WM Aluminum Cowl

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Just tracked my package and it shows as having arrived in Los Angeles yesterday. It looks like Christmas will come early for me! I expect that I'll see my cowl by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. But then, straight off to be painted. I'm going to hold off on posting photos until it's been painted and mounted to the bike.

[Sam1100_imp]

I love the aluminum cowl on the bike. This was my very first mod. It does reduce the wind blast away from the chest towards the shoulders for me when I am sitting upright. I am 5'9".

[metallyguitarded_imp]

My cowl arrived on Tuesday of this week. I wasn't home at the time so it was left at my local post office. I couldn't pick it up until today. The great reveal ...

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The box was in good shape. No damage. Once I opened it up, I found an envelope containing my invoice and a nice touch.
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The cowl and screen were protected very well with Japanese newspaper and bubble wrap. It was interesting looking through the pages.
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Apparently, a sports page with photos of badminton, table tennis and skiing. Don't ask me what they say!

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Our very own Jack Bauer had a full-page spread. I wonder how popular that show is in Japan.

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As you can see, the screen was well protected and arrived in perfect condition. It arrived with a very thin protective coating that simply peels away.

Even the brackets came well protected.
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Then, of course, there's the cowl itself!
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And just because it's fun to do...
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I then made a trip to the guy who powder coated my wheels (on the VFR800) and asked him to coat the cowl black! I'm going with a flat black with a clear coat on top. The clear coat will protect it some from damage it may take on the road and will give the flat black the shine I'm looking for. These guys (Bradford Powder Coating in Chula Vista) did an amazing job on my wheels so I'm confident they'll do a great job with the cowl. And...it'll be ready tomorrow! By this weekend, I'll have it mounted and tested and will repot back with more photos!

[metallyguitarded_imp]

When it comes to women, I'm a big fan of leaving something to the imagination. When it comes to instructions, however, leaving something to the imagination is not very attractive. In fact, it's down right ugly! Maybe if I could read Japanese things would have gone smoother. Still, after a few starts and stops, contemplation, restarts and restops, I finally got the aluminum cowl on the way I believe it's supposed to go. I'll take a test ride later today and report back.

Here she is!

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If anyone else attempts to install the aluminum cowl and you find yourself scratching your head as to what goes where and how, shoot me out a message and I'll be happy to share what I did. I'm sure you'll figure out like I did but if it makes it easier, why not?

[emptysea]

Looks great! I bet the cowl will make the black bike almost as fast as the red ones. RLETs would probably make make it a dead heat.

It does look really cool.

[Elipten_imp]

Very nice!


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[metallyguitarded_imp]

Thanks gentlemen! RLETs, you say? I should probably wait to add those after I have the speed limiter removed.

Next up, I have a Kijima grab bar already ordered from Samurider. I hope to have it installed within the next couple of weeks. I want to get either engine guards or sliders (leaning towards the sliders ... no pun intended). And, of course, the ECU reflash and full Yoshi exhaust. A Superbrace and upgraded suspension is also on the list. Then I'll have to think long and hard about what I want to do, if anything, with those chrome fenders and turn signals!

Edit: Test ride delayed until tomorrow. My wife dragged me Christmas shopping. Ugh. All this joy and happiness and holiday cheer is killing me.

[emptysea]

If you want a faster bike, add the RLETS and paint it red. I think you'll find that cheaper than eliminating the speed limiter.

[Cormanus]

Don't even bother with the red paint. The addition of RLETs to a black bike makes all the difference.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Took the CB for a test ride today for the first time with the cowl. I must say ... I didn't notice any real difference. Fortunately, it wasn't worse than without it. No buffeting and no noticeable increase in wind noise. But, no noticeable improvement either. The wind blast seemed just as forceful as before. Maybe a longer ride will provide a better feel for any differences. Luckily, for me, I bought the cowl strictly for aesthetics. And to that end, I'm very pleased. It is precisely the look I was going for.

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EDIT: I wonder if RLETs reduce wind resistance ...