Plastic crankcase covers? Why?

[shadowdreamer]

Why has Honda transitioned to plastic crankcase covers?
I think the VT750C2 Spirit is such a nice design.
That is until you get to notice the plastic crankcase covers.
How cheap can a motorcycle company get?
Are there other shadow models that use these plastic crankcase covers.

[kacealraid]

It feels as if my VLX has a plastic crankcase cover, but honestly, that doesn't bug me any. Is there any particular reason we "need" it to be metal? I think it would be cool if there was an aftermarket company that made metal ones for people that choose to get them.

[morepower]

The main reason is probably that it costs less to manufacture. Also it weighs less. My Spirit has a lot of plastic but it hasn't caused any problems You can't tell the difference unless you check the part carefully.

[gmck]

I would prefer metal on crankase covers mostly because of heat transfer.

[shadowdreamer]

Originally Posted by kacealraid

Is there any particular reason we "need" it to be metal?

Probably not.
I know my shower and bath facets are chromed plastic and they've held up fine.
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But, you want an engine to be strong and tough with the ability to go many miles.
It's hard to visualize an engine lasting many years when it's made of plastic.
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My Volvo has gone 200K miles and the engine is still strong, but any of the plastic items have deteriorated, cracked and broken down.
The metal parts are still strong.

[Dauntae]

My opinion is it's a cost savings and weight savings, Not so much saving weight on the bike but more in shipping the bikes and parts here from Japan. One cover won't save a lot of weight but a ship load of them will. A lot of things are going this way now, Fenders to so many other items not even on the bikes. Just the way it goes I guess.

[gdb069]

Honda engineers won the battle between the design and engineering departments long ago and proved they were correct. Back in the British bike heyday the designers held more influence and the engineers were forced to build a bike that looked "right" and may have contibuted to the demise of the British MC industry.

Even my 1978 Goldwing has plastic gas tank covers that make it look right but the actual tank is a big ugly square tank. Plastic that is well constiucted and maintained, is easy to maintain, weighs less, does not pit and is inexpensive to replace and provides esthetic looks while allowing the engineer more freedom to design a more efficient component.

G.

[shadowdreamer]

Originally Posted by gdb069

Plastic that is well constiucted and maintained, is easy to maintain, weighs less, does not pit and is inexpensive to replace and provides esthetic looks while allowing the engineer more freedom to design a more efficient component.
G.

You make a good point.
I can understand plastic fenders, fairings, side covers, air filter covers, etc.
However, plastic crankcase covers just really bug me.
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What's next?
Plastic wheels?

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by shadowdreamer

...plastic crankcase covers just really bug me.

Sounds like a personal problem.

You want metal ones? It's not too hard. You got the plastic ones to make sand patterns. Cast some metal ones, machine and polish them then get them painted or chromed. All set. Make extras and sell them on eBay.

[kacealraid]

Originally Posted by adlowe

Sounds like a personal problem.

You want metal ones? It's not too hard. You got the plastic ones to make sand patterns. Cast some metal ones, machine and polish them then get them painted or chromed. All set. Make extras and sell them on eBay.

Might actually be a small following behind this. Might be worth the money haha.