Cracks in upper dash
Cracks in upper dash
I have a 2006 1800 that I bought used a couple of years ago. My problem is after riding over the weekend I noticed some small cracks in the upper dash at the left edge of the windshield. Is this common? Is it a problem I should be concerned about? The previous owner had installed a tall windshield. Could this have contributed to the problem? I have the stock wind shield. Should I swap? Also is there a repair or is it best to replace. Have considered removing & repairing from underside. I am new to the forum but any information or advice would be great.
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Big Blue UK
- Posts: 605
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2013 2:18 pm
- Location: Staffordshire UK
- Motorcycle: GL1800 Monarch
Re: Cracks in upper dash
Hi hoser.
You need to investigate what caused the crack to appear in the A panel, it may well be stress caused by the height of the tall screen. However anything from the past could be hidden under there, unless another possible cause is diagnosed and rectified, any repair or replacement could result in the same fate, unless a modification or cure is devised. The crack if where I think it is will do no harm, cosmetically a repair may look as bad or worse than the crack itself. Some aftermarket screens are thinner and are a loose fit at the mounting collars, and can rattle and slide down even when the adjusting clamps cannot be any tighter. Aftermarket screen rattle and vibration could cause the crack
Remove the radio and speaker cover and check all mounting screws and bolts are present and tight.
Check all the fairing mounting screws under the screen, under the long thin snap on fairing edge cover trims, and behind the speakers are present and tight.
Check the clamps are adjusted for adequate but not excessive pressure when the clamps are tightened.
Check for excess slap or free play at the screen mounting collars.
Check if the nylon washers on the recessed screen mounting bolts are present, and see if modification or additional washers that fit the recess will prevent rattle or slap.
I have a F4+4 screen I bought used, my intention is to trim a few cm's off the top edge, I prefer a fixed screen just high enough for me to see what I need to see over the top.
Is the tall screen you have wider near the mirrors causing the stress fracture in the A panel near the mirror, the screen may need trimming at this point.
This kind of thing would bug me and I would have to devise a cure or prevention modification, easy having a garage workshop though, and devised modifications may need as many years to see if another stress fracture appears
Otherwise, replace the A panel and re fit original screen.
You need to investigate what caused the crack to appear in the A panel, it may well be stress caused by the height of the tall screen. However anything from the past could be hidden under there, unless another possible cause is diagnosed and rectified, any repair or replacement could result in the same fate, unless a modification or cure is devised. The crack if where I think it is will do no harm, cosmetically a repair may look as bad or worse than the crack itself. Some aftermarket screens are thinner and are a loose fit at the mounting collars, and can rattle and slide down even when the adjusting clamps cannot be any tighter. Aftermarket screen rattle and vibration could cause the crack
Remove the radio and speaker cover and check all mounting screws and bolts are present and tight.
Check all the fairing mounting screws under the screen, under the long thin snap on fairing edge cover trims, and behind the speakers are present and tight.
Check the clamps are adjusted for adequate but not excessive pressure when the clamps are tightened.
Check for excess slap or free play at the screen mounting collars.
Check if the nylon washers on the recessed screen mounting bolts are present, and see if modification or additional washers that fit the recess will prevent rattle or slap.
I have a F4+4 screen I bought used, my intention is to trim a few cm's off the top edge, I prefer a fixed screen just high enough for me to see what I need to see over the top.
Is the tall screen you have wider near the mirrors causing the stress fracture in the A panel near the mirror, the screen may need trimming at this point.
This kind of thing would bug me and I would have to devise a cure or prevention modification, easy having a garage workshop though, and devised modifications may need as many years to see if another stress fracture appears
Otherwise, replace the A panel and re fit original screen.
If at first you don't succeed, hide the evidence.
Re: Cracks in upper dash
Thanks Big Blue. I am going to go back to the stock wind shield. I will check all the mounts while in there.