Interstate pod thingys

[knockdolian]

Hi all, Ive recently bought a 2000 Interstate and I love it, except I really don't like the air vent pod things that sit on the front engine bars. My question is what do they really do and do I need them. I want to take them off and fit Valk engine bars and the rad trims. Any reason why I shouldn't ?
Thanks  

[Bighead]

If you do remove and want to get rid of the pods and engine guard/ mounts shoot me a pm I would like some on my Standard
As to your question I think the only thing that would be a problem is I think you would have to put a whole radiator on , not sure but I think the frame is different on the two models.

[PAVALKER]

The pods help remove heat from the engine and out around the rider from the air passing thru the radiator then hitting the blocking mat that forces the air to the sides...the pods.   The little vents built in the pods are to facilitate rider air flow.  The radiators on the IS might be different than the others, and surely won't have the fancy chrome on the sides.  Since BigHead seems to want your PODS, the appropriate engine guards And such.....maybe you could swap radiators with him as well??  

I personally like the PODs, for their intended purpose, mounting the driving lights or air horns.  Different strokes....

[knockdolian]

Thanks for the info. Sorry but they have all ready been bagged by a member who wants to swap for the standard bars and radiator end caps. Ive been told the rads are the same except the valk has chrome trim end caps.
Don't feel too bad, Im in Yeovil Somerset UK. To post them to you would cost a fortune.
All the best
Paul  

[knockdolian]

The pods help remove heat from the engine and out around the rider from the air passing thru the radiator then hitting the blocking mat that forces the air to the sides...the pods.   The little vents built in the pods are to facilitate rider air flow.  The radiators on the IS might be different than the others, and surely won't have the fancy chrome on the sides.  Since BigHead seems to want your PODS, the appropriate engine guards And such.....maybe you could swap radiators with him as well??  

I personally like the PODs, for their intended purpose, mounting the driving lights or air horns.  Different strokes....

Thanks John. Im in the UK and it doesn't get hot here ever since global warming started to warm the planet  it just looks to me the air goes straight through them. But as you say each to their own. Cheers

[Jess from VA]

I think the radiators are all the same, except for side trim.  There is also a different rubber sheet radiator shield (behind the radiator), which is a PITA to deal with.

You can always go to Honda parts listings and check part numbers (for different models and years), although sometimes numbers change but the part is essentially the same.

This is a nice how-to for Pods to a standard, but reverse engineering is also suggested.  I think it is a mistake to remove them from an Interstate (not add them to a std) (from a resale point of view); if you lived in the US, I'd swap bikes, not pods.

Interstate radiator pods on a standard 
http://timskelton.com/valkyrie/how_to/pods.htm
   

[knockdolian]

I think the radiators are all the same, except for side trim.  There is also a different rubber sheet radiator shield (behind the radiator), which is a PITA to deal with.

You can always go to Honda parts listings and check part numbers (for different models and years), although sometimes numbers change but the part is essentially the same.

This is a nice how-to for Pods to a standard, but reverse engineering is also suggested.  I think it is a mistake to remove them from an Interstate (not add them to a std) (from a resale point of view); if you lived in the US, I'd swap bikes, not pods.

Interstate radiator pods on a standard 
http://timskelton.com/valkyrie/how_to/pods.htm
   

I love everything else. I also like the look of the standard engine without the pods. I understand what your saying about resale value but I plan to keep a long time and If I like it others will.
Thanks for the link

[knockdolian]

Jess, Just been reading through the link you sent. I don't think the chap who wants to swap is aware of the work involved. As it says in the article, ideal if your riding across the desert. We don't have desert in Somerset. Well not yet anyway !!
Found it very Interesting didn't realise there were so many bits involved. I do like them fog lights though 

[Westsider]

They are the best things to have in the winter,, and worst things to have  in summer.....   take one off and feel the difference for yourself....

[Willow]

I believe you may be getting some bad advice on the radiators.  The radiators themselves are the same size and serve the same purpose.  The threaded mount holes on the ends of the radiator I believe are slightly different as the pods use a two screw mount and the Standard chromed ends take a single screw each.

I think you'll want to swap radiators.

[knockdolian]

They are the best things to have in the winter,, and worst things to have  in summer.....

I cannot argue with you because I don't know but what you say seems to be in direct contrast to the article in the previous link

[BradValk48237]

The radiators are the same... however the brackets that hold the pods and or the standard  end caps are different.... The Bracket screw into the ends of the radiator and then the caps screw into those....I might still have the brackets if you want them  you just pay shipping....

To use the Standard Chrome end caps you have to get the standard brackets....

I know this because the PO of mine had done the same thing and I put the pods back on...

You will also need to get a new Standard "Air Guide" to replace the I/S one as they are different.... Or you could save the $45 or so and just cut down the one on it.

The plastic dam does make a difference in heat/air flow as my bike had it removed completely... i noticed a difference once I had reinstalled all the correct I/S parts and pods.

Brad

[BradValk48237]

Just so you know... you might want to keep the pods as a lot of people want them on an I/S....

To replace them would cost more than $1000 in new parts.... and could /would drop your resale.

But you can pick up the standard crash bars for end caps for about $220 or so....

One reason I bought mine is because the Pods were still available.....

B

[knockdolian]

The radiators are the same... however the brackets that hold the pods and or the standard  end caps are different.... The Bracket screw into the ends of the radiator and then the caps screw into those....I might still have the brackets if you want them  you just pay shipping....

Thanks for the offer Brad. I really did think it was a case of take them off, job done  The chap who wants to swap wants to put them on his standard. I have sent him the installation link. Ive seen a couple of bikes on here with fairings and no pods and think they look beautiful. Might have to have a rethink. Ever wish you hadn't asked  ???

[Jess from VA]

And just so you know, the Honda aftermarket pod fog lights have long been out of production.  They can be found from time to time used or salvage, but usually very expensive, and other lights can be added elsewhere for much more reasonable prices.





Unless you are committed to a permanent, nice looking swap, you could just pull them during warm weather and let the uncovered engine guard mounts and radiator sides show.  

Folks have cobbled their own pod lights together, but the nearly impossible thing to come up with is the rubber boot necessary to seal/connect the holes in the pods to the lights themselves.  If you pull the pods and look inside, you will see Honda marked/scribed where you have to cut the holes.

I think Honda should have put them in every interstate sold; they sort of give the pods a reason to exist besides marginal air flow management.

[knockdolian]

I do like them. At least with the lights in they look like they are there for a reason. if I could find a set of them Id keep the pods

[BradValk48237]

You can still get them around.. about $500 us for a set.....

I also hide my Air horns inside mine.. one on each side.. got rid of the regular horn having on the front....

I also had mine painted 2 tone to make them look better...

B

[Steve K (IA)]

No, No, No.  The radiators are the same.  On the I/S there is a bracket attached to each side of the radiator that is a mounting point for the pods besides the bracket on the crash bar.  

You will need an Air Guide for a Std. to put behind the radiator.

Make sure the guy getting your pods gets the brackets off your radiator.  He will also need an Air Guide for a I/S if he wants them to be functional.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

No, No, No.  The radiators are the same.  On the I/S there is a bracket attached to each side of the radiator that is a mounting point for the pods besides the bracket on the crash bar.  

You will need an Air Guide for a Std. to put behind the radiator.

Make sure the guy getting your pods gets the brackets off your radiator.  He will also need an Air Guide for a I/S if he wants them to be functional.

Dang that's a clean bike. Love the Hoppe fairing. Do you know what make the cruiser bar you have is? I got a used 1 the same for mine but don't know the make. Just that it is well built. 

[pago cruiser]

I agree with the OP, in that IMO of aesthetics...  after a couple months of riding the old girl the pods just started detracting from the bike and hiding the engine.   Time for a ...
wait for it...
podectomy! - Note that I did a search on the forum, and this word did not turn up - I'M claiming it 

I just did this on my Solo and Hack IS Valks.  Radiators (IS and Standard) are indeed the same.  You do need the Standard brackets that allow fitment of the rock guard, as well as the Standard rock guards, and the chrome end caps and reflectors.  But it sounds like you were able to trade, so you should have the hard parts covered.  You also just saved about $200...   All this stuff is still available from Mother Honda.

As several posters indicated, the plastic heat shield is different.  But you do not need to get a new one; as long as you have a Dremel (and some experience) and a free afternoon with some amber refreshment.  Pulling the radiator is the easier way to do it.  It can be done with the radiator on, but one 1/8" deviation with the dremel and you will nick your frame paint, your tank, or carb cap, or radiator hose...  Easier to pull the radiator, and while you're at it, replace those 15 year old hoses.  And maybe the radiator cap, as both my rubbers seals were gone, and the cap was rusty.

Below is the result of what trimming the IS heatshield looks like - note that it takes the Dremel metal cutting blade, the 1/8" carbide bit, the football looking bit, and finally the sanding drums with 80 and then 120 grit sleeves.  If you want to get really anal, you can actually polish the end of the fresh sanded cut plastic to make it look factory; I stopped at the 120 grit sanding drum:



Be warned though, that the podectomy on an IS can, like a tummy tuck on an aging trophy wife, lead to other bulk reduction endeavors.  A nose job, some chin work, massage the cheekbones, some careful boob work, and a rear end lighten and lift later, the old girl will look 20 years younger and 100 lbs lighter...

Before:


And after:


The Standard Baker Wings (with a little surgery, depending upon your fairing), in conjunction with the fork air deflectors handle air management superbly.  Dang these bikes are fun... 

[Farther]

And after:

  Forgive me if I divert this thread but tell me about your cargo rack.

[Steve K (IA)]

No, No, No.  The radiators are the same.  On the I/S there is a bracket attached to each side of the radiator that is a mounting point for the pods besides the bracket on the crash bar.  

You will need an Air Guide for a Std. to put behind the radiator.

Make sure the guy getting your pods gets the brackets off your radiator.  He will also need an Air Guide for a I/S if he wants them to be functional.

Dang that's a clean bike. Love the Hoppe fairing. Do you know what make the cruiser bar you have is? I got a used 1 the same for mine but don't know the make. Just that it is well built. 

Wow, the cruiser bar?  That's a good question.  I picked it up a long time ago...don't know where.  Something makes me think it is a LaMonster product.  
Yes, the Hoppe fairing with the I/S pods give good protection in foul weather.  


I have also added the pod deflectors that help with the heat a lot.

[knockdolian]

Yaaaaa, Thanks Pago, I was beginning to think I was doing wrong but the photos of your bike has convinced me. I don't think anybody can argue that without the pods the engine looks better. The guy who wants the swap is about 250 miles away. I think it will be a road trip and swap with the bikes next to each other.
Thanks again for all  positive and negative input.

[pago cruiser]

With the indulgence of the OP...

I could not find anything I liked (happens to me a lot it seems  ...) so I built one.
Get (2) Hondaline luggage racaks off ebay ($40 used, $100 new), and cut them in half to the length you want, make some solid inserts to slip into the round exterior frame, as well as the thin rectangular tubing.  Weld, file, braze, file, weld, bend, braze, then sand to the smoothest contours you can - powdercoat will hide more deviations than chrome.  Then get a pair of Standard rails with the rear ears.  Then buy an aftermarket Valk luggage rack from ebay, toss the luggage rack and backrest in your metal pile, and cut to shape and weld the "ears" onto the Standard rails in a spot that clears the seat, and matches up to how you want to mount the rack.  Then make four tangs about 3" l x 5/8" wide, notch one end to match the bottom of the rack perimeter rail, then weld and fill.  When done, slip the tangs into the original bolt-on ears on the Standard rail, as well as the welded ears.  Drill holes, bolt up, take apart, and powdercoat.  Special note: when you powdercoat, your handiwork will shapeshift a bit...  But if you heat it up first (like let it sit in the 90F Tucson sun a couple hours, too hot too handle without gloves) you can bend the tangs back in shape without the powdercoat cracking. 

All told, took me a couple months of weekends, maybe 2-3 hours/day.  I can tack and burn thru anything, and my grinding skills continue to improve.  But I weld about like I play basketball... crudely.  So I generally would make the pieces, cut to fit, prep, and tack.  Then take to a good friend with a TIG.

I'm happy how it turned out.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I believe you may be getting some bad advice on the radiators.  The radiators themselves are the same size and serve the same purpose.  The threaded mount holes on the ends of the radiator I believe are slightly different as the pods use a two screw mount and the Standard chromed ends take a single screw each.

I think you'll want to swap radiators.

Willow is right - the I/S and Standard/Tourer radiator cores carry two different Honda part numbers.

The grill "stays" (I/S model) or end caps (all others) are NOT included with the base part number, so the differences are deeper than "cosmetic".

I'm going to be swapping my '99 Tourer's setup around for a set of I/S pods and so forth that I have on-hand. When I do I'll get a few pics of each setup for comparison purposes and post them.

[knockdolian]

Well I did it, I removed the pods and fitted standard parts. What a job getting the plastic heat shield out. Im very pleased with the look and if I like it others will too.Only thing is Ive completely forgot how to add photos 
If someone can remind me how, ill post the results .
Cheers

[knockdolian]

[img][/img]

[knockdolian]

[PAVALKER]

Wow.....now if you remove the trunk and fairing you will have a look similar to a Tourer, and if you then remove the bags....a Standard.

You have any intentions to go further?

[knockdolian]

Wow.....now if you remove the trunk and fairing you will have a look similar to a Tourer, and if you then remove the bags....a Standard.

You have any intentions to go further?

You need to go back up the road my friend, your top box and back  seat have fallen off 
No nothing else. Thought Id just take off the bits that do nothing

[PAVALKER]

Wow.....now if you remove the trunk and fairing you will have a look similar to a Tourer, and if you then remove the bags....a Standard.

You have any intentions to go further?

You need to go back up the road my friend, your top box and back  seat have fallen off 
No nothing else. Thought Id just take off the bits that do nothing

I've kept my bits on the shelf, and occasionally use em.  Easy on and easy off....and available to put on for resale if/when needed.  Those PODs do something, hence the reason they were there and why others want them.   Granted, you might not find them functional for your purposes and/or like the looks without em....and that's cool.  To each their own, different strokes for....well you get the idea.  As long as you are happy....I guess that is what really matters.