radiator pods

[pmcgrail]

Has anyone removed the radiator pods from their Interstate?
I think the pods really distract from the massive engine look.
if so what kinds of issues will I have if any?

Thanks
Phil

[MP]

crash bars have tabs on them for bolting on the pods.  other stuff not finished, like on std. because it is covered.  You will have to do mechanical cosmetic stuff to make it look good.

Take one pod off, easy to do.  Have a look, and see what you think.  Mechanically can remove, cosmetics are bad.

MP

[designer]

Good thing is, you can sell the pods for around 400 with the crash bars.  Your going to need radiator side covers, new side radiator brackets.... better yet, look at this link and if you want to do a complete removal just reverse everything  they installed..... MP is right, the brackets will look bad and the radiator side covers won't fit. 

I went the other direction and have installed pods on my standard, with foglights.  I liked the look. 

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/Installing_Pods/pods.htm


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[Jess Tolbirt]

those pods deflect the heat from the radiator away from you,,,and they do their job very well,,,

[designer]

I agree, without the pods your going to need an airwing or something.  I've head both and even with the pods you need air wing for buffeting.

[BradValk48237]

When I bought my I/S a couple of years ago, the PO had removed the Pods and put on covers. At the time , I thought , no problem, just bolt them back on.......  Wrong!

I had to do the OPPOSITE of what you will have to do to take them off:

He put standard crash Bars on... I replaced with the i/S ones and sold the standard ones... the bars are not that expensive- like $200 for the I/S bars from HDL... So new standard crash bars should be little cheaper... You can look up all the actual prices on HDL..

Had to remove the Standard chrome Rad Side covers (reflectors are sold separately).... to put them on, the PO ground down or cut off the front pod bolt holes on the Rad brackets so the regular side covers would slip over... I had to replace the rad mounting brackets with the right ones for the I/S, they were $25 ish a piece and easy bolt on... I sold the chrome side covers for $50 ish..... I think they are $40-50 each side from HDL.... If you want them, you can have the modified brackets, which will work for the standard side covers, if you just pay shipping...... Also you have to peel of the side reflectors to get to mounting screws....PITA....

The worst part was replacing the $48 Air guide(Honda-ease for a piece of molded black plastic) that goes behind the Rad to deflect the air thru the pods..... you have to remove the tank and MANY other parts to replace it correctly....I did not install it correctly, but cut it in half to slip it in and then JB welded it back together along with zip ties- instead of removing rad, frame parts and other fun things that it calls for to install correctly. The standard air guide is almost the same , but does not have the "ears" on the side to help push the air into the pods...... you could probably just cut the I/S air guide down in place instead of replacing with the regular air guide..... trust me, will save many hours and alot of cussing!

So, to make it look right and replace the I/S parts, you are looking at $300-400 depending on where you get the parts.... There are usually used standard and I/S parts on Ebay or other sites...And plan on several hours work to switch the parts

The big deal is you could sell the I/S crash bars and pods for at least $400, or much more, Thus it might net you a profit.

I did notice a difference in heat and Wind/Buffeting to the BETTER once I put the pods back on.. And I now have a Stebel mounted in each one.

 So..... If you do it and don't like it, (as long as you don't sell every thing off) you can reverse it and probably get almost all your money back selling the new parts.. If you sell and want to go back.. much more $$$$$$$.. Just alot of work....

Best first step would be to remove the pods,(dont worry about the looks) and go for a ride and see if you like the difference....

Just 2 cents from someone that had to fix what you want to do...

Brad

[sailed2japan]

Where are you? I've thought about putting IS pods on my standard, but didn't want to get involved with the parts chase. If you decide to go forward with this let me know and hopefully we can get together and swap parts around so we each have what we need. I also have alot of experience working on bikes, cars, and aircraft, so if you have any reservations on tackling the project i could help in that respect or even do it for you if need be.

[Mike R]

The PO of my Interstate had taken the pods off and changed the engine guard out with one from a standard. I do have Baker Airwings on it. I really like being able to see the whole engine...it's a thing of beauty!
I still have the pods and all of the brackets so if I decide to re-install them in the future all I would need are the engine guards.

 

[Steve K (IA)]

The PO of my Interstate had taken the pods off and changed the engine guard out with one from a standard. I do have Baker Airwings on it. I really like being able to see the whole engine...it's a thing of beauty!
I still have the pods and all of the brackets so if I decide to re-install them in the future all I would need are the engine guards.

 

You will also need to put an Air Guide for an I/S back behind the radiator or the pods would be useless.

[Steve K (IA)]

Good thing is, you can sell the pods for around 400 with the crash bars.  Your going to need radiator side covers, new side radiator brackets.... better yet, look at this link and if you want to do a complete removal just reverse everything  they installed..... MP is right, the brackets will look bad and the radiator side covers won't fit. 

I went the other direction and have installed pods on my standard, with foglights.  I liked the look. 

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/Installing_Pods/pods.htm


PM sent.

Same here.  I went the opposite direction also.  Made my Std into a much more enjoyable ride.  I did this for my wife, (she rides this one).  Now she has all the protections from the weather as I do on my I/S.  I got a good deal on the pods, bars and all the brackets needed.  Just had to put that dang I/S Air Guide in there behind the radiator.  That was a huge part of the job but worth it in the end.

[sailed2japan]

That's very close to what I was looking to do. I'm looking at the pods and a Batwing or Hoppe fairing. I have Champion Bags, no trunk. Would end up with a street glide like appearence.