hi all
here is my question,i have a 2005 1200 custom,i dont have my license yet going for it in 2 weeks,i start the bike every other day and let it run for 20 minutes,here in florida im always in shorts and burn my leg on the pipes,is there any kind of covers to put on the pipes so i dont burn my leg.....thanks ...................ammo

 

You have found one of the reasons long pants are recommended riding gear. I've never seen any covers for the mufflers. The head pipes already have covers on them. Shorts are an invitation for burns and also allow bees easy access to certain "private parts". Wearing pants will save your skin. I understand the temptation to wear shorts, but I believe some others will chime in here and tell you to wear pants while riding and also while handling a bike with a hot exhaust. Enjoy the new 1200C!

 

No offense, but have you thought about wearing pants when you ride your Sporty? I understand about the heat thing, but to me a little bit of heat is better than burnt hair on my leg. On another note, do they make a heat shield that would solve your problem? I'm sure that someone will be along soon with some other ideas. Hope that you find something that works for you.

 

Wear pants! I live in AZ and I'm in shorts all the time, EXCEPT when I'm on my bike. And I ride frequently on days that are 110+ degrees. Even with a heat shield or wrapping pipes, it's still going to be hot enough to get a "leg hickey". Wear pants and leave the shorts and flip flops at home.

 

this is too much for me im goin to bed!!

 

May I suggest boots as well.

 

First, when you say let it run for 20 minutes I hope you aren't idling the bike for 20 min.

Second, there's no getting around it. You need to wear pants (preferably jeans). You have an engine which is probably close to 250+ degrees under your private parts. If it was liquid-cooled and had a cover over it, then you could get away with it, but it's not a good idea. Let's say you could stand the heat and could ride in shorts comfortably. It's still not a good idea. Especially at high speeds because bugs hurt. If you ride in certain states at certain times, some of those bugs are huge and can make you bleed.

 

ammo2349,

In all seriousness, I feel your pain. I live my summers in a beach resort town and expecially with this heat the temptation to ride with shorts on is great - but I will NEVER do it.

Long pants, preferably at least some the weight of blue jeans, should always be worn. Over 30 years ago I had to dump my bike on the road because a woman who was at a stop sign didn't see me (our biggest problem) and pulled out in front of me. My only choice was to dump. Had I not been wearing jeans I hate to think of the road rash - or worse - I'd have gotten.

Three weeks ago I came across a man and his wife sitting on the side of the road with a Suzuki V-Strom lying next to them. I stopped and learned he and his wife had been out for a ride and when going around a bend, he ran into unexpected sand on the road and the bike went out from under them. They had slid about 15-20 feet on the gravel pavement, and had either one of them been wearing shorts I hate to think of the condition their legs would have been in. They were shook up, but no serious injuries.

I never thought about the bug problem but that could certainly be a VERY real disaster. Do us all a favor, and particularly yourself and those who love you - wear long pants EVERYTIME you ride. It may seem uncomfortable in the heat at first, but believe me, you'll get used to it and a burn from the pipes could very well be the least of your problems by wearing shorts.

Stay safe and enjoy your new ride!

Thumper26

 

One more time, wear them pants and pick up a pair of boots.

 

Buy some chaps... put em on over your shorts.