Q & A... the Scoop Kit

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.