Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Sea Level on July 24, 2011, 07:22:13 PM
-
2011 Ebony-on-black. The only thing I don't like about the bike is having to get off. ;D
So, I'm giving her a bath this evening and looking at her head-on, I'm thinking that having all that glass tinted darkly would look really nice. I think there was a thread about this in the old forum (may it rest in peace) but I can't recall what solutions or ideas may have been advanced. I passed a black Dodge Avenger today that had it's headlights either tinted or covered over with a sized tinted panel and it was sharp. That's what I want for my Connie.
Any thoughts?
-
My question would be........why?
-
I don't know that I would ever consider anything like this as it would dim the headlights too much and I am sure it's not legal anywhere either. Why give the police another reason to pull you over?
I have been behind people with tinted taillights and it's horrible when all of a sudden they are stopped and you didn't even know they had the brakes on because the tint doesn't allow you to see the red...
-
My question would be........why?
I explained why in my post. I think it would look sharp. Some folks like to powdercoat their wheels black, some like to paint over their windscreens. I wanna tint over my headlights.
If it couldn't be done without diminishing the output of the lights or were illegal, than it can't be done, period. But if it can be done, I'd like to know how.
-
Sea Level, I don't know how, but it would be cool (way cool) to have it darken. Like you said, if its illegal or just don't allow the headlights to come through then I guess not.
Why? Why ask why? Its like people have 26" wheels on a car, or having 6 x 16" subwoofers inside a car...
If you have to ask why...you don't get it! Sorry. 8)
-
My question would be........why?
1) because the world needs one more riding in squid style?
2) its good to be king of the sonic parking lot?
3) its better if head lights are less effective?
-
Here in New Hampshire it is not legal. They won't even let us put tinted headlight shields on our snowmobiles.
-
Tinting the headlights in any way, shape or form is illegal in most states, as are tinted covers. Not only does it diminish your ability to see ahead of you, but it also reeks havoc for oncoming drivers as the dimmer appearance makes them think you're further away than you actually are.
Best to check with your local laws before doing anything as it's a "gimme" for the cops to add to add their collection plate.
-
Tinting the headlights in any way, shape or form is illegal in most states, as are tinted covers. Not only does it diminish your ability to see ahead of you, but it also reeks havoc for oncoming drivers as the dimmer appearance makes them think you're further away than you actually are.
Best to check with your local laws before doing anything as it's a "gimme" for the cops to add to add their collection plate.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/readfacts.gif)
great post.
-
Looks like we have a couple of citizen polices...
I'm sure you have never:
1) go over your speed limit
2) riding while your tires are below the limit
3) passing someone on the right lane
Please...don't act like you are perfect...because you ain't!
:grouphug:
-
Looks like we have a couple of citizen polices...
I'm sure you have never:
1) go over your speed limit
2) riding while your tires are below the limit
3) passing someone on the right lane
Please...don't act like you are perfect...because you ain't!
:grouphug:
who in this thread is acting perfect? he asked for advice and a few threw some out..... no one is perfect but KiPass comes close 8)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/icongoodoreveil.gif)
-
Please...don't act like you are perfect...because you ain't!
I know I never said I was perfect and don't do any of those things, just saying why give the police another reason to pull you over. The more reasons you give them, the more inclined they are to actually do it.
-
Looks like we have a couple of citizen polices...
I'm sure you have never:
1) go over your speed limit
2) riding while your tires are below the limit
3) passing someone on the right lane
Please...don't act like you are perfect...because you ain't!
:grouphug:
I do everything you listed when I ride except have my tire pressure too low, and oncoming traffic can see me cause my headlights are not tinted. ;) I'm all for making a bike/car your own, but doing something that will make you less visible and might attract the attention of the police........nadda gonna happen.
-
...........
Any thoughts?
Some people have no taste. ::)
-
Look at the 2012 Gold Wing, it appears that the headlights lenses are black tinted, but they are not, the chrome panels in the rear of the headlights are. that might be a solution for what you want to accomplish.
http://powersports.honda.com/2012/gold-wing/performance.aspx (http://powersports.honda.com/2012/gold-wing/performance.aspx)
(http://powersports.honda.com/2012/gold-wing/performance.aspx)
-
Some people have no taste. ::)
You really telling me I have no taste because I think blackening out the headlights would look good? Seriously? I see a few legitimate reasons mentioned above for not doing it, and I thank you guys for your input. But telling me I have "no taste" because I think it would like good is a reflection on you, my friend, not me.
-
Me, I like to minimize my exposure so I pick and choose what rules to break and what not to break. Speed trumps bling every time.
-
I like the idea as well, what if you did like cat eyes or something to that effect? Make a template place the template over the lights get you some spray tint and give it a like coating. Where you place the templates would be clear and the rest would have tint.
Just thinking outside the box, give the ability to have an awesome look while still have a section untouched...the cat eye thing was just a thought, you could do all kinds of cool shapes.
-
I`m not sure about the Headlights.
But IMO the turn signal look great
Smoke light from clearalternative
-
Tinting your headlight reducing your ability to see the road and on-coming objects in the road is the most insane idea I have ever heard of!!!!!!!!!!!!
I want the most light man can put on the bike....safety, safety, safety..especially to me~
-
If I were going to cruse locally and not ride a lot at night, I might think about tinting the head lights; but I like the all aspect touring this bike gives me access to; so anything that would reduce my visibility is a no-no.
However if you're looking for cool, consider getting a light kit installed on the bike. Instead of reducing the light output of the head lights, light up the bike! There are a lot of nooks and cranny's to hide LEDs in.
I'm getting mine done next month. Just in time for Ocean City Delmarva bike week :).
-
I love the look of smoked headlights and taillights on black vehicles.
My issue with them is visibility... ESPECIALLY on a bike. I have tinted signals and will do the smoked taillight on the Connie. I've tried to counteract the smoked signals with high output LEDs. It seems to be pretty visible in bright daylight. I'm also lookign at Hyperlites or sim to supplement the rear of the bike. The headlight is different, as there is no good way to really increase light output. HID conversion might counteract the tint, but then why tint in the first place?
On a car I would have less issue, because you could use brighter bulbs for daytime (signals) or nightime (headlights) driving, while having the blackout effect for the main headlights. Then again, I always have amber driving lights on my cars, day or night... so there's still some visibility from the front.
+1000 on the illegality of it. Check your local laws, but I think it's one of those things that are illegal in most states.
-
I love the look of smoked headlights and taillights on black vehicles.
My issue with them is visibility... ESPECIALLY on a bike. I have tinted signals and will do the smoked taillight on the Connie. I've tried to counteract the smoked signals with high output LEDs. It seems to be pretty visible in bright daylight. I'm also lookign at Hyperlites or sim to supplement the rear of the bike. The headlight is different, as there is no good way to really increase light output. HID conversion might counteract the tint, but then why tint in the first place?
On a car I would have less issue, because you could use brighter bulbs for daytime (signals) or nightime (headlights) driving, while having the blackout effect for the main headlights. Then again, I always have amber driving lights on my cars, day or night... so there's still some visibility from the front.
+1000 on the illegality of it. Check your local laws, but I think it's one of those things that are illegal in most states.
Good post and I agree.
But good god, some of you guys are a little over the top. "No taste"? "Most insane idea I ever heard of"? C'mon. If that's the ugliest and most insane idea you've ever heard of, you got sheltered lives. Relax, guys. I came, I asked, I got some rational comments, Thank you for that.
-
2011 Ebony-on-black. The only thing I don't like about the bike is having to get off. ;D
So, I'm giving her a bath this evening and looking at her head-on, I'm thinking that having all that glass tinted darkly would look really nice. I think there was a thread about this in the old forum (may it rest in peace) but I can't recall what solutions or ideas may have been advanced. I passed a black Dodge Avenger today that had it's headlights either tinted or covered over with a sized tinted panel and it was sharp. That's what I want for my Connie.
Any thoughts?
SL,
You could just get one of these and tint it, that way you could run with it on in the day and take it off if you wanted at night... At least that way it wouldn't be permanent if you changed your mind down the road.
http://projektd.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_58&products_id=127 (http://projektd.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_58&products_id=127)
-
Let's keep this civil, please...
-
SL,
You could just get one of these and tint it, that way you could run with it on in the day and take it off if you wanted at night... At least that way it wouldn't be permanent if you changed your mind down the road.
http://projektd.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_58&products_id=127 (http://projektd.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_58&products_id=127)
That seems like a pretty good idea! Thanks, ZG.
-
The idea of making it similar to the Goldwing headlight is a good one, as long as you don't mind pulling the whole lens off the headlight assembly to get to the reflectors and blacking out the areas that don't reflect. You can buy aftermarket lights for vehicles that are like that, but I don't have any idea of the legality of any of them.
Similar to this as well:
(http://www.fordf150parts.com/bmz_cache/0/0258041e9f7d4ce9b4ebefda2a32d106.image.582x550.jpg)
-
A slightly different idea might be to tint everything but the "D" shaped area where the headlights actually shine through the lens. If you look at the headlights when they are on, there is a relatively small area that actually casts light forward; the rest of the lens is not really needed and I think could be quite a bit darker. You might be able to accomplish this with something like plastic tinting paint with the area where light is projected masked off with tape. ??? Just a thought.
Brian
2011 Ebony-on-black. The only thing I don't like about the bike is having to get off. ;D
So, I'm giving her a bath this evening and looking at her head-on, I'm thinking that having all that glass tinted darkly would look really nice. I think there was a thread about this in the old forum (may it rest in peace) but I can't recall what solutions or ideas may have been advanced. I passed a black Dodge Avenger today that had it's headlights either tinted or covered over with a sized tinted panel and it was sharp. That's what I want for my Connie.
Any thoughts?
-
Let's keep this civil, please...
Im always civil!!!!! :thumbs:
-
:grouphug: b@t$hes! ;D
-
That seems like a pretty good idea! Thanks, ZG.
No worries brutha! If you decide to do it post up some pics when completed, I'd like to see how it turns out. 8)
-
http://www.lamin-x.com/Kawasaki-Concours-07-Headlight-Cover-p/kw022.htm (http://www.lamin-x.com/Kawasaki-Concours-07-Headlight-Cover-p/kw022.htm)
I think you gave some people a hernia.
-
Sea Level, I don't know how, but it would be cool (way cool) to have it darken. Like you said, if its illegal or just don't allow the headlights to come through then I guess not.
Why? Why ask why? Its like people have 26" wheels on a car, or having 6 x 16" subwoofers inside a car...
If you have to ask why...you don't get it! Sorry. 8)
Yes, some of us "don't get it" and we're so glad. Just Kidding. We know why some people run 26" wheels and 6x16 subwoofers. But being polite or politically correct, we pretend to be ignorant. As for dark lights, I haven't figured that one out yet.
-
Me, I like to minimize my exposure so I pick and choose what rules to break and what not to break. Speed trumps bling every time.
Anudder great post!
-
If I were going to cruse locally and not ride a lot at night, I might think about tinting the head lights; but I like the all aspect touring this bike gives me access to; so anything that would reduce my visibility is a no-no.
However if you're looking for cool, consider getting a light kit installed on the bike. Instead of reducing the light output of the head lights, light up the bike! There are a lot of nooks and cranny's to hide LEDs in.
I'm getting mine done next month. Just in time for Ocean City Delmarva bike week :).
Something like this:
(http://www.lamsta.com/gallery/litupgw.jpg)
-
http://www.lamin-x.com/Kawasaki-Concours-07-Headlight-Cover-p/kw022.htm (http://www.lamin-x.com/Kawasaki-Concours-07-Headlight-Cover-p/kw022.htm)
I think you gave some people a hernia.
LOL, I think you are right. I was also not really myself and took some posts personally. I should know better, I've been on forums a long time.
The link you sent is interesting but apparently only has the protective film for 2007 models...I'll drop them a line later and see whether they've got the options for the 2011's. Thanks!
-
LOL, I think you are right. I was also not really myself and took some posts personally. I should know better, I've been on forums a long time.
The link you sent is interesting but apparently only has the protective film for 2007 models...I'll drop them a line later and see whether they've got the options for the 2011's. Thanks!
It is for the 2007+ which means all the Concours 14 models as the headlight has not changed. You can verify with them, but that's the way I am reading it.
-
Now what would be REALLY cool would be flip over headlamps like the Katana 750
(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1984/1984_GSX750S_Katana_520.jpg)
Then you would be legal and cool all at the flick of a switch.
I have to admit I'm not one for prettifying a bike or car.
I prefer street sleepers.
A nice old rusty POS that goes like stink! 8)
-
Im always civil!!!!! :thumbs:
Seems like I have heard this before.... ;D
-
This thread deserves an award (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
-
A slightly different idea might be to tint everything but the "D" shaped area where the headlights actually shine through the lens. If you look at the headlights when they are on, there is a relatively small area that actually casts light forward; the rest of the lens is not really needed and I think could be quite a bit darker. You might be able to accomplish this with something like plastic tinting paint with the area where light is projected masked off with tape. ??? Just a thought.
Brian
Sorry I quoted the wrong post I meant to quote this post....seems like i have heard this before ;D
-
?????
I don't think I have ever mentioned darkening a headlight lens before. ???
Brian
Sorry I quoted the wrong post I meant to quote this post....seems like i have heard this before ;D
-
?????
I don't think I have ever mentioned darkening a headlight lens before. ???
Brian
I recall a thread on the old forum about tinting the windscreens (not from you... just in general). Could be that. Especially if using one of those clear headlight protectors/covers, you could absolutely tint it in a manner similar to the old windscreen thread. Just be sure to use a tint, and not opaque like you can get away with on a windscreen.
-
I would not tint your headlight lens dark. That would be inviting disaster. KiPass requires good lighting. Tires will wear more quickly as well due to the extra miles you will put on your bike by blowing past your turn because you didn't see it in the dark, requiring you to turn around and backtrack. Also, dino oil can panic due to its innate fear of the dark caused by the asteroid that hit the Earth, causing the sky to darken because of the debris left in the atmosphere, which was the last thing the dinosaurs saw as they died, thus causing lubrication problems. If you run synthetic you won't encounter this particular issue but you can't escape the other two.
-
?????
I don't think I have ever mentioned darkening a headlight lens before. ???
Brian
I had posted pretty much the same thing, said you could cut out cat eye templates or whatever shape you want, stick the template on and then spray way that way the centers (where most of the light comes from) is not effected.
its all good...I was just trying to give ya a hard time.
All in fun....:)
-
No problem. I guess I missed your post though as I do not remember reading that. My fault- if I am not going to read all the posts then the thread won't make much sense.
But it sounds like an even better idea when someone else says it. ;D
One other thing about this idea though; darkening the headlight lens may also reduce visibility from the sides as I believe C-14 headlights use the forward plastic rings to reflect the headlight beams to the sides. Just a thought. The other poster's idea about blackening the non- used areas inside the headlight housing might be a better idea in the end.
Brian
I had posted pretty much the same thing, said you could cut out cat eye templates or whatever shape you want, stick the template on and then spray way that way the centers (where most of the light comes from) is not effected.
its all good...I was just trying to give ya a hard time.
All in fun....:)
-
Speaking of headlights...
Mine will be a winter project. Anyone notice that those 2 plastic "eyelash" thingys are clear, and you can see the reflector thru them? Makes me wonder if one could make those things light up somehow... perhaps with the signals?
Anyway... another headlight mod possibility. If I pull it off, you'll read about it later this year.
-
I think the bike would look fantastic with the new, bright angel eyes found on BMWs and similar.
As for the headlight mod, me too and me too. My lenses are starting to craze so I will have to do something with them before too long. Might as well rebuild the entire assembly once the lens is removed from the front.... and while the original C-14 reflectors are very good there are better headlights available from cars.
Brian
Speaking of headlights...
Mine will be a winter project. Anyone notice that those 2 plastic "eyelash" thingys are clear, and you can see the reflector thru them? Makes me wonder if one could make those things light up somehow... perhaps with the signals?
Anyway... another headlight mod possibility. If I pull it off, you'll read about it later this year.
-
How about a little lipstick and eyeshadow too while we are at it?
Duh!
-
How about a little lipstick and eyeshadow too while we are at it?
Duh!
As long as the eye shadow and lipstick are black, I'm in. We ARE talking about putting that on the bike, right?
-
As long as the eye shadow and lipstick are black, I'm in. We ARE talking about putting that on the bike, right?
Goth QB... 8) ;)
-
Im always civil!!!!! :thumbs:
And to the point....
-
I think the bike would look fantastic with the new, bright angel eyes found on BMWs and similar.
As for the headlight mod, me too and me too. My lenses are starting to craze so I will have to do something with them before too long. Might as well rebuild the entire assembly once the lens is removed from the front.... and while the original C-14 reflectors are very good there are better headlights available from cars.
Brian
How about polishing them, Brian? Cheaper than replacing them.
-
I think they are coated polycarbonate. There is a patch on one side where I believe I polished through the coating. And the crazing seems to be all the way through the plastic rather than just surface spider web cracks.
It might be a warranty claim but I doubt it. The plastic lens itself is not replaceable and a new headlight housing assembly is $400 or so so that leaves a lot of room to do something else with the entire assembly.
With saws and glue there is no limit to the mess changes that can be made. ;)
Brian
How about polishing them, Brian? Cheaper than replacing them.
-
Please do not tint your headlights.
If you want the "look," then buy a headlight protector and tint that. You can install it for parking lot shows and remove it for riding.
-
Please do not tint your headlights.
If you want the "look," then buy a headlight protector and tint that. You can install it for parking lot shows and remove it for riding.
I agree with you and intend to go that route, if I do it at all. If I do, I'll post photos.
-
Please do not tint your headlights.
If you want the "look," then buy a headlight protector and tint that. You can install it for parking lot shows and remove it for riding.
+1 and.....
"king of the Sonic parking lot" competitions
"hogfest / bike nights"
"hey babe lets go to starbucks" dates
-
+1 and.....
"king of the Sonic parking lot" competitions
"hogfest / bike nights"
"hey babe lets go to starbucks" dates
I didn't mean to insult him with my post.
-
The smoked/blackened look is only appealing to me when the lights are off, so basically we're talkin' cool when parked since the lights
are on any time the engine is running.
Speaking of headlights...
Mine will be a winter project. Anyone notice that those 2 plastic "eyelash" thingys are clear, and you can see the reflector thru them? Makes me wonder if one could make those things light up somehow... perhaps with the signals?
I never could figure out what those eyelash thingys were for. Style? yeach! They don't throw any side light or anything. Lighting them up yellow sync'd with the turn signals would be nice.
I love my connie but it's not for the styling, those little winged things (foot guards I imagine) by the foot pegs look stupid too. I'm not too thrilled with the three screws on both sides at the front of the fairing either. Then again I'm usually outa step with most, seems that most here think that the only thing ugly on the bike is the muffler, which would be way down my list of things to change for styling improvement. If it were all about style/fit and finish then I would have bought the Honda ST1300, I mean even it's built in tip over protection looks good. It wasn't, and I didn't. :)
-
The smoked/blackened look is only appealing to me when the lights are off, so basically we're talkin' cool when parked since the lights
are on any time the engine is running.
Cool-looking when parked is okay with me, since details of it's appearance aren't all that easily seen when it's passing by at 110mph...
I never could figure out what those eyelash thingys were for. Style? yeach! They don't throw any side light or anything. Lighting them up yellow sync'd with the turn signals would be nice.
I love my connie but it's not for the styling, those little winged things (foot guards I imagine) by the foot pegs look stupid too. I'm not too thrilled with the three screws on both sides at the front of the fairing either. Then again I'm usually outa step with most, seems that most here think that the only thing ugly on the bike is the muffler, which would be way down my list of things to change for styling improvement. If it were all about style/fit and finish then I would have bought the Honda ST1300, I mean even it's built in tip over protection looks good. It wasn't, and I didn't. :)
I agree that the Connie is not the most beautiful bike on the road, not even one of the better-looking ST's. Although for some reason, people seem to always comment favorably about it. But all the more reason to try to make it distinctive or pimp it up a bit in an upscale way. This forum was and is full of pictures and ideas of how people have customized the bike for the sake of appearance and style.
-
I agree that the Connie is not the most beautiful bike on the road, not even one of the better-looking ST's.
Well that comment brought my head out of the sand... To me it's quite good looking...particularly the 08 models. In fact, it gave me goosebumps the first time I saw one at the dealership. I thought the ST too 'plastic' and the FJR ugly. The BMWs...well, I can't say what I thought of them.
A big harumph in your general direction..... ;)
-
Well that comment brought my head out of the sand... To me it's quite good looking...particularly the 08 models. In fact, it gave me goosebumps the first time I saw one at the dealership. I thought the ST too 'plastic' and the FJR ugly. The BMWs...well, I can't say what I thought of them.
A big harumph in your general direction..... ;)
Fastest color too.
-
I didn't mean to insult him with my post.
People around here seem to get offended at the slightest things.....