Rookie wanna-be weldor starting to make some cool things!

[kirkster70]

Originally Posted by clintnz

Looks good, I cringe every time I see critical mounting points like that made by just hammering the tube flat.

Cheers
Clint

Thanks, Clint!

[kirkster70]

Racks ready to go!

[JimVonBaden]

Looks great Kirk! Painted or Powder?

Jim

[kirkster70]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Looks great Kirk! Painted or Powder?

Jim

Thanks, Jim!

Rustoleum Industrial gloss enamel. Pretty tough stuff and easy to touch-up.

I used the same paint on my original KLR racks from almost 3 years ago and it still looks very good with zero touch-ups.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by kirkster70

Thanks, Jim!

Rustoleum Industrial gloss enamel. Pretty tough stuff and easy to touch-up.

I used the same paint on my original KLR racks from almost 3 years ago and it still looks very good with zero touch-ups.

I thought it must be that considering the speed of your powder coater!

Looks great though, and is probably plenty tough enough.

Jim

[Dwreker]

Looks great Kirk!

[kirkster70]

Originally Posted by Dwreker

Looks great Kirk!

Thanks, David!

More progress on the F800GS...



I change the lower, outer bevel from a 3" cutaway to a 2". I'm still tweaking things as I go trying to improve the quality and overall look of things.



I bend a 45 for the exhaust cut-out and check for fit...





That should look quite decent. Me likey!

...and I try to make little improvements each and every time. This time around I upgrade what I have been using for mounts...



...and I ordered a "puck" mounting kit for 5/8" tube from Happy Trails. It's a quality set up for a decent price. Until I have the ability to machine my own, this is what I will use. This is a nice upgrade.

I should be able to fire up the TIG tomorrow. Working 6) 12 hours days this week is kicking my butt! I've been trying to slip into the garage for at least two hours each evening, but I'm regretting it when the alarm clock goes off!

[JimVonBaden]

I've been considering my upper mount. I was spoiled with the Jesse mounts. This is similar to what I am making for the bags, just one per bag on the top of the hoop.



I think you will like these better as they will simplify alignment, and allow the operator to move the bags forward and back a couple inches!

Jim

[kirkster70]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

I've been considering my upper mount. I was spoiled with the Jesse mounts. This is similar to what I am making for the bags, just one per bag on the top of the hoop.



I think you will like these better as they will simplify alignment, and allow the operator to move the bags forward and back a couple inches!

Jim

I think so, too. You came 2 jobs too early to get them. Sorry about that.

I'm just trying to do the best quality I can for the money involved. I'm big on "bang for the buck" (re - KLR ) so I keep trying to "up" my game so to speak.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by kirkster70

I think so, too. You came 2 jobs too early to get them. Sorry about that.

I'm just trying to do the best quality I can for the money involved. I'm big on "bang for the buck" (re - KLR ) so I keep trying to "up" my game so to speak.

No worries at all! I got a great deal on my bags, and being a beta tester is the bane of the BMW owner!

Seriously, when I come to a final solution I will share it with you. Might be useful!

Jim

[Ride4Coffee]

Can you use that enamel on bags too? I suppose it doesn't chip like powder coating, right?


Those bags look incredible!

[Dwreker]

THAT looks Awesome!

Originally Posted by kirkster70

I should be able to fire up the TIG tomorrow. Working 6) 12 hours days this week is kicking my butt! I've been trying to slip into the garage for at least two hours each evening, but I'm regretting it when the alarm clock goes off!

Don't kill yourself on my account! (Although I'm not gonna lie, I was certainly not disappointed to see the updates )

[kirkster70]

Originally Posted by Ride4Coffee

Can you use that enamel on bags too? I suppose it doesn't chip like powder coating, right?


Those bags look incredible!

Thanks! I don't know how durable the paint would be on the bags. Nowhere near a durable as powder, that's for sure. Personally, I'd leave 'em raw or powdercoat them. I don't think I'd paint the bags if it were me. Of course, that's just my opinion.

[kirkster70]

Originally Posted by Dwreker

THAT looks Awesome!



Don't kill yourself on my account! (Although I'm not gonna lie, I was certainly not disappointed to see the updates )

We're getting there! Glad U like it!

I'm trying to get you knocked out so you can enjoy some of this pretty weather we've been having.

[9Dave]

Originally Posted by kirkster70

...and I try to make little improvements each and every time. This time around I upgrade what I have been using for mounts...



...and I ordered a "puck" mounting kit for 5/8" tube from Happy Trails. It's a quality set up for a decent price. Until I have the ability to machine my own, this is what I will use. This is a nice upgrade.

I bought a set of those from HT as well for the bags I bought in the FM and mounted on my KLR. They do a nice job and are very secure.

Agree on powder coating the bags themselves. I've never had a problem with chipping due to normal road debris. It's very durable.