08 adjustable cowling

[Bogus]

Tried doing a Google search and search on on this site on this, but no results. Maybe because the 08's are the first with the adjustable cowling? I have looked in the owners manual, and the service manual, but can't determine which position of the cowls direct engine heat away from, or towards the rider. Description reads: "cowlings can be moved out to provide added ventilation to suit riding conditions." I assume that in the "out" position, it would direct engine heat away from the rider. Does this sound right, or will this be a trial and error exercise?

 

[Niehart]

All I know is that in the winter & when it's raining, you get a little more protection with them out.

 

[kaitsdad]

Tried doing a Google search and search on on this site on this, but no results. Maybe because the 08's are the first with the adjustable cowling? I have looked in the owners manual, and the service manual, but can't determine which position of the cowls direct engine heat away from, or towards the rider. Description reads: "cowlings can be moved out to provide added ventilation to suit riding conditions." I assume that in the "out" position, it would direct engine heat away from the rider. Does this sound right, or will this be a trial and error exercise?

Bogus - these are standard on all GenII bikes, starting in 2006.

check this link - Rickster's Bin o Facts for the GenII

From my personal experience - (yes, I rode for 90 miles one afternoon without gloves, with my left cowling in the outboard position)- I was able to feel the differences in the heat flow.

Outboard, more heat on you, the rider. Inboard, less heat.

 

[madmike2]

Tried doing a Google search and search on on this site on this, but no results. Maybe because the 08's are the first with the adjustable cowling? I have looked in the owners manual, and the service manual, but can't determine which position of the cowls direct engine heat away from, or towards the rider. Description reads: "cowlings can be moved out to provide added ventilation to suit riding conditions." I assume that in the "out" position, it would direct engine heat away from the rider. Does this sound right, or will this be a trial and error exercise?

Did you try reading the NewGen (GenII) Bin-O'-Facts? IIRC, its in there about 1/2 way down the page...though I haven't read that lately and Rickster has been adding information. I believe all of the GenII's have adjustable side fairings ('06-present).

Edit: 8:58 PM

Hmmmm....I checked Google and came up with pages by using "side fairings site:fjrforum.com" and then "side vents site:fjrforum.com".

 

[Bogus]

Thanks kaitsdad, I now have the bin o' facts for gen ll in my favorites folder. Looks like the jury is still out if "in or out" is for colder or warmer rideng temps. Will have to experiment as soon as our snow melts here in Iowa!

 

[Tbird]

I've been riding my 07' bike all winter. My legs were getting a lot of wind so I moved the side

cowlings to the outer position. Me likey now as my legs are mostly shrouded from the wind blast

and are therefore staying warmer.

Due to the cold temps I've been riding in...I've not been able to determine if I'm getting more

engine heat on me with them in the outboard position. But I do know that as soon as it warms

up I plan to move them back inward. It's a cosmetic thing for me as I think the bike looks better

with them in.

 

[Lake Powell]

I've been riding my 07' bike all winter. My legs were getting a lot of wind so I moved the sidecowlings to the outer position. Me likey now as my legs are mostly shrouded from the wind blast

and are therefore staying warmer.

Due to the cold temps I've been riding in...I've not been able to determine if I'm getting more

engine heat on me with them in the outboard position. But I do know that as soon as it warms

up I plan to move them back inward. It's a cosmetic thing for me as I think the bike looks better

with them in.

My thoughts exactly, from what I can tell there is no change in where the engin heat goes.

 

[MojaveFJR]

Winter out, summer in.

 

[uctofeej]

I've been riding my 07' bike all winter. My legs were getting a lot of wind so I moved the sidecowlings to the outer position. Me likey now as my legs are mostly shrouded from the wind blast

and are therefore staying warmer.

Due to the cold temps I've been riding in...I've not been able to determine if I'm getting more

engine heat on me with them in the outboard position. But I do know that as soon as it warms

up I plan to move them back inward. It's a cosmetic thing for me as I think the bike looks better

with them in.

My thoughts exactly, from what I can tell there is no change in where the engin heat goes.

Yep, what they said.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Just leave them in...I tried it with them out, didn't notice much difference, and the holes that show in the out position just look stupid

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

While in the out position, my right cowling flew off the bike. One other member (FJRpig?) had a similar experience. Yamaha replaced the cowling. I leave it in as I didn't notice a difference. The forum members a couple years ago never came to a consensus either. It seems to be a feature that is looking for a purpose. Your mileage will vary.

 

[Harald]

It would be really nice if Yamaha would clarify their description of these cowls because I can't figure out how they are supposed to work based on their description.

I ride daily in temps as low as 20 degrees. My experience is that my legs are noticeably warmer with the cowls open. I don't know if there's any engine heat added or if they are just blocking cold wind, but it simply works.

 

[kiteman11]

I agree with the winter out theory. If anything else, it helps block wind and you get engine heat from either position. Mine are out now and will stay that way until warmer weather.

 

[Wicked Webby]

Just leave them in...I tried it with them out, didn't notice much difference, and the holes that show in the out position just look stupid

+1 on that!!

WW

 

[skifrik]

It's when you put the windshield up does the heat come off the engine and through the vent under the speedo.

 

[Phugedaboudet]

now if they were motorized like the windshield...that'd be cool. Maybe have em pop open during braking like flaps!

 

[odot]

You mean like ground spoilers..............right?

 

[Rondo777]

I've been riding my 07' bike all winter. My legs were getting a lot of wind so I moved the sidecowlings to the outer position. Me likey now as my legs are mostly shrouded from the wind blast

and are therefore staying warmer.

Due to the cold temps I've been riding in...I've not been able to determine if I'm getting more

engine heat on me with them in the outboard position. But I do know that as soon as it warms

up I plan to move them back inward. It's a cosmetic thing for me as I think the bike looks better

with them in.

My thoughts exactly, from what I can tell there is no change in where the engin heat goes.

Yep, what they said.

And again, what they said! I cant tell whats happening with the heat from the engine either, honestly I think nothing. But if its cold out they will protect you from the blast of cold air on the knees when in the out position. I agree that the bike looks way better with them in but being able to ride to work in the 30's was worth the cosmetic sacrafice. Its in the 80s here now and 50's for the ride to work. There in now and I'm riding dirty!

 

[7mary3]

Winter out, summer in.

+1