bad luck. Slight incline was enough to overcome the sidestand... If i hadn't noticed it roll slowly forward and over I never would have believed someone didn't knock it over. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me until it flopped.

Could have been worse, right? Hey - never good when a bike goes over, but best when one is not on it while it goes.


...and getting these in black: http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorc ... 3-537.html Pics when they come!