Seat cowl

Has anyone ever made their own seat cowl? I am in the process of doing so, using construction grade insulation foam (Blue or pink) I am using blue. You have to use this because it can be cut and sanded with sand paper. after I get it sanded to the shape I want I am going to wrap it in plastic and then fiber glass it. Its a something to do project over the winter. If anyone has any tips it would be greatly appreciated.
I know I know why dont you buy one? Because I want to TRY and make my own.

that sounds like fun!! keep us updated cuz i would love to make one for my bike!

Yeah, keep us posted on the progress. I would like to get one, but something that has some shape to it. The targa cowl for the f4i is too plain and looks like the seat with a cover on it. I was thinking like on the newer gsxrs or the kawis that has the point on it. Let us know how it turns out.

-Jesse-

Never tried myself but if you have the skills why not, lets see some pics of your progress.

Here's my first pic, I cut the foam to the shape I am thinking about and used construction glue to glue the 3 pieces together. 3 pieces because the insulation foam doesn't come in thick enough sizes, so you have to glue pieces together in order to get the desired thickness. Make sure you let the glue dry over night. The best way to get your initial shape is to use a regular sharp kitchen knife. Next step will be to start sanding and cutting away excess material. I tried the sanding on an extra piece to see how it works and I had no problems......I'll keep ya posted.


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Nice work arkas. I love making things for myself rather than buying it. my hat is off to you. cant wait to see the result.

Sweet, nice job.....I am wondering how to mount or anchor the mounting brackets. Guess I'll be patient and wait to find out.

Is there a seat cowl for the 00' F4?? I found one from Targa but it just wasnt very smooth looking. I'm guessing all would be like this because of the seat design on the F4 but if you guys have any suggestions let me know

What a F#@$en mess with the sanding...lol


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Wow, that's a great idea. How will the cowl attach to the bike? I've seen the Targas, but I don't know how they attach either....

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ORIGINAL: kiggy74

Wow, that's a great idea. How will the cowl attach to the bike? I've seen the Targas, but I don't know how they attach either....

Well after I fiber glass it I am going to fiber-glass the bolts to the cowl and for the locking bracket I am using large eye bolts, but I have to reshape them to make them fit into the lock. Attaching them to the cowl will be the easiest part.

quote:

ORIGINAL: arkas

quote:

ORIGINAL: kiggy74

Wow, that's a great idea. How will the cowl attach to the bike? I've seen the Targas, but I don't know how they attach either....

Well after I fiber glass it I am going to fiber-glass the bolts to the cowl and for the locking bracket I am using large eye bolts, but I have to reshape them to make them fit into the lock. Attaching them to the cowl will be the easiest part.

Looks good, I like the idea of the point in the middle. I have some pink board laying in my garage, I might have to give it a try. I was thinking of making one that looks something like this, just to let you know I have the pics of the z1000 to show a guy that I work with that was interested. I will never own another green bike lol

-Jesse-

point to note if you attempt this buy some breathing mask! cough cough lol

Looks good, I like the idea of the point in the middle. I have some pink board laying in my garage, I might have to give it a try. I was thinking of making one that looks something like this, just to let you know I have the pics of the z1000 to show a guy that I work with that was interested. I will never own another green bike lol



Saw a green one on Ebay the other day for $60.00.

quote:

ORIGINAL: arkas

Looks good, I like the idea of the point in the middle. I have some pink board laying in my garage, I might have to give it a try. I was thinking of making one that looks something like this, just to let you know I have the pics of the z1000 to show a guy that I work with that was interested. I will never own another green bike lol



Saw a green one on Ebay the other day for $60.00.

$60 for a z1000 LOL j/k thats about all I would pay for one though, I'm not a big fan of the street fighter thing.

I think I'm going to start on it this weekend. Looks like your making some good progress though keep up the good work.

-Jesse-

Sanding done now time for the plastic wrap and then the fiber-glass coating. If you do this pick up some 100 grit sand paper and some 60 grit sandpaper, oh and make sure you make it a bit smaller than what you need because the fiber glass will make it larger...Anyone have any tips on fiber-glassing?

Man, that is looking good. I'm still not sure how you plan to attach this thing to your bike, but I'll just keep posted see how you do it.

As far as fiberglassing, you could check some model airplane forums. They use fiberglass to cover wings. For that matter, I'm sure any hobby shop that you bought the fiberglass and apoxy from could give you tips on how to do it.

All taped up ready for the messy stuff

looks pretty nice man... clear packing tape release great from the resin, that masking tape might soak it up a little bit. I've thought about doing this but i just haven't gotten around to it... how are you going to anchor it to the bike???

Holy crap dude it looks REALLY good. I can't wait to see it finished.

wow looking good. if it works i would seriously concider buying one off you if it wasnt as expensive as the damn OEM seat cowl. keep up the good work.

Hey I'd be in line if you were planning on selling a few

Picked up fiberglass cloth and resin today .
3m sq Cloth for $29.00
resin $12
plastic spreaders $2.
Fine sand paper $3.
Total=$46.

Nice--Cant wait to see the final shiz-nit.

Here's the first layer of fiber-glass.
Not as bad as I was expecting, kinda easy actually! I had to pre cut each piece of course and then brush the resin on with a regular paint brush with the brush bristles trimmed down to a inch. Oh....Make sure you are working in a warm and well ventilated area, or you will get a nice burning sensation in your eyes. he he he


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