(Rocky the Flying Squirrel): Hey Bullwinkle, will I have less heat on me if I take the fairing off my Concours?
(Bullwinkle aka Mr. Know-it-all): That's a good question Rocky.I've ridden my Concours without the lowers on for short periods while performing maintenance and I have to say that I felt cooler both when rolling and at a full stop. Note I said cooler and not cool. That lump between your knees radiates a lot of heat whether clothed or not though when stripped it's not concentrated on your legs. It depends on whether the trade-off is worth it to you. A little cooler on a clear day or a lot wetter on a rainy one. Personally with a pair or riding pants I never feel the engine heat with the full fairing in place. If the heat is what's driving you to can the plastic there are ways to make it more tolerable. They're a little radical but read this through and you'll see the logic.
First install
2fast's Heat Shields. They fill the gap between the gas tank and the lower fairing panels and shield you from hot air. Don't worry about overheating the engine, the cooling system can handle it. Nor worry about trapping that heat. Motorcycle bodywork has enough gaps and openings that the hot air will find its way out once you get moving.
http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2034355400063175854swvchdhttp://pets.webshots.com/photo/2634462540063175854NYqUZSRelocating the coolant overflow bottle and replacing the cover creates a ram air tunnel that adds cooler air to the super heated air off the exhaust pipes.
OEM Bottle Behind BatteryNew Bottle in New LocationRam Air TunnelRam Air Tunnel w/ScreenUse some old black plastic oil bottles to fashion some covers to close the gaps in front of the feet. Since the air flow is blocked it needs another way out.
Left SideRight SideCut a vent or bore some holes in the Belly Pan. Now you've given that hot air another way out. If you prefer not to that's OK too.
Vented Belly Pan 1Vented Belly Pan 2There are other tricks like using a cut down windshield and/or installing Airwings to direct cooler air on to your roasting body. You can cover the headers with heat wrap or have them treated with a ceramic coating. Both lower the under-fairing temps by containing the heat inside the pipes where it belongs. A very important tip is to carry water in a drink bladder like the Camelback or Platypus to keep hydrated. I keep mine in my tankbag wrapped with a shop towel to insulate it and keep it cool longer. During the
"Dog Days" I wear a mesh jacket with armor, and a wet vest underneath. Like I said before, a pair of leather or Cordura riding pants will shield you from the worst of the heat when stopped. They're definitely warmer than riding with jeans but again, there are trade-offs. Comfort on a hot day or skin grafts on a hospital bed.
(Shorty Shields)
http://www.bakerbuilt.com/bbairwings/concours.html (AirWings)
(Ceramic Coatings)
http://www.heatshieldproducts.com/p_exhaust_wrap.php (Heat Tape)
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r4/camelbak/ (Drink Bladders)
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-clothing/summer.htm (Ventilated Jacket)
http://www.webbikeworld.com/cooling-vests/ (Wet Vest)
