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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 30
| What are the pros and cons on the lower deflectors from Victory and Aftermarket? |
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Tourer
Posts: 430
| Many will tell you the lowers make a big difference. I don't have them so don't know. I asked Arlen Ness why none of his personal Visions had lowers
and he said he did not like the looks on the bike 
If you buy aftermarket, like from Will at Cycleopsusa.com you will still need to buy the mounting brackets to mount them to the bike, if your bike does not
already have the mounts. Unfortunately Victory/Polaris will not just sell the mounting brackets/hardware, you have to buy the entire lower kit from Polaris.
Will's aftermarket are much better than the factory lowers. Look better and are made from metal vs plastic.
Another aftermarket is 'baker wings' bakerbuilt.com
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
| As far as I am concerned, lowers are an absolute must. In cool weather they keep you warmer, in warm weather they keep you cooler, in hot weather... Well I can imagine riding in hot weather without them. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I don't care for the look either. I do, however, have a friend that loves his. If the look doesn't bother you then go for it. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 849
, FL United States | Kelvininin - 2012-03-08 6:25 PM
As far as I am concerned, lowers are an absolute must. In cool weather they keep you warmer, in warm weather they keep you cooler, in hot weather... Well I can't imagine riding in hot weather without them.
+1
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | CoolHandLuke - 2012-03-08 6:49 PM
Kelvininin - 2012-03-08 6:25 PM
As far as I am concerned, lowers are an absolute must. In cool weather they keep you warmer, in warm weather they keep you cooler, in hot weather... Well I can't imagine riding in hot weather without them.
+1
I would not own a Vision without lowers. I ride with lighter gear in the winter...and still stay warm. In the summer they are perfect.
Ride Safe |
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Cruiser
Posts: 82
Fargo, ND | I am sure someone on here has an extra set of hardware for the lowers laying around. You could inquire on this thread. When you do get your hardware, go to Will @ CycleOps and get his powder coated, painted to match metal lowers! I lost both factory lowers on my way to Sturgis but I was able to retrieve the hardware along the side of the road (shattered Plexiglas still attached). I remounted the lowers and used the tape my local body shop uses to attach body side molding to cars. I used a q-tip with super glue and traced the outline of the hardware after it was mounted. This sealed the edges of the mounting tape so the wind could not peel it off my faring again. I would not ride without them now.
Edited by stretch1956 2012-03-08 7:23 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | If I was to ever mount the lowers to my bike I would bolt them on. I give the most perfect application using only the adhesive about 6 years. After, bye-bye lowers. Adhesive and a small drill hole and a discrete chrome screw, they are on for life. They are an expensive application because you have to buy the flemsy ones to get the mounting hardware, and then I recommend the ones from CycleOps. Will doesn't pay me to say that, but if you're going to put the hideous looking things on your bike, make them last and make them blend in.
I've ridden a bike with them, and it's okay, they do what the are meant to do. Having rolled around the desert for a few weeks, not once did I ever think that I needed them. I've even taken off my uppers as well and love the experience without them. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 232
| Have them and Love them. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 73
Nor Cali | radioteacher - 2012-03-08 5:06 PM CoolHandLuke - 2012-03-08 6:49 PM Kelvininin - 2012-03-08 6:25 PM As far as I am concerned, lowers are an absolute must. In cool weather they keep you warmer, in warm weather they keep you cooler, in hot weather... Well I can't imagine riding in hot weather without them. +1 I would not own a Vision without lowers. I ride with lighter gear in the winter...and still stay warm. In the summer they are perfect. Ride Safe Yup
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | I too held off for two years becasue I did not like the look of them but after putting them on I would not go back. Had to make a desicion of function over form. They do work very well.. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
| I also second the hard uppers and lower from Cyclops. Will (the owner) has been nothing but good to me and puts together slam dunk products. I had the plastic Vic upper and lowers on mine for about 800 miles before installing chrome ones from Will. They are awesome! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | VisionNWRider - 2012-03-08 8:25 PM
I too held off for two years becasue I did not like the look of them but after putting them on I would not go back. Had to make a desicion of function over form. They do work very well..
Pretty much the same here. Wouldn't be without them. You get used to the looks. At least they blend in with the lines of the bike. If you want to see ugly, look at the Baker Wings the Goldwing guys stick on their bikes, but they too like the wind deflectors or they wouldn't put them on. My GW riding buddy compliments my lower deflectors for the fact that they don't look like an afterthought. I think they work better too, but the GW is a very hot bike to ride in hot weather. Hotter than a Vision overall, except for the heat from the Vision's exhaust. The Vision lowers cure that and then some. GW cold weather protection is maybe a little better than a Vision without deflectors, but putting the lowers on a Vision negates the difference.
I expect the Bakers would work well enough on a Vision. They really do look like a a stuck on afterthought in the picture on their website. They're a little lower price than the Victory ones. I like my Victory ones. I'm still using the original plastic ones. I'll get color matched metal aftermarket replacements if I ever break one.
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2012-03-09 9:18 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Redd - 2012-03-08 9:24 PM
radioteacher - 2012-03-08 5:06 PM CoolHandLuke - 2012-03-08 6:49 PM Kelvininin - 2012-03-08 6:25 PM As far as I am concerned, lowers are an absolute must. In cool weather they keep you warmer, in warm weather they keep you cooler, in hot weather... Well I can't imagine riding in hot weather without them. +1 I would not own a Vision without lowers. I ride with lighter gear in the winter...and still stay warm. In the summer they are perfect. Ride Safe Yup
+ 1 more |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| varyder - 2012-03-08 4:33 PM
If I was to ever mount the lowers to my bike I would bolt them on. I give the most perfect application using only the adhesive about 6 years. After, bye-bye lowers. Adhesive and a small drill hole and a discrete chrome screw, they are on for life. They are an expensive application because you have to buy the flemsy ones to get the mounting hardware, and then I recommend the ones from CycleOps. Will doesn't pay me to say that, but if you're going to put the hideous looking things on your bike, make them last and make them blend in.
I've ridden a bike with them, and it's okay, they do what the are meant to do. Having rolled around the desert for a few weeks, not once did I ever think that I needed them. I've even taken off my uppers as well and love the experience without them.
You mean like this: 
Bolted on without removing the panels! Marc
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Tourer
Posts: 337
san antonio, tx | marcparnes - 2012-03-09 4:42 PM
You mean like this
Nice job.
You've helped me decide what to do this weekend since the weather sucks!
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | marcparnes - 2012-03-09 5:42 PM varyder - 2012-03-08 4:33 PM
If I was to ever mount the lowers to my bike I would bolt them on. I give the most perfect application using only the adhesive about 6 years. After, bye-bye lowers. Adhesive and a small drill hole and a discrete chrome screw, they are on for life. They are an expensive application because you have to buy the flemsy ones to get the mounting hardware, and then I recommend the ones from CycleOps. Will doesn't pay me to say that, but if you're going to put the hideous looking things on your bike, make them last and make them blend in.
I've ridden a bike with them, and it's okay, they do what the are meant to do. Having rolled around the desert for a few weeks, not once did I ever think that I needed them. I've even taken off my uppers as well and love the experience without them.
You mean like this:
Bolted on without removing the panels! Marc
YES! Having had cars to the end of their life the glue gives out and that shiny chrome piece just falls off. Add to that on the lowers, a wing, with constant pressure against it, as the glue degrades away goes your lower. So, I'm thinking you wouldn't glue wings on an airplane would you?
Edited by varyder 2012-03-09 5:19 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Painted the screws black. Invisible :-) 
Marc
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | varyder - 2012-03-09 5:18 PM
Having had cars to the end of their life the glue gives out and that shiny chrome piece just falls off. Add to that on the lowers, a wing, with constant pressure against it, as the glue degrades away goes your lower. So, I'm thinking you wouldn't glue wings on an airplane would you?
Actually, it's done all the time. Piper Cubs and SuperCubs, many others. Common to this day in LSA planes. They use good glue.
Ronnie |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | I never got lowers for my 2008 and probably won't put them on my 2011 the brackets hurt the lines of the bike in my opinion.
Now for the reason I'm posting here keep an eye on your upper deflectors the mounting screws can losen up over time and they will fly off. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | rdbudd - 2012-03-09 7:26 PM varyder - 2012-03-09 5:18 PM Having had cars to the end of their life the glue gives out and that shiny chrome piece just falls off. Add to that on the lowers, a wing, with constant pressure against it, as the glue degrades away goes your lower. So, I'm thinking you wouldn't glue wings on an airplane would you? Actually, it's done all the time. Piper Cubs and SuperCubs, many others. Common to this day in LSA planes. They use good glue. Ronnievery well, but do they use the same 3M adhesive? I'm sure there is more to just squirting on some glue and letting them sit for twenty-four hours before flying. Good to information though. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 277
Apopka, FL | Put my lowers on following directions carefully. I figured that water would also degrade the adhesion, so after they were mounted, I took a small tipped syringe and backloaded clear silicon & placed an invisible bead all the way around above and below. 1 1/2 years and so far perfect.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | marcparnes - 2012-03-09 6:10 PM Painted the screws black. Invisible :-) Marc
Nice!!! |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | I have had them since the beginning.
When my Bike was delivered, my dealer heated up his mechanics bay area and applied them according to Hoyle.
They need to cure for at least 18 hours.
They look good on the Silver/Black Vision IMHO.
They function so well, particularly when the temperatures exceed 100 degree, that I would hate to find out what riding without them would be like.
When it's raining, I push them outward and my pantlegs don't get wet.
They also help keep you warm on cold days.
Almost 27,000 miles and no complaints. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 24
Alberta | When I received my lowers I took one side apart and traced the lexan onto a thin sheet of clear plastic to make a template. I then transfered the shape onto a sheet of aluminum about half the thickness of the lexan piece. I cut out two shapes of aluminum and bent them to the shape of the lexan lowers. I then covered the aluminum on both sides with carbon fiber vinyl wrap. The back side of the hinges have a pre drilled hole and markings to drill another hole. The holes I drilled didn't pass all the way through the hinge. I tapped threads into the holes and bolted the hinge to the fairing with the bolt head on the inside of the fairing. I don't mind modifying stuff to suit my needs better. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| That's very creative. Just curious about a couple of things. Since the aluminum is so thin, are you still able to adjust them with your feet while moving and still have the hinges tight enough so the deflectors don't move at speed? I'm assuming you used 1/16" sheet since the original plastic is about .125". Will's aluminum deflectors are about .100" thick. In order to bolt the hinges to the fairing did you have to remove the fairing to get the bolts through or were you able to do it with the fairing in place? I bolted mine on as well but I bolted them with a small stainless socket head screw from the outside and fished the nut in behind the fairing but it wasn't easy.
Marc |
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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | I love mine. Kept them clear and the are hardly noticeable. I screwed mine in too |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 34
| Didn't like the look but surrendered and bought them one hot day in July and will never ride without them again, hot or cold they are awesome. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | I agree. they work very well in the cold or hot seasons.
I also have the OEM clear ones; and will probably (eventually) runs a bolt and screw through each mount; that is currently affixed with the 3m double sided tape. Though there is no sign of the tape weakening at this point (2 years now) I guess that would be a prudent action.
I was going to get the "improved version" from Will at Cycleops but he expressed no interest in making a set and matching the sunset red paint color on my 2011 Vision. So I will just stay with the clear; I do believe that with care manipulation of the lowers; they should last for quite a long time.
It does seem easy to make then yourself out of aluminum anyway; as previously posted on this site... so when I have an inkling to do so... I will.
Edited by willtill 2013-03-17 4:11 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| Would not be without them. You do not know what you are missing until you have them. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 24
Alberta | marcparnes - 2013-03-15 3:47 PM
That's very creative. Just curious about a couple of things. Since the aluminum is so thin, are you still able to adjust them with your feet while moving and still have the hinges tight enough so the deflectors don't move at speed? I'm assuming you used 1/16" sheet since the original plastic is about .125". Will's aluminum deflectors are about .100" thick. In order to bolt the hinges to the fairing did you have to remove the fairing to get the bolts through or were you able to do it with the fairing in place? I bolted mine on as well but I bolted them with a small stainless socket head screw from the outside and fished the nut in behind the fairing but it wasn't easy.
Marc
I won't move them with my feet, I'll adjust them by hand. I did have to remove the side fairing, along with 7 other major pieces to do what I wanted. Also I noticed that everyone who submitted photos of their deflectors has the long narrow end pointing forward. I determined that the deflector can't move fully forward because it hits the hinge. I reversed the hinge so the long narrow end is pointing rearward and the deflector has full movement without touching the hinge. I like the look better as the hinge has that nice long flowing look to it. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | Pictures? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Bad Horsie - 2013-03-31 3:32 PM
marcparnes - 2013-03-15 3:47 PM
That's very creative. Just curious about a couple of things. Since the aluminum is so thin, are you still able to adjust them with your feet while moving and still have the hinges tight enough so the deflectors don't move at speed? I'm assuming you used 1/16" sheet since the original plastic is about .125". Will's aluminum deflectors are about .100" thick. In order to bolt the hinges to the fairing did you have to remove the fairing to get the bolts through or were you able to do it with the fairing in place? I bolted mine on as well but I bolted them with a small stainless socket head screw from the outside and fished the nut in behind the fairing but it wasn't easy.
Marc
I won't move them with my feet, I'll adjust them by hand. I did have to remove the side fairing, along with 7 other major pieces to do what I wanted. Also I noticed that everyone who submitted photos of their deflectors has the long narrow end pointing forward. I determined that the deflector can't move fully forward because it hits the hinge. I reversed the hinge so the long narrow end is pointing rearward and the deflector has full movement without touching the hinge. I like the look better as the hinge has that nice long flowing look to it.I think they designed it so there is more attaching surface forward of the hinge in order to better support it against the wind. Of course if they're bolted on it makes no difference. I'd like to see a picture also if you can.
Marc |
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Glendale, AZ United States | I just had a quick question since I saw this thread. I would like to purchase the lower wind deflectors on my Vision and would prefer the color-matched cycleops version as opposed to the OEM plastic. The kicker is the mounting hardware. Cycleops does not sell the mounting hardware and it seems crazy to spend the 250 bucks for the OEM version in addition to the cycleops, which is a grip in itself. Does anybody know or can recommend where I can buy the mounting hardware separately if available? Thanks, Vlad. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Best I can recommend is to buy the OEM and sell the plastic lowers in the classifieds to someone who likes the clear look. |
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Glendale, AZ United States | Nozzledog - 2013-12-09 11:31 PM
Best I can recommend is to buy the OEM and sell the plastic lowers in the classifieds to someone who likes the clear look.
This must be a patent thing? I already looked at the classifieds and didn't see anything. I'm sure there are many folks out there who would like the cycleops version. I guess I have no choice but to go with the OEM or the Air wings. Nice to know aftermarket folks got "on board" with the Vision considering these are the only two options you have six years after Vision roll out, but we have a ton of chrome useless "doohickies" you can buy. Sorry, just venting, but I'm sure you can understand my frustration. Thanks for the info, Vlad. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Vladezip - 2013-12-10 1:05 AM
Nozzledog - 2013-12-09 11:31 PM
Best I can recommend is to buy the OEM and sell the plastic lowers in the classifieds to someone who likes the clear look.
This must be a patent thing? I already looked at the classifieds and didn't see anything. I'm sure there are many folks out there who would like the cycleops version. I guess I have no choice but to go with the OEM or the Air wings. Nice to know aftermarket folks got "on board" with the Vision
Nope, not a patent thing. Purely economics. The aftermarket guys said they can't produce the hardware for the same or lower price than Victory can. If they could, they would.
Ronnie
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Glendale, AZ United States | rdbudd - 2013-12-10 8:39 AM
Vladezip - 2013-12-10 1:05 AM
Nozzledog - 2013-12-09 11:31 PM
Best I can recommend is to buy the OEM and sell the plastic lowers in the classifieds to someone who likes the clear look.
This must be a patent thing? I already looked at the classifieds and didn't see anything. I'm sure there are many folks out there who would like the cycleops version. I guess I have no choice but to go with the OEM or the Air wings. Nice to know aftermarket folks got "on board" with the Vision
Nope, not a patent thing. Purely economics. The aftermarket guys said they can't produce the hardware for the same or lower price than Victory can. If they could, they would.
Ronnie
250 bucks for two pieces of plastic and four mounting brackets. It is what it is I guess. Thanks for the update. Vlad |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 22
Madrid, --- Spain | I just own my 2010 Vision for a couple of weeks, and I love the lower deflectors. Dont worry about the aspect. In winter you'll feel the difference, and I was told that in summer also, as it guides air into the engine for ventilation... |
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Tourer
Posts: 341
West Salem, WI United States | PhantomX - 2013-03-17 10:53 AM I love mine. Kept them clear and the are hardly noticeable. I screwed mine in too How did you screw them in? Are there posts on the backside for screws, or did you drill through and use some hardware? Got a picture? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 251
| I had them from the beginning and have had periods of time when I had to ride without them... I can say without hesitation that for me they are at the top of my list of the most practical pieces of equipment on the bike... I have the chrome deflectors... The only issue I do have is getting them to stay flared... I have to figure a way to tighten the mounts..... Has anyone else been able to solve this issue?
Thanks
Gerry |
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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | +1 on lowers. I had mine bolted on as well without removing the panels and I wouldn't be without them. They follow the lines very well and I don't think they look bad at all. Love mine... |
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Lower Deflectors