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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Top Tins.....Just for show????
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Message started by ZAR on 01/10/13 at 07:36:57

Title: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by ZAR on 01/10/13 at 07:36:57

Looking at the scoot a couple of days ago while working in the barn I started thinking about maintenence and changes on the bike. Having come from the old school of riding and infatuated with the barebones and basic Brit bikes of the 1960's/70's I'm not sure I like those HUGE chrome head tins.

So, do they serve any purpose other than to draw in the folks mesmerised by shiny geegaws? Are they really protecting anything or do they just gather dirt,rocks and bugs and hold it there to cause corrosion problems?

Seems like I get a lot of comments on my "antique" motorcycle from folks on the street. Some even think it's an old Indian at first glance. With the tins off and the bare head showing I'm thinking that illusion would be even better.

Discussion please.......

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by WD on 01/10/13 at 07:41:39

All they do is hide some of the mechanical "ugly" of the head design. I run the spark plug side tin to hide the decomp hardware, threw the right side tin out years ago (or it is in a misc spares box), bike looks much better with the right side bare. Once I switch to a manual compression release I'll deep six the left side tin and grind off the mounting points to smooth off the head.

Now to find a compatible coil that takes a swappable spark lead... I'm leaning towards a VW style and braided plug wire to flow better with the overall look of my bike. Suzuki really gave us a big "F U" with the coil and integrated plug lead...

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by Dave on 01/10/13 at 09:21:12

I believe that the side pieces are just there for styling, and to hide the decompression hardware. It does make the engine appear a bit taller and larger than it really is.

I think it helps the vintage and or rat bike look when they are gone, and I really like the looks of them when they are painted black on an engine with a black cylinder.

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by ZAR on 01/10/13 at 09:43:30

Thanks guys! I think I'll toy around with it a bit and see how I like it.

Dave......you can't be more than 70 or so miles from me. We need to meet up this spring or summer. Maybe the Richwood Flea Market or around that area?

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by Dave on 01/10/13 at 10:30:30

62796A380 wrote:

Dave......you can't be more than 70 or so miles from me. We need to meet up this spring or summer. Maybe the Richwood Flea Market or around that area?

Yep......We do need to find some time for a ride this spring/summer. This winter I am going to do a major renovation of my bike, and I hope to get it rideable by the time warm weather returns. I will update this Forum once the actual work begins.....at this point I have just been stocking up on parts for the transformation.

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by ZAR on 01/10/13 at 10:37:21

013A3720313D26203B333E21520 wrote:

[quote author=62796A380 link=1357832217/0#3 date=1357839810]Dave......you can't be more than 70 or so miles from me. We need to meet up this spring or summer. Maybe the Richwood Flea Market or around that area?

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by ralfyguy on 01/10/13 at 17:29:16

I actually like them. To me the bike looks better with them on.

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by ZAR on 01/10/13 at 18:33:24

74676A607F61737F060 wrote:

I actually like them. To me the bike looks better with them on.

Yeah ralfy but you gotta remember(look at yer avitar bro) you're used to more "up top"! ;)

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by hexnut on 01/10/13 at 18:36:11

Yeah, I kinda like them as well. :)

Title: Re: Top Tins.....Just for show????
Post by Digger on 01/10/13 at 20:15:45

716A792B0 wrote:

....do they serve any purpose.....

In the past, some have conjectured that those covers may aid the cooling air flow.

Not sure if I agree.....I'm just sayin'.