Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
WM Aluminum Cowl
Author Message
metallyguitarded_imp Offline
Road Warrior


Posts: 1,369
Threads: 62
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
RE: WM Aluminum Cowl
#21

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.


12-14-2014, 10:53 AM
Find Reply
Sam1100_imp Offline
First Service Completed


Posts: 29
Threads: 3
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Sep 2013
WM Aluminum Cowl
#22

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".


12-15-2014, 01:00 PM
Find Reply
metallyguitarded_imp Offline
Road Warrior


Posts: 1,369
Threads: 62
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
RE: WM Aluminum Cowl
#23

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 ...

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1298.jpg.html][Image: aa21c19fe200aa13eee10c562bbbbf30.jpg]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1299.jpg.html][Image: 1c20a4981384a7157621033190566b17.jpg]

The box was in good shape. No damage. Once I opened it up, I found an envelope containing my invoice and a nice touch.
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1301.jpg.html][Image: 758655235539bfba0ad4a0ef9994491f.jpg]

The cowl and screen were protected very well with Japanese newspaper and bubble wrap. It was interesting looking through the pages.
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1305.jpg.html][Image: 53693a939fd1454f5b09cb052c47cedf.jpg]
Apparently, a sports page with photos of badminton, table tennis and skiing. Don't ask me what they say!

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1304.jpg.html][Image: 70545e3b37fe378965074e92d1fc9c2b.jpg]
Our very own Jack Bauer had a full-page spread. I wonder how popular that show is in Japan.

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1306.jpg.html][Image: b54d5fac1b795853385d6824961ae533.jpg]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1308.jpg.html][Image: 3bd2c739f79ef889256adb092e2864a2.jpg]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1322.jpg.html][Image: 719449d15648e6cb3e9d47e6bc1824bf.jpg]
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.
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1309.jpg.html][Image: e0c1a43d32aa4e4f87a5045b7293b277.jpg]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1311.jpg.html][Image: 7d1491416f4ae2fe6a3b1c1d17f42401.jpg]
Then, of course, there's the cowl itself!
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1312.jpg.html][Image: f4ef61a6b92092dfdc077460e18e627f.jpg]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1313.jpg.html][Image: 20ffe8441537922c758e883a516c32d0.jpg]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1314.jpg.html][Image: 24bb14ad7e7c49033e4bfb8159355a97.jpg]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1315.jpg.html][Image: 32e8978a44b1eb87f2f61c8f209df311.jpg]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/IMAG1316.jpg.html][Image: c3e9a4c2aa964d0a22bd50fe7517b044.jpg]

And just because it's fun to do...
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/GIF%20Maker/1418940857851.gif.html][Image: be9056b3643efe79553eed9d5c416ddd.gif]

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!


12-18-2014, 08:17 AM
Find Reply
metallyguitarded_imp Offline
Road Warrior


Posts: 1,369
Threads: 62
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
RE: WM Aluminum Cowl
#24

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!

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1329.jpg.html][Image: 43ecdda767ef411ebfaf87d9e0c92451.jpg]

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1334.jpg.html][Image: ef4370531729352e291f8b151df33072.jpg]

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1330.jpg.html][Image: 4b9a1dfc63f1d502ae9889692d4687f7.jpg]

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1331.jpg.html][Image: ea6ea38e43208f0f2e93c16c7a84b081.jpg]

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1332.jpg.html][Image: 55d6e85cbd4a1d003999027f5009ab05.jpg]

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?


12-20-2014, 07:09 AM
Find Reply
emptysea Offline
Road Warrior

Chicagoland USA
Posts: 5,024
Threads: 136
Likes Received: 135 in 57 posts
Likes Given: 65
Joined: May 2013
RE: WM Aluminum Cowl
#25

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. Wink

It does look really cool. Smile


12-20-2014, 07:41 AM
Find Reply
Elipten_imp Offline
Road Warrior


Posts: 1,746
Threads: 13
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Oct 2013
WM Aluminum Cowl
#26

Very nice!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


12-20-2014, 07:44 AM
Find Reply
metallyguitarded_imp Offline
Road Warrior


Posts: 1,369
Threads: 62
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
RE: WM Aluminum Cowl
#27

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.


12-20-2014, 10:59 AM
Find Reply
emptysea Offline
Road Warrior

Chicagoland USA
Posts: 5,024
Threads: 136
Likes Received: 135 in 57 posts
Likes Given: 65
Joined: May 2013
RE: WM Aluminum Cowl
#28

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.


12-20-2014, 03:46 PM
Find Reply
Cormanus Offline
Super Moderator

Queensland, Australia
Posts: 16,119
Threads: 342
Likes Received: 666 in 365 posts
Likes Given: 775
Joined: Apr 2025
WM Aluminum Cowl
#29

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


12-20-2014, 10:00 PM
Find Reply
metallyguitarded_imp Offline
Road Warrior


Posts: 1,369
Threads: 62
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
RE: WM Aluminum Cowl
#30

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.

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1340.jpg.html][Image: e8689db348c37580c2814bc1d089d5d1.jpg]

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


12-21-2014, 10:21 AM
Find Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  MIZ front fender and tail cowl on Samurider CB4ME_imp 16 1,173 06-27-2022, 12:52 PM
Last Post: CB1100CB_imp
  Seat cowl treedoc_imp 33 1,352 06-24-2021, 01:07 AM
Last Post: Lord Popgun
  MOTHERS/MAG AND ALUMINUM POLISH. wildezt_imp 35 1,423 05-26-2019, 11:27 PM
Last Post: CB1100-King_imp
  Need help sourcing racks for Aluminum Panniers Frulk_imp 15 763 03-06-2019, 08:22 AM
Last Post: GoldOxide_imp
  Aluminum Top Box for camping off bike Frulk_imp 11 609 08-29-2018, 07:26 AM
Last Post: DBM_imp
  Aluminum Top Box by Happy Trails Frulk_imp 8 477 08-25-2018, 12:36 PM
Last Post: Cormanus
  CB1300 Aluminum three-point type of security rod, fitted 2014CB1100 Good protection jp4141432_imp 2 334 09-26-2016, 08:56 PM
Last Post: jp4141432_imp
  cafe style pass seat cowl britbikes42 8 457 09-01-2015, 03:49 AM
Last Post: WhiskeyUSMC1979_imp
  Aluminum Bikini Cowl and Seat Trunk bix_imp 48 1,946 06-11-2015, 12:13 PM
Last Post: Motogeezer1949_imp
  Aluminum sprocket cover ('13) fit? (Samurider) Papa Weeley_imp 16 767 04-13-2015, 08:56 AM
Last Post: Papa Weeley_imp

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)