'13 FJR Fairing Vent Question

[CopB8]

I've read the manual and while it tells you how to adjust the fairing vents it doesn't really explain how they should be positioned to reduce or add ventilation. So, should they be in or out for hot weather?

Also, am I the only one who feels that we're probably going to be reading a bunch of posts about the bottom lock nut falling out and the vent blowing off?

 

[Fairlaner]

lets hope you are the only one....... :yahoo: :yahoo:

R

 

[HotRodZilla]

Those vents are a piece of **** engineering failure on GenII bikes and if they're still on the GenIII models, they're nothing but a cheap marketing ploy. Like most of us, don't mess with them, as no one really knows what position does what, and they'll break.

The idiot that employed that chicken **** idea should have his ass kicked.

 

[yamafitter]

Those of us who live in areas where the seasons actually change understand the function of the vents. Opening the vents (moving the clips to the outer position) allows more engine heat into the leg and lap area of the rider on cooler days. Those that live in the South-West have no concept of what a cooler day means since the only two types of days they have is "hot" and "the sky is on fire". The South-West have a limited riding season since after February they cannot take the bike out of the air-conditioned garage since they are afraid the tires may melt.

 

[CopB8]

Ok then, I think I understand. 'Theorectically' the vents will make me warmer when in the out position. Being in Texas I can see this is going to be a GREAT feature. :glare:

 

[AKjitsu]

The vents divert heat away from the riders legs when in the open (up) position. When they are in the closed (down) position, heat flows onto the riders legs as days of yore. And they do work as advertised. Perfectly.

It’s a little difficult to explain the open/close process without a hands-on demonstration. You remove a dzuz fastener; shove the vent cover forward and out; reset the vent cover in the other set of slots; and re-insert the dzus fastener. After a bit of practice, it takes about 50 – 90 seconds per side.

And yes, you could lose the dzus fastener. But then, you could also get off the bike having forgotten to put the kickstand down. Or so they tell me.

 

[mcatrophy]

Without wishing to argue with HRZ (I'd never want to argue with HRZ), I have a slightly different take on the "cowlings" (as Mamayamaha calls them).

It is my belief that they don't alter the hot engine airflow significantly, but do allow more or less ambient air onto the rider's legs.

In the normal "in" position, more ambient air gets to the legs, in the"out" position, less ambient air gets to the legs.

So in very cold weather it is an advantage to have them "out" to reduce the cold air on the legs, in any normal ambient the "in" position allows reasonable airflow over the legs.

But, in very hot weather, putting them in the "out" position will reduce the hot ambient air from cooking the legs, so that might be an advantage in Texas.

I've never tested this, as here in the UK it's rare unheard of to get really hot weather, and in any case it makes the bike plum ugly, so I always leave mine in the "in" position.

 

[Iris]

It looks like the 2013 has addressed the heat blowing on your legs (at least the thigh area) by redo-ing the side panels. They now cover the frame of the bike which they didn't cover in the Gen 1's (not sure about the Gen 2's).

See Failainer's photo on post #32 https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=148984&st=20

This looks to me like the smaller, movable cowling pieces are intended only to divert the ambient air while extended in their most outward position(as mentioned above).

 

[DENCOUCH]

From my experience with the vents...

I have found that they work the best for heating when adjusted to the out position AND the windshield is fully up.

The air bubble created that comes along with greater speeds feels warmer to me... that is just me tho.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Without wishing to argue with HRZ (I'd never want to argue with HRZ), I have a slightly different take on the "cowlings" (as Mamayamaha calls them).

It is my belief that they don't alter the hot engine airflow significantly, but do allow more or less ambient air onto the rider's legs.

In the normal "in" position, more ambient air gets to the legs, in the"out" position, less ambient air gets to the legs.

So in very cold weather it is an advantage to have them "out" to reduce the cold air on the legs, in any normal ambient the "in" position allows reasonable airflow over the legs.

But, in very hot weather, putting them in the "out" position will reduce the hot ambient air from cooking the legs, so that might be an advantage in Texas.

I've never tested this, as here in the UK it's rare unheard of to get really hot weather, and in any case it makes the bike plum ugly, so I always leave mine in the "in" position.

This is what I assumed and initially tried to use them for. However, they shouldn't be so dammed ugly when employed, and there should be a definite suggestion for use.

As you can see, even with only a couple opinions, they are all over the place. I swear, if I had a stick and that engineer...

 

[ionbeam]

...However, they shouldn't be so dammed ugly when employed, and there should be a definite suggestion for use...

Hey, it was designed in Japan. Google "Chindōgu" and have a smile. I worked for ~15 years with Japanese engineers, many brilliant, many graduated from the school of Chindogu.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Here's to hoping the '13 vents are more effective than the GENII version. From the looks of the fairing, I'm thinking they *might* be better at creating a bigger air pocket. Still won't compare to the bigger tourers though...

Looking forward to sampling a '13 at the first opportunity.

--G

 

[art miller]

The vents divert heat away from the riders legs when in the open (up) position. When they are in the closed (down) position, heat flows onto the riders legs as days of yore. And they do work as advertised. Perfectly.

It's a little difficult to explain the open/close process without a hands-on demonstration. You remove a dzuz fastener; shove the vent cover forward and out; reset the vent cover in the other set of slots; and re-insert the dzus fastener. After a bit of practice, it takes about 50 – 90 seconds per side.

And yes, you could lose the dzus fastener. But then, you could also get off the bike having forgotten to put the kickstand down. Or so they tell me.

I have never ridden with the cowlings open but I do not see why you should worry about losing the dzus fasteners if you insert them in the appropriate holes and twist closed.

 

[johnny80s]

Without wishing to argue with HRZ (I'd never want to argue with HRZ), I have a slightly different take on the "cowlings" (as Mamayamaha calls them).

It is my belief that they don't alter the hot engine airflow significantly, but do allow more or less ambient air onto the rider's legs.

In the normal "in" position, more ambient air gets to the legs, in the"out" position, less ambient air gets to the legs.

So in very cold weather it is an advantage to have them "out" to reduce the cold air on the legs, in any normal ambient the "in" position allows reasonable airflow over the legs.

But, in very hot weather, putting them in the "out" position will reduce the hot ambient air from cooking the legs, so that might be an advantage in Texas.

I've never tested this, as here in the UK it's rare unheard of to get really hot weather, and in any case it makes the bike plum ugly, so I always leave mine in the "in" position.

This is what I assumed and initially tried to use them for. However, they shouldn't be so dammed ugly when employed, and there should be a definite suggestion for use.

As you can see, even with only a couple opinions, they are all over the place. I swear, if I had a stick and that engineer...

I put them out for cold weather to block the cold air. I put them in when its hot to get more air flowing to Jim and the boys. Not hard to understand even if you are dumb redneck from New Mexico.

The vents divert heat away from the riders legs when in the open (up) position. When they are in the closed (down) position, heat flows onto the riders legs as days of yore. And they do work as advertised. Perfectly.

It's a little difficult to explain the open/close process without a hands-on demonstration. You remove a dzuz fastener; shove the vent cover forward and out; reset the vent cover in the other set of slots; and re-insert the dzus fastener. After a bit of practice, it takes about 50 – 90 seconds per side.

And yes, you could lose the dzus fastener. But then, you could also get off the bike having forgotten to put the kickstand down. Or so they tell me.

I have never ridden with the cowlings open but I do not see why you should worry about losing the dzus fasteners if you insert them in the appropriate holes and twist closed.

They are different on the gen III bikes.

 

[RadioHowie]

Those vents are one of the many **** engineering failures on GenII bikes and if they're still on the GenIII models, they're nothing but a cheap marketing ploy. Like most of us, don't mess with them, as no one really knows what position does what, and they'll break.

The idiot that employed that chicken **** idea should have his ass kicked.

Damn, 'zilla...some rabid Gen II owner minused you! What a prickfuck!

Wait...did you minus YOURSELF!!!

 

[AGirlOnTheGo]

I agree with the fellas, I live in an area that gets plenty-o warm and almost immediately upon buying the bike, I fiddled with the vents hoping to have less heat blasting on my knee and thighs.

The vents were easy to adjust, but ineffective. I find flopping a knee perpendicular to the bike, vents my crotch to torso...:yahoo:I'm just sayin~

Vents are a fail. However, vented clothing is a good investment if you are going to ride in warmer climates.

All the best,

AGirlOnTheGo

​

 

[SkooterG]

However, vented clothing is a good investment if you are going to ride in warmer climates.

Unless it gets 'too' warm. I mean, when it's 110 degrees out, you don't want MORE of that hot air hitting you through that vented gear.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Iffin it gets too warm for vented gear to work...I'm takin the Chevy.

 

[phroenips]

However, vented clothing is a good investment if you are going to ride in warmer climates.

Unless it gets 'too' warm. I mean, when it's 110 degrees out, you don't want MORE of that hot air hitting you through that vented gear.

Actually, according to that Iron Butt article earlier this year, the magic temperature is anything above around 93F