Rocker cover protection

[Excellence]

As I can't ride at the moment for snow, ice and mountains of salt on the roads up here I thought I'd see what might help preserve the '21 RT a bit longer for me.
I'm remembering an IAM observer years ago had to replace the pitted rockers covers on his 12 and had to shell out ridiculous amounts of money for real ones (as opposed to the cheap Chinese knock offs that didn't fit anyway) so...
I figured if I put a couple of shaped pieces of polypropylene pinseal finish sheet to deflect stones/grit/crud away from the covers then for little outlay I could score some semi decent protection. I was a bit worried I'd be introducing too much drag but having completed the job they actually slip away to the rear and down from where they fasten at the top rail of the Give head guards so I don't think it's going to be an issue.
Cooling shouldn't be affected as the area in front of the cylinder fins remains clear and there is loads of clearance around the heads in general.
They fasten with six medium tie wraps around the front bars of the givi guards.
I'll have to wait a couple of weeks to see if they make noise etc, etc but I'll post again about how they get on.

[David.]

I'm remembering an IAM observer years ago had to replace the pitted rockers covers on his 12 and had to shell out ridiculous amounts of money for real ones (as opposed to the cheap Chinese knock offs that didn't fit anyway).

Yes, I have had the valve/rocker covers repainted on my 2012 Camhead, less than half the price of replacing them with BMW OEM.

For the 21, if you are prepared to risk these fitting correctly, they look to give good coverage and are very similar to a well known German (or could they be Chinese) manufacturer.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001115 ... Tpkqs2ESZ3

(See Customer Reviews).

[Excellence]

I looked at those too but wasn't sure whether they might vibrate and mark the covers.
Great idea if they don't but haven't seen any reviews.

[David.]

I looked at those too but wasn't sure whether they might vibrate and mark the covers.

I have this type of OEM valve cover protection fitted to my 2012 Camhead. They certainly don't vibrate, however, where there is a small rubber pad on the back of the protector which touches the valve cover, dirt/grit can cause a very small mark in the paintwork. Obviously not seen when fitted and usually polishes out when removed.



With the AliExpess '21 versions not being open at the front, this may be less of a problem. Looks like they have pads on the rear too.



These look very similar, decent photos and description, https://www.wunderlich.de/shop/en/wunde ... 3-002.html

"Our valve protectors are Made in Germany. That's why we're happy to provide a 5-year warranty."

[Excellence]

I see those could be effective. I'd be a wee bit feared of grit etc getting into something so close to the finish - I know I'm a coward and I'm proud!! I'd have to be taking them off every 5 minutes to check!!

[David.]

I'd have to be taking them off every 5 minutes to check.

That's no big deal, once the replacement "special" valve cover bolt is fitted which remains in place, there are only 2 x M5 and 1 x M6 screws to remove to get the covers off each side.

[Marvin2Shoes]

My RT has been stationary-dropped by the previous owner. Next oil change I'm going to remove the covers, check & adjust cam timing and remove paint & polish the covers. I have done it to every bike I've owned to-date and if you polishto a high degree it is quite easy to maintain the polish and give the bike some appeal. Then to replace the plastic bits with polished aluminium too... Plastic is for cars!

[Excellence]

After the first ride of '23 the rocker cover protectors worked. They didn't stop all of the road crud but what did get onto the heads was quite slight, non-damaging and was easily removed fully without brushing during a cleaning job with snow foam. Pleased with them - and as I think it would be a mistake to enlarge them to exclude everything the road throws at the bike they're going to remain unmolested for the future.
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