Seat cowl or no seat cowl?

Tintkng · May 20th, 2009, 01:01 PM

hey everyone...im up in the air on whether or not to get a seat cowl. im 50/50 on it, and was just wondering if anyone has any input on them. $100 is a lot to spend if i dont really like it once i get it on in person. my bike has the gsxr exhaust mod and a fender eliminator...ive found that without the fender and/or the exhaust it can look a lot different than a stock bike with the cowl. any opinions or input is appreciated! thanks!

SpyderGirl · May 20th, 2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tintkng

hey everyone...im up in the air on whether or not to get a seat cowl. im 50/50 on it, and was just wondering if anyone has any input on them. $100 is a lot to spend if i dont really like it once i get it on in person. my bike has the gsxr exhaust mod and a fender eliminator...ive found that without the fender and/or the exhaust it can look a lot different than a stock bike with the cowl. any opinions or input is appreciated! thanks!

I really like my cowl. I ordered it when I bought the bike. I have no reason to have a back seat on mine as I never plan on carrying a passenger and it really cleans up the back end nice. Try finding one on eBay, they tend to be a little cheaper.

richierich781 · May 20th, 2009, 01:27 PM

Its really preference. It does look nice with it on. My bro has it on. I'm in the same situation u are, not sure if I should get one. $100 is a little steep for me right now. I might just buy a rear seat cover to match the color of my bike from csc for less than $20 (ninjette member discount) and install it myself using the diy posted here. That way I can keep the functionality of the rear seat just in case. But like I said it personal preference.

Snake · May 20th, 2009, 01:27 PM

I say go for it. The cowl gives the bike a great look.

ninjablk08 · May 20th, 2009, 01:31 PM

I believe its want you feel looks best to you, as for me i like both options

Cali619 · May 20th, 2009, 01:37 PM

I say get the Cowl and keep the seat in case you need to swap out. If you dont like the cowl I am sure it will not be hard to sell at the price you payed for it.

Tintkng · May 20th, 2009, 01:43 PM

ok guys....im leaning more towards getting it now...but i still want to think about it for a day or two...the cheapest im finding on ebay is like $110 or so shipped. is that what everyone else is paying?

SpyderGirl · May 20th, 2009, 01:46 PM

Wow, they went up. I saw them on there for like $70 and $80 not that long ago.

Tintkng · May 20th, 2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpyderGirl

Wow, they went up. I saw them on there for like $70 and $80 not that long ago.

wow...ya snooze ya lose i guess

muffinman · May 20th, 2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tintkng

ok guys....im leaning more towards getting it now...but i still want to think about it for a day or two...the cheapest im finding on ebay is like $110 or so shipped. is that what everyone else is paying?

Ouch! Geez, at that point, I might as well run down to the dealership and pay $20 more.

CC Cowboy · May 20th, 2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjablk08

I believe its want you feel looks best to you, as for me i like both options

Green seats look great. Now you just have to paint the bike to match.

Put a cow on the back.

capt_bugaloo · May 20th, 2009, 02:57 PM

Some questions:
- how often do you carry a passenger?
- How often do you want to strap something like a tailbag to the back end of the bike?

The seat cowl looks great - but it is really just for show and doesn't serve much useful function. I've thought of getting one, but I've got better things to spend a $100 on!

ojameyo · May 20th, 2009, 03:22 PM

I just put a seat cowl on my bike. I absolutly love it. take a took at my picture.

HKr1 · May 20th, 2009, 03:38 PM

Looks allot nicer with the cowl I think. If your a short person, you gotta lift your leg a little higher to clear the cowl than the seat thou.

ojameyo · May 20th, 2009, 03:39 PM

Yeah, I knocked off the black rubber piece with my leg

sm0kediver · May 20th, 2009, 03:56 PM

I think the rear seat is more functional. You can carry a passenger if need be, and you can bungee stuff down over it. It just gives you more options.

Jiu Jitsu Player · May 20th, 2009, 04:18 PM

I have a cowl, but I usually have the fast pack on when I work. Its easier than carrying a backpack. I usually only have the cowl on if Im cruising around. Its prettty easy to swap out though.

mcteague · May 20th, 2009, 05:23 PM

The cowl not only looks better and gives a bit more storage but I stick my EZPass to the metal cross bar. It works fine and I can just leave it there, out of sight.

Tim

addy126 · May 20th, 2009, 09:22 PM

I've heard that the seat cowl is easily defeated and removed due to the nature of the securing points by those less fortunate. I may be wrong, but I've heard its far less secure. "Fact or Fiction"? Anyone know.

kkim · May 20th, 2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by addy126

I've heard that the seat cowl is easily defeated and removed due to the nature of the securing points by those less fortunate. I may be wrong, but I've heard its far less secure. "Fact or Fiction"? Anyone know.

Those that know, know. Those that don't, shouldn't. Let's keep it that way.

Angel-be-Good · May 20th, 2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by addy126

I've heard that the seat cowl is easily defeated and removed due to the nature of the securing points by those less fortunate. I may be wrong, but I've heard its far less secure. "Fact or Fiction"? Anyone know.

True story. The cowl attaches at the lock the same way the seat does, but it does not have the slit that slides into the metal bit of the under-seat. Instead, it simply has a peg that plugs into a rubber grommet which can be lifted up without a key, and quite easily. Though you wouldn't know it to look at it. And I've never heard of anyone trying to break into a bike's trunk.

Syphen · May 20th, 2009, 10:57 PM

Why would someone keep valuables in a bikes trunk? I carry the stuff that is worth money with me and never leave it with the bike. Just my opinion.

Oh, and Seat cowl for sure! The rear seat pad is kindof ugly. It really cleans up the bike's lines to have the rear cowl. Just watch out for those rubber spacers. They can get knocked out easy and you can lose them. I epoxied them onto the seat.

B2FiNiTY · May 20th, 2009, 11:13 PM

i love my rear cowl minus that I've lost 5+ rear rubber grommets. so yeah, make sure those suckers stay on!

Lurkable · May 21st, 2009, 11:24 AM

Getting the cowl to fit right is an adventure. But I love it because it looks damned sexy and when they see it, I'm less likely to be propositioned.

Tintkng · May 21st, 2009, 11:52 AM

lol...what do the grommets do? do they act as spacers or something? im 6'2 and shouldnt have a problem with accidentally hitting the cowl

camaroz1985 · May 21st, 2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richierich781

Its really preference. It does look nice with it on. My bro has it on. I'm in the same situation u are, not sure if I should get one. $100 is a little steep for me right now. I might just buy a rear seat cover to match the color of my bike from csc for less than $20 (ninjette member discount) and install it myself using the diy posted here. That way I can keep the functionality of the rear seat just in case. But like I said it personal preference.

This is what I did. It is cheap, looks good, and I don't lose any of the utility. I often have saddle bags on my bike, and they wouldn't work with a cowl.

Cell Phone Picture

Tintkng · May 21st, 2009, 12:03 PM

that looks good...is that a csc cover? how difficult are those to put on?

camaroz1985 · May 21st, 2009, 12:25 PM

Thanks, and yes it is. Very easy to put on. Just used a screwdriver to take the old staples out, some spray adhesive to get the cover in place, and a staple gun to fasten the edges.

Here is the DIY someone else posted.
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11367

May 20th, 2009, 01:01 PM	#1
Tintkng ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Cincinnati Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Posts: 66	Seat cowl or no seat cowl? hey everyone...im up in the air on whether or not to get a seat cowl. im 50/50 on it, and was just wondering if anyone has any input on them. $100 is a lot to spend if i dont really like it once i get it on in person. my bike has the gsxr exhaust mod and a fender eliminator...ive found that without the fender and/or the exhaust it can look a lot different than a stock bike with the cowl. any opinions or input is appreciated! thanks! __________________________________________________ 2008 Red Ninja 250r

May 20th, 2009, 01:37 PM	#6
Cali619 Giggity Giggity Name: Ryam Location: San Diego Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 ninja 250R aka Hiryu Posts: 481	I say get the Cowl and keep the seat in case you need to swap out. If you dont like the cowl I am sure it will not be hard to sell at the price you payed for it. __________________________________________________ Facebook DY Fender chop, Danmoto CB slip-on w/baffle, Airbox removed, Kleen-air removed, shimmed needles, Mikuni #117.5 Main jets, K&N RU-1822 air filter pods

May 20th, 2009, 01:43 PM	#7
Tintkng ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Cincinnati Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Posts: 66	ok guys....im leaning more towards getting it now...but i still want to think about it for a day or two...the cheapest im finding on ebay is like $110 or so shipped. is that what everyone else is paying? __________________________________________________ 2008 Red Ninja 250r

May 20th, 2009, 01:46 PM	#8
SpyderGirl 3 for street, 2 for dirt Name: Katlyn Location: San Francisco Bay Area (California) Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Can Am Spyder PE #1344 / 2009 Kawi KLX140L Monster Energy / 2009 Kawi Ninja 250R (RIP 8.23.09) Posts: 586	Wow, they went up. I saw them on there for like $70 and $80 not that long ago. __________________________________________________ Feel free to look me up on facebook.

May 20th, 2009, 02:57 PM	#12
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	Some questions: - how often do you carry a passenger? - How often do you want to strap something like a tailbag to the back end of the bike? The seat cowl looks great - but it is really just for show and doesn't serve much useful function. I've thought of getting one, but I've got better things to spend a $100 on! __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

May 20th, 2009, 01:27 PM	#3
richierich781 Future Hall of Famer Name: rich Location: Tacoma, WA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2010 yamaha fz6r raven Posts: 112	Its really preference. It does look nice with it on. My bro has it on. I'm in the same situation u are, not sure if I should get one. $100 is a little steep for me right now. I might just buy a rear seat cover to match the color of my bike from csc for less than $20 (ninjette member discount) and install it myself using the diy posted here. That way I can keep the functionality of the rear seat just in case. But like I said it personal preference.

May 20th, 2009, 01:27 PM	#4
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I say go for it. The cowl gives the bike a great look.

May 20th, 2009, 03:22 PM	#13
ojameyo MMMJami Name: Jamey Location: Fairfield Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 182	I just put a seat cowl on my bike. I absolutly love it. take a took at my picture.

May 20th, 2009, 03:38 PM	#14
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	Looks allot nicer with the cowl I think. If your a short person, you gotta lift your leg a little higher to clear the cowl than the seat thou.

May 20th, 2009, 03:39 PM	#15
ojameyo MMMJami Name: Jamey Location: Fairfield Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 182	Yeah, I knocked off the black rubber piece with my leg

May 20th, 2009, 03:56 PM	#16
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	I think the rear seat is more functional. You can carry a passenger if need be, and you can bungee stuff down over it. It just gives you more options.

May 20th, 2009, 04:18 PM	#17
Jiu Jitsu Player Live 2 Ride Forced 2 Work Name: Chris Location: Guam Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 RED 250r Posts: 386	I have a cowl, but I usually have the fast pack on when I work. Its easier than carrying a backpack. I usually only have the cowl on if Im cruising around. Its prettty easy to swap out though. __________________________________________________ SAVAGE MODE: [ON] OFF www.7milesdown.com

May 20th, 2009, 05:23 PM	#18
mcteague ninjette.org member Name: Tim Location: Maryland Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Yamaha FZ6 Posts: 117	The cowl not only looks better and gives a bit more storage but I stick my EZPass to the metal cross bar. It works fine and I can just leave it there, out of sight. Tim

May 20th, 2009, 09:22 PM	#19
addy126 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: addy126 Location: Tx Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki N-250 + '09 Vulcan 900 Classic Lt Posts: A lot.	I've heard that the seat cowl is easily defeated and removed due to the nature of the securing points by those less fortunate. I may be wrong, but I've heard its far less secure. "Fact or Fiction"? Anyone know.

May 20th, 2009, 10:57 PM	#22
Syphen Some weird Canuck! Name: Greg Location: Ontario - Canada Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '92 CBR250RR "Babyblade", 2008 Ninja 250R, 2001 CBR600F4i Posts: 209	Why would someone keep valuables in a bikes trunk? I carry the stuff that is worth money with me and never leave it with the bike. Just my opinion. Oh, and Seat cowl for sure! The rear seat pad is kindof ugly. It really cleans up the bike's lines to have the rear cowl. Just watch out for those rubber spacers. They can get knocked out easy and you can lose them. I epoxied them onto the seat. __________________________________________________ I still like CBR's more Just kidding.

May 20th, 2009, 11:13 PM	#23
B2FiNiTY ninjette.org member Name: D Location: cali Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawi Ninja 250R Posts: 114	i love my rear cowl minus that I've lost 5+ rear rubber grommets. so yeah, make sure those suckers stay on!

May 21st, 2009, 11:24 AM	#24
Lurkable 250Arrrgh! Name: Andrew Location: San Francisco Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250R, 2001 996 Posts: 143	Getting the cowl to fit right is an adventure. But I love it because it looks damned sexy and when they see it, I'm less likely to be propositioned.

May 21st, 2009, 11:52 AM	#25
Tintkng ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Cincinnati Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Posts: 66	lol...what do the grommets do? do they act as spacers or something? im 6'2 and shouldnt have a problem with accidentally hitting the cowl __________________________________________________ 2008 Red Ninja 250r

May 21st, 2009, 12:03 PM	#27
Tintkng ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Cincinnati Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Posts: 66	that looks good...is that a csc cover? how difficult are those to put on? __________________________________________________ 2008 Red Ninja 250r

May 21st, 2009, 12:25 PM	#28
camaroz1985 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ryan Location: Carlisle, PA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 WR250R, 2006 Ural Raven (Sold), 2009 Versys Green (Sold), 2008 Ninja 250R Green (Sold) Posts: A lot.	Thanks, and yes it is. Very easy to put on. Just used a screwdriver to take the old staples out, some spray adhesive to get the cover in place, and a staple gun to fasten the edges. Here is the DIY someone else posted. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11367

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