Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Gabriel on January 04, 2019, 11:24:41 AM

Title: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 04, 2019, 11:24:41 AM
Adjustable Clip On Windshield Extension Spoiler Wind Deflector
This is a very worth while add-on, it's built well and inexpensive. I paid 55 bucks for mine on this very same auction, now it's 38 bucks so what a deal.
Works very good and is adjustable in all planes (or is that plains?)
This is a very good price for a bolt-on no-mod install that takes just a few minutes
It's also optically correct...

It's eBay and it is shipped from China, and shipped by speed-pak so it's pretty quick considering.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjustable-Clip-On-Windshield-Extension-Spoiler-Wind-Deflector-For-Motorcycle/223223831526?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=522019798417&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjustable-Clip-On-Windshield-Extension-Spoiler-Wind-Deflector-For-Motorcycle/223223831526?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=522019798417&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649)

(https://i.imgur.com/FDpuQ52.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lUW5IDk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1xKO0BJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: maxtog on January 04, 2019, 03:20:28 PM
Wow, that appears to be a direct rip-off/knock-off of MRA:

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=16222.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=16222.0)

They are going to be PISSED :)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 04, 2019, 04:55:29 PM
Wow, that appears to be a direct rip-off/knock-off of MRA:

It's pretty close however it does not have the ugly rim around the outside.
I had one on my 2009, I bought the MRA screen and visor, it looks very different....

(https://i.imgur.com/S6SEeRk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PJncogK.jpg)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: maxtog on January 05, 2019, 01:07:40 AM
It's pretty close however it does not have the ugly rim around the outside.

I noticed that- one of the few differences.

Quote
I had one on my 2009, I bought the MRA screen and visor, it looks very different....

Well, the one on your 2009 is a bolt-on, not clamp-on.  I spent a lot of time looking at the clamp-on mechanism and to say it is a direct copy (at least from the photos) is an understatement.  I have to wonder if they are violating any patents or if maybe they have run out at this point.

Anyway, if it is anywhere near as reliable as the MRA X-Screen, I would recommend people jump on it at that price.  The MRA really is very overpriced (and yet I would buy it again in a heartbeat at that price if I needed one and there was nothing similar.... it is just that useful).
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 05, 2019, 04:46:00 AM
That bolt on one came with the shield.
The Chinese don't care anything about patents and who knows maybe these same people make them for MRA?
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: gPink on January 05, 2019, 09:44:09 AM
That bolt on one came with the shield.
The Chinese don't care anything about patents and who knows maybe these same people make them for MRA?

That is exactly why I won't buy from thieves. "Psst...hey Buddy....wanna buy a watch?" The chicoms are thieves and worse. To each his own but I'll do without if I can't afford to buy from a legitimate business.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 05, 2019, 10:05:43 AM
That is exactly why I won't buy from thieves. "Psst...hey Buddy....wanna buy a watch?" The chicoms are thieves and worse. To each his own but I'll do without if I can't afford to buy from a legitimate business.

Good luck with that determination....
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: PH14 on January 05, 2019, 10:39:38 AM
Adjustable Clip On Windshield Extension Spoiler Wind Deflector

Works very good and is adjustable in all planes (or is that plains?)


That depends on if you are riding in the mountains, or in Kansas.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: gPink on January 05, 2019, 01:16:42 PM
Good luck with that determination....

Like I said....to each his own.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 05, 2019, 02:28:04 PM
Like I said....to each his own.

I was speaking toward being able to tell where it came from or who made it. Most things we buy nowadays are from elsewhere.

determination; "the process of establishing something exactly, typically by calculation or research"
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: just gone on January 06, 2019, 11:55:35 AM
... it does not have the ugly rim around the outside.
I had one on my 2009, I bought the MRA screen and visor, it looks very different....

Other than comparing a tinted MRA to a non tinted rip-off version I'm not clear on what you are referring to by an "ugly rim". I have a tinted MRA clamp on version
on my oem windshield an I'm not seeing an ugly rim but rather just a smooth rounded edge that is dark because of the tint. Even looking at your photos, all I see is the dark
edge that any tinted plastic would have....I'm really missing something here..(it's per usual for me :-[ )...but would you have them paint the edges white ?..or what exactly?  ???
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 06, 2019, 12:51:49 PM
Other than comparing a tinted MRA to a non tinted rip-off version I'm not clear on what you are referring to by an "ugly rim". I have a tinted MRA clamp on version
on my oem windshield an I'm not seeing an ugly rim but rather just a smooth rounded edge that is dark because of the tint. Even looking at your photos, all I see is the dark
edge that any tinted plastic would have....I'm really missing something here..(it's per usual for me :-[ )...but would you have them paint the edges white ?..or what exactly?  ???

Yeah, you missed it somehow?
This is a blow up of one of the pictures from the link in the second post. Looks like a rim to me???

(https://i.imgur.com/HhNG9Ao.jpg)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: maxtog on January 06, 2019, 04:21:58 PM
Other than comparing a tinted MRA to a non tinted rip-off version I'm not clear on what you are referring to by an "ugly rim".

My clamp-on MRA X-Screen has a raised lip/bulge around the entire outer rim.  It is a bit odd, but doesn't bother me.  My assumption is that it is there for additional strength.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on January 06, 2019, 06:05:20 PM
having installed and used the Laminar Lip product, since I bought my C14 in '07, which I bought used from someone, IIRC it cost me $30... I would say I have no issue with buying the China version like you got, for a low price, on EBay...

I think MRA could sell the product for half what they priced it at, and still reap a 200% profit margin, I'm tired of vendors making prices like they do, thinking they are "selling gold"... screw them.

at $200+ for a clear, they can munch my undies....
https://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-variotouring-screen-windshield-for-kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-08 (https://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-variotouring-screen-windshield-for-kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-08)


it's a free enterprise system, and capitalism has it's rewards...

semper fi.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: gPink on January 06, 2019, 06:16:25 PM
So it's ok to download a pdf of the overpriced FSM.  8)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 06, 2019, 06:50:06 PM
So it's ok to download a pdf of the overpriced FSM.  8)
Well that would be stealing right? I did not steal my visor. as a matter of fact i paid 20 bucks more than the price now
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 06, 2019, 06:53:38 PM
having installed and used the Laminar Lip product, since I bought my C14 in '07, which I bought used from someone, IIRC it cost me $30... I would say I have no issue with buying the China version like you got, for a low price, on EBay...

I think MRA could sell the product for half what they priced it at, and still reap a 200% profit margin, I'm tired of vendors making prices like they do, thinking they are "selling gold"... screw them.

at $200+ for a clear, they can munch my undies....
https://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-variotouring-screen-windshield-for-kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-08 (https://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-variotouring-screen-windshield-for-kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-08)

 I think that price is for the whole shield and visor, however that shield is too small and you still get a lot of buffeting. Their bolt on visor is still over 100 bucks...

it's a free enterprise system, and capitalism has it's rewards...

semper fi.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: gPink on January 06, 2019, 06:56:56 PM
 That response was for Rich's benefit. But you paid for a ripped off copy? Is that so different?
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on January 06, 2019, 07:03:37 PM
So it's ok to download a pdf of the overpriced FSM.  8)

sure... just don't post a link to it on a COG owned website...

I have no issue with either...

Hell, I smoked pot when I was a kid... never lied about it... like former presidents did...
helll, I INHALED the stuff...
ran with scissors, drank and drove (bad choice, never ever do that, I never will again), cursed in church, jay walked, carried firearms concealed, before it was "ok" to do so... helll, I ripped those tags off every mattress I've ever slept on...


poke a stick in someones eye...pour gasoline on the ground, and light it.... it feels good once and a while...  :hitfan: :1DeadBanana :1DeadBanana :stirpot: :stirpot: :hitfan: :hitfan: :deadhorse: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 06, 2019, 07:07:43 PM
That response was for Rich's benefit. But you paid for a ripped off copy? Is that so different?
I had/have no idea it was a rip off, but I have to say that with that bead that runs all around I would rather have the one I bought.
How do you know that this "rip off" company was not there first???
I'll say to you what i have already said here, good luck on figuring out who what where when and how a product comes to market.
I just buy what I want where i want and I will always try to by American. MRA is an over priced German product in my opinion and I have bought a lot of MRA products. One is posted right in this thread
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on January 06, 2019, 07:19:37 PM
but I never messed with An adrenal gland, .....\

https://youtu.be/TaHbuaED5Tw (https://youtu.be/TaHbuaED5Tw)
http://youtu.be/TaHbuaED5Tw (http://youtu.be/TaHbuaED5Tw)

 ??? :'( :'( ;D 8)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on January 06, 2019, 07:30:08 PM
I had/have no idea it was a rip off, but I have to say that with that bead that runs all around I would rather have the one I bought.
How do you know that this "rip off" company was not there first???
I'll say to you what i have already said here, good luck on figuring out who what where when and how a product comes to market.
I just buy what I want where i want and I will always try to by American. MRA is an over priced German product in my opinion and I have bought a lot of MRA products. One is posted right in this thread

actually, that "bead" is beneficial in 2 respects, and I like it from the perspectives;
it stiffens the product, and provides a stronger split free edge, while also forcing any water up against it till the "droplet" can be formed, and then flows away up and over the lip, in a controlled manner... nice touch. My Laminar Lip add on, does not have that, and as a result, torrential rain, simply waashes up and over into my face, and face shield... continuously...  I slipped a piece of clear sheet metal "edge guard material" from a bin at work, over the top edge to make that happen... worked well...
as for Gary, goading me on about FSM theft and such, I just consider the source, and know he's just jerking my chain... it's all good.

peace out, and ride safe you crazy kids.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: olie on January 06, 2019, 09:21:41 PM
the Chinese Ebay visor seems to be this upper visor shown with the windshield ... check the price !!!

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-x-creen-tour-windshield-for-kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-08-14 (https://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-x-creen-tour-windshield-for-kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-08-14)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 06, 2019, 09:23:35 PM
the Chinese Ebay visor seems to be this upper visor shown with the windshield ... check the price !!!

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-x-creen-tour-windshield-for-kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-08-14 (https://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-x-creen-tour-windshield-for-kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-08-14)

It's not, look at the third post it matches the one you have linked here. It was on my 09 c14
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 07, 2019, 04:42:41 AM
You know, I'm thinking out loud here..  It might be better to discuss the merits or deficiencies of knockoffs or copyright violations in a new post in the Open area rather than cluttering up this post with that debate.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 07, 2019, 04:51:06 AM
You know, I'm thinking out loud here..  It might be better to discuss the merits or deficiencies of knockoffs or copyright violations in a new post in the Open area rather than cluttering up this post with that debate.

I get it, sometimes I wonder why I even bother to post. I thought I would share what I found but like most forums I usually just get trolled to death over something completely unrelated...I just don't get it.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 07, 2019, 04:53:02 AM
Yeah, it's the same everywhere and in every forum I'm in.  You must endeavour to endure.  ;) :)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: just gone on January 07, 2019, 08:30:02 AM
Yeah, you missed it somehow?
This is a blow up of one of the pictures from the link in the second post. Looks like a rim to me???

(https://i.imgur.com/HhNG9Ao.jpg)

Yes it does, I went out and "looked" at mine again this time using the braille method of looking and and this time I "saw" the rim. Mine is on the inside and it wasn't visible with a quick glance from the front or side at least not on the tinted version. I'm not sure it's all that ugly, but then I hardly ever wash my bike so I'm probably not one to listen to when it comes to windshield aesthetics.
Thanks for the clarification Gabriel.  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: philipintexas on January 07, 2019, 05:03:10 PM
Gabriel: Thanks for the informative post, I need something exactly like that for my Yamaha Scooter. Don’t want to pay an arm & leg, so this might be just right.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on January 07, 2019, 05:05:43 PM
Gabriel: Thanks for the informative post, I need something exactly like that for my Yamaha Scooter. Don’t want to pay an arm & leg, so this might be just right.
It's really cheap right now, I may buy a spare?
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: connie_rider on January 08, 2019, 09:09:06 AM
Thanks for the info Gabriel.
This appears to be the clamp on version of the MRA X-creen.
You did good on the price.

For my C-14; I have a MRA Vario Shield and love it.
For my C-10: I bought just the {bolt on} hinges for a MRA Vario windshield and built the deflector.
                        I paid more for the hinges than you paid for the entire deflector...

Ride safe, Ted

Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: philipintexas on February 01, 2019, 12:41:25 PM
GABRIEL:

Thanks for the heads-up on this product. I have a Yamaha Majesty scooter with a Givi after-market windscreen that routed all the wind right in my face. I couldn’t ride with my face shield up, and with it down the wind noise was tremendous. Even though the seller said it wasn’t designed for my scoot I decided to try it anyway. Received it two weeks after ordering. It's is a little on the flimsy side, but is made of ABS and was easy to attach.
It really did the trick!! Only needed a couple inches more height and it really quieted the ride. I’d have never found it without your post.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on February 01, 2019, 12:58:54 PM
Good, glad it worked out for you guys that bought one.
I did not notice it being flimsy, but it sure works good for me.
Before I installed it if I tried to ride with my helmet shield up it would blow closed at about 50 mph, this was while i had the windscreen at a height where i was just looking over the top of it. Now looking just over the top of this visor it no longer does that.
For me these visors are an absolute must...  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: maxtog on February 01, 2019, 03:13:43 PM
I think they are the bee's knees (at least the MRA, this is likely to be the same).  I don't think they are flimsy, although at first I thought the strange joints would fail....  Nope.  4 years and many thousands of miles later, it still works perfectly.  What it DOES do, however, is make the entire windscreen heavier and a more wobbly (it is a considerable amount of weight and force, and way up high as a lever).  So far that hasn't caused any issues, but I do wonder if it puts more stress on the windscreen attachments.

It is just that extra bit of adjustment and placement that seems to really enhance the whole experience.  It works much better than raising the existing stock windscreen to the same height, probably because it is offset and can have a different angle.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: B.D.F. on February 01, 2019, 03:50:38 PM
No need to wonder Max, it absolutely does put more strain on the windshield mechanism and mounting.  ;D  I have been running a CalSci 6+ with an MRA visor (for around 10" higher than first Gen. C-14 stock windshield height) since '07. It has survived all this time and miles but I do put my hand on the windshield and help 'steady it' (brace it actually) when I pass a large truck on the highway; the blast from the side when passing both ends of a large truck is enough to rattle my teeth and plays hell with the taller windshield. Other than that, it has been fine at all speeds and under all conditions, at least for me.

Brian

I think they are the bee's knees (at least the MRA, this is likely to be the same).  I don't think they are flimsy, although at first I thought the strange joints would fail....  Nope.  4 years and many thousands of miles later, it still works perfectly.  What it DOES do, however, is make the entire windscreen heavier and a more wobbly (it is a considerable amount of weight and force, and way up high as a lever).  So far that hasn't caused any issues, but I do wonder if it puts more stress on the windscreen attachments.

It is just that extra bit of adjustment and placement that seems to really enhance the whole experience.  It works much better than raising the existing stock windscreen to the same height, probably because it is offset and can have a different angle.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: maxtog on February 01, 2019, 08:37:04 PM
It has survived all this time and miles but I do put my hand on the windshield and help 'steady it' (brace it actually) when I pass a large truck on the highway

I admit to doing the same.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Freddy on February 01, 2019, 09:39:05 PM
That can't be the safest way to pass a truck (hand holding top of screen). Why don't you reinforce the sliding yoke at the base of the screen?
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on February 01, 2019, 10:33:07 PM
I never hold mine, it moves some but I don't care. In my case it doesn't hurt anything.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: maxtog on February 02, 2019, 05:59:10 AM
I never hold mine, it moves some but I don't care. In my case it doesn't hurt anything.

The issue isn't that you can tell now that it hurts something, but that over time the accumulated stress could cause cracks/fractures/distortions/wear/weaknesses that will eventually cause a slow or catastrophic failure in the bracket(s).  Although far from common, we have seen such failures posted.  Yet we have no direct evidence as to the exact cause (could be a flaw in the part, or accumulated stress, or something the owner did), it is reasonable to speculate that it is more likely with lifetime stress/vibration, and/or with heavier/larger screens, and/or with higher (raised) operation.  Like most things on modern vehicles, it was designed with certain operational parameters in mind and might not have a lot of leeway for adding additional stresses.

Failure is expensive because the part(s) is/are expensive.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=18687.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=18687.0)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22901 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22901)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20193.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20193.0)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22134 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22134)
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on February 02, 2019, 08:38:08 AM
The issue isn't that you can tell now that it hurts something, but that over time the accumulated stress could cause cracks/fractures/distortions/wear/weaknesses that will eventually cause a slow or catastrophic failure in the bracket(s).  Although far from common, we have seen such failures posted.  Yet we have no direct evidence as to the exact cause (could be a flaw in the part, or accumulated stress, or something the owner did), it is reasonable to speculate that it is more likely with lifetime stress/vibration, and/or with heavier/larger screens, and/or with higher (raised) operation.  Like most things on modern vehicles, it was designed with certain operational parameters in mind and might not have a lot of leeway for adding additional stresses.

Failure is expensive because the part(s) is/are expensive.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=18687.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=18687.0)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22901 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22901)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20193.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20193.0)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22134 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22134)

Could, would, might, maybe. If you don't mind I'm not going to worry about it, why, because i'm on my third (3) C14 with this visor and have not experienced a issue yet. However I don't ride at really high speeds
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: philipintexas on February 05, 2019, 12:47:40 PM
I’ve had more time behind my deflector and like it even more. It wasn’t the best choice of words to call it flimsy, I would have made the plastic “hardware” a little thicker but it’s probably not needed. My Givi tall screen is as flexible as newspaper so it is more of the “flimsy” description I used. Made some adjustments and it appears to do exactly what I needed.
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on February 05, 2019, 02:38:02 PM
There are so many different positions I think it will take a while to discover which position is best...
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: B.D.F. on February 05, 2019, 03:35:00 PM
No post has needed an 'Easy Boys!' more than this one...... :-)

Brian

There are so many different positions I think it will take a while to discover which position is best...
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on February 05, 2019, 04:00:27 PM
No post has needed an 'Easy Boys!' more than this one...... :-)

Brian
It never crossed my mind! Seek help soon... ;D
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: maxtog on February 05, 2019, 04:51:05 PM
There are so many different positions I think it will take a while to discover which position is best...

Brian's kidding aside....

Yep, there are lots and lots of ways you can position the deflector with regards to tilt, height, and projection.  Interestingly, after experimenting for years, it seems like I only need a few positions that generally work perfectly for the majority of riding conditions.  I actually typically keep mine rather low and just adjust the tilt- top forward for less air and backward tilt for less.

About the only time I ever raise the height of the deflector is when I am using it with my cut-down main windscreen and there is a sudden/unexpected cold snap and raising the screen high doesn't help enough (and/or lets too much air under the main screen).
Title: Re: Windshield deflector
Post by: Gabriel on February 06, 2019, 03:51:49 PM
The issue isn't that you can tell now that it hurts something, but that over time the accumulated stress could cause cracks/fractures/distortions/wear/weaknesses that will eventually cause a slow or catastrophic failure in the bracket(s).  Although far from common, we have seen such failures posted.  Yet we have no direct evidence as to the exact cause (could be a flaw in the part, or accumulated stress, or something the owner did), it is reasonable to speculate that it is more likely with lifetime stress/vibration, and/or with heavier/larger screens, and/or with higher (raised) operation.  Like most things on modern vehicles, it was designed with certain operational parameters in mind and might not have a lot of leeway for adding additional stresses.

Failure is expensive because the part(s) is/are expensive.

I did some research into this and it looks like the part that brakes is the cast lower mounting bracket.
I'm going to make an attempt to reinforce that part with carbon fiber. A lay up of carbon Kevlar and epoxy, I'll post it up when it's done. i'm waiting for the material plus I need to look at the part and see whats feasible... more to come...