Modifying BMW Handguards

[ExpatinIstanbul]

I'm trying to adapt my GS for the mostly hot weather I ride in. I've noticed a few threads on here about cutting the screen down, which seems like a good idea as I can pick up a Givi screen for the rare times I need something bigger.

But, I want to turn my attention to the handguards. I want to keep them, but for lever protection mostly. I'm thinking of drilling holes in them to allow air flow onto my hands. Has anyone tried this, will it weaken them too much?

I know I could buy something that might do a better job, but the extras bills keep adding up and I'm trying to find cheap solutions where possible.

 

[The Bede]

... Ride faster

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

... Ride faster

But.....but....but......it's a BMW, they don't go faster! I could turn off the heated grips as well, but.....but.....but...it's a BMW!

I've been thinking further on this and I wonder if drilling a couple of holes and then somehow fitting an air deflector on the outside, to channel more air through, might be a good solution. I know, I know.....a very over engineered solution to a small problem....................but...but...but.....it's a BMW.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Rotate them down a bit and wear vented gloves - works for me

Andres

 

[bustupbiker]

Take them off and don't drop the bike

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

"Don't drop the bike"? You've not heard of my reputation for being a horizontal rider. I think rotating them down, although an easy solution, might mean less protection for the levers, during the inevitable crashes.

 

[Lord Snooty]

If you are trying to keep your hands cool in hot climes then buy a pair of fingerless cycling gloves. You can get them in leather and with padded palms - works for me when touring abroad.

 

[ELIMINATOR]

Mike,

a pair of fingerless cycling glove

you bastid

Slippery road to Harleydom.

 

[(RIP) MOTÖRHEAD]

Rotate them down a bit and wear vented gloves - works for me

Andres

Seconded.


A pair of these are fantastic for ventilation and still having protection.


Frank Thomas SEG163 (Not the SEG164 as they are different) Urban Warrior Gloves

Price (RRP): £29.99

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

The problem with gloves is that the guards stop air getting to them. Rotating them might help, but I'd be worried that they wouldn't protect the levers so much in an accident. I'm not at all worried about rain coming through any holes I drill, as it hardly rains here in the summer and by next winter I'll have bought the touratech guards to use on a trip being planned for next year.

I'm also a cheap bastard, drilling is free.

 

[(RIP) MOTÖRHEAD]

The problem with gloves is that the guards stop air getting to them. Rotating them might help, but I'd be worried that they wouldn't protect the levers so much in an accident. I'm not at all worried about rain coming through any holes I drill, as it hardly rains here in the summer and by next winter I'll have bought the touratech guards to use on a trip being planned for next year.

I'm also a cheap bastard, drilling is free.

Drilling will work, no doubt about that. It's either a case of lots of little holes or a couple of large ones. Only you can decide (at the time of making the holes) what size and how many you do before you compromise the strength of the hand guard.

It's probably best to start with a few, go for a ride & then see if you need to take further steps.

 

[bowser]

handguards

Dont mess with the original guards they cost enough to replace, just fit a set of aftermarket ones, Acerbis do good ones with an ali bar in them for extra protection for £30, no name makes similar for £20 or so, or cheap end plastic only like the BMW ones from Busters for £12 a set.

 

[(RIP) MOTÖRHEAD]

Dont mess with the original guards they cost enough to replace, just fit a set of aftermarket ones, Acerbis do good ones with an ali bar in them for extra protection for £30, no name makes similar for £20 or so, or cheap end plastic only like the BMW ones from Busters for £12 a set.

I'd be the same but.....

I'm also a cheap bastard, drilling is free.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

I have to bear in mind that the wife has noted how much I've spent on bits recently, and that's been without the Y-piece / filter / commander mod planned for August. She no likee me spendee so much, she want new kitchen.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Bin here, bin there, done that hole thing, not a bit of difference.
I use bmw aeroflow gloves, sometimes use GS gloves.
Always worry not using long gloves, because I am sure the jacket sleeve will slip up to my elbow if I take a slide along the road.
350kms today at +38C - air temp, not body temperature.
The only thing that cools you here is soaking something in water, and let the evaporation do the biz.

HTH,
Bin

 

[andyclift]

I bought some off-road gloves from Heine Gericke a couple of years back specificaly for a hot summer tour. They have little moulded vents on the knuckles and on the hard back of hand protectors and I can really feel the breeze when riding. I also have the BMW GS gloves which are almost as cool. Both used successfully for very hot riding in Italy and a much better solution than drilling holes in the bike.

 

[L]

ride no handed and keep your hands in the air flow.

 

[Amstel_Stu]

BMW letter - Handguards

Hi

Did anyone else get a letter from BMW today mentioning the issue of hand guards on 12ooGS... with stickers en all to ensure that the brake and cluch levers do not get stuck on....leading to full braking when you least expect it?