Repair/Strengthener Hinge Kit

[PMK]

Amen to that! "Prevention is better than cure" ~ Desiderius Erasmus, Dutch Theologian, 1466 - 1536

In this case probably, but for medically sick people with Diabetes or Cancer, that statement is seriously flawed.

PK

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

ISSUES

Maybe...if the part that failed has been superseded, then if your timing is good, you might get an improved part.

In regards to what the Doc has devised, I too am unsure of his exact area where the repair is being accomplished. I have seen other failures posted here of a similar description. Enough that I personally had a look at how the hinge area is fabricated.

Like Bob, I too have the windshield arm in hand. It arrived yesterday. It is on the list of item to replace soon. The reason I decided to not wait for warranty is that most likely failure will happen during a ride and second would be I do not want anything to lessen the enjoyment or create fear for my wife on the back. It's money well spent towards what I would consider a safety item. If BRP does recall the windscreen support arms, then I will undo the work and comply.

As for what the Doc designed, yes, the failures are being replaced under warranty. Seems he has a solution for broken items or to simply reinforce non broken items. Seems if you simply ride local, warranty may be the most cost effective, provided the dealer is nearby and competent. If you travel, why let a stupid failure that may be prevented inexpensively ruin the trip.

PK

...Paul two things ...The NEW and Improved windshield part was a " BOLT " not the ARM that is the real problem !!!!!!.....and when you get around to putting on the ARM ( from the Aussie's ) take off the Magnet end ( after marking it's original location on the shaft )....I have taken off both the GEAR and MAGNET pieces......and the Magnet is far easier and less likely to break.......Mike :thumbup:

 

[Roadster Renovations]

Maybe...if the part that failed has been superseded, then if your timing is good, you might get an improved part.

In regards to what the Doc has devised, I too am unsure of his exact area where the repair is being accomplished. I have seen other failures posted here of a similar description. Enough that I personally had a look at how the hinge area is fabricated.

As for what the Doc designed, yes, the failures are being replaced under warranty. Seems he has a solution for broken items or to simply reinforce non broken items. Seems if you simply ride local, warranty may be the most cost effective, provided the dealer is nearby and competent. If you travel, why let a stupid failure that may be prevented inexpensively ruin the trip.

PK

The repair/strengthener we are making can be easily removed to have the warranty case replaced and no one is the wiser that it was even there. Only thing you will have to do is remove the unit and put the original screws back in. When I have a little time I will take some close-ups of the area and give you my take on it. They could have been made stronger than they were. Referring to the above picture, the voids on each side (yellow) recess back and form a stop on each side to hold the metal plate in position. This puts the portion on the bottom as the very small load bearing area, especially if you press down on the cover with it open. Even though the other case is fine I will do both for insurance. The kit will ship to repair all four hinges on both side cases.

 

[jaherbst]

Amen to that! "Prevention is better than cure" ~ Desiderius Erasmus, Dutch Theologian, 1466 - 1536

Lydia-- "A stich in time saves nine"

Jack

 

[Roadster Renovations]

Testers needed

OK, I have finalized the kit today. It will require an inner and an outer bracket to work correctly. The bad thing is that the case is not formed the same for the front and back hinge. I fabbed up an outer bracket today and installed it and mine works as good or better than before it broke. Going to try to keep the costs down as much as possible.
Thinking about a couple of product testers. We will ship free to you and you give a write-up on how it worked, ease of install, etc. I need someone that has a 2014 RTS and a 2015 RTS for testers.

 

[Jim&Teresa]

Great

Hope you come up with a good design as we all know BRP's hinge anchor points are weak. pps: I had both mine replace last year under warranty on my 2014 RT Limited with less than 10,000 miles on it. The left one had the front hinge totally broken off and the other side was starting to crack. So waited about 10 days for parts, then took my bike in for the fix....it's still pain to go through all this even under warranty if we can find a solution to prevent them from breaking.

I did look to strengthen it myself, but the back molded portion is not straight and does not allow for an easy solution. I have a friend with a 2005 Gold Wing with 160,000+ miles and they just laughed when I told him my "new" 2014 RT had a hinge point break...not a good reputation for BRP.

BRP should replace all of our "buckets" with metal reinforced hinge anchor points which would make them last instead of break every few years with such a poor current design.....I have 19,000+ on the bike now and did not look at the hinge points recently, but I do think they'll break again.

Thanks to you for taking on a project that may help many of us...:thumbup:

Other than the hinge point anchor issue....the 2014 RT Limited has been an AWESOME machine and flawless.

 

[gypsy_100]

OK, I have finalized the kit today. It will require an inner and an outer bracket to work correctly. The bad thing is that the case is not formed the same for the front and back hinge. I fabbed up an outer bracket today and installed it and mine works as good or better than before it broke. Going to try to keep the costs down as much as possible.
Thinking about a couple of product testers. We will ship free to you and you give a write-up on how it worked, ease of install, etc. I need someone that has a 2014 RTS and a 2015 RTS for testers.

PM sent.

 

[Bob Denman]

PM sent from me too!

 

[gypsy_100]

PM sent from me too!

Copycat! :roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

Living proof that even a Blind Hog, can still find the occasional acorn! :thumbup:

 

[Dan McNally]

In this case probably, but for medically sick people with Diabetes or Cancer, that statement is seriously flawed.

PK

Not everything can be prevented, but for the things that can, the statement is 100% accurate.

 

[Roadster Renovations]

I have 2 items to add (as soon as I get them) and I will be putting the two test kits together! We will announce the winners by this weekend. Thanks to everyone that asked to test!! I am very encouraged by the repair on my case I made. It is very solid and prior to the repair the plastic section was freely moving on the bottom with the case open. Those of you that have experienced this movement from a broken area will know exactly what I am talking about. After the repair it was as solid as original.

 

[jcthorne]

Great to hear and hope your testing goes well. I stand ready to order a set when they are available. Would like to install on Louise RT before she breaks them and the wrong time....

 

[Bob Denman]

Would like to install on Louise RT before she breaks them and the wrong time....

:shocked: Is there a "Right Time", to break them? :shocked:

 

[Roadster Renovations]

3/4 there!

We now have the inner brackets, longer bolts, and nuts ready! Still waiting on the outer brackets and we will be ready to ship out to our testers!

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for update! :thumbup:

 

[SpyderCruiser]

We now have the inner brackets, longer bolts, and nuts ready! Still waiting on the outer brackets and we will be ready to ship out to our testers!

How do I get on the testers list?

 

[Bob Denman]

That's easy!

 

[Roadster Renovations]

Product Testers

Congratulations to Bob Denman (2014 RTS) and Pontow (2015 RTS) as the two product testers for the hinge project. Many thanks to all of you that ask to help. WE will start with these two and see if we need to expand it from there!
I have ran into a snag (doesn't that always happen) with the outer bracket. Getting the secondary cut has to be done just right. Then the part can be bent and drilled and then powder coated. It looks like I may have to purchase a $400 shear to make these precision cuts. We'll see how it goes. Everything else is ready to ship. This part is critical as it will strengthen the lid side from breaking back from too much pressure. The back bracket will strengthen the hinge area from breaking out in the case of overfilling or something in the way of shutting.

 

[robtdonna]

I'm with Finless, will consider replacing before they break, keep us posted on availability. :clap:

Nice idea!

Considering all the reports I have seen recently of the hinge breaking, why not fix the problem before it breaks thus saving time at the dealer?

Bob