A/C cover question

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Jul 1, 2013 | 07:14 PM

benson821

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Joined: Feb 2013

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From: Camp Lejeune, NC

A/C cover question

I have a '13 Street Bob and put on a Fuel Moto Stage 1 A/C and my stock cover doesn't fit, well it does if I put the bracket on but it won't stay tight (tried Loctite, glue's, lots of stuff) and it vibrates off. I have been running an open filter now for a couple months and have hit some really heavy rain storms and got worried about my bike seizing up or getting messed up because of water getting into the engine, do I need to get a cover to prevent that or am I okay running an open filter if I hit a rain storm.

Anyone have any input or help on finding a cover to fit. (I would like to use the screw hole in the center of the filter preferably)

Jul 1, 2013 | 07:34 PM

copaup

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Joined: Feb 2013

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From: West TN

I run my filter exposed and have had no problems. I rode my old VStar 1300 in many a torrential downpour without issues and it had an exposed filter as well. Keep the filter oiled and if it's raining hard enough to cause problems it's raining hard enough you should have pulled over anyway cause you can't see. They make the rain socks if you want a bit of insurance.

I'm using a Harley air cleaner cover insert (5 hole one, it comes with a bracket that goes into the center hole on the AC) purely for cosmetic reasons.

Jul 1, 2013 | 10:37 PM

deuce_streetbob

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Joined: Feb 2013

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From: columbus, ohio

I had the same a/c on my 13 sb, and the stock cover fit fine. At times u have to fiddle with it a bit to get the threads going in right, but once u do it cinches up tight. I never had any issues with the stock cover. That being said, I found a nice chrome cover that leaves the a/c exposed now, but gives that little bit of pop against the black engine. I try to avoid rain anyway, so it doesn't matter about exposure. I will say, that the stock cover would get extremely hot because it would scoop the heat from the engine. Now that I run exposed it is completely cool to the touch even after hours of riding. I have to think that leads to cooler air being pulled into the intake too...can't be a bad thing. Rain socks are always an option as well.

Jul 2, 2013 | 08:44 AM

benson821

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From: Camp Lejeune, NC

Does anyone have any experience with the rain socks? And would they fit the fuel moto filter??

Jul 2, 2013 | 09:34 AM

Notz

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2013

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by copaup

Same 6 years exposed no issues..... even with a cover if it's raining hard enough it doesn't do dick. and pulling over at that point in the down pour is prolly best

Jul 2, 2013 | 09:56 AM

maddghost

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Joined: Apr 2008

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From: Out on Deranged

I have a rain sock for my open A/C I don't keep it on as it constricts air flow, I used it once or twice in the rain, but the water still gets in and chokes the engine. Water getting into your throttle body won't cause any harm but to slow you down. The heavier the rain the more choking you get because, well, water doesn't burn! I've had my open A/C 5 years and no damage. don't waste your money on a rain sock.
Get a flat cover to hide the ugly tin unfinished outer surface and avoid riding in the rain unless your stuck. Heck it ain't any fun riding in the rain anyway right?

Jul 2, 2013 | 04:35 PM

CDFXD

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From: Europe

Get a plastic end cover a of sewer drainage pipe. (the thick grey ones) drill a hole in the center, sand it and spray paint it. I drilled wholes in the side and inserted 8 bolts and shims on the surface with the same heads as used else on the bike. Makes it look like a mean air filter cover. And it is cheap...