tail light lens

Got a tech tip for Voyager 12's from your personal experiences, or one complete with pictures and instructions, here's where to post it. You can also ask about tips or procedures here.

Moderators: the2knights, Highway Rider

Post Reply
User avatar
Charlie from Illinois
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 0

tail light lens

Post by Charlie from Illinois »

[img]http://i27.tinypic.com/ih1mcn.jpg[/img]
This was a painted over lens. I used rubbing compound (heavy duty) to remove the paint on the outside. I then used a fine polishing compound to remove scratches on the lens. To get the light apart, I put the whole assembly in our electric stove oven set at 175 deg. I left it in there for 15 minutes and after removing three screws previously, I slowly pulled the two halves apart. If it is hard to do just put it back in the oven for a longer period of time. (I guess I should tell you that I put the lens on a piece of cardboard in the oven so that the wire grate would not burn into the plastic).
After getting the lens apart. ( don't pull too hard, it will come apart easily if hot enough) I removed the paint on the inside of the lens with Acetone. It came off with a rag really easily.
Before putting it back together I painted the interior of the lens (not where the light will come through) with Plasticote chrome paint. Then back into the oven to warm up at 175 deg and press together. Do not remove any of the glue that is on the lens. This glue will soften when heated and reharden when cooled. Got a question? Ask away! :D
User avatar
David (N. Alabama)
Elite Tourer
Elite Tourer
Posts: 816
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:20 pm
16
Current bike(s): 2007 Kawasaki Mean Streak
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700
2011 Kawasaki Versys
2012 Kawasaki KLX250S
2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Café Classic
1975 Kawasaki KT250 Trials
2014 Triumph Trophy SE
Location: Tennessee
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 0

Post by David (N. Alabama) »

Did you add lights? Did it for more reflection? Do you have a picture with it on the bike?
2010 Voyager 1700
Image
User avatar
Charlie from Illinois
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 0

Post by Charlie from Illinois »

I didn't add any lights. I have one from an 86 on my bike. This is the original one. You get a lot more light from the back of the bike when the paint is gone.
User avatar
Scott-(Altoona, PA)
King of the Road
King of the Road
Posts: 1086
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2008 1:22 pm
16
Current bike(s): 2001 Voyager XII
Location: Altoona, PA
Has liked: 83 times
Been liked: 140 times
Contact:

Post by Scott-(Altoona, PA) »

And what about the emblem (Voyager)? How did you reattach it or did you opt to leave it off and make folks wonder what kind of bike it is (those who don't know a Kaw).
Mid-Atlantic Voyagers chapter secretary {"scribe"}
2001 Voyager XII
We may not know them all, but we owe them all! Thank a Veteran today!
User avatar
Kevin B in Illinois
Traveler
Traveler
Posts: 192
Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:50 pm
16
Current bike(s): 2001 Honda GL1800
1990 Kawasaki Voyager XII
2002 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager
1969 Kawasaki Sidewinder 250
1965 Kawasaki F2TR 175
2006 Suzuki DL1000
Location: Near Salem, Illinois
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 0
Contact:

Post by Kevin B in Illinois »

You can use automotive emblem glue that can be purchased at automotive suppliers or parts stores. This is the stuff that you use to reapply emblems after a repaint.

Kevin B in Illinois
User avatar
Charlie from Illinois
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 0

Post by Charlie from Illinois »

I am just leaving the emblem off for now. If I do put it back on, it won't go on the light. Maybe on the trunk someplace. It is amazing how much light the emblem takes away from the lens.
Post Reply

Return to “Tech Tips - Voyager XII (1200 Four)”