Cam belt cover fiasco

Ok...so I was inspired by the photos of sharp Supersports with vented belt covers, and decided to try my hand at modifying my stock covers. The '98 900 CR comes with these ugly covers that come apart in 4 pieces, so I figured I'd drill out the center sections and mount some screens in them with JB weld. I completed the cover for the rear cylinder and it turned out pretty sharp. Last night I cut out a section of the front belt cover and mounted a screen in it. Looked pretty good. So this morning, the JB weld is cured and I go to put the cover on. I find that the clearance between the front cover and the belt is a lot closer than the rear cover and the screen is actually touching the cam pulley. So I feel like a complete idiot. The local roads still have a fair bit of gravel on them, so I'm not comortable riding without covers, and I'm afraid to call the shop and find out how much another set of stockers will run. I had looked at buying some CF covers, but it seems like no one ever has them in stock. Does anyone on the board have a line on where i could score some belt covers, used or otherwise? I'll be calling the shop in the meantime to see what the cost and wait is going to be either way...
As always, any input is greatly appreciated!

Regards,

Jeff

I have a horz. belt cover for a 2003 620 that you can have, but for some reason I don't think it would fit. I can't remember how much it was from the dealer...I'll I remember was I told them vertical cylinder and they ordered a horz. one. IIRC the total was around $150, which makes me think the cover was around $80.

I've got a spare one I can sell you. Say... 10$... 15$ with shipping.

i have a full set you can have. i painted them red and they actually don't look bad.
e-mail me if you want them.
mikepiarulli at hotmail.com

Jeff, I'm am sorry to hear about your mod gone bad. (Now I realize I'm not the only one who runs into unforeseen trouble.) Thank goodness for this board and the kindness of those on here who are able to help out in situations like this. I am only sorry that I cannot help you out but I do hope that you get the problem rectified swiftly. Best of luck!

First of all, thank you for your replies and offers of parts!

I spent the afternoon making a 1/8" gasket to use as a spacer under the forward cover. I attached it to the cover with, what else, JB Weld. I might have to buy stock in that stuff if I'm going to keep the Ducati. Anyway, the spacer seems to be just what I needed to get enough clearance for the cover to fit safely. I doubt it's a long term fix, but should last for a while. I'm going to give it a test run tomorrow after everything cures. I'm pretty sure I'm going to still want a spare cover in case this turns out to be no good. I'll post again and reply to those who made the offers of parts as well.

In case Valence or BenFer is listening in...I sure am interested in a vented CF belt cover...

Thanks again everyone. This board rocks.

Best regards,

Jeff

Jeff, I too have an old pair you can have (some battery acid marks, but not bad). Clay Carrier (www.carbonfiberman.com; he makes BenFer carbon) told me he still has the molds for some he used to make (I found a used pair at woundedduc.com which I believe he made and they are beautiful, of course). He asked if I would want vented or non-vented and I said I thought vented would be more popular (mine are not vented but so far I am not brave enough to vent them). Maybe if enough people contact him and request them, he'll make some.
Joe

Thanks Joe. I just sent him an email. I was also talking with BenFer this winter, but understand that they have been in the middle of a move. I'll post any updates I receive from either company.

...and now it's raining.

Best regards,

Jeff

I found some CF covers on ebay the other week for about $40. Not great, but not bad, and definitely better than OEM. If I still needed them, I'd try to persuade the guy w/ molds to do another run. Looks pretty nice w/ CF covers!

instead of a gasket - just use a few washers on each of the bolts that hold the covers on. If you have the resources - then just make some standoffs later.

I had attached a 1/8" washer under each bolt to take the compression off of the gasket I built. Seems to be working great so far. I have been emailing Benfer and have been told that CF covers will be next after their move is complete and everything settles down. Looking forward to getting a set of those!

Best regards,

Jeff

So Jeff, any pictures of what the end product looks like?

Unfortunately, I don't own a digital camera yet. I usually buy one of those disposables and then get my pics put on a disc. If I get another one soon, I'll be sure and put a pic up. Hopefully, I'll be able to post a pic of some new CF covers soon as well.

Regards,

Jeff

If you fancy some carbon belt covers, try http://www.carbonworld.de.
I have a set for my 749, quality is awesome, price is very good and delivery was fast!