Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Curt on March 22, 2014, 11:41:12 AM
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I am getting old. This winter was brutal for me. I ride 30 miles to work and this year my hands froze. I am stubborn and cheap so have not put heated grips on or paid the money for heated gloves. Finally decided I had to do something so I bought these http://www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-Concours-GUARDS-Powder-Coated/dp/B00IPRINGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395509782&sr=8-1&keywords=concours+1400+hand+guards (http://www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-Concours-GUARDS-Powder-Coated/dp/B00IPRINGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395509782&sr=8-1&keywords=concours+1400+hand+guards)
Well made, easy to install and were delivered within three days of ordering.
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Yet another option. Thanks, Curt.
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Yes! I emailed with Mike a few times last week that makes those.
They're in Mo.
I asked if he had any to fit the 2010-2014's yet, since those mirrors are 40 mm lower...
He didn't, and was needing to find one for the measurements.
He has since been allowed to take measurements from a new one at a nearby dealer, and says it won't be long until he has some ready.
Said he'd let me know.
Looks like my next farkle.
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Nice find. I broke down and just ordered a set - probably the first set of wind deflectors that look good (IMHO of course)
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For some strange reason he has them listed on Amazon as two different listings- one for 2008 and one for 2009, and both say 2008-2009.
In any case, those are the most compelling hard guards I have seen yet. Especially when he releases the 2nd gen (2010-2014)
1) They appear they would interfere far less with windscreens of different designs
2) They appear to be very solid
3) They don't require drilling into your nice bike in any way
4) They appear to not interfere with folding the mirrors
Not cheap, but hey- they are custom and low-volume :) The only major improvement I can think of would be some quick release system for them to be removed- but it certainly doesn't look like it would be all that hard. Or perhaps adjustability, but I can't see where that is needed in this case.
For reasons I can't explain, I don't seem to have any problems with my hands being cold on the 2nd gen + stock windscreen + bar risers. I guess my winter gloves + the grip heaters are enough. I can't say that about my neck and sides and face and such, though :)
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Can you still fold the mirrors?
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Can you still fold the mirrors?
That is a very good question, and something I should have added to my analysis above (and now will). I can't answer it, since I don't own them and it is not addressed on the product description.... hopefully Curt will reply with that information. They certainly LOOK TO ME like they do not interfere with folding, though.
Why would this be important? I, for example, store my Concours in a Cycle Shell... and it will not close unless the mirrors are folded in. http://www.cycleshell.com/ (http://www.cycleshell.com/)
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I ordered this today as well. I asked that question on the Amazon listing and didn't get a response. I'll reply back to this thread when I get these put on (this weekend or next week sometime).
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...Why would this be important? I, for example, store my Concours in a Cycle Shell... and it will not close unless the mirrors are folded in..... http://www.cycleshell.com/ (http://www.cycleshell.com/)
Basically, for me, it's peace of mind in case I bump the mirror, or someone else does when the bike is parked. If these guards cause stress to the hinge/damage the plastic, it'd be a pretty poor design.
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I did this for my 2011: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10501.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10501.0)
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www.ssdperformance.blogspot.com (http://www.ssdperformance.blogspot.com)
He can be reached there.
I've been chatting with him through ebay.
Didn't think to ask him about mirror folding ability...
He told me he hates plastics, acrylics, and there is NO drilling required.
He also rides an '08 C14, too.
Cool, guy. Took time to chat back and forth with me.
I'm definitely gonna buy a set for my '11 when he gets them ready.
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For some strange reason he has them listed on Amazon as two different listings- one for 2008 and one for 2009, and both say 2008-2009.
That's just to catch more searches.
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www.ssdperformance.blogspot.com (http://www.ssdperformance.blogspot.com)
He can be reached there.
I've been chatting with him through ebay.
Didn't think to ask him about mirror folding ability...
He told me he hates plastics, acrylics, and there is NO drilling required.
He also rides an '08 C14, too.
Cool, guy. Took time to chat back and forth with me.
I'm definitely gonna buy a set for my '11 when he gets them ready.
These are very much like the Motax air defectors that we had a group buy on a while back. The only differences are the shape of the deflectors and the material that the deflectors are made from. The deflector part is made from smoked plexy on mine.
[smg id=414]
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Mike says the mirrors will fold fine with them.
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These are very much like the Motax air defectors that we had a group buy on a while back. The only differences are the shape of the deflectors and the material that the deflectors are made from. The deflector part is made from smoked plexy on mine.
[smg id=414]
still super glad i purchased these on that group buy. love them for the cold.
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Mine arrived today - pretty impressive turnaround / shipping time. They feel well made, although I won't be installing them until this weekend with pics to follow of course!
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Sorry guys, got distracted for a few days. Yes, your mirrors will still fold. I doubt if they would interfere with ANY after-market windshield. Unfortunately, due to a shoulder injury, I have been unable to ride much to further test them but original test was positive.
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I got mine installed today, but no riding yet. My initial impression is good. They are well made and installation was simple. They come with spacers so they don't rest directly on your fairing and they work fine with my v-stream screen and I was also able to fold the mirrors in. Hope to have a ride report tomorrow, but for now here are some pics:
Front view:
(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s458/manowarwi/FC2D98CB-7069-45C7-8C08-5CFD610749FE.jpg)
Rear view (sorry about the dark photo):
(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s458/manowarwi/38DCF4B4-5663-4306-B4BA-B2A8999517A2.jpg)
Mirror folded in view:
(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s458/manowarwi/0D6CD32B-B187-4AAE-8152-5D6BF9671014.jpg)
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Also installed mine. Took about 10 minutes total. Can fold the mirrors in, but they rub the bottom of the 'guard' just a bit. Can't fold the mirrors back much, however, due to the bracket.
That being said, they work very well at deflecting the wind, and are well made. Did a couple rides the last 2 days, and with temps starting in the 30's (F) both days, no issues at all with keeping the hands warm with just my winter gloves.
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Also installed mine. Took about 10 minutes total. Can fold the mirrors in, but they rub the bottom of the 'guard' just a bit. Can't fold the mirrors back much, however, due to the bracket.
That being said, they work very well at deflecting the wind, and are well made. Did a couple rides the last 2 days, and with temps starting in the 30's (F) both days, no issues at all with keeping the hands warm with just my winter gloves.
I don't know about this brand of deflectors but with the Motax deflectors you can loosen the two screws that hold the bracket to the bike and 'adjust' the position so that nothing touches or rubs.
Looks like some black fasteners might be in order for those things.
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I don't know about this brand of deflectors but with the Motax deflectors you can loosen the two screws that hold the bracket to the bike and 'adjust' the position so that nothing touches or rubs.
Looks like some black fasteners might be in order for those things.
The only place mine rubbed was a small bit on the inside right where the mirror meets the bike. Not enough to scratch the black and not enough to impede the full motion of the break-away for the mirror so I'm leaving it. I also considered black fasteners and still might or I have some matte black touch up paint from an old bike I may try painting the bolts with.
I took the bike on a 20 mile ride today in about 40 degree weather and they worked great. No more wind on my hands so they never felt cold with my basic gloves. Definitely worth the purchase.
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The 2010+ version is out now on the ssd site