Don't make this mistake!!!!!

[Crazy_Canuck]

This mistake cost me $115.

 

Ok I had my bike apart and noticed some dust\debris in the instrument cluster. So I decided to take the clear cover off the instrument cluster and wipe it clean, no problem.

 

I then decided to spray some plexus cleaner on the inside of the clear cover...BIG MISTAKE!!! Once the cleaner had hit the inside of the cover it kinda fogged up. Apparently there is some sort of coating on the inside of the cover. I then proceded to try and rinse it off and realized it was a water based gel like coating. I did manage to make my instrument cover usable again by completely removing the gel like coating. I am guessing the coating was some sort of anti-fog coating? Anybody know what it is?

 

Now that I dont have the coating on it what is going to happen?

 

I did not buy a new cover yet but it will cost me $115.

 

So I though I would let you guys know so as not to make the same mistake.

[bobbybob]

Its an antifog coating, keeps condensation from forming. Now that it's gone.....who knows?

[JayW]

This sounds like the kind of thing I would try. Thanks for the warning!

 

Jay

[RoadJunkie]

Thanks for sharing!!

[keithb]

ARGH Rob. That was a tough lesson. I like messing with the mechanical stuff but when it comes to instrumentation and computers-not so much. Thanks for sharing.

[PODMAN]

Well CC

 

Look at it this way. Your bike could have fallen over and that would be more than $115. Go buy a new one and move on is my advise. Thanks for the heads up.

[Tony_K]

Yeah, Plexis is not all it's cut out to be. It has some harsh chemicals in it.

It distroys any antifog / uv coating pretty much instantly.

Do not use on coated faceshields either.

[Mr_Ed]

Thanks for the heads up on this. To me it's clear that you first mistake was "cleaning". I know I won't make that mistake!

[pokorskij]

Have you investigated finding the type of antifog gel that was on the cover and re-applying it? Would likely be less than the $115 cost of new cover. Just a thought.

 

Anybody know of such a product?

[Effjay]

This mistake cost me $115.

Rob, maybe it's a good time to change to the K1200GT instrument pod? It looks better to my eyes and now you have the $$ justification to do it!

(BTW, this mod is on my list of future farkles)

 

Jeff

[bmwson]

I have an 07 R1200ST. I splashed a drop of gasoline on the Tach cover and it seemed to etch the plastic. I polished most of it out with Meguiar's but there is still a small inclusion. Can the clear cover be replaced without replaing the $1000.00 instrument cluster? Has anybody else had this problem?

[Crazy_Canuck]

yes you can just buy the cover part# 62117692024 for $115 at Hamersly BMW at webparts.com

 

[Crazy_Canuck]

yes you can just buy the cover part# 62117692024 for $115 at Hamersly BMW at webparts.com

I just noticed you have an ST and I dont know if the insterment panel is the same (as the RT), but I am sure you can still buy just the cover.

[Crazy_Canuck]

I have an 07 R1200ST. I splashed a drop of gasoline on the Tach cover and it seemed to etch the plastic. I polished most of it out with Meguiar's but there is still a small inclusion. Can the clear cover be replaced without replaing the $1000.00 instrument cluster? Has anybody else had this problem?

 

After looking at your bike instrument cluster and the picture below, It looks like you might only have to purchase part #2 on the diagram. providing it incorporates the clear plastic cover.Part# 62 11 7 692 457 HOUSING UPPER PART $139.12

Hope that helps.

 

[bmwson]

Thanks for your help. I'm not sure the part you mention includes the clear plastic covers or whether they are part of the instrument cluster. But I do appreicate your response.

[italiano]

try to polish it witha tootpaste and your finger

[bobbybob]

Coat it with that anti-fog stuff for face shields--probably the same basic compostion.

[gettysburg]

I've had this happen on my previous RT. A small flying insect worked its way into the cluster and died two weeks later. When I disassembled the cluster to remove the bug corpse, I sprayed the plexus cleaner and the inside of the lens turned to a gooey gel.

 

In an attempt to correct the problem I liberally sprayed WD40 to the inside of the lens and let it set; 5 minutes, it cleaned up real easy. With all the coating removed I just buffed it up with plexus. After that I didn't have any problems for 6 months, but then I was in an accident and the bike was totalled

 

One thing I noticed after removing the "anti-fog" coating. There was no longer that "orange peel" texture cast onto insrument cluster face.

 

Bottom line: I wouldn't replace it unless it becomes a problem.

[Crazy_Canuck]

I've had this happen on my previous RT. A small flying insect worked its way into the cluster and died two weeks later. When I disassembled the cluster to remove the bug corpse, I sprayed the plexus cleaner and the inside of the lens turned to a gooey gel.

 

In an attempt to correct the problem I liberally sprayed WD40 to the inside of the lens and let it set; 5 minutes, it cleaned up real easy. With all the coating removed I just buffed it up with plexus. After that I didn't have any problems for 6 months, but then I was in an accident and the bike was totalled

 

One thing I noticed after removing the "anti-fog" coating. There was no longer that "orange peel" texture cast onto insrument cluster face.

 

Bottom line: I wouldn't replace it unless it becomes a problem.

 

Thanks for the info. I will try and use it the way it is and see what happens.