Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: roadie on October 22, 2011, 04:33:42 PM

Title: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 22, 2011, 04:33:42 PM
Just ordered a set in dark tint for 09 black connie.  Anyone have any pics of them mounted?  Also, what is the impact in extreme cold weather riding.  I rode last year in VA/DC when we hit 8F a couple times and it was brutal on my feet.  Hoping the lowers block the wind and make more tolerable.  I also already have the baker hands and WOW what a difference I've noticed in riding in the rain...my gloves actually stay dry.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Scaffolder on October 22, 2011, 04:37:43 PM
I should try these. I didn't think anything would help your feet in the cold besides 1200 gram thinsulate.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 22, 2011, 04:44:14 PM
A homeless guy taught me to use shopping bags over your socks.  Worked but my feet were wet from sweat. :-)
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 22, 2011, 04:53:36 PM
A homeless guy taught me to use shopping bags over your socks.  Worked but my feet were wet from sweat. :-)

Maybe you should put them outside of your boots.  I have the upper hand wings and they seem to work ok.  Better than not having them.  Don't have the lowers.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: wally_games on October 22, 2011, 06:59:05 PM
Just ordered a set in dark tint for 09 black connie.  Anyone have any pics of them mounted?  Also, what is the impact in extreme cold weather riding.  I rode last year in VA/DC when we hit 8F a couple times and it was brutal on my feet.  Hoping the lowers block the wind and make more tolerable.  I also already have the baker hands and WOW what a difference I've noticed in riding in the rain...my gloves actually stay dry.

Got a link? Or, some pics?
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 22, 2011, 07:01:42 PM
Www.bakerbuilt.com (http://Www.bakerbuilt.com)
Im looking for some better pics if anyone has any.


Got a link? Or, some pics?
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 23, 2011, 02:53:12 AM
Maybe you should put them outside of your boots. 

That'll make for a site :)
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Scaffolder on October 23, 2011, 06:49:04 AM
I get Goretex hunting boots from L.L.Bean and stay comfortable for pretty long cold trips. I don't dare buy heated gear or I'd be riding in the snow. I've done it and it sucks. Goretex boots help your feet breathe better than plastic bags.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 23, 2011, 10:15:55 AM
I'll be doing some work on the bike today, I think.  I'll take a pic on the hand wings.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: maxtog on October 23, 2011, 03:26:15 PM
I'll be doing some work on the bike today, I think.  I'll take a pic on the hand wings.

If you are talking about the Bakerbuilt, that would be great.  We need to know the model year, though... the http://www.bakerbuilt.com (http://www.bakerbuilt.com) site is horrible, they have ONE tiny picture and don't say what year.  There is a huge difference in mirror location on 2008/2009 vs. 2010/2011/2012.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 23, 2011, 03:53:41 PM
I posted a pic of them on an 09 with no risers on another thread.  Here they are.  I'll take some pics of uppers and lowers when I get this week.
(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=89)
(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=90)
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Bagger on October 23, 2011, 04:03:25 PM
I just received a set of the dark tint Baker Wings ... the one's that go on the side of the bike's faring.  Since I have several sets of risers, the mirror wings will prolly not work for me.

I'm about as mechanical as a bowling ball, and find the directions for mounting the Baker Wings a bit confusing.  Perhaps others will install them on a '09 or '10 and post some photos.  That'd be great.  I have a 2010 and wonder if the picture Baker shows is of a previous year's model?  Dunno.  But, it doesn't look like my bike.

These may not look terrific, but they should work well.  Winter is coming and I ride into the lower 30s if the road's clear.  May help in summer, too .... in full gear at higher temps.

I'll be watching to see if someone posts photos and experiences with the Wings.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 23, 2011, 04:16:15 PM
Yep, that's what they look like, only mine are dark.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: maxtog on October 23, 2011, 06:21:26 PM
I posted a pic of them on an 09 with no risers on another thread.

I know.  Unfortunately, that does nothing for someone with a 2010+, which has different mirror locations.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 23, 2011, 06:24:24 PM
Oh I know...wasn't for your edification! :-)  You don't ride a 2009, somebody does I'm sure, and can benefit from the pics.  sure somebody out there in Connie Land has them on a 2010, be interested also to see how they look. 
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: maxtog on October 23, 2011, 09:01:08 PM
Oh I know...wasn't for your edification! :-) 

But it is all about ME  ;)

Quote
You don't ride a 2009, somebody does I'm sure, and can benefit from the pics.  sure somebody out there in Connie Land has them on a 2010, be interested also to see how they look.

Me too.  I keep waiting for someone to post about them because I am very interested... I like the design of the Bakers, but I am not going to take an $80+ gamble.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 24, 2011, 06:06:26 AM
LOL..."all about me."  Sometimes its gotta be that way...i get it :-).

I was thinking about your dilemma on the way to work this morning (to try or not to try).  I noticed that the baker hands creates a deadzone of airflow up to about 3 inches above the grip.  Do the mirrors sit a lil' higher on the 2010 (think I read that somewhere).  I would think that even with risers, you'll notice a marked decrease in the airflow over your hands with the bakers in place.  Just wanted to share that as you make your decision (or wait on photos) :-)
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: ZG on October 24, 2011, 09:52:14 AM
But it is all about ME  ;)

Enough about me, let's talk about you, what do you think about me...  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 24, 2011, 10:43:30 AM
Well, this is my opinion, and I think everyone should have it :-D


Enough about me, let's talk about you, what do you think about me...  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: maxtog on October 24, 2011, 04:31:47 PM
I was thinking about your dilemma on the way to work this morning (to try or not to try).  I noticed that the baker hands creates a deadzone of airflow up to about 3 inches above the grip.  Do the mirrors sit a lil' higher on the 2010 (think I read that somewhere).  I would think that even with risers, you'll notice a marked decrease in the airflow over your hands with the bakers in place. 

The mirrors on the newer C14 are higher.  Just how much higher, I don't know.  But that HAS to affect any type of hand wings.   I do have the Helibars standard risers.  Ironically, without the risers, the mirrors would PROBABLY shield the hands from wind.  I think that was part of the original intent in moving them, as well as improving visibility.

Quote
Just wanted to share that as you make your decision (or wait on photos) :-)

I might be waiting a long time.  Does anyone out there reading this have Airbakers + 2010+?
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Bagger on October 24, 2011, 04:35:13 PM
I hooked up the Baker Wings on my C14 this afternoon.  I'm not very mechanical, but it only took me about 30 minutes with Taiwanese tools.  If I did it again ... maybe 15-20 minutes.  EZ to do.

I don't think they look as ugly as I thought.  Yes, they were not cleaned up ... neither was my bike.  I just installed and rode.  I'll clean next week, or so.

Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Pokey on October 24, 2011, 07:56:55 PM
Baker is just up the road from me, I am seriously thinking about stopping in to say HI "and leaving with a thing or two". ;)
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: maxtog on October 24, 2011, 09:10:41 PM
Baker is just up the road from me, I am seriously thinking about stopping in to say HI "and leaving with a thing or two". ;)

When you do, ask them to update their site with year-specific info and more pictures!!  (RE: Hand wings)
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Caffeinated on October 25, 2011, 06:07:59 AM
Not only are the mirrors higher, but they extended the dash with a lip about 1-2" out.  See Flathead's pics here for his hand deflectors...
Kind of hard to see the dash extension, but it's there.  It does not look like the Baker wings would work on the '10-'11's due to that lip.

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: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: wally_games on October 25, 2011, 11:06:40 AM
I hooked up the Baker Wings on my C14 this afternoon.  I'm not very mechanical, but it only took me about 30 minutes with Taiwanese tools.  If I did it again ... maybe 15-20 minutes.  EZ to do.

I don't think they look as ugly as I thought.  Yes, they were not cleaned up ... neither was my bike.  I just installed and rode.  I'll clean next week, or so.

Bagger, first off, where can I find those KMW stickers??

Do those wings also tilt in to bring warm air onto you in cooler weather? I mean, they ARE located right behind the outlet.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Bagger on October 25, 2011, 12:02:18 PM
Bagger, first off, where can I find those KMW stickers??

Do those wings also tilt in to bring warm air onto you in cooler weather? I mean, they ARE located right behind the outlet.


Contact Brad Esler  (bradesler AT yahoo.com)  I had a HMW in red on my ST1300.  I do get some folks coming up to me asking me, "What kind of BMW is that?".

I haven't worked with these all that much, but if you have the outside edges flared out ... cold air is moved around you.  If you flare them inboard, the Wings pull in cooler air for warmer temps.  The tops and bottoms work indivdually, so you can customize them to some degree or other. 

I need to ride a bit more with them ... have my gloves off and see how adjusting the Wings work.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: maxtog on October 25, 2011, 04:42:44 PM
Not only are the mirrors higher, but they extended the dash with a lip about 1-2" out. [...]  It does not look like the Baker wings would work on the '10-'11's due to that lip.

I knew about the mirror movement, but not about the dash change.  Now I am bummed and even more confident I will have no hand wings anytime soon now.  Thanks for the info
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Flathead on October 25, 2011, 05:21:28 PM
I knew about the mirror movement, but not about the dash change.  Now I am bummed and even more confident I will have no hand wings anytime soon now.  Thanks for the info
I have a fairly inexpensive option....  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) $55.00 shipped  ;D
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: tthompsr on October 25, 2011, 06:27:12 PM
Bagger, first off, where can I find those KMW stickers??

Do those wings also tilt in to bring warm air onto you in cooler weather? I mean, they ARE located right behind the outlet.
I got my KMW stickers here. Realtimeindustries.com  look under the KLR selection.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Bagger on October 25, 2011, 08:07:31 PM
I got my KMW stickers here. Realtimeindustries.com  look under the KLR selection.

I'm sure these are good stickers. 

But, Brad's made many for friends of mine, me and others.  Nothing but great reviews.  He's a good guy and a "one man show" that delivers the goods better than most.

I vote for Brad.  Email him ... he always responds quickly.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: maxtog on October 25, 2011, 08:57:08 PM
I have a fairly inexpensive option....  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) $55.00 shipped  ;D

I have already seen those but I don't care for the design because I want something that is adjustable (remove air, add air) and doesn't have to span both dash bolts.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Flathead on October 25, 2011, 10:13:04 PM
I have already seen those but I don't care for the design because I want something that is adjustable (remove air, add air) and doesn't have to span both dash bolts.

No worries  ;)
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: redbarber on October 29, 2011, 10:50:20 PM
Baker hand wings are the best!  All summer, they helped bring air in behind the windshield.  Now in the fall, I start a ride while it's cool, wings closed.  After a few hours, it warms up, wings open.  Heading home in the evening, cools down, wings closed again.   I don't think they look as good as Flathead's wings, and I would really prefer them to have a second mounting bolt so they'd hold their position better, but I could never give up the dual functionality.
Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: roadie on October 30, 2011, 01:10:49 PM
Ok, so finally got around to installing my airbakers uppers/lowers and feet.  Install went pretty quick.  Will see how they work on Tuesday (off on Monday).  Here some pics if anyone is interested.

(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=99)

(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=100)

(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=101)

(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=102)




Title: Re: Airbaker Uppers and Lowers
Post by: Bagger on October 30, 2011, 01:46:34 PM
Nice work, Will .... and nice pix.

I was hoping to try my B'Wings out today, but we had a foot of snow arrive at the hacienda over night and I got to use my chainsaw, plow and snow shovel instead.  What month is this??  Snow in CT-land before Halloween is not unheard of, but a foot+ is historic.

I'm sure it'll melt and I'll get to ride and check out the newly installed products.

I don't think the Air Wings will work with my Cee Bailey dome style windscreen.  I sent back the lowers since the highway pegs would interfere with their operation, too.  So, I only have the faring mounted Upper/Lowers.