DIY heat insulation on plastics, frame and gas tank.

[OregonLAN]

So, after a few rides in 100+ degree weather, I have come to the conclusion that our bikes get REALLY FREAKING HOT! There's not much we can do about the blast furnace heat from the sides, but I think the radiant heat can be controlled with some foil insulation. Thus, I've picked up a roll of this from Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-E-O-12-in-x-15-ft-Self-Stick-Foam-Foil-Duct-Insulation-FV516/100028603

It's very easy to work with and is relatively inexpensive.

So far, I've only lined a small portion of the glove box area. The results are very noticeable. Next week I plan to line portions of the frame, gas tank and fairing that have little or no heat insulation. I will post my results.

[VirginiaJim]

Excellent!  This has been posted before very early on but has been lost to the sands of time.

[Rhino]

I did that on my gen II glove box. Still gets freaking hot in there.

[Cuda]

I bought a $60.00 set of used ZX 14 headers , removed the cats , wrapped the headers with heat tape and it is a LOT COOLER ... living in south Florida I've only used my heated grips once, on a trip to Jacksonville during a cold spell, I cut down a Gen 1 windshield and it is  down most of the time, God I wish it would cool down

[martin_14]

So, after a few rides in 100+ degree weather, I have come to the conclusion that our bikes get REALLY FREAKING HOT! There's not much we can do about the blast furnace heat from the sides, but I think the radiant heat can be controlled with some foil insulation.

In such a weather I think anything will get freaking hot, but admittedly the C14 engages its fans rather quickly. A K1600 takes ages to start the fan, which is amazing considering the 4 of the 6 cylinders never see even a breeze, all tucked in in the fairing.
Regarding the blast from the side, I assume your's a '08 or '09, right? if so, you can add Zteve's insulation panels. They make a world of difference. Well, maybe a moon 

[Rhino]

In such a weather I think anything will get freaking hot, but admittedly the C14 engages its fans rather quickly. A K1600 takes ages to start the fan, which is amazing considering the 4 of the 6 cylinders never see even a breeze, all tucked in in the fairing.
Regarding the blast from the side, I assume your's a '08 or '09, right? if so, you can add Zteve's insulation panels. They make a world of difference. Well, maybe a moon 

I like it. I think I'll start using that phrase: That will would make a moon of difference...

[rocknrod]

...Next week I plan to line portions of the frame, gas tank and fairing that have little or no heat insulation. I will post my results.

And pictures would be good 

[DucRider]

Insulation panels?

[maxtog]

Insulation panels?

Gen 1 issue.

Search function is your friend (although sometimes it can be the enemy):
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=287.0

[gPink]

Max, I used the search function to look for 'insulation panels' and all I got was this thread. 

[DucRider]

Max, I used the search function to look for 'insulation panels' and all I got was this thread. 

Thanks....same here.

[gPink]

Zteve's insulation panels=Heat Shields, which is in the thread Max posted. As he said search is friend or foe.

[maxtog]

Max, I used the search function to look for 'insulation panels' and all I got was this thread. 

Yeah, I know.  That is why I said sometimes it is the enemy

I know Jim will chastise me for this, but I still say the searching functionality on SMF is pretty weak.  But it is doable if you get creative with terms and which forums you search.  In this example, the found thread was not in this Forum...  using the search box while pointed at the" Accessories and modifications" forum will ONLY search this forum and none of the others.  While that might be what the users wants, it isn't clear that is what it is doing.  It doesn't even SAY the results are from just the forum you are in when it returns the search results.  I am also convinced it doesn't show all matches.

Of course, the other issue is that I knew nobody would call them "heat shields".  So searching for those terms would be futile (although I tried it first).  Instead, I used "zteve heat" and started at the main "The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one" page's search box and the rest is history.

I really think we need a search "Howto" that is sticky.  And I will put my money where my mouth is by writing it, if so requested.

[Cuda]

Max is our resident Geek , he has special Geek powers...

[gPink]

This search bar should just link to google. 

[maxtog]

Max is our resident Geek , he has special Geek powers...

Nah... although I will admit I am a geek (hey, gotta make a living somehow, you know), it is mostly just spending way too much time participating and managing online forums.  Each type of forum software has strengths and weaknesses.  Eventually one figures this stuff out, whether he wants to or not. zggtr.org is a goldmine of useful stored information and the key to unlocking it is searching for and finding what you need.

[tomp]

Interesting search info...  Rode my son's Ninja650R recently and even though it is a twin, the heat that came off of it, especially at stops, was as bad as my 08.  Not as evident riding, but was not comfortable at stops, for sure.  I bet that there is zero insulation on the bike.   Just sayin' that heat is everywhere...  tp