Report on the TUC-M319 Handlebar Muffs

[Mark Hooton]

BTW before I get onto the thread `proper` I am just back from slinging my LC round the Nurburg Ring. OMG what a blast

Hi Guys, as you may or may not know I`m privileged to get asked by Nippy Norman to carry out reports on a number of items he sells (over the years now I think I`ve topped over 20 products I`ve happily tested for him).

I recently did one for a set of handlebar muffs - TUC-M319. Now IMHO I must say that these items are not something I would personally use however I was pleased to offer some form of report for NN to base a decision on and to also answer his question - will they fit a 2013 LC?

As always he has been very appreciative and has asked me to `post` my report as he says he is getting a good number of enquires. And I know what this is going to read like but if anyone wanted any of these then IMHO you won`t find a better supplier.

Normally, I wouldn`t do this (as Norman asked for the report and it was done solely for him) however I can see where NN is coming from and I will do everything to support him (as he supports me) and if any of us are considering these `Devil Muffs` then I hope that my few words would be of help (as I have had gallons of help from kind fellow tossers). Anyway, here it is..........

From: Mark Hooton [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 07 September 2013 14:05
To: Nippy Normans
Subject: Fitting of TUC-M319 Handlebar muffs

Hi Norman, as promised. I`m presuming this helps you and answers your question but please let me know if you require anything further - it's never a problem and always a pleasure to help.

Report on the TUC-M319 Handlebar Muffs

Initial impressions are good Norman. Good instructions (not as good as mine…………. with a seemingly well made good quality product. Nice touch with the carry case too. Stitching seems well done and components seem of good overall quality. Good ancillary fixings incorporating a steel bar for very strong anchorage to handlebar.

Will they fit a 2013 R1200GS?

Yes, but if the client wishes for a better fit then the BMW OEM hand protectors will have to be removed. This isn`t a difficult job and I suspect 99% of your clients will leave them on. This is fine and the muffs do actually fit over the guards but it does mean that the Velcro fastening is stretched at points to allow for the accommodation of the BMW OEM hand guards.
You can see exactly what I mean in the attached images.

Fitting

Very easy even with the hand guards left in place. 20 mins from start to finish including properly fixing the metal bars to the handlebar. The muffs `sit` well and do not interfere with full left or right lock. If the BMW OEM guards are left on you will see that the shrouding is somewhat ungainly as in some places it is stretched to allow for the guard. This doesn`t detract from the use or purpose of the muffs but simply doesn`t look at neat as it should or could.

Recommendations

I would recommend that you consider selling these muffs stating that they do actually fit the 2013 R1200GS however I would recommend that you state that they can be fitted WITH or WITHOUT the BMW OEM hand guards fitted, depending on client preference. This should `cover your back` but once again I suspect that 99% of your clients will leave the hand guards on and accept the not ideal fastening of the Velcro shroud around the handlebar.

This ok? Helps?

Best regards,
Mark.

 

[mrtee43]

Very Stylish !

 

[Mark Hooton]

Very Stylish !

Well as I said mate - an acquired taste - but if helps either NN or some other chap who is seriously considering them then all ends well!

Btw, they do work.....................

 

[FERRET]

Might not be stylish, but if you ride your bike all year and in all conditions they are superb, nice dry and warm hands, mine will be getting fitted again in a month or so

 

[Mark Hooton]

Might not be stylish, but if you ride your bike all year and in all conditions they are superb, nice dry and warm hands, mine will be getting fitted again in a month or so

To be fair, a mate of mine had some fitted to his Yam XS250 (many many many years ago!) and he could ride all year round.

And, and I may go to hell for saying this, they do now actually look better than twi wizards sleeves hanging off ya bike

So yes, to whom they apply they are good bits of kit

But I`m still not buying any................

 

[Nutty]

Does Norman pay you for this?

 

[Mark Hooton]

No not at all

Does Norman pay you for this?

No not at all, Nuts, I do it for free and because it helps someone who until proven otherwise is a good person.

As I said at the weekend, I never claimed I am the best of businessmen but it is my choice.

Anyway, I hope you and Mrs Nuts are well

Btw that redesigned sump guard has been made and will be powder coated next week

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Muffs are great but I use Val H's fine offerings

If you are a pal of Norman, can you ask the ignorant c*nt to have the decency to answer his fucking e-mails regarding one of his "fine" products which has failed? Things break and I don't so much mind that but it's his lack of response which is winding me right up!!! He needs to work on his customer service methinks.......

 

[Mark Hooton]

Muffs are great but I use Val H's fine offerings

If you are a pal of Norman, can you ask the ignorant c*nt to have the decency to answer his fucking e-mails regarding one of his "fine" products which has failed? Things break and I don't so much mind that but it's his lack of response which is winding me right up!!! He needs to work on his customer service methinks.......

Now then geezer, was nice to meet ya at the last weekend

Anyway, its disappointing to hear about your particular experience - I suspect that although Norman makes every effort to maintain a high standard of customer service he will occasionally and unintentionally `drop the ball` - it happens to me and what I do isn`t entirely around financial reward i.e. I have the time to do what I can without need for commercial pressures.

I`m not making excuses, rather trying to offer some explanation. And of course I do understand your frustration.

If you want me to I`d be very happy to email Norman and bring your case to his attention? Is there an email address or an order ref I can use?

I`ll do whatever I can to help

 

[Wrinkly]

I returned one of his screens (the one tested by Mr Hooton)a couple of weeks ago,absolutely no problem monies refunded the day it arrived back,answered all e,mails promply.

Steve

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Now then geezer, was nice to meet ya at the last weekend

Anyway, its disappointing to hear about your particular experience - I suspect that although Norman makes every effort to maintain a high standard of customer service he will occasionally and unintentionally `drop the ball` - it happens to me and what I do isn`t entirely around financial reward i.e. I have the time to do what I can without need for commercial pressures.

I`m not making excuses, rather trying to offer some explanation. And of course I do understand your frustration.

If you want me to I`d be very happy to email Norman and bring your case to his attention? Is there an email address or an order ref I can use?

I`ll do whatever I can to help

Don't worry Mark I'll get it sorted but Norman has a bit of a chequered history of responding to problems. I'd rather he responded with a gentle eff off than be ignored. I'll try again tomorrow

 

[Nutty]

No not at all, Nuts, I do it for free and because it helps someone who until proven otherwise is a good person.

As I said at the weekend, I never claimed I am the best of businessmen but it is my choice.

Anyway, I hope you and Mrs Nuts are well

Btw that redesigned sump guard has been made and will be powder coated next week

Thanks mate, let me know when it's ready to go. No hurry.

 

[Mark Hooton]

I returned one of his screens (the one tested by Mr Hooton)a couple of weeks ago,absolutely no problem monies refunded the day it arrived back,answered all e,mails promply.

Steve

That's good and what I would expect - and I`m sure Sgt Bilco will get sorted. Nowadays we are all crushed under time and lack of resources and I`m sure NN will do whatever he can, he`s always been superb with me.

So why did you return the screen by the way?

 

[Mark Hooton]

Don't worry Mark I'll get it sorted but Norman has a bit of a chequered history of responding to problems. I'd rather he responded with a gentle eff off than be ignored. I'll try again tomorrow

ok no probs - I`m here if you need me for `owt and I hope ya get it sorted

 

[Wrinkly]

That's good and what I would expect - and I`m sure Sgt Bilco will get sorted. Nowadays we are all crushed under time and lack of resources and I`m sure NN will do whatever he can, he`s always been superb with me.

So why did you return the screen by the way?

Although the screen was inexpensive I felt the quality was very poor plus the crease down the centre of the screen was about 1/2" off cock.

No problem with the return plus I purchased several other items at the same time which were all fine.

Steve

 

[Mark Hooton]

Although the screen was inexpensive I felt the quality was very poor plus the crease down the centre of the screen was about 1/2" off cock.

No problem with the return plus I purchased several other items at the same time which were all fine.

Steve

ta for getting back to me.

 

[karlp]

Although the screen was inexpensive I felt the quality was very poor plus the crease down the centre of the screen was about 1/2" off cock.

No problem with the return plus I purchased several other items at the same time which were all fine.

Steve

Same with my screen - quality was crap, so was my mates screen. Even had it confirmed by a number of Tossers from this forum.

I had to cite the distance selling regs before I had a response.

I was surprised this was not picked up in your review of the product.

 

[Mark Hooton]

Same with my screen - quality was crap, so was my mates screen. Even had it confirmed by a number of Tossers from this forum.

I had to cite the distance selling regs before I had a response.

I was surprised this was not picked up in your review of the product.

Mmmm odd, the one I got seemed fine, still got it fitted

Sorry to hear yours was crap, I really am.

Got any photo`s you can send me - link to the thread?

 

[WindyChuffer]

Have been using Tucano muffs on my 1200 for a few years now. There are the mutts nuts when combined with heated grips. Means I can ride year round with summer gloves. I hate thick winter gloves.

Its a bit weird getting used to them at first as your fists must go through an orifice before making contact with the bars. Its a bit disconcerting in heavy traffic. But you soon get used to it and worth persevering with.

Almost time to dig mine out of the shed along with the Gerbing heated jacket and trousers as its getting a bit parky now.

 

[Mark Hooton]

Have been using Tucano muffs on my 1200 for a few years now. There are the mutts nuts when combined with heated grips. Means I can ride year round with summer gloves. I hate thick winter gloves.

Its a bit weird getting used to them at first as your fists must go through an orifice before making contact with the bars. Its a bit disconcerting in heavy traffic. But you soon get used to it and worth persevering with.

Almost time to dig mine out of the shed along with the Gerbing heated jacket and trousers as its getting a bit parky now.

Pleased they work for you and yes 'a bit weird'