Dirty Engine and Blinkers

[Calculon]

A few months ago I spent a good chunk of time cleaning the underside of the engine on my Nevada.  Now a few months later, it doesn't look like I've done anything:



I don't see any new stains under where it sits in the garage, so I'm wondering what's causing this?  My TU250x had the same dirty underside, but I figured that was mostly chain lube.



Also, all of my blinkers all have this what looks like a crack on them, but really isn't, white mark on them.



I'm assuming if I replace them, the new ones will do the same, so I'm looking for some replacements.  Anyone have a suggestion that will look good on the Nevada

[tris]

Pic 1
My old Cali always looked like that I assumed it was c££p thrown up by the front wheel. The only solution is to leave it in the garage

Pic 2
IIRC my Calis blinkers looked similar and were some sort of hardish flexible rubber. Has the bike been on its side and bent them over too much?

Finally - welcome to the clan 

[Fuzzy]

My blinkers look about the same. I worry more about the stress spots at the seam. The fit is about the same, however. It all feels/looks cheaply made, but I will live with it as long as it runs OK.
I'm curious to see what recommendations you get, if any.

[Calculon]

I did find some I liked on my own.  These are some aftermarket ones that looked nice:



These came on the later Nevada, that never made it to the US:



Maybe since they're silver it won't show up as much.  I'd like to find something rectangular, metal and black, but it has eluded me so far.

[Sheepdog]

It's more of a Triumph/Harley/Ducati outfit, but BellaCorse has a selection of aluminum indicators for a decent price. Different finishes are available, including black:

http://bellacorse.com/shop/custom-parts-for-triumph-bonneville-thruxton-t100-se-scrambler-america-speedmaster/chassis/black-chrome-polished-aluminum-turn-indicators/

As for a dirty crankcase, I minimized it by installing a mudflap on my front fender. In the bargain, this will reduce rear wheel flats by diverting pointy items thrown up by the front tire.



Also, as a former construction estimator, I really dig your user name...

[lucky phil]

A few months ago I spent a good chunk of time cleaning the underside of the engine on my Nevada.  Now a few months later, it doesn't look like I've done anything:



I don't see any new stains under where it sits in the garage, so I'm wondering what's causing this?  My TU250x had the same dirty underside, but I figured that was mostly chain lube.



Also, all of my blinkers all have this what looks like a crack on them, but really isn't, white mark on them.



I'm assuming if I replace them, the new ones will do the same, so I'm looking for some replacements.  Anyone have a suggestion that will look good on the Nevada

The crankcase dirt is called road grime, nothing to do with engine leaks. The best non mechanical way to deal with it is to clean the bike as well as you can and then douse the whole underside and effected areas of the engine with WD-40 and let it stand for a while. Dont wipe the WD off just ride the bike. The WD leaves a oily film which helps the grime from sticking so it comes off with a wash.
I did this with 2 new BMW's I used for 3 month trips in Europe back in the 80's. Bikes went unwashed for 3 months and 20,000 odd klms each. Shipped them back home and a good wash had the cases looking like new again

Ciao 

[Cam3512]

Why are the bottoms of my shoes dirty?  I just cleaned them...

[Chuck in Indiana]

Why are the bottoms of my shoes dirty?  I just cleaned them...

Good point. 

[redrider]

Thanks for the BellCorse link. Purdy stuff there now.

[fotoguzzi]

A few months ago I spent a good chunk of time cleaning the underside of the engine on my Nevada.  Now a few months later, it doesn't look like I've done anything:
 

actually it looks like you've been riding, GREAT!

did you know we have a local Guzzi group in the cities? we meet monthly.. are you on the mailing list?

[giusto]

Pic 1
My old Cali always looked like that I assumed it was c££p thrown up by the front wheel. The only solution is to leave it in the garage

ROFLMAO

[Calculon]

In for four of the black oblong indicators.  We'll see how they turn out next Spring.

As for a dirty crankcase, I minimized it by installing a mudflap on my front fender. In the bargain, this will reduce rear wheel flats by diverting pointy items thrown up by the front tire.

Is this something I can buy or do I need to make something?  I did see this, but am not sure what it is or if I should buy it.

Also, as a former construction estimator, I really dig your user name...

Are you a fan of Futurama?

did you know we have a local Guzzi group in the cities? we meet monthly.. are you on the mailing list?

Actually, I did.  Someone sent me a PM with the info went I got my Nevada.  As I recall, the meeting is the southern half of the Cities.  I'm half way between the Cities and Duluth, a little closer to Duluth, so it'd be a couple hour drive for me.  Plus, I work in the evening, not an early riser, and I believe the meeting was for breakfast.

[John A]

The crankcase dirt is called road grime, nothing to do with engine leaks. The best non mechanical way to deal with it is to clean the bike as well as you can and then douse the whole underside and effected areas of the engine with WD-40 and let it stand for a while. Dont wipe the WD off just ride the bike. The WD leaves a oily film which helps the grime from sticking so it comes off with a wash.
I did this with 2 new BMW's I used for 3 month trips in Europe back in the 80's. Bikes went unwashed for 3 months and 20,000 odd klms each. Shipped them back home and a good wash had the cases looking like new again

Ciao

I worked at Gene Allmans Kawasaki Suzuki in Bossier City as a service manager one summer when aviation was slow and when we would take one in on trade, Gene would douse the whole thing in WD40. He even did it to brand new machines, sure made 'em look purdy. Sometimes I do it to old tractors, makes the rust not look so bad.

[swordds]

 I solved the problem by installing a very nice leather bicycle mudflap (Brooks) on both my TU250X and my V7II. Works great/looks good. Style is outweighing function as front fenders are become useless vestiges in my opening. Must be a mess when they place a radiator right behind a fenderless portion of a front wheel?

[Sheepdog]

I have watched a bit of Futurama, but am not familiar with Calculon. However, the name created an image of a giant estimator attacking Tokyo. It would have looked great on my desk's nameplate.

My front fender's mud flap is from J&P Cycles. At $10, it's a steal. I attached it to the fender using the bolts on the fender stay to avoid drilling additional holes. The material is thin enough that you may easily cut it to a desired shape, should you wish to...

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/7110316

[chaoselephant23]

Are you a fan of Futurama?

Good news everyone... (I am:)

[Calculon]

I finally got my new blinkers installed:





I think it turned out well.

[Sheepdog]

They look really nice...a good look and a sano install. Well done!

[n3303j]

My Moto Guzzis are just "dirty girls".
Riding a Ural and used to be riding 3 BMWS and none of them ever managed to get as filthy as quickly as either of my Geese. I assumed it was just inherent to the species.