Kewlmetal Bars

[daddydarko]

I got the Kewlmetal bars installed today. The install was straight forward and took about three hours. I ordered the 7" pullbacks so cables had to be re-routed. This is where the bulk of the time was spent.

The bars look great. The console looks a little bear as I haven't mounted my gear yet. I also have one naked grip since I one is permanently attached to my original bars via Death Grip glue.

The ride is COMPLETELY different! I am finally able to utilize my Corbin backrest and sit upright. The pressure on my wrists became unbearable on long rides with the stock bars. I'm not sure what it is but I ride slower with the new bars. I think it's because I'm no longer positioned aggressively- I can just relax.

I'll post some pics tomorrow.

 

[bjt]

Sounds great DD. :cheers:

 

[daddydarko]

I should add that my hands now block a large portion of my mirrors. I think it's a Kewlmetal strategy to get you to buy their mirror extensions. :joke:

 

[Lamonster]

:doorag::thumbup:

 

[Mad Matt]

DD,

Great! I can't wait to see the pics! I love my setup with the GPS and J&M Intercom. It gives me music and GPS and inter bike comm.

I am having a new Inlay made for it with a Spyder design and my Premiere Edition Number...

Mad Matt

 

[SpyderRyder810]

Is that a cruise control, I see under your left handgrip? If so what model are you using and how do you like it?

 

[SpyderRyder810]

Hi James, I know you've only had one day to ride with your kewlmetel bars, but I want to ask what differences you experience (other than pressure being off your wrists)...differences like in handling the curves & turns etc.
Joan

 

[Mad Matt]

Is that a cruise control, I see under your left handgrip? If so what model are you using and how do you like it?

That's the Audiovox. Its nice when it works! Now My cable broke and I am not sure if I am going to buy another one. It was a pain to install, at least I thought so. It's a "universal" kit, so some things you have to sort of do on your own, it's not bolt on for a Spyder by any stretch. But it is real nice having a real cruise control instead of just a throttle lock.

Matt

 

[daddydarko]

Hi James, I know you've only had one day to ride with your kewlmetel bars, but I want to ask what differences you experience (other than pressure being off your wrists)...differences like in handling the curves & turns etc.
Joan

Got tied up and won't have pics until the weekend. I've put some miles on it with the new bars and everything is different. Less effort is required to turn but don't ask me the physics behind it. I do find I have to brace myself more on sharp, fast turns since my weight is no longer on the bars but now on the seat.

Cruising is the biggest difference. I'm comfortably in my saddle and can ride until I run out of gas or bladder. I've had to train myself not to lean forward as I'm used to doing though. Also, my wrists now have to get used to the new position. I appear to be using muscles I don't normally tax. Missing my left grip may also be a factor.

Windshield clearance is not an issue even on full out turns. I'll have the F1 Slide mounted next week and am not concerned in the least. After that and the throttle lock are in place, falling asleep will be my biggest concern! :yikes:

Great mod so far. I love the extra bar space. I have no idea how I'd like the bars without the Corbin backrest but I can say I don't like the Corbin backrest without the bars. I'll have over 2k miles on the bars following Gatlinburg so I'll be sure to post a follow up when I return.

 

[SpyderRyder810]

"Also, my wrists now have to get used to the new position. I appear to be using muscles I don't normally tax. Missing my left grip may also be a factor... I'll have the F1 Slide mounted next week"

What do you mean about your wrists...as quoted above? Are your wrists tired? Please say more. And you also mentioned the F1 slide...are you talking about Marcel July's windshields?

 

[daddydarko]

"Also, my wrists now have to get used to the new position. I appear to be using muscles I don't normally tax. Missing my left grip may also be a factor... I'll have the F1 Slide mounted next week"

What do you mean about your wrists...as quoted above? Are your wrists tired? Please say more. And you also mentioned the F1 slide...are you talking about Marcel July's windshields?

Yes, the shield is Marcel's new F1 Slide.

I really need a pic to show you the new throttle position. I'll try to snap one today. Maybe I can treat you guys to dinner one weekend soon. Stay tuned...

 

[SpyderRyder810]

Morning James, Bob and I were thinking along the same lines as you...that we should travel over your way and take a first hand look at these Kewlmetal handlebars. When do you leave for Gatlinburg? Also, I thought you were considering Industry7's windshield?

 

[daddydarko]

Morning James, Bob and I were thinking along the same lines as you...that we should travel over your way and take a first hand look at these Kewlmetal handlebars. When do you leave for Gatlinburg? Also, I thought you were considering Industry7's windshield?

I was considering Industries7 windshield. The CHAD looks great but I'm rolling the dice on Marcel's slider. He's an interesting fella and he makes a lot of sense. The F1 slider looks great. I'm going to give Industries7 time to grow as a company before I invest in something as important as a windshield.

I have some time this Sunday but that's it before I leave for Gatlinburg the following Saturday morning. If that doesn't work for you, we can get together after the trip too. We should invite BJT and Deb. Looking forward to it!

 

[bjt]

Sunday mid to late afternoon would be great for me. I was kind of wanting to watch the Lions in the hopes that last week was just a fluke but I would really like to pick up that stock saddle. We could make a little 'group ride' out of it. :doorag:

 

[NancysToy]

Sunday mid to late afternoon would be great for me. I was kind of wanting to watch the Lions in the hopes that last week was just a fluke but I would really like to pick up that stock saddle. We could make a little 'group ride' out of it. :doorag:

Anything is better than watching the Lions embarrass themselves like that again! I vote for a ride.
-Scotty

 

[dltang]

Does that mean you want to ride Sunday Scotty? If so, you can bring Nancy and we can finally meet in person. Also, you can start digging and maybe we could borrow that SWR meter or whatever it's called for the CB's. If you really want to ride let us know. Daddydarko is in Holland I think and you're in Battle Creek and we're over by Flint. I'm sure we could find a mutual place to all gather.

I did some checking on Google Maps and Portland, MI on I-96 is almost as close as we can get to being equal distance between Grand Blanc, Holland and Battle Creek. I don't know what is there yet as far as a place to meet but I will look it up and maybe we can make plans if you guys are up to it.

 

[boogllasti]

I was considering Industries7 windshield. The CHAD looks great but I'm rolling the dice on Marcel's slider. He's an interesting fella and he makes a lot of sense. The F1 slider looks great. I'm going to give Industries7 time to grow as a company before I invest in something as important as a windshield.

Just an FYI - Industries 7 has been around for 15 years - it is just that most of their products were sold under various names. The new IND7 website, etc. is so they can market and distribute more directly.

Marcel came from Gusteffon(sp?) shields, which are pretty highly rated for some other bikes, but their attempt on Spyder has not been well received.

CalSci seems to have the best knowledge of anyone of these guys in my opinion, and the CHAD unit from IND7 seems like it works well from the video they showed sometime ago.

I believe the IND7 unit is laser cut like the CalSci - so you're going to have an exact fit.

Just need to wait for someone to install one and give a real opinion of it.

 

[Lamonster]

Don't forget BRP has a new shield that suppose to be killer.:doorag:

 

[daddydarko]

Here is the new position:

Here's a closer look. Notice the position of the Corbin backrest.

Here's the console. It's a little bare but I'll have speakers and a media player mounted this weekend.

 

[NancysToy]

Does that mean you want to ride Sunday Scotty? If so, you can bring Nancy and we can finally meet in person. Also, you can start digging and maybe we could borrow that SWR meter or whatever it's called for the CB's. If you really want to ride let us know. Daddydarko is in Holland I think and you're in Battle Creek and we're over by Flint. I'm sure we could find a mutual place to all gather.

I did some checking on Google Maps and Portland, MI on I-96 is almost as close as we can get to being equal distance between Grand Blanc, Holland and Battle Creek. I don't know what is there yet as far as a place to meet but I will look it up and maybe we can make plans if you guys are up to it.

I'll ride anywhere, and through anything, but I draw the line at thunderstorms (and snow). Weather report is looking grimmer by the minute for Sunday, but if you want to meet up, barring either of the above, just say the word. I don't know if Nancy would join us.

Bad news on the SWR meter. I just found the box, and it is empty, except for the field strength antenna. I'm still looking, but totally clueless as to where it has disappeared to, or if someone "borrowed" it. To be honest, it is probably of little use to you anyway. It is best used to test CB function, and to adjust antennas. Unfortunately, even if you use a fixed antenna on a bracket, ala the Kewlmetals rack, there is little ground plane, and no place to adjust the location or height. Run what ya brung, and you'll probably do just fine.

P.S. After last weekend's adventures, I know my way back and forth to Holland like the back of my hand.
-Scotty