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MHR - fit sidecovers to no-sidecover model

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2017 3:52 pm
by Dob8604
I have an '81 MHR. Mine has the exposed battery no side-cover setup. I've been given side-covers for it from a later model and would like to fit them. The bike has no mounting points on the frame and the covers have two screw holes. Any ideas how I can do it.
Note: this model has the regulator next to the battery not under the headlight. Will the regulator overheat with side-covers fitted?
The covers are the solid (no slots) types.

Re: MHR - fit sidecovers to no-sidecover model

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 1:16 pm
by Peter Mille
I wouldn't use them, Mike Hailwood didn't have them after all...

Re: MHR - fit sidecovers to no-sidecover model

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 6:44 pm
by Dob8604
Yes I understand that from a purist point of view I should leave it without side-covers.
In northern Australia it is so hot in summer I take the bottom fairing off for 6 months of the year too (even though Mike Hailwood probably never did).

Perhaps if nobody has a solution to fitting the side-covers could someone please post a picture of how the factory fitted side-covers are fastened to the bike so I can perhaps fabricate something similar.

Re: MHR - fit sidecovers to no-sidecover model

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 10:27 pm
by Peter Mille
You have to weld mounting points onto the frame..
That's what the factory did to later models MHR anyway.
( I removed those points of my '85 frame....)

Re: MHR - fit sidecovers to no-sidecover model

Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 12:20 am
by ducadini
If it get's so hot overthere downunder, plenty reason NOT to fit them !!
Now the hot air can easily stream out behind the cilinder.
Covers fitted You get a nice hotspot, heating Your battery, regulator and carb.
For Your cold (15°-20° ???) winters You could try some of those little plastic clamps where they fit tripmeters onto bicycles.
Still, I wouldn't fit any, took the covers of the SS, a bit of grinding and fresh paint and it STILL is a nice bike.

ciao
ducadini

Re: MHR - fit sidecovers to no-sidecover model

Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 12:30 pm
by 81mhr900ss
If you must, for each side, I'd make a pair of small, aluminum or stainless plates drilled with the appropriate sized holes and a slot for a red plastic tie wrap to mount each frame tube or maybe tabs top and bottom and two ties; no welding and easily removable without a mark afterwards should you change your mind. My 81 MHR used to get so hot in UK summers that I ran straight Castrol 50 in summer, eventually adding an oil cooler with a half-flow system to keep it happy.

As with the others, I much prefer the look of the MHR without the side panels but each to his or her own.