It almost looks like it has etched the powder coat

 

Agreed. Yeah, I’m running out of options.

 

Could it be hard water (minerals) baked on to the primary? It's hard to tell from the pictures. If so maybe some water spot remover?

 

That’s really what it looks like to me. I’ve tried Chemical Guys heavy duty water spot gel. It doesn’t budge. I got a heavy duty clay bar kit coming in that I’m gonna try. I hope it helps, although based on everything I’ve tried thus far, I’m not holding my breath.

 

Damn, that tucks man. Hope you find a way to get it squared away.

 

Thanks man. Looks like $315 for a new cover at this point.

 

@phillyfan1 any thoughts?

 

Hard to say without knowing if its water spotting or a chemical did it.
When you tried compound, what compound and did you use a machine?
If it is water spots, this stuff works miracles on glass and paint.
If the primary is powder coated, try it in a hidden spot first. NOT SURE HOW THIS WILL WORK ON POWDER COAT. WEAR GLOVES, THIS STUFF IS POWERFUL

Labocosmetica ENERGO - Acid Rain and Mineral Remover 250ml

Safely eliminate acid rain spots and mineral deposits with Energo, restoring your vehicle's finish and shine.

thehouseofrags.com

 

I initially thought it was water spots, until I washed it and hit is with every detailer, water spot remover, cleaner I had. As for the compound, I used two different cuts of Megiuar’s - no rotary buffer - just on an applicator pad and microfiber thereafter. This stuff looks like it is chemically burned onto the clearcoat/paint. At this point I’m looking into replacing the entire cover. I’ll give the acid rain and mineral remover a shot. I appreciate the recommendation.

 

Did you do the recent oil change? OR did a shop do the oil change?

 

View attachment 504236
View attachment 504235
I got caught in a rain storm on my ride home. This was right after an oil change. I noticed the gunk looked brownish as if I had spilled coffee all over it. Now my primary cover looks like this after a wash. Horrible. I’ve tried S100, Simple Green degreaser, Engine Brightner, WD40, Meguiars rubbing compound, and nothing seems to cut it. Any ideas? Thanks!

Did you do the recent oil change? OR did a shop do the oil change?

The shop did the oil change.

 

If oil or a solvent "burned" into the powder coat, I can't guarantee the linked product will work.
Do the spots feel smooth or rough?
If you end up buying a new one, you can get the old one recoated and sell it to get some money back

 

Got ya. The spots feel smooth to the touch. I’ll give it a shot and see what happens. I don’t think it can get any worse.

 

I have a similar issue on my 23 CVO....some type of discoloration on the primary. Tried detail spray and a few other cleaners without success. Did a little work with some compound but it left light scratches. I'm going to follow up with some fine compound or polish.

 

If it's a rain stain the HD engine brightener might just work on the cover. It will remove the rain stains on the black area of the wheels.

 

Man that sucks. Maybe take it off and get it sitting on your shop table where you can work on it a little better. Also, rather than getting a new one, take it to a local body shop and find out what the charge to blast it and repaint it, or see if they can get the crap off?

 

If it’s just water etching, the product I linked will do the job I’m pretty sure. Its never not done the job for me anyway
If it’s oil or something else that made that mess, it could have etched it bad enough were there is no return from.

was/is the bike leaking oil? If not, then it must be something the tire kicked up??

 

Man it’s really hard to say. The oil filter sits front and center, so the splatter “could” be residual from when the filter was removed during the oil change, pooled up a bit in the nooks and crannies, and then spread while hauling a$$ in the rain storm to both the left and right sides…. I fear it baked onto the cover once I got home and the bike sat for a bit. Hot motor, some random chemical... Perfect recipe for my dilemma. That said, I pulled the trigger on the Energo. Worst it will do is nothing for the cover. I’m sure I’ll use it in the future on other areas. I surely appreciate the recommendation. I’m ready to try it out! I’ll post an update whenever I receive the product. Thanks again.

 

You might try "Novus #2 Fine Scratch remover". There is also a "Novus #3 Fine Heavy remover", asuming the finish is not damaged, and this is a layer of "whatever" that needs to be removed.

 

Any new pavement on the ride in the rain, that description sounds like road primer they use before new asphalt is laid down. I don’t think they use tar anymore.

 

As a last resort you might try compound or even wd40 and 0000 steel wool rubbing very lightly.