Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: krsron on July 22, 2011, 10:56:29 PM

Title: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: krsron on July 22, 2011, 10:56:29 PM
I have seen pic's of 14's which they list hand wind deflectors produced by meal benders.  Where is his web site, or is he out of business producing these.

Thanks Guys
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: COGnosticat0r on July 23, 2011, 02:19:37 AM
I have seen pic's of 14's which they list hand wind deflectors produced by meal benders.  Where is his web site, or is he out of business producing these.

Thanks Guys

He is out of business
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Bob on July 23, 2011, 06:17:23 AM
Yeah, it's a shame. He made a really nice product! I really liked them.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: krsron on July 23, 2011, 06:43:04 AM
thanks guys
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 23, 2011, 07:48:11 AM
thanks guys

Keep an eye out on the For Sale section.  Sometimes people sell the accessories separately from the bike when they sell it.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: ZG on July 23, 2011, 09:01:16 AM
Post a thread in the wanted section too might help you find a set, good luck!
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: IRULE on July 23, 2011, 11:08:18 AM
Remember this picture?  Some dude drew this on a beer box.  According to the guy, this is the exact size when you print it out.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Murph on July 23, 2011, 12:31:07 PM


If he's called it quits I'd be interested in picking it up.

Murph
COG 2769
Industry Member

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Bob on July 24, 2011, 06:06:15 AM

If he's called it quits I'd be interested in picking it up.

Murph
COG 2769
Industry Member

Gary, If you want to contact him. I think I still have his email address! At least the one he used when he was making them! I think they would be a fine addition to the Murph's Kit's store!
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on July 24, 2011, 08:50:44 AM
Remember this picture?  Some dude drew this on a beer box.  According to the guy, this is the exact size when you print it out.  Good luck.
That dude was me  ;D
I have 5 sets available for sale and hope to be ready for fall for a full production run.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: IRULE on July 24, 2011, 09:09:41 AM
Great Flathead!  How much are you selling it for?
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on July 24, 2011, 09:58:52 AM
$55.00 Shipped CONUS.  PM me if interested. I'll post some pics of them installed later this week, currently away on vacation.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: IRULE on July 24, 2011, 12:16:07 PM
55 bucks, good lord that's a lot of money....  ;D
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Shadowofshoe on July 27, 2011, 08:08:01 PM
Keep an eye out on the For Sale section.  Sometimes people sell the accessories separately from the bike when they sell it.

  Thats completely true, the upgrades on my bike done by the PO would kick butt,all included in his service history....prolly a grand!!

    Mike
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Conrad on July 28, 2011, 08:48:01 AM
I have seen pic's of 14's which they list hand wind deflectors produced by meal benders.  Where is his web site, or is he out of business producing these.

Thanks Guys

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1946.msg21568#msg21568 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1946.msg21568#msg21568)
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on July 29, 2011, 05:00:38 PM
$55.00 Shipped CONUS.  PM me if interested. I'll post some pics of them installed later this week, currently away on vacation.

Here are a couple of pics...

They are made from 1/8" lexan, which is very resistant to discoloring and shattering, and bent so there are no brackets etc.

These will work on 2010-2011 models, I don't have an earlier model to test on but I assume they will not fit due to kawi raising the mirrors.

They sit behind the stock windshield about 3/8" so there is no interference in any position and the mirrors can be retracted forward and back without removing.

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: att2008vn on July 31, 2011, 08:01:55 AM
PM sent

I would like to get a set

Thanks

at
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Texas Concours14 on July 31, 2011, 03:58:02 PM
Quote
These will work on 2010-2011 models, I don't have an earlier model to test on but I assume they will not fit due to kawi raising the mirrors.

They sit behind the stock windshield about 3/8" so there is no interference in any position and the mirrors can be retracted forward and back without removing.

Flathead - I am interested in your wind deflector.  Do you know if they interfere with a Cee Bailey Ultra Tour windshield (2010 C14)?

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on July 31, 2011, 09:17:30 PM
Flathead - I am interested in your wind deflector.  Do you know if they interfere with a Cee Bailey Ultra Tour windshield (2010 C14)?

I do not know... They sit just behind the black lip and do not touch the stock screen...

Here is another pic, might help...

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Texas Concours14 on August 10, 2011, 07:49:26 PM
FYI for anyone interested in Flathead's wind deflectors.  I ordered a set; good workmanship, clean and easy install.  This Texas heat is too intense to tell if they will keep my fingers from freezing in the winter, but I expect they will.  Of note - my 2010 C14 has the Cee Bailey Ultra Tour Dome windshield, and the deflectors fit fine with no contact with the shield.  Two thumbs up!

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on August 11, 2011, 01:14:12 PM
FYI for anyone interested in Flathead's wind deflectors.  I ordered a set; good workmanship, clean and easy install.  This Texas heat is too intense to tell if they will keep my fingers from freezing in the winter, but I expect they will.  Of note - my 2010 C14 has the Cee Bailey Ultra Tour Dome windshield, and the deflectors fit fine with no contact with the shield.  Two thumbs up!
Thanks TX (shameless bump)
Two more sets available, pm me if interssted  >:(
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: con05 on August 12, 2011, 12:39:33 PM
PM sent last night.  Did you get it?
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on August 12, 2011, 12:48:58 PM
Replied last night... will shoot another one right now :)
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: KawiMick on August 12, 2011, 05:07:16 PM
Thanks TX (shameless bump)
Two more sets available, pm me if interssted  >:(

Bill,
  You were supposed to let me know about the next generation wings..........

I tested the first design he made and they worked flawlessly on a little trip out west.  I put about
2K miles on my 2010 with Cee Bailey Ultra tour windscreen.  The wings work and I will upgrade
when the slightly thicker ones are available.

Mick
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on August 12, 2011, 05:13:51 PM
Bill,
  You were supposed to let me know about the next generation wings..........

I tested the first design he made and they worked flawlessly on a little trip out west.  I put about
2K miles on my 2010 with Cee Bailey Ultra tour windscreen.  The wings work and I will upgrade
when the slightly thicker ones are available.

Mick

Will do, these are the last of the original 6 pair that I hand fabricated out of a small sheet of lexan. Summer's been crazy busy and I'm currently in the UK for business so I have not pushed out the full sheet of thicker ones yet but I will have them done before fall!

Thanks Mick!

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: KawiMick on August 12, 2011, 05:37:40 PM
Will do, these are the last of the original 6 pair that I hand fabricated out of a small sheet of lexan. Summer's been crazy busy and I'm currently in the UK for business so I have not pushed out the full sheet of thicker ones yet but I will have them done before fall!

Thanks Mick!

Very cool!!  These things are almost invisible but they work GREAT to keep the wind off your hands.  I have the bar
risers from Murph and the original design kept my comfy at 38 degrees.

Thanks
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: con05 on August 12, 2011, 06:54:03 PM
Flathead, for some reason the e-mail is not getting through.  archerwilliams@hotmail.com

Please try again. I really want to get a set of your deflectors.

Thanks,  Mark
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: con05 on August 12, 2011, 09:24:01 PM
Got it. Sent.

Mark
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 12, 2011, 10:41:21 PM
Any plans on making these available for the 08 and 09?
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on August 13, 2011, 01:57:08 AM
Any plans on making these available for the 08 and 09?

Jeremy: I would like to, but I do not have a bike here to experiment on.  When I get back to the states I'll run by my closest dealer and see if I can take some measurements/cardboard template... If they have an earlier model.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on August 13, 2011, 08:10:00 AM
OK, let us know if you end up doing that.  This is the best looking option IMO.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on August 13, 2011, 09:43:08 AM
OK, let us know if you end up doing that.  This is the best looking option IMO.

Will do, thanks for the kind words!
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: ljcorby on October 06, 2011, 10:54:34 AM
I am definitely interested as well.  How much are they and can you post some bigger pic's?  Please advise.  I have a 2010.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: con05 on October 06, 2011, 07:15:15 PM
These are the real thing. I have a set of Maxtor Wings. The look and worked great with the factory shield but did not fit with the Ultra-tour shield. I Flatheads deflectors and they work great with all 3 shields I have. It really smooths out the airflow and protects the hands in the cold.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 06, 2011, 11:04:54 PM
@lj: Shoot me your email address and I'll send you some pics, the site is a bit limited on the file size. I'll include paypal info as well.

@con: Thanks!

Still looking for an 08-09 in the Denver area to experiment on!

Bill
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: martin_14 on October 07, 2011, 02:57:39 AM
Flathead, I officially, deeply, truly, madly despise you  ;)
I bought my deflectors from Motax (France) some months ago, and the whole deal came out at about twice what you're asking for your deflectors. Oh, well...  I'll go do therapy now --> :banghead:
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 07, 2011, 05:51:35 AM
Flathead, I officially, deeply, truly, madly despise you  ;)
I bought my deflectors from Motax (France) some months ago, and the whole deal came out at about twice what you're asking for your deflectors. Oh, well...  I'll go do therapy now --> :banghead:

Don't be a hater  ;)  I hope your therapy is like mine.... A long ride!
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: KawiMick on October 07, 2011, 06:54:26 AM

Still looking for an 08-09 in the Denver area to experiment on!
Bill

Bill,
  I just got back from 2,600 miles in CO and WY, using your first generation  wings.
They worked perfectly in temps as low as 16F. Still waiting for the new thicker wings to arrive. :) 

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 07, 2011, 01:38:12 PM
Bill,
  I just got back from 2,600 miles in CO and WY, using your first generation  wings.
They worked perfectly in temps as low as 16F. Still waiting for the new thicker wings to arrive. :)
Awww, you should have let me know you were in CO, we could of met up and had a beer!!

Me too! Demand has risen so I am in the middle of a second batch of handmade ones, about 3/4" taller to work better with risers. I have to get this batch done and a 'perfect' sample so that the fabricator can duplicate them otherwise, I run the risk of having them mis-cut/bent. 
Hope to have ~35 pair available By Nov 1st.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: KawiMick on October 07, 2011, 02:02:03 PM
Awww, you should have let me know you were in CO, we could of met up and had a beer!!

I doubt we would have had time unless we met you at one of our nightly stops.  We did it in less than 6 days and no big roads!  Fun stuff. Your air wings are still pretty opaque from all the bugs.  Thatś a good indication of how well they work too.

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Khrome on October 08, 2011, 07:20:52 AM
Awww, you should have let me know you were in CO, we could of met up and had a beer!!

Me too! Demand has risen so I am in the middle of a second batch of handmade ones, about 3/4" taller to work better with risers. I have to get this batch done and a 'perfect' sample so that the fabricator can duplicate them otherwise, I run the risk of having them mis-cut/bent. 
Hope to have ~35 pair available By Nov 1st.

So your making "thicker" ones now than what you currently have?
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 09, 2011, 07:59:26 AM
So your making "thicker" ones now than what you currently have?

It's a process  ;)
The Lexan I can get quickly and in small quantities is .093" thick. The Lexan the fabricator will use is .118" because they do not stock .093, so they will be a bit thicker.

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: b206driver on October 09, 2011, 11:24:11 AM
When you have some new versions in stock, I'd be interested in a pair.....PM or email me when they are available. Thanks!
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: MrFurious on October 09, 2011, 01:44:06 PM
I'd be very interested in a set for my `09 if/when they become available.  Any thoughts of offering them in smoke?
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: dras on October 10, 2011, 11:29:16 AM
I too would be interested in a set for my '08. There must be SOMEBODY in the Denver area you can buy a cold bevie and get some measurements from :).
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: spotcw on October 10, 2011, 11:52:42 AM
I'll take a set for my 08' when you get em done. Please email me if/when you design them. Thanks! Maybe somebody in your area will assist you with the measurements...anybody?
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 10, 2011, 12:45:34 PM
I too would be interested in a set for my '08. There must be SOMEBODY in the Denver area you can buy a cold bevie and get some measurements from :).

You would think but no takers as of yet  ;)
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: justbob on October 10, 2011, 06:28:19 PM
I would like to buy a set for my 2010 when they are available again.

BM1327@aol.com
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: MrFurious on October 10, 2011, 10:30:34 PM
You would think but no takers as of yet  ;)

What measurements do you need?  Yes, I have a caliper and mic and I'm not afraid to use them!  LOL
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 10, 2011, 10:34:16 PM
What measurements do you need?  Yes, I have a caliper and mic and I'm not afraid to use them!  LOL

Thanks a bunch for the offer but I would feel a lot more comfortable making a pattern and trial fitting a pair before I offered them for sale.

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Caffeinated on October 11, 2011, 06:29:20 AM
Hey Flathead,
I'm interested in a set for my 2011 when ready.  You said this new batch is a bit higher to accommodate risers?
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 11, 2011, 03:13:25 PM
Hey Flathead,
I'm interested in a set for my 2011 when ready.  You said this new batch is a bit higher to accommodate risers?

Yes sir, I tried a few different heights and settled on 3/4" taller than my original design (probably doesn't mean much). I have Murph's risers and they work very well, puts the wind stream about 2" above my hands.

Spend all day in the shop yesterday and I have six sets available. PM me for details....

Thanks!
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Just Krusen on October 12, 2011, 10:57:25 AM
I just ordered a set from Flathead for my '11.  I'll probably need them when I head back to NC in November.  I love riding in the cold but hate cold hands!

Thanks for the fast response.

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Khrome on October 12, 2011, 01:07:53 PM
I just ordered a set from Flathead for my '11.

Me 2... I think I helped Flathead delve into new territory  ;)
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: davidnixon on October 13, 2011, 10:22:07 AM
Chalk me down for an order when the 08-09's are ready
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 13, 2011, 07:48:44 PM
Me 2... I think I helped Flathead delve into new territory  ;)

@Khrome: Yes you did, and thank you, always happy to learn something new!  :)

@davidnixon: Swing on by and we'll do em up! Free beer and (hand)wings, can't beat that!

I created a quick facebook page with some pics of the kit and the installation. Figured it was much easier than trying to post hi-res pics here or email them out.  Please let me know if you have any questions...

Thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.300193786664020.92620.100000202049534&type=1&l=415911722b (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.300193786664020.92620.100000202049534&type=1&l=415911722b)
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: davidnixon on October 14, 2011, 10:17:20 AM
It looks like u r near Colorado Springs?  About 1400 mile RT - tempting
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 15, 2011, 03:59:44 PM
It looks like u r near Colorado Springs?  About 1400 mile RT - tempting
Actually closer to Denver, 80° today and tomorrow!! Come on doen  :)
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Sea Level on October 15, 2011, 04:08:06 PM
I should mention that Flathead sent me a pair for my 2011. Installed them in, oh I dunno.....seven minutes. It's a very simple design, and they work very well, even with my 1-1/2" risers.

Small issue: the top spacer for one of them was a little shorter than the other, but enough so that the CB Ultra windshield rubs up against the deflector at the lowest position on that side. I need to get another spacer to get the deflector a little further back.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 15, 2011, 08:37:48 PM
I should mention that Flathead sent me a pair for my 2011. Installed them in, oh I dunno.....seven minutes. It's a very simple design, and they work very well, even with my 1-1/2" risers.

Small issue: the top spacer for one of them was a little shorter than the other, but enough so that the CB Ultra windshield rubs up against the deflector at the lowest position on that side. I need to get another spacer to get the deflector a little further back.

I'll be happy to send you a couple of more spacers, just let me know. You can also pick them up at Ace Hardware, about 40 cents each. To keep them as close to the original bodywork I trim down a one inch spacer to 7/8". My apologies!!
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Sea Level on October 16, 2011, 05:26:32 AM
No problem, Bill. I don't need another spacer, just a washer to add to that shortie spacer, I'll run down to Ace and get one. Thanks!
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: lather on October 16, 2011, 07:18:03 AM
Chalk me down for an order when the 08-09's are ready
Me too please.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: DkKnight on October 24, 2011, 04:16:35 PM
Got mine from Flathead and mounted on my '11 - definitely makes a difference.
Great product - Thanks

Dk
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Flathead on October 24, 2011, 05:09:22 PM
Got mine from Flathead and mounted on my '11 - definitely makes a difference.
Great product - Thanks

Dk

Thanks Dk!!
It's been around 30° here in the mornings and I have not had to switch to my winter gloves yet, grip warmers about 1/4 on  ;D
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: DkKnight on October 25, 2011, 06:10:56 PM
I have been using my reg gloves as well - just did the hookup for my Gerbings globes today, with the new wings may not need them for awhile  ;)

DK
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: fsr402 on July 19, 2012, 07:15:47 AM
Are the 08-09 made? I would love a set for mine.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: GW2 on July 20, 2012, 07:03:33 AM
I'd buy a set for my '08.  I run Baker Hand Wings in cold weather, but I'm not completely happy with them.  I also think yours look much better on the bike.
Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: Conrad on July 20, 2012, 08:06:32 AM
A while back we had a group buy for Motax air deflectors for both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 C14s. David Cork of Street fighters by Design (http://www.streetfightersbydesign.com/ (http://www.streetfightersbydesign.com/)) imported them for us from Motax (a French company, http://www.motax.fr/sommaire_Kawasaki/accessoires_1400_GTR/1400_GTR_07_09_deflecteurs_/1400_gtr_07_09_deflecteurs_.html (http://www.motax.fr/sommaire_Kawasaki/accessoires_1400_GTR/1400_GTR_07_09_deflecteurs_/1400_gtr_07_09_deflecteurs_.html))

If you're serious about these air deflectors you may want to contact David and see what he can do for you. Or you could order from Motax yourself.

(http://www.motax.fr/sommaire_Kawasaki/accessoires_1400_GTR/1400_GTR_07_09_deflecteurs_/1400GTRdeflecteurG.jpg)

(http://www.motax.fr/sommaire_Kawasaki/accessoires_1400_GTR/1400_GTR_07_09_deflecteurs_/1400GTRdeflecteurFace.jpg)

Title: Re: Metal Bender's wind deflectors
Post by: martin_14 on July 21, 2012, 03:20:01 AM
+1 to the Motax deflectors. It made my grip heaters all but unnecessary, only maybe in the coldest situations, in which I avoid driving the bike anyway because there's danger of ice  :o