Motorcycle Hand Wind Deflectors version 2.1

My latest, new and improved motorcycle hand wind deflectors are based on the original mounting method of my previous ones, but use Lexan sheet for a less visually obtrusive design.
You will note that these are version 2.1.
The original (version 1) used a curved metal shield to block the wind. This wrapped around the front of each grip and brake/clutch lever. However, the metal was big and bulky looking. I also think the curved design did not divert the wind as well as a flatter shield.
The newer version 2.0 used a flat Lexan flat sheet, however, I was still getting some cold wind blowing on my fingertips when wrapped around the grips.
The newest version (2.1) uses a slightly larger sheet of Lexan and bends the bottom portion back for reduced size at the front face as well as to help protect the fingertips at the bottom.
Think of these as windshields for your hands.
These are mounted on my Yamaha Vstar 650, however, I suspect the mount can be modified to fit many makes of motorcycle.
If you line up all your materials and steps ahead of time, it should not take more than 1 hour.
Total cost should be about $15 or less

Step 1 Materials and tools

Materials:
(2)  .093" x 8" x 10" Lexan sheets. I got mine at Home Depot. They are replacement panes for windows. They cost $3.75 each
(4) each stainless steel machine screws (10-32 x 1/2"), and lock nuts
(8) each stainless steel washers
(1) length of 1/8" x 1" aluminum bar (I had mine from a previous project, but you could really use whatever size works for you)

Tools:
Hacksaw to cut metal bar to length
Vise for bending metal bar to 90 degree angle
Drill (I needed 3/8" for my mirror mounts and 3/16" for #10 screws)
Files (flat for smoothing edges of metal bar and Lexan after cutting; also needed round file for tweaking hole for mirror mount)
Bandsaw (or jigsaw) for cutting Lexan)
Heat gun (or oven)
Wood blocks and clamps (for bending Lexan)

Comments

[starbob331]

I made a pair for my 750 ace, thanks for the great idea.

[marple200]

I'm glad it worked out for you.
I love mine, but with this weather, I'm going to be taking them off for the season soon.

[beckhart]

My husband suggested bat wings for our bikes but I hate the way they look. When he found these I said, "Yes, those are perfect!!"

Thanks for the idea! We going to make these.

[marple200]

Great. Good luck

[daveand5]

Nice !
Just wanted to add that when smoothing the edges, probably after the pieces are bent, playing a flame on the edges will smooth them out even more.

I did this years ago on my 920 Yamaha, but had stumbled across these over sized plastic snow globes, about 7" in diameter. Used the clear top half, Notched them to fit around the the grip so your hand fit into the globe half easily with out cutting into your hand. worked fantastic. Even better in summer, its amazing how many beetles and bees they collected.

[jansc50]

I have ones mounted on my C50, that cost a whole lot more, and I don't think they do a whole lot of good. It looks like these might have a bit better coverage and sure do save a whole lot of money, sure is worth a try. Thanks for the info.

[jappryor]

First I want to thank you for this write up and how to, they look awsome and sure beats paying $90.00 for a pair, i am in the process of making a set for my vtx1300 just have a question, how far up did you go on your bend was it a 1" or 2" or ??? just wasn't sure how far up i should go for the bend, and thanks again for sharing your idea this helps alot. John

[marple200]

I forget exactly.
The key was/is to make a cardboard template for the plexi to refine the size for your particular bike and then you can also adjust the location of the bend.

[Pearlsnaps]

Excellent write-up. This is Exactly what I had in mind for my bike. Gloves only work so much, and I ride 50 miles a day- regardless of weather... I'm thinking of using Black Lexan, and making more of a bell shape to come around the clutch and brake levers to more encompass my hands

[marple200]

I've just recently been thinking about trying a slightly different shape, as well. I'll post those if I do.

[PapaHepcat]

This is great! I'm going to do this. Thanks for a great instructable!

[marple200]

Winter is coming!
Let me know if you come up with any improvements

[andygreyrider]

I always like to see us users competing with the big manufacturer's by making affordable add-on's.
I am making some home-made stabiliser's for my motorcycles and scooters because of Syringomyelia.
Your idea has given me an idea of how to replace heavy suspension shocks which will be nearly invisible.
Excellent and has to be the best instructable I have seen. How did you get the angles to match? Did you use the first one as a template for the second?

Well Done again and Thank You Very Much.

[veodoble]

 Smart and tidy, well done!

[afordguy33]

Very nicely done!  I've been looking for a par from my Stratoliner, but i may end up making my own after seeing this. Thank you for sharing your project.

[CybergothiChe]

 that's sweet....and a great idea :)

[l8nite]

these are pretty cool...or is that warm? even with good gloves your fingers get frozen during some rides so any little bit helps... great pictures, well presented "ible"

[TheWelfareWarrior]

Went on a ride last week... 15F outside...

Wished I had something like this...

[rimar2000]

Very good work, good photos too.

[marple200]

gracias