viffviff Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Thinking of modifying a (second) seat cowl so I can keep the grab handles on (which I find really useful for moving the bike around in the garage). Anyone done this? grateful for any advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted September 1, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted September 1, 2014 Ideally, you need a template from someone who went before you. I asked for my 4th gen, get no response (BOOOOOOHH!!!) and whipped out the Dremel. I had to make the cut-outs larger because the paggenrger grips double a a base to clamp a rear carrier bracket on.. I used a knackered one I picked up for 10 euro's so no loss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRad704 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Someone did this to the cowl I bought used. Wasn't a fan, so I rebuilt the sections with glass mat and Vette-paste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
interceptorrider Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I did it to a 5th gen I owned previously and liked it a lot. Like you said, easier to move around the garage, put up on the centerstand, etc. I just took my time to develop a template, then got out the Dremmel and went to work. Well worth the effort. Good luck. Ride safe Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viffviff Posted September 2, 2014 Author Share Posted September 2, 2014 Thanks everyone. If I produce a good template I'll try and post it on the site for others. Btw, what is the best dremel tool to use for cutting the plastic cowl? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer VFROZ Posted September 2, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted September 2, 2014 Did this to my 5th G. I think it looks much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer DFerrell Posted September 2, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted September 2, 2014 I cut mine for saddle bag mounts so I can run the cowl with saddle bags and strap stuff down behind me. I had special blocks made to replicate the grab bars so I could do this. I have a few cowls, one stock, this one cut like this, a blue one I got for free and plasti-dipped and of course my smuggler which is actually a whole seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimGregory Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 Did this to my 5th G. I think it looks much better. I like that! Is that a standard part from someone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Bones Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 Mine didn't come with grab handles. I rarely use the cowl anyway, they detract from the fuglyness of the GIVI racks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enzed_viffer Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 I did mine when I first got the bike 10 years or so ago. I'm too poor to own a Dremel, so I used a Makita laminate trimmer. By the way - don't use one of these with a low-speed grinder bit to remove your chain's masterlink. Unless you're bored. Or stupid. Or lazy, bored and stupid like me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 13, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted January 13, 2015 cos you will crash, burn, die and then do it all over again............... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enzed_viffer Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 cos you will crash, burn, die and then do it all over again............... Yes indeed, Leon. To be honest, despite doing lots of stupid things, it's one of the very few times I was worried about that. There I was, holding the laminate trimmer with hands and knees, spinning at 20k rpm (the trimmer, not me), wildly vibrating (both of us), and thinking, "OH CRAP!! This won't end well!" I only *just* managed to bump the power switch with my knee, and eventually it wound down and my teeth stopped rattling. Another stupid thing was bedding in new front brake pads on the VTR1000 I used to own, by repeatedly braking hard, after reading a report years ago that said that was the best way to do it. But apparently not on a damp road infested with tar snakes. I found out what mild concussion is like, after landing on my head in front of some guys doing road repairs. At least they didn't laugh, and I didn't burst into flames that time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileyrock Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 LOL!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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