Seat cowl - installation and replacement rubber grommet - Page 2

voodoomaster · April 7th, 2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Oorb

I had this problem with the fitment of my cowl as well. I dunno what kawi was thinking when they designed this thing but they should hav done a better job with the gap in the front. Yet I've seen other peoples and its not that bad...seems to be a hit or miss thing unfortunatly. If you have this big gap in front...remember to pop on the rear seat when washing your bike cause water seems to love going under there with the cowl on.
Posted via Mobile Device

ahhhh...good point about the wash job and water intrusion.

voodoomaster · April 7th, 2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Visus

Awww, yeah!

Attachment 1267

Todd...you need some kewl knji on that tail bone!

voodoomaster · April 7th, 2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiu Jitsu Player

I'm more concerned with the gap in front if anything. I don't have mine yet but tried one on my bike just to check it out and the gap is almost a 1/4 inch. Not to mention the thing doesnt really secure all the way so it can possibly be lifted up by anyone walking by.

Im not too concerned with the whole helmet issue since I never leave mine on the bike..trust no one. Does anyone who has had the cowl for a while have problems with either the lifting issue or the gap in front?
Also- some of those cowls on ebay seem to be aftermarket ones and not the authentic Kawi versions. Anyone notice a real difference between the two?

The one I got has a perfect paint job, but I had to file down the plastic hook that sticks into the rubber grommit in ordr for it to seat down far enough so as to not pull off by just lifting he back end. Fits correct now.

M-Oorb · April 7th, 2009, 05:03 PM

I made a thread a couple months back about this gap in the cowl cover. Tried every...switching things around...nothings seemed to work. I can stick 2 fingers in between the bike and the cowl no problem

. I've given up and just accepted kawasaki made a crapy piece. I wish my gap was like the picture that Kelly put up. Mine just sucks...Chris(since it seems like you have the same problem as me) if you or anyone else figure out how to eliminate this gap hook a brotha up!

Jiu Jitsu Player · April 7th, 2009, 05:31 PM

Sorry bro. I don't exactly have that problem since mine hasn't come in yet! But a freind who works at the dealership let me try one on my bike just to get a visual and it had the exact gap problem we've been talking about. I actually ordered one off of ebay so Im hoping it doesnt have that problem. The stealership wanted $130 for the damn cowling!
Here's the link to the one that I ordered:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3AIT&viewitem=

Hard to tell if it is OEM or aftermarket though. I just hope it fits like Kelly's pic.

M-Oorb · April 7th, 2009, 05:49 PM

I ordered mine from ebay too...but from a dealership and it still didnt fit right

sometimesido · April 7th, 2009, 06:06 PM

even with the standoffs switched?

Buffalony · April 8th, 2009, 07:51 AM

"HEY YOU GUYS" I have the same problem. The fix was posted before (kkim...ur slackin).
The fix to this is.....The metal bracket that comes with it has a defect...It has to be bent.
If you take a straight edge to it, it will not line up. it needs to be bent straight for the cowl to fit as desired.

tinng321 · April 8th, 2009, 04:47 PM

is the cowling a dealer accessory or an aftermarket part?
i'm new to all this.
thanks,
tin

Sound Wave · April 8th, 2009, 07:11 PM

they are factory accessories but i have also seen, what i assume are, aftermarket knock-off ones that don't have the back pad.

M-Oorb · April 8th, 2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

"HEY YOU GUYS" I have the same problem. The fix was posted before (kkim...ur slackin).
The fix to this is.....The metal bracket that comes with it has a defect...It has to be bent.
If you take a straight edge to it, it will not line up. it needs to be bent straight for the cowl to fit as desired.

I believe this is the fix you are talking about?
http://www.kawiforums.com/showthread...ight=seat+cowl

I don't know about everyone else but this doesnt solve the problem I have been stating. This mod fixes a locking problem that some people have had with their cowl. The problem I...and others...have stated is an overly large gap in the front. The front clicks in and locks fine thats not the issue...the issue is the big gap in the front.

kkim · April 8th, 2009, 08:21 PM

picture?

M-Oorb · April 8th, 2009, 08:23 PM

of the gap? I believe I posted a pic of it on another thread a while back when I first got it and it was part of my winter break project...just take a look at the first post in this thread though...gaps just like that on mine. I'll try to search the forum and find my exact picture

M-Oorb · April 8th, 2009, 08:25 PM

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/attac...1&d=1229908964

This is the picture of my exact cowling. The gap was big enough to EASILY stick 2 fingers underneath. Seems to me the newer seat cowls...the one with the little gap in it to fit a helmet...are the ones that dont fit on that well. In the same thread that that picture is posted in is yours(Kelly) and Alex's and those are the older models and seem to fit fine.

kkim · April 8th, 2009, 08:31 PM

can you link the thread so I can reread what we discussed?

another shot of mine...

M-Oorb · April 8th, 2009, 08:33 PM

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...+break+project

There ya go...on the first page a couple posts down

kkim · April 8th, 2009, 08:43 PM

I must admit your cowl does look a bit higher than mine. I know you said you checked, but are you sure the rubber standoffs are in their proper location? Did you try switching them around just to confirm?

SF-Dug · April 8th, 2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by voodoomaster

The one I got has a perfect paint job, but I had to file down the plastic hook that sticks into the rubber grommit in ordr for it to seat down far enough so as to not pull off by just lifting he back end. Fits correct now.

I just replaced the rubber grommet with one from a hardware store today and if fits perfectly now. The grommet that Kawi sent was just garbage IMHO. Maybe it needed time to set but the one from the hardware store I got just fit better and tighter from the moment I stuck it on the bracket in the rear tail section.

M-Oorb · April 9th, 2009, 05:34 AM

Yup tried them every which way Kelly

...Doug you mean sharing where and what kinda grommets you got? A before and after picture would be great

. and maybe a picture of the new grommets themselves

voodoomaster · April 9th, 2009, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

"HEY YOU GUYS" I have the same problem. The fix was posted before (kkim...ur slackin).
The fix to this is.....The metal bracket that comes with it has a defect...It has to be bent.
If you take a straight edge to it, it will not line up. it needs to be bent straight for the cowl to fit as desired.

CRAP! I was cheated....mine didn't come with any stinkin' bend in the bracket!

WTF...over. Did have to file down the nipple at the back though in order to get it to sink in low enough to catch the bottom of the rubber grommit. It just kept pulling out by just lifting the cowling from the back end. Works as specified now.

VDM

M-Oorb · April 9th, 2009, 07:23 AM

Opps...I meant would you MIND sharing btw haha...but I'm serious...SHARE

Posted via Mobile Device

SF-Dug · April 9th, 2009, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Oorb

Yup tried them every which way Kelly

...Doug you mean sharing where and what kinda grommets you got? A before and after picture would be great

. and maybe a picture of the new grommets themselves

The grommet in this post is the basically the same one I got from a True Value Hardware store. I took the original along with me for comparison when selecting the proper grommet because there was a broad selection. I just made sure that the grommet was about the same size and that the hole in the middle was roughly the same size. I spent 58 cents on the thing and with the receipt still in hand I tested it outside since I rode down there on my motorcycle.

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...07&postcount=6

M-Oorb · April 9th, 2009, 10:27 AM

So changing that grommet just fixed the lock-in in the back correct? I didn't change the fitment in the front of the cowling did it ? :/

Buffalony · April 9th, 2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Oorb

I believe this is the fix you are talking about?
http://www.kawiforums.com/showthread...ight=seat+cowl

I don't know about everyone else but this doesnt solve the problem I have been stating. This mod fixes a locking problem that some people have had with their cowl. The problem I...and others...have stated is an overly large gap in the front. The front clicks in and locks fine thats not the issue...the issue is the big gap in the front.

When I installed my cowl it locked fine and had a gap that looked just like yours, until I bent the bracket. At first the front pads were not touching properly either. After I bent the bracket it was better. Then I took a couple mm off the pads and now it sits like kkims.

kkim · April 9th, 2009, 10:29 PM

just for clarification, I didn't do anything to my cowl. it's the way it came from the factory.

Sound Wave · April 9th, 2009, 10:43 PM

well, i got my cowl today and yup... i had the huge gap like the one in the first pic. i fixed it and it is basically gone now. i adjusted it as much as i could and still have the lock catch the pin. i am happy with the way it looks. just gotta wait for my carbon fiber print from custom seat covers for that rubber piece.

man, kelly you lucked out huh? seems like yours was the exception to the norm.

Buffalony · April 9th, 2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

just for clarification, I didn't do anything to my cowl. it's the way it came from the factory.

Cause you were lucky or you just deserved it.

kkim · April 9th, 2009, 11:02 PM

yeah, like like everything else on this bike, quality control (or lack of it) seems to extend to their accessories as well.

dyeclan · April 10th, 2009, 06:24 AM

Must be the green ones, my red one snapped right on...just goes to show the tighter tolerances, and therefore, higher speed, that the reds have....

dyeclan · April 10th, 2009, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

"HEY YOU GUYS" I have the same problem. The fix was posted before (kkim...ur slackin).
The fix to this is.....The metal bracket that comes with it has a defect...It has to be bent.
If you take a straight edge to it, it will not line up. it needs to be bent straight for the cowl to fit as desired.

M-Oorb · April 10th, 2009, 07:22 AM

Buffalony...I'll give the bend a try...if it works then I owe you

. And I dont think it was that Kelly got lucky(sorry haha) I think it was just when he ordered his. Kelly got the "older edition". If you look at his cowl he doesnt have the little notch in it on the side that the newer ones do to lock a helmet. It seems like all the old skool ones fit perfectly...thats why when you look at all the ones on the kawasaki website they are showing the ones they previously sold and not the ones that they sell now...bastards

Buffalony · April 10th, 2009, 07:39 AM

I'm sure you'll be able to get it flush one way or another

JaeL · April 16th, 2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

When I installed my cowl it locked fine and had a gap that looked just like yours, until I bent the bracket. At first the front pads were not touching properly either. After I bent the bracket it was better. Then I took a couple mm off the pads and now it sits like kkims.

So we're bending the bracket? Pulling it down away from the cowl?

Sound Wave · April 16th, 2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaeL

So we're bending the bracket? Pulling it down away from the cowl?

no. up towards the cowl. the pin section will end up closer to the cowl... which will help the cowl seat more flush to the rear fairing. put a long socket over the pin and just whack the socket a few times. may take a few tries to get it just right. basically what you are trying to do is to bend the bracket as much as you can while still allowing the pin to catch in the lock. also, you gotta change out the pads. you could file the ones in the kit down, but it was taking too long for me and it wasn't coming out nice. i just went to the hardware store and bought some rubber pads.

JaeL · April 18th, 2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sound Wave

no. up towards the cowl. the pin section will end up closer to the cowl... which will help the cowl seat more flush to the rear fairing. put a long socket over the pin and just whack the socket a few times. may take a few tries to get it just right. basically what you are trying to do is to bend the bracket as much as you can while still allowing the pin to catch in the lock. also, you gotta change out the pads. you could file the ones in the kit down, but it was taking too long for me and it wasn't coming out nice. i just went to the hardware store and bought some rubber pads.

Sir, yes sir! I followed your instructions and used the pad from the seat. So now I have small pads in the front and in the rear sir! Here is the final result!

Shift250R · April 18th, 2009, 11:21 AM

Jael, is it solid or can you move it up and down on the sides?

Sound Wave · April 18th, 2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shift250R

Jael, is it solid or can you move it up and down on the sides?

yeah, try wobbling it side to side. if it can still move, then you have to modify the pads still.

JaeL · April 18th, 2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sound Wave

yeah, try wobbling it side to side. if it can still move, then you have to modify the pads still.

Yes is does a lil bit, it's still not perfect. I need to replace the rubber piece in the back still as well.

Sound Wave · April 18th, 2009, 12:31 PM

i gotta change out the rear piece too. i can't believe how hard it is to find that dumb rubber gasket in the back.

Sound Wave · April 19th, 2009, 05:42 PM

ok, changed out the rear rubber grommet. here are a couple pics of the rear cowl. i am pretty satisfied with the gap in the front. i also got the custom seat creations cover for the cowl. it is shinier than the corbin seat, but the pattern is very close if not the same. i know my bike is dirty, but all those tiny dots are not dirt. those are the sparkles from the metallic paint.

April 7th, 2009, 05:31 PM	#45
Jiu Jitsu Player Live 2 Ride Forced 2 Work Name: Chris Location: Guam Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 RED 250r Posts: 386	Sorry bro. I don't exactly have that problem since mine hasn't come in yet! But a freind who works at the dealership let me try one on my bike just to get a visual and it had the exact gap problem we've been talking about. I actually ordered one off of ebay so Im hoping it doesnt have that problem. The stealership wanted $130 for the damn cowling! Here's the link to the one that I ordered: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3AIT&viewitem= Hard to tell if it is OEM or aftermarket though. I just hope it fits like Kelly's pic. __________________________________________________ SAVAGE MODE: [ON] OFF www.7milesdown.com

April 7th, 2009, 06:06 PM	#47
sometimesido ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Norcross, GA Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 250R Posts: 772 Blog Entries: 14	even with the standoffs switched? __________________________________________________ my flickr™

April 8th, 2009, 07:51 AM	#48
Buffalony ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Joe Location: Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 "Wasabi", 82 Yamaha xj650j Posts: A lot.	"HEY YOU GUYS" I have the same problem. The fix was posted before (kkim...ur slackin). The fix to this is.....The metal bracket that comes with it has a defect...It has to be bent. If you take a straight edge to it, it will not line up. it needs to be bent straight for the cowl to fit as desired. __________________________________________________

April 10th, 2009, 07:39 AM	#72
Buffalony ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Joe Location: Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 "Wasabi", 82 Yamaha xj650j Posts: A lot.	I'm sure you'll be able to get it flush one way or another __________________________________________________

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April 7th, 2009, 05:03 PM	#44
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	I made a thread a couple months back about this gap in the cowl cover. Tried every...switching things around...nothings seemed to work. I can stick 2 fingers in between the bike and the cowl no problem . I've given up and just accepted kawasaki made a crapy piece. I wish my gap was like the picture that Kelly put up. Mine just sucks...Chris(since it seems like you have the same problem as me) if you or anyone else figure out how to eliminate this gap hook a brotha up!

April 7th, 2009, 05:49 PM	#46
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	I ordered mine from ebay too...but from a dealership and it still didnt fit right

April 8th, 2009, 04:47 PM	#49
tinng321 ninjette.org sage Name: Tin Location: NJ Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 black 250r (sold); '09 black zx6r Posts: 903	is the cowling a dealer accessory or an aftermarket part? i'm new to all this. thanks, tin

April 8th, 2009, 07:11 PM	#50
Sound Wave Ramen Rider Name: Gary Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.	they are factory accessories but i have also seen, what i assume are, aftermarket knock-off ones that don't have the back pad.

April 8th, 2009, 08:21 PM	#52
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	picture?

April 8th, 2009, 08:23 PM	#53
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	of the gap? I believe I posted a pic of it on another thread a while back when I first got it and it was part of my winter break project...just take a look at the first post in this thread though...gaps just like that on mine. I'll try to search the forum and find my exact picture

April 8th, 2009, 08:25 PM	#54
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	http://www.ninjette.org/forums/attac...1&d=1229908964 This is the picture of my exact cowling. The gap was big enough to EASILY stick 2 fingers underneath. Seems to me the newer seat cowls...the one with the little gap in it to fit a helmet...are the ones that dont fit on that well. In the same thread that that picture is posted in is yours(Kelly) and Alex's and those are the older models and seem to fit fine.

April 8th, 2009, 08:31 PM	#55
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	can you link the thread so I can reread what we discussed? another shot of mine...

April 8th, 2009, 08:33 PM	#56
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...+break+project There ya go...on the first page a couple posts down

April 8th, 2009, 08:43 PM	#57
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	I must admit your cowl does look a bit higher than mine. I know you said you checked, but are you sure the rubber standoffs are in their proper location? Did you try switching them around just to confirm?

April 9th, 2009, 05:34 AM	#59
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Yup tried them every which way Kelly ...Doug you mean sharing where and what kinda grommets you got? A before and after picture would be great . and maybe a picture of the new grommets themselves

April 9th, 2009, 07:23 AM	#61
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Opps...I meant would you MIND sharing btw haha...but I'm serious...SHARE Posted via Mobile Device

April 9th, 2009, 10:27 AM	#63
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	So changing that grommet just fixed the lock-in in the back correct? I didn't change the fitment in the front of the cowling did it ? :/

April 9th, 2009, 10:29 PM	#65
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	just for clarification, I didn't do anything to my cowl. it's the way it came from the factory.

April 9th, 2009, 10:43 PM	#66
Sound Wave Ramen Rider Name: Gary Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.	well, i got my cowl today and yup... i had the huge gap like the one in the first pic. i fixed it and it is basically gone now. i adjusted it as much as i could and still have the lock catch the pin. i am happy with the way it looks. just gotta wait for my carbon fiber print from custom seat covers for that rubber piece. man, kelly you lucked out huh? seems like yours was the exception to the norm.

April 9th, 2009, 11:02 PM	#68
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	yeah, like like everything else on this bike, quality control (or lack of it) seems to extend to their accessories as well.

April 10th, 2009, 06:24 AM	#69
dyeclan Scooter Trash No0b Name: Frank Location: Cleveland Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 EX250R 'Gears of War' Theme Bike, ZG DB screen, cowl, progrips. Posts: 73	Must be the green ones, my red one snapped right on...just goes to show the tighter tolerances, and therefore, higher speed, that the reds have....

April 10th, 2009, 07:22 AM	#71
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Buffalony...I'll give the bend a try...if it works then I owe you . And I dont think it was that Kelly got lucky(sorry haha) I think it was just when he ordered his. Kelly got the "older edition". If you look at his cowl he doesnt have the little notch in it on the side that the newer ones do to lock a helmet. It seems like all the old skool ones fit perfectly...thats why when you look at all the ones on the kawasaki website they are showing the ones they previously sold and not the ones that they sell now...bastards

April 18th, 2009, 11:21 AM	#76
Shift250R ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Texas Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 112	Jael, is it solid or can you move it up and down on the sides?

April 18th, 2009, 12:31 PM	#79
Sound Wave Ramen Rider Name: Gary Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.	i gotta change out the rear piece too. i can't believe how hard it is to find that dumb rubber gasket in the back.