Gen 1, Removing Vents, Increasing heat flow for winter?

[lonekazoo]

I know everyone talks about the unwanted heat coming out of the lower fairing on the 08-09's, but I was just watching a Kawasaki press video on youtube from the original release of the C14, and someone stated that it was a feature that the side vent deflectors can be removed to allow MORE heat to hit the rider during colder weather.

This intrigued me, as I like to ride well into the winter.  I can't say I have read the manual word for word, but I don't remember seeing this documented.  Has anyone tried it, and if so, does it actually work? 

Thanks!
George
'08 C14

[Conrad]

I don't know about any extra heat but I removed my deflectors because I think that the bike looks a lot better without them. I ride year round this way.

[VirginiaJim]

Riding on the wild side, eh?

[Conrad]

Riding on the wild side, eh?

Yeah, throwing caution to the wind and riding nearly unprotected!

[VirginiaJim]

Does your wife know about this?

[Conrad]

Does your wife know about this?

Hush now.

[VirginiaJim]

 

[maxtog]

and someone stated that it was a feature that the side vent deflectors can be removed to allow MORE heat to hit the rider during colder weather.

I often wondered why, on a bike like ours, they didn't design the dash to optionally collect heat and dump it on the rider for cold riding months.

[VirginiaJim]

Way too logical, Max.

[connie14boy]

Those ugly deflectors were the 2nd thing to go in the trash, after I threw out the black bazooka. I have ridden 30,000 miles without 'em- even this summer thru the Mojave desert and 112* - no problemo. The deflectors do almost nothing besides look like a tacked on afterthought of some engineering student. My Connie is even more beautiful now.

[Son of Pappy]

Consider Gerbings, strongly   My deflectors are in the process of being turned red (camouflage power adder for ZGs bike  )

[martin_14]

mmm... I'll give it a try. Always wondered what the difference would be, never thought of actually asking or trying it. Getting old is no fun...

[Dan Forker]

Maybe it's too early for me to think, but what are the side vent deflectors you are referring to?

Fork

[martin_14]

Maybe it's too early for me to think, but what are the side vent deflectors you are referring to?

Fork

unlike the newer ones, the '08 and '09 have a deflector on both sides of the radiator flow exit that are attached with screws to the frame. These can be taken out.

[Conrad]

mmm... I'll give it a try. Always wondered what the difference would be, never thought of actually asking or trying it. Getting old is no fun...

Speaking for myself Martin, I'm have lots of fun (33 more days till I retire). Besides, it's better than the alternative isn't it (as far as we know at least)?

"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many..."

[TallyRex]

Consider Gerbings, strongly     )

+10

[ZG]

Consider Gerbings, strongly   My deflectors are in the process of being turned red (camouflage power adder for ZGs bike  )

 

[lonekazoo]

I appreciate the comments.  If there's a cosmetic improvement as well, heck what am I waiting for!...I'll give it a try.

George

[Conrad]

I appreciate the comments.  If there's a cosmetic improvement as well, heck what am I waiting for!...I'll give it a try.

George

Once you remove the deflectors you're going to need some new screws to fill the holes of the old stock screws as the stockers are too long to fit properly. Before you run out and get some screws check inside of the deflectors. There's been reports of some folks finding the screws that they need there. Not on mine though. I picked up some stainless steel screws at the hardware store.

[lonekazoo]

Once you remove the deflectors you're going to need some new screws to fill the holes of the old stock screws as the stockers are too long to fit properly. Before you run out and get some screws check inside of the deflectors. There's been reports of some folks finding the screws that they need there. Not on mine though. I picked up some stainless steel screws at the hardware store.

Thanks!   I did take them off, and I did have the extra two bolts and washers hidden away in the foam pieces in the back of the vents.  And I do like the looks without them!  I haven't tested them off yet, but at this point if I get a little extra warmth out of the sides this time of year, it'll be a bonus.