Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: gnuse on November 04, 2011, 02:08:04 PM

Title: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: gnuse on November 04, 2011, 02:08:04 PM
Just got my '11 Concours last week and spent today in the mountains. Wow, what an improvement over my R1150RT.

I wanted to report on one of our member's projects/farkles. Our fellow member, Flathead, produces these wings that protect your hands from the wind and although I didn't test them above 85, I can vouch for the fact that they leave a hole in the air that is about an inch outside the ends of the handlebars and about three inches above your hands. There is no doubt that the cold air on the backs of your hands is not good this time of year. Even though they are flexible, they are very effective even at the higher speeds. The Lexan he uses is much stronger than plexiglas.

Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Flathead on November 04, 2011, 06:58:13 PM
Thanks gnuse!
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: dras on November 05, 2011, 02:50:51 PM
Now if we could just get him to make some for the earlier C14's....  ;)
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Flathead on November 05, 2011, 05:31:56 PM
Working it...  :)
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Ddfee on November 05, 2011, 05:33:52 PM
Flathead - any pics and prices, Im looking for some.

Thx

Dave
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Flathead on November 05, 2011, 05:56:14 PM
I've got a few pics here: 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) Hope to get the bike cleaned up and a few more up there tomorrow.

The wings are $55.00, which includes all hardware and lower 48 shipping.
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: DGOLD on November 06, 2011, 09:18:23 AM
They look good, a shame that they are not adjustable, even so can you post a link for purchase?
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Khrome on November 06, 2011, 09:35:22 AM
I still havn't mounted mine, I would like the spacers to be black to blend in better.
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Flathead on November 06, 2011, 11:02:46 AM
I am trying really hard to find black nylon spacers. Unfortunately I need a minimum quantity of 1000 (which means 1000 short and 1000 long). There are a couple of other options... Black anodized aluminum, also expensive, and dying the white nylon spacers. I am going to give dying a try today and let you know.  If I do find a reasonably priced black spacer I will offer them at cost to anyone who would like.
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: gnuse on November 06, 2011, 01:36:13 PM
I offered Flathead a suggestion for source. In the meantime it takes the better part of 5 minutes to install these, so you really should start enjoying them. I have found that a black, permanent marker will color nylon nicely. You might want to put the spacer on the longer screw to keep the marker off you.  ;)
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Flathead on November 06, 2011, 03:47:46 PM
@gnuse, nogo on McMaster...

My dye test has been very successful! Found some tips from RC car folks about dyeing nylon and it works very well.  I now have a small supply of black spacers.  ;D
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Just Krusen on November 06, 2011, 07:12:19 PM
I finally had a chance to ride with my new hand wings this weekend.  They work and look great.  I have 1 1/2" risers.  The air flow is just over the top of my hands.  Solid wind hits me at my elbows.

Thanks Flathead I really like them.

Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: DenverC-14 on November 06, 2011, 07:13:09 PM
@gnuse, nogo on McMaster...

My dye test has been very successful! Found some tips from RC car folks about dyeing nylon and it works very well.  I now have a small supply of black spacers.  ;D
Cool. Probably saved you  a pretty penny as well. Hopefully we can figure out a day to get together so you can mock up a version for the 08-09.
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Flathead on November 06, 2011, 08:07:08 PM
Thanks Krusen!!

Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Khrome on November 06, 2011, 09:12:21 PM
@gnuse, nogo on McMaster...

My dye test has been very successful! Found some tips from RC car folks about dyeing nylon and it works very well.  I now have a small supply of black spacers.  ;D

Let me know how to pay for some black spacers !
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: DGOLD on November 10, 2011, 01:07:49 PM
I received my Wind Wings last night and found they were super easy to install and the black spacers are invisible. The lexan shields look thin next to the windshield but they appear to work as designed.  My freeway commute to work wasn't very cold (mid 50's) but I could tell the wind was off my hands so that my summer gloves were more than adequate. As soon as my new Cee Bailey windshield comes in I will be set for some Southern California winter riding!
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Flathead on November 10, 2011, 06:49:34 PM
Thanks for the comments dgold!

Before everyone floods my inbox for black spacers....
I'll be sending black spacers to all of you, no charge, as soon as my 'big' order of spacers comes in.

My way of saying thanks for giving them a try  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Conrad on November 11, 2011, 05:21:31 AM
Thanks for the comments dgold!

Before everyone floods my inbox for black spacers....
I'll be sending black spacers to all of you, no charge, as soon as my 'big' order of spacers comes in.

My way of saying thanks for giving them a try  :chugbeer:

Nice!   :thumbs:
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 11, 2011, 05:36:11 AM
Thanks for the comments dgold!

Before everyone floods my inbox for black spacers....
I'll be sending black spacers to all of you, no charge, as soon as my 'big' order of spacers comes in.

My way of saying thanks for giving them a try  :chugbeer:

You may also want to post a short blurb on them in this board...

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=16.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=16.0)
Title: Re: Hand wind wings.....effective
Post by: Tremainiac on November 11, 2011, 08:27:10 AM
"Southern California winter riding" ?!?   :loco:

Oh puuuleaze!!!
We call that "summer" everyplace else!