JetJaguar
11-16-2005, 01:29 PM
As the weather is turning colder, I wanted to add a set of handguards to my DL650 for wind protection. However, I already have a Throttlemeister installed on my bike that I didn't want to lose, so any handguard (such as the OEM guards) that wrapped around and attached to the bar end was out of the question. I also don't do brush riding, so I didn't need the impact protection of a closed loop guard. I settled on handguards by PowerMadd. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/1125/369/ These guards have the advantage of being convertible between closed loop for more protection, and open loop that didn't attach to the bar ends.
I ordered the handguards, mounting arms (they're not included and must be ordered separately), and guard extensions. I did not order the wraparound piece. The guards are all plastic, but with a fairly heavy spine down the center that would probably offer a fair amount of impact protection. The tops of the guards have covers that can be snapped out for more airflow, and the extensions can be snapped in place for more shielding.
Installation was fairly straightforward. You do not have to move anything on the handlebars from their stock locations. The arms can be mounted in a variety of ways for best fit, however the mounting position on the DL650 is dictated by the clearances around the right handgrip. It will only fit one way - between the mirror and kill switch and over the top of the brake lever - but in that position the fit is perfect. On the left side, the best location is on the outside of the clutch lever (note to DL1000 owners: the 650 doesn't have a hydraulic clutch and I don't know what clearance issues, if any, you would have). The mounting location is slightly asymmetric with the left side about a half inch farther inboard than the right. I tried moving the clutch lever over but that caused clearance problems elsewhere and the difference is not noticeable anyway.
The guards can be mounted to the arms in four different ways, and the arms have two sets of holes themselves. Again, position is dictated by clearance issues with the bike. In this case, it's the shape of the front cowling when the handlebars are turned to full lock. I mounted the guards on the set of holes closer to the handlebar and with the short spacer on the outside. In this position, with the guards rotated to just the right orientation, they just fit into the notches on the side of the fairing when the bars are turned to full lock. Any other location caused an unacceptable amount of contact. Moving the clutch lever over as stated above caused a tab on the guard to hit the cowl, so I ended up putting it back to where it was.
Installation took about 25 minutes overall, would have been less if I just left the clutch where it was to begin with.
I've been riding with them for a few days now, and here's how well I feel they work. There is a pocket of air around the levers and your fingers are protected, but there is still some airflow over the tops on the back of your hands. There is a little more airflow with the vents uncovered, but the difference is small. With the guard extensions, protection is pretty good with a bubble of still air more or less enveloping your hands. I wish I could mount them a little higher or more perpendicular to the airstream, but that would cause clearance issues. Overall I feel that these guards, with the extensions, are worthwhile additions for cold-weather riding.
I ordered the handguards, mounting arms (they're not included and must be ordered separately), and guard extensions. I did not order the wraparound piece. The guards are all plastic, but with a fairly heavy spine down the center that would probably offer a fair amount of impact protection. The tops of the guards have covers that can be snapped out for more airflow, and the extensions can be snapped in place for more shielding.
Installation was fairly straightforward. You do not have to move anything on the handlebars from their stock locations. The arms can be mounted in a variety of ways for best fit, however the mounting position on the DL650 is dictated by the clearances around the right handgrip. It will only fit one way - between the mirror and kill switch and over the top of the brake lever - but in that position the fit is perfect. On the left side, the best location is on the outside of the clutch lever (note to DL1000 owners: the 650 doesn't have a hydraulic clutch and I don't know what clearance issues, if any, you would have). The mounting location is slightly asymmetric with the left side about a half inch farther inboard than the right. I tried moving the clutch lever over but that caused clearance problems elsewhere and the difference is not noticeable anyway.
The guards can be mounted to the arms in four different ways, and the arms have two sets of holes themselves. Again, position is dictated by clearance issues with the bike. In this case, it's the shape of the front cowling when the handlebars are turned to full lock. I mounted the guards on the set of holes closer to the handlebar and with the short spacer on the outside. In this position, with the guards rotated to just the right orientation, they just fit into the notches on the side of the fairing when the bars are turned to full lock. Any other location caused an unacceptable amount of contact. Moving the clutch lever over as stated above caused a tab on the guard to hit the cowl, so I ended up putting it back to where it was.
Installation took about 25 minutes overall, would have been less if I just left the clutch where it was to begin with.
I've been riding with them for a few days now, and here's how well I feel they work. There is a pocket of air around the levers and your fingers are protected, but there is still some airflow over the tops on the back of your hands. There is a little more airflow with the vents uncovered, but the difference is small. With the guard extensions, protection is pretty good with a bubble of still air more or less enveloping your hands. I wish I could mount them a little higher or more perpendicular to the airstream, but that would cause clearance issues. Overall I feel that these guards, with the extensions, are worthwhile additions for cold-weather riding.