Bedifferent
Old man on a bike
I'm not sure I should post this yet, but I thought I would throw it out there......So I have been working on some ideas for some lowers for my rocket touring. I bought some
1 1/4" P-Clamps to go around my crash bars for fastening the aluminum panels I plan to cut and shape. I bought 4 of the clamps, but I may need a couple more if I decide to go through with the project. At $23.00 a pop, I am going to have to work fast if I want to return them to Amazon in 30 days should I change my mind. I estimate the whole project will run about $200.00 if I take it to completion. That probably doesn't include any powder coating.
Anyway, I thought I would use some 0.093 aluminum which is pretty tough, but something that can still be shaped a little if needed. I'm also thinking about using some 1/8" X 3/4 aluminum flats for a skeleton behind the sheet aluminum to stiffen things and provide some solid anchor points for the P-Clamps. As you can see, I am still developing a final pattern for the right side (several more try's should do it) and I'm sure 3 or 4 patterns will be required to get the left side correct as well. At least the outside of the pattern should be close to the same as the right side pattern I'm working on. Once completed I will probably have them powder coated for a nice finish.
My main intent is to provide a little protection from cooler temperatures and help keep my feet stay warmer which is what I seem to have the biggest problem with. Perhaps some electric socks would be an easier way to go...hmmm....but I digress.
I have several requirements for my project.
1. They need to look good and not something ugly that doesn't fit.
2. I want the part closest to the radiator housing to be angle forward sloping the lowers back for directing air out and around. They can't just be flat against the crash bar.
3. They can't extend out beyond the crash bars in any way. This is just in case the bike ever lays over on the bars for some reason (you know what I'm talking about as there was a whole post dedicated to that topic). I could have them extend out above the highway pegs, but I'm not sure I want to do that.
4. I need to create enough clearance around my highway pegs so I can still pass a strap through the opening allowing me to tie the bike down for trailering if needed. One of my strapping points is just above the highway pegs on the crash bar.
I'm still thinking about air flow through them on a hot day, although I have never noticed any radiator heat on a normal day. Designing that feature will be a whole new nightmare. I am also contemplating not having them come all the way up to the top of the crash bar, but rather about midway between the highway pegs and the top of the bar. I'm also still playing with a little air foil flip at the top of the lower no matter what height I decide on.
The design and my pondering is not completed yet...have I missed anything? Here is the pattern, so far, with several more adjustments still needed. Yes or No?
1 1/4" P-Clamps to go around my crash bars for fastening the aluminum panels I plan to cut and shape. I bought 4 of the clamps, but I may need a couple more if I decide to go through with the project. At $23.00 a pop, I am going to have to work fast if I want to return them to Amazon in 30 days should I change my mind. I estimate the whole project will run about $200.00 if I take it to completion. That probably doesn't include any powder coating.
Anyway, I thought I would use some 0.093 aluminum which is pretty tough, but something that can still be shaped a little if needed. I'm also thinking about using some 1/8" X 3/4 aluminum flats for a skeleton behind the sheet aluminum to stiffen things and provide some solid anchor points for the P-Clamps. As you can see, I am still developing a final pattern for the right side (several more try's should do it) and I'm sure 3 or 4 patterns will be required to get the left side correct as well. At least the outside of the pattern should be close to the same as the right side pattern I'm working on. Once completed I will probably have them powder coated for a nice finish.
My main intent is to provide a little protection from cooler temperatures and help keep my feet stay warmer which is what I seem to have the biggest problem with. Perhaps some electric socks would be an easier way to go...hmmm....but I digress.
I have several requirements for my project.
1. They need to look good and not something ugly that doesn't fit.
2. I want the part closest to the radiator housing to be angle forward sloping the lowers back for directing air out and around. They can't just be flat against the crash bar.
3. They can't extend out beyond the crash bars in any way. This is just in case the bike ever lays over on the bars for some reason (you know what I'm talking about as there was a whole post dedicated to that topic). I could have them extend out above the highway pegs, but I'm not sure I want to do that.
4. I need to create enough clearance around my highway pegs so I can still pass a strap through the opening allowing me to tie the bike down for trailering if needed. One of my strapping points is just above the highway pegs on the crash bar.
I'm still thinking about air flow through them on a hot day, although I have never noticed any radiator heat on a normal day. Designing that feature will be a whole new nightmare. I am also contemplating not having them come all the way up to the top of the crash bar, but rather about midway between the highway pegs and the top of the bar. I'm also still playing with a little air foil flip at the top of the lower no matter what height I decide on.
The design and my pondering is not completed yet...have I missed anything? Here is the pattern, so far, with several more adjustments still needed. Yes or No?