| Author | Message | ||
     Johnnyjs1 |
Hey all, I just traded my KTM Super Duke for an 09 Uly XT. So far the few hundred miles I've ridden, I love the bike. Still getting used to the vibes below 2.5k rpm though. As soon as I got the bike I started thinking about making some custom bits for it. I'm pretty good at fabricating bike stuff out of metal, plastic, fiberglass..just about anything from bar risers to rear seat cowls. So, I got to thinking. I think it would be pretty cool to make a front mask that sort of wraps around the turn signals and deflects the air that comes between the tank and bars away from the rider. I mocked up a prototype and it looked pretty good on the bike. I am in the process of making the real part, and should hopefully have something made up by tomorrow. I'll get some pictures up as soon as I get the piece done. I'm looking for some feedback from you guys who have ridden lots of miles on a ULY. Would something like this be useful? Or is there no need? Like I said, I've only ridden it a few hundred miles so far. Also let me know what other things might be useful, or things you wish you had, but no one makes. Hopefully pics up soon. Johnny | ||
| Etennuly |
Post them up! Let's see what you are building! When riding when it is cold out, any mods to move the air around you are fair game. Even to the extent of temporarily upsetting the looks of the bike in some people's opinions. But then, I figure their's is likely sitting in a garage, while mine is working.   | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
Etennuly.....I like it!! My concept is similar, except, it will be a one piece unit that includes the mask, and the height remains the same as the mask (keeping it streamline and following the lines of the bike. The "wings" will curve behind the indicators, and you can still attach any screen you'd like. Hopefully I'll get some pics up tonight or tomorrow. Even if I dont quite finish, I'll try and post up the prototype. I'm also making a custom radar detector weatherproof enclosure. Not a big fan of the ugly bulky black box that is currently available, not to mention...its expensive at $60+. I'm making it for the Escort 9500 (as thats the one I have at the moment). I'm really looking forward to becoming a contributor to the Buell forum. Man am I gonna enjoy farklizing this beast!!! Also looking forward to peoples ideas, advice and feedback on the stuff I plan on making. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Johnny, Maybe work some swept back lowers that would protect the legs from wind and keep that underneath air turbulence from the rider's body would be ideal during colder weather. Never seen it done on a ULY here before. | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
Electra....I did think about that...but was concerned about blocking the air intake scoops. I'm new to Buells, so not sure if that would be a problem or not. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Leave both scoop areas open but it could still be done,... some way or other. | ||
| Rwcfrank |
I cant wait to see it! Thanks! | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
Some pictures of the progress. Heres the basic mold, now just gotta make a finished part, and get the final details, like the cut-outs for the indicators.   | ||
| Motorfish |
I have been hoping some one would make a larger fairing for the Uly, but since HD dumped them, the aftermarket wouldn`t bother. Great to see a homegrown one. Looking forward to the finished product. | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
I'm also working on making separate "wing" extensions that can be fastened to the existing screen via the existing holes. | ||
| Motorfish |
I just made some "wings", but they are a little too narrow. They do help somewhat. I have to post a pict. | ||
| Froggy |
Bolt on the 1125R front fairing. It has better headlamps, multiple heights of windscreens available, windtunnel designed, and it does fantastic in the rain and cold!  | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Keep us posted on the progress, thanks. | ||
| Blugorilla |
This looks interesting ... I will be following your progress  | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
Nearly finished one of the separate "wing" attachment prototypes. Just gotta finish cutting out the indicator space. I'll try and get pics of it mounted tonight. Next up...."Wings" that will incorporate lowers made out of a single piece. Just gotta see how to attach the lower part to the bike, and make sure there is enough space to not interfere with the steering lock. Once I get enough feedback on which version is liked the best by you owners, I'll hopefully begin some production of em. | ||
| Etennuly |
Fair warning, if you are going to talk about producing parts for sale you will need to look into becoming a sponsor on the BadWeB. It is done in fairness to those who tote the note.  | ||
| Froggy |
Yep what he said. It looks good so far, so assuming it all works out you could easily begin selling them and make up the sponsorship fees. If you are interested, you can send Blake a PM and work out the details | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
No problem..not looking to get rich with this. I've been making custom parts for every bike I've ever had. I do it out of need, not greed.  . If I can make the bike a bit more comfy for the owners, and not lose money doing it..well thats enough for me. Plus...I dont even think there would be enough interest to go into production. And when I say production...I mean me sitting in my garage and making a few more . If I can make enough to cover materials and sponsor fees.....I'm more than happy to do so to contribute to this awesome forum. | ||
| Froggy |
I'm still waiting to see what the final outcome is, but you do have my interest. I love altering the crap out of the bike. | ||
| Hughlysses |
IIRC, Al Lighton talked about doing something like this after he'd had his Uly for a while. AFAIK he never did anything though. I'm very interested to see how this turns out. | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
Ok, before I start making all kinds of alternative configurations, I'd like to find out which design would have the most interest. The one piece design that includes the fly screen, or the separate bolt on wings? I'd like to focus on one design instead of splitting time between the two. heres a picture of the prototype:Still needs some final tweaking  bolt on wing   | ||
| Barkbuster |
I like the bolt on wings! I already have a Madstadd flyscreen so the wings look like they would be a effective windflow addition | ||
| Blugorilla |
I agree, the add-ons seem like they would be more feasible for most | ||
| Froggy |
I would imagine a 2 piece setup would be easier to make, cheaper to ship, and I get to use it with my hero blue translucent screen Also, I imagine it would be easier to install and remove, as you wouldn't be futzing with the windshield mounts. | ||
| Shopguy10 |
I think it looks great so far and agree with the bolt on wing concept. However, in order to really block the problem wind, you need to prevent the air from hitting the frame and rocketing upwards under your helmet. I would suggest extending the wings a little lower to prevent the wind from hitting the frame. | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
The 2 piece would be easier to make/ship, and would be cheaper as well. Youd have to paint em to match your bike if you were so inclined, as the material only comes in white or black. I would imagine white would be easier to paint, but either would be ok with a coat of primer on first. I imagine black would be better if you werent planning on painting | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Cool, I'm watching! (Where's that darn popcorn smiley???) | ||
| Johnnyjs1 |
I'd have to check if the wings can be extended down. My only concern would be that they are only attached by the three screws on the mask, if the wings get bigger, they might be affected by wind since there is no mounting point for the lower extension, even though the material is pretty stiff, if theres no support lower down, that portion might get buffeted by wind. I'll see what i can come up with though and try to make something work. | ||
| Maximum |
I think that a one piece design would be stronger. Not to complicate the design...but what if there was not a cutaway for the blinkers...and a longer treaded rod was used to extend the mount of the blinkers from the metal fairing to the fiberglass (providing additional support for the wings). | ||
| Blugorilla |
see my thread... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/602606.html?1289001324 Do a lower support bracket off the bottom triple tree...  |
