The following are
some questions I've been fielding and a few that I've been anticipating.
Got any more? Just let me know.
Q.
How much is it? And what exactly do I get for my money?
A. $120.US and that includes shipping.
The kit includes (1) Pirate Scoop, (1) 12" length of 1.5" diameter ducting
hose, (1) tube epoxy, and (1) zip tie.
Q.
How does it attach to the bike?
A. The Scoop itself is only about 4"
deep. It's made out of unbreakable, heat molded thermoplastic. It attaches
semi-permanently to the inside of the front fairing via furnished epoxy
gel. I guess, if you don't want to attach it permanently... some heavy
duty velcro might suffice. It's your decision. The hose, which DOES NOT
attach permanently to the scoop, simply twists onto the scoop, runs through
the fairing frame (parallel to the oil cooler hose) and stops about 5"
of the left side radiator. The hose itself is heat and water proof, yet
very flexible. The purchaser just zip ties the ducting to the frame, oil
cooler hose, or anything else he feels is secure after he slides it into
place..It's VERY sturdy.
Q.
Will your scoop kit fit the 2002 (2001 Euro) models with the new body
style?
A. No.
Q.
What about water? Rain?
A. There are drainage holes (hidden
out of view) for any water intake. If any water makes it past these, it'll
simply run out the end of the hose onto the ground.
Q.
Does your scoop extend all the way to the radiator or does it stop say
halfway and simply serve to channel air to the one radiator? I'm thinking
that if it extends all the way to the radiator, then it may actually hamper
low speed cooling. At lower speeds, the opening in the fairing behind
the wheel is many times larger than the "new" ram opening & I wouldn't
want to close off the radiator to that air source.
A. I purposely measured the hose to
leave about 5" of room between it and the left side radiator for that
very reason. If that's not enough for you... simply cut off a little more.
Q.
How will your scoop affect cooling?
A. Honestly, I don't think there will be any
noticeable difference. I do know... it can't hurt. The more air to the
radiator.. the better.
Q.
How do I pay for it? Do you accept credit cards?
A. I accept payment by all major credit
cards at this site (or over the phone if you don't feel secure passing
info over the www), or via Paypal at www.Paypal.com, or by personal check
or M/O or gold doubloons. I ship the kit the same day I receive your check.
You trust me... I trust you.
Q.
Does The Scoop funnel air to the air box like the other scoop?
A. No.. I didn't want to monkey with the proven
German engineering by adding air intake volume. My Scoop functions independently.
It funnels a passive air flow to the left side radiator.
Q.
From the outside... once installed, does it "look" factory?
A. Absolutely. I made sure everything
was perfect before I put this into production. Actually, I had them re-do
it 3 times to get it right. The hardest part was getting the correct depth
and "horizontal plain" angle of the scoop screen (which I did) ... and
..actually finding a similar screen (see
photo) to use in my scoop. The screen I use is within 5% of the factory
screen gauge. Unnoticeable, by my admittedly anal standards. NOTE: The
screen angles on RS's have been found to be different on many bikes. Dem
Germans... The screen material that I hand cut/install is as close to
the norm as I can get. Once in... you won't notice a difference unless
you are looking for one.
Q.
Does your scoop match any color bike? Dakar, Pacific Blue, Graphite, Red?
A. If you'll notice... the factory scoop is
NOT a part of the fairing. It's a part of the air intake system. On every
year/color RS... the scoop is the same... Black.
Q.
What about the obvious fairing modification? Cutting out the dummy scoop.
How difficult is it? Should I be afraid?
A. A few may be squeamish about this aspect
of it. And rightly so. Some people have no business with power tools near
a $17,000 motorcycle. My detailed instructions explain step by step how
to go about it or visit the link to Scot Marburgers' excellent "How-To"
site on the Scoop page. A CORDED Dremel Tool is necessary to do the mod.
I can think of no other way to get the desired results. FYI..I had never
used a Dremel Tool before... and I made a perfect cut in only 15 minutes.
All cutting is done on the INSIDE of the fairing.
Q.
How much body work has to come off to do the install?
A. Unfortunately, the front fairing
can't come off without removing both side panels and the inside front
fairing panels first.
Q.
What does your instructions cover? Everything?
A. I will refer my customers to either
the shop manual or the most excellent web site of Scott (K12) Marburger
(see link on Scoop page) for the bodywork removal. His instructions are
easy to follow, well written. Simply the best I've seen. My instructions
deal exclusively with the fairing modification and the actual Scoop install
only.
Q.
What if I screw up my fairing while making the modification?
A. I urge all to read my instructions in their
entirety BEFORE attempting this relatively simple mod. It's not as hard
as your inner demons tell you it is. If you screw it up.... you'll have
my deepest sympathy and a heartfelt... "awww man." Pirates' Lair is not
liable for any damage it's patrons inflict on their machines. Our instructions
are tested and re-tested before we release the final text. With that said...
good luck.
Q.
Can you do the fairing modification for me?
A. Absolutely. If you send me your fairing
with a PREPAID return shipping label.. I'll do the modification for \$30
and guarantee a 1 day turnaround. If you decide to ship it to me, I must
insist that you completely tape up every inch of the outside painted surface
so no accidental damage/scratches, dings, chew marks, etc... can be blamed
on me. Before shipment I'd pack that baby like the Crown Jewels and insure
it for replacement value.
Q.
I have installed aftermarket horns inside the front fairing. Will they
be in the way of your ducting?
A. Possibly. Check the ducting
picture (see link) on the Scoop page or I can furnish a picture of the
duct route (via e-mail) upon request. FYI... my ducting runs BEHIND the
factory horn (parallel to the oil cooler hose) and then under that plastic
flap directly in front of the radiator. You should check BEFORE ordering.
Q.
I have the MotorCycle Cruise Control (from Australia) installed on my
RS. The vacuum actuation unit of the cruise appears to be in the ducting
area of the scoop. Will I have a problem?
A. No. The 1.5" diameter flexible hose that
I furnish will squeeze by it without hurting the air flow. No prob.
Q.
If I run into problems.. Can I call you for advice?
A. Absolutely. Office: 314.647.1320
Mobile: 615-300-8012 CST Just don't call after 10pm CST. Geez.
Q.
OK.. I'm sold. If I want to pay by check or money order..where do I send
it?
A. You can send your $120.US for the Scoop Kit
to:
Jerry (the Pirate) Finley
7757 Rannells Ave
St. Louis, Mo. 36143
Make sure you put a note inside with your EXACT mailing address and e-mail
address if possible.
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