Cowl protectors: Pros and Cons

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Thu Mar 15, 2012 8:52 am

So an obvious pro is that they protect your scooter. What are other pros and cons folks with them can add?

For instance, can you still use your saddlebags, or is it more awkward?

Do you have more bungie points with the cowl protectors, or do the bungies slide too much? Do you have to be careful of the bungie stress you put on them?

Do they help to strengthen the rear rack?

Any other pros or cons? Debating whther to get some....

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:26 am

I don't think they'd interfere with bags. most are adjustable and you could just let them out another inch to make up for it if they did.

So far the only cons is that with the extra space where it attaches to the frame, sometimes I get overzealous and smack my calf

.

I did have the wind blow Yoda over, and they kept the side from getting scratched.

It does add a couple extra bungee points. not sure if it 'strengthens' the back rack but it doesn't hurt!

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:45 am

You named all the major pluses... other than just looking awesome... For saddle bags they help keep the bags off the body panels thus protecting your paint job. I have used mine to help anchor longer items and carry them along the side of the scooter. But the biggest benefit to me is the passenger foot rests that come with them. I never carry passengers but would not ride without them. When ever your scooter goes down (mine has been down twice—once knocked over by a taxi when parked, once with me on it thanks to a big oil slick) the passenger pegs extend out from the bike farther than anything else and thus take the brunt of the initial impact. They were mangled and needed to be replaced afterwards, but they saved the scooter from much worst damage. They also are an amazing anchor for bungees. I use them for that all the time. Some people say they get in the way of their feet. I have never had a problem with that.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:09 pm

the passenger footrests stabbed the pajesus out of my legs maneuvering, so I took those back off. the rare times I have one the cowl bars should extend them enough.

I did want to love them, for the reasons you mentioned and because you can hook things to the tray/footpegs for extra grocery trips!

ed85379 · Post by **ed85379** » Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:29 pm

They saved my Blackjack from any damage during my accident a couple months ago. The only damage at all is scraping along the cowl protector where it hit the road. Nothing else on the scooter was even scratched (other than the mirror being knocked loose, of course).

The other benefit they have is a place to hold it for pulling the scooter onto the center stand. For a small guy like me, they make it a lot easier to lift it. On the flip side, it also gives a great hand-hold for anyone who is going to steal your scooter by lifting it into a truck.

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Fri Mar 16, 2012 6:53 am

skully93 wrote:the passenger footrests stabbed the pajesus out of my legs maneuvering, so I took those back off. the rare times I have one the cowl bars should extend them enough.

I did want to love them, for the reasons you mentioned and because you can hook things to the tray/footpegs for extra grocery trips!

This happened to me as well, but Lokky never had an issue so I think it had to do with body dimensions/sitting style. Plus, it was the only piece of hardware I had on Sailor Scoot, beside the rear rack, and when I saw how much just that one piece protected her when she dropped, I kept them on anyway. Turns out many people feel the same way.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Fri Mar 16, 2012 7:34 am

Thanks for the input everyone.

I think you've convinced me to get them.