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Chrome plate under tank

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OldBoyNetwork

OldBoyNetwork

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Joined
May 16, 2026
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51
Location
Manchester UK
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Bike
BMW R18
can someone tell me how i remove the chrome plate under the tank (standard edition) before I start removing everything id like to know if there's a specific/ easy way. I need to paint it black!
thanks
 
For something like this I would take it to someone that can reverse electroplate it. This is the best way to remove the plating and get back to a clean metal surface that paint can adhere to. Some people recommend using glass bead blasting - it can have mixed results. Using muriatic acid can be dangerous to use and can easily damage the base materials if you are not very careful - it must be thoroughly neutralized after using it. Some manufacturers use brass to braze fittings onto the tanks and the acid can be an issue for this.
 
If you mean the one above the throttle body (under the tank) it is a dummy plate ... doesn't do a darn thing ... and I did paint mine black LOL
This thing?
This is a pic from before I painted it .. pain in the @ss to get out ...

IMG_20230728_145325661_HDR.jpg
 
Believe it or not, the chrome piece is an optional accessory and there is documentation on how to install it.

Go to the BMW Motorrad site:

Service/Manuals/Installation Instructions and download the instructions for your model bike. The accessories installation documents are actually pretty detailed and complete with torque specifications.


https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/service/manuals/install-manual.html
 
Thanks, gents, and very interesting BD, even if it was off topic! Starlord, as always, you are an encyclopaedic wealth of knowledge, and i think i have more communication with you than my wife! i did look in my manual for removal info but it wasn't there, didnt come up on a google search either and didnt realise there was comprehensive information on the BM site.
 
OldBoyNetwork said:
Thanks, gents, and very interesting BD, even if it was off topic! Starlord, as always, you are an encyclopaedic wealth of knowledge, and i think i have more communication with you than my wife! i did look in my manual for removal info but it wasn't there, didnt come up on a google search either and didnt realise there was comprehensive information on the BM site.
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We all communicate more with SL than our wives 🤣🤣🤣
 
OldBoyNetwork said:
i actually cant find this on the list of installation instructions? its for the bagger (i have standard) but will be the same i assume but cant find it on the Bagger options either?
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I also tried to find the original document from the BMW site, with no luck; I went ahead and updated my previous post with two additional pages, showing the required steps in order to access the Airbox Cover.

I hope this helps..
 
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LBV said:
Hold on!! Anyone else seeing performance possibilities here for a vent plate similar to the side ones?
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Haha.... thought someone would be on it..... could be a risk though when I'm cruising the beaches in my mankini..... photo is not me.... mines leopard skin...

images-24.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Ulrich said:
By the way ... here is a pic painted ...

View attachment 22049
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That’s the look. I was advised by a friend to use Car-Rep 2k epoxy, he said it’s mega in satin. I believe you can just use on its own once you properly prep the chrome but I’m using the 2k epoxy primer as well. All the small chrome bits will get the treatment, although I have some RSD for some of it.
 
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