Triumphrat

criticman · 12-02-2009, 03:41 PM

Just saw these in latest Cycle World gift guide (one of the few items that wasn't for a Beamer owner...not sure what that was all about): Nation Cycle Cool Weather Hand Deflectors.

The guide claimed fitments for Triumphs, so I checked them out but nothing listed for Street Triples (or Speeds for that matter).

Was wondering if anyone heard of them, knew of other fitments for other bikes that may work (they mount to mirror mounts) or maybe of another brand. These look very clear, so not as noticeable on the bike - I'd be willing to put up with them for winter riding if they helped keep my hands out of the frigid air.

MacBandit · 12-03-2009, 01:05 AM

National cycle makes cheap (read as junk) cruiser accessories.

If you're looking for a set of hand guards to fit the Street then look for Flag style. These use just a single mount clamping to the bar just inside of the combination switches and do not mount to the end of the bar. There are a lot of flag style hand guard on the market most of which are designed for Super Moto bikes all you need to do is make sure they fit the bar diameter of the bars on your bike.

Also I think that if you have Triumph flyscreen all the hand guards will hit it.

criticman · 12-03-2009, 08:57 AM

Reply back from National Cycle:

Hello, I'm sorry but we do not list the Street Triple in our application guide for the hand deflectors. If you were to try a set, I would recommend the N5511, this part number has the longest brackets and is our most "universal". We would not be able to guarantee fitment but again, this would be your best bet.

That's good to know the quality is junk. Based on the wording on many of the items in the CW 2009 Holiday gift guide, it was obvious these were paid spots by the vendors, not hand picks by the CW staff.

I can't imagine how they would hit the flyscreen (maybe if you had the clear visor in addition to it?) but I guess depending on where they mount and how they jut out, it is possible.

I'll do some searching at places I typically buy parts from, but if you had any links to the types of guards you were referencing, I'd appreciate it.

MacBandit · 12-03-2009, 11:58 AM

Here's a link to some in the WPS catalog.

http://www.wps-inc.com/wps/WICATALOG...28037670976026

The handguards actually start on page 379.

Also here's some from Acerbis that I've always really liked. They actually mount the opposite of the way I was suggesting. They mount to the end of the bar only and not towards the center at all.

http://www.acerbistore.it/product.as...2474&C=206&L=4

If you are just looking for something to keep your hands warm for a few months over the winter you might consider Hippo Hands. They are ugly as sin but you will not find anything that works better. If you combine Hippo Hands with heated grips there is no such thing as too cold they work awesome together. Also the nice thing is that you can install and remove Hippo Hands in a matter of seconds and if you have heated grips as well then you have the heaters for cold mornings the rest of the year.

http://www.hippohands.com/

criticman · 12-03-2009, 12:53 PM

The Acerbis actually look pretty nice, but are a little pricey.

Speaking of pricey, the Hippo Hands end up being $87 shipped for what is not all that much material and as you said, are ugly as sin.

I know this isn't a cheap hobby, but wow!

I guess I'll have to think about it.

MacBandit · 12-03-2009, 12:57 PM

If you know someone that can sew. Hippo hands should be fairly easy to make. The nice thing is that they take all the wind of your hands and even cover over the wrist on your riding jacket. Another good point is that you can wear your summer weight gloves underneath so you can still have total control over the bike since you don't have to use big padded gloves with no feel. I think even if they were just nylon with no insulation they would be better then any hand guard.

criticman · 12-03-2009, 01:02 PM

Yep just discussed sewing my own (well finding someone who can sew) with my coworker/fellow rider. The Acerbis look awesome though...

We'll see what (if any) bonus I get in the next few weeks and that may make up my mind.

Thanks for the info!

c4mun · 12-07-2009, 04:16 PM

Tried various guards and finally fitted the Acerbis guards after drilling out the bar end studs. They fit into the Bar ends and have kept my hands a lot warmer over the last few weeks. They touch the brake lever (R has a radial master cylinder) but they work well and might just protect the bike (and rider) in a low speed fall.

MacBandit · 12-07-2009, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4mun

........and might just protect the bike (and rider) in a low speed fall.

Don't count on that. Just get a good set of gloves. I've had two customers that had a wrist or one of them both wrists broken when they went over the bars and their fully enclosed handguards didn't rotate breaking their wrists over the handguards.

If you do have fully enclosed handguards (I run them on my dirt bike) make sure they are loose enough to rotate easily.

criticman · 12-29-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4mun

Tried various guards and finally fitted the Acerbis guards after drilling out the bar end studs. They fit into the Bar ends and have kept my hands a lot warmer over the last few weeks. They touch the brake lever (R has a radial master cylinder) but they work well and might just protect the bike (and rider) in a low speed fall.

Look great. Ordering them now from Motostrano.com as they have them in stock.

What did you have to do to install them (specifics if you don't mind)?