Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Conair on December 14, 2015, 07:46:05 PM

Title: Removed rear reflector
Post by: Conair on December 14, 2015, 07:46:05 PM
Took out the dremal and cut off the ugly red reflector on the bottom of the rear fender,looks much better. Have plan to run 2 l.e.d. light strips under the tail section  as running lights for better visibility.  8)  Also is their any problem in using castrol gtx 10x40 full syn for oil? I use it in my other bikes with no troubles.Also use the wix oil filters.
Title: Re: Removed rear reflector
Post by: connie_rider on December 14, 2015, 08:16:31 PM
I've considered removing it too. Haven't done so yet.

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: Removed rear reflector
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 14, 2015, 08:19:07 PM
Auto oil?  :yikes:   Auto filters?  :yikes:
Title: Re: Removed rear reflector
Post by: connie14boy on December 14, 2015, 08:21:30 PM
Took out the dremal and cut off the ugly red reflector on the bottom of the rear fender,looks much better. Have plan to run 2 l.e.d. light strips under the tail section  as running lights for better visibility.  8)  Also is their any problem in using castrol gtx 10x40 full syn for oil? I use it in my other bikes with no troubles.Also use the wix oil filters.

Oh Boy! New oil and filter thread!! I decided to save for retirement and switched to Shell Rotella and Purolator filter (3.23) every 5k at WalMart. Bike shifts like buttah with the Rotella.
Title: Re: Removed rear reflector
Post by: maxtog on December 14, 2015, 09:22:38 PM
Took out the dremal and cut off the ugly red reflector on the bottom of the rear fender,looks much better.

It is ugly, but it does serve a purpose.  It is the only rear reflector and that is how oncoming cars can see the parked bike from behind at night.  Removing it would make the bike not road-approved (and would fail a decent state inspection).  If you do remove it, I would suggest you then put on some type of red reflector tape somewhere on the back of the bike.
Title: Re: Removed rear reflector
Post by: Flat-spot on December 15, 2015, 02:53:32 AM
And if you shortened the fender up to the bottom of the license plate (like the previous owner of my bike did)  the whole rear end of the bike will get much dirtier on wet roads.
I added several spots of Reflexite reflector tape. Cam flash made them white in the center.


(http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/markak1245/IMG_1510_zps5rccq5zt.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/markak1245/media/IMG_1510_zps5rccq5zt.jpg.html)



http://www.nightgear.com/red-reflexite-v82-reflective-conspicuity-tape-2x18-strip/ (http://www.nightgear.com/red-reflexite-v82-reflective-conspicuity-tape-2x18-strip/)

http://www.amazon.com/Reflective-Strips-Premium-Thickness-2-Conspicuity-Stickers-Many/dp/B0104OX35U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1450172983&sr=8-4&keywords=3m+solas+tape (http://www.amazon.com/Reflective-Strips-Premium-Thickness-2-Conspicuity-Stickers-Many/dp/B0104OX35U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1450172983&sr=8-4&keywords=3m+solas+tape)
Title: Re: Removed rear reflector
Post by: Conair on December 15, 2015, 03:08:55 AM
It is ugly, but it does serve a purpose.  It is the only rear reflector and that is how oncoming cars can see the parked bike from behind at night.  Removing it would make the bike not road-approved (and would fail a decent state inspection).  If you do remove it, I would suggest you then put on some type of red reflector tape somewhere on the back of the bike.
Max you bring up a very good point, I could get a full red reflector license plate,safe on and off the road!
Title: Re: Removed rear reflector
Post by: KevinRLi on December 15, 2015, 11:00:58 AM
One of the 1st things to go on my 2012 was the tail. Very inexpensive good tail eliminator kits out there. As for parking I never park with the tail of the bike sticking out. Not sure how I'd do that :) If I'm on the street I back into the curb.
Title: Re: Removed rear reflector
Post by: elp_jc on December 18, 2015, 05:43:58 PM
Since it wouldn't look OEM, I left the rear reflector in place. But all 4 side ones were gone as soon as bike hit the garage for the first time. As well as all stickers and badges. I don't like sport-touring bikes with fenders shaved off, so it'll stay stock. This bike has the least ugly rear fender, which was nice. S/T BMWs look like trucks by comparison.