Get your wings!
Before air conditioning was standard equipment on vehicles, the "wing" window had to suffice:
Well, I added a variation on 'em to my Harley, in lieu of the small, clear ones that were on there when I got it.
The lower fairings already came with louvers to let more air through, to cool the engine...and the rider.
Here's what one of the "wings" looks like in the closed position:
And then, when it's open:
It was hot riding up to New Hampshire for Laconia Bike Week:
They really do seem to make quite a difference...
Well, I added a variation on 'em to my Harley, in lieu of the small, clear ones that were on there when I got it.
The lower fairings already came with louvers to let more air through, to cool the engine...and the rider.
Here's what one of the "wings" looks like in the closed position:
And then, when it's open:
It was hot riding up to New Hampshire for Laconia Bike Week:
They really do seem to make quite a difference...
posted by camojack | 08:21
12 Comments:
I used to love those things on my Dad's car.
yooooo, i'm getting a motorcycle. Just thought you should know.
Oh man...I had all but forgotten about those way cool wing windows! My parents metallic grey 56 "chebby" had em....with the rectanglular sort of canvas canteen type bag that was hanged from an attached chain handle off the side mirror to keep the water cool while we traveled (eventually from TX to CO) [I remember well spilling said water on..err...OK...SOAKING my little multi-color pin-striped dress)
Now that my 2nd power steering belt just came off in as many years, I could really use those wings. They're (functionally) FAB! And wouldn't let your hair get as messed up as reg windows.
I miss crankin those little wings open. And those little wing thangies look cute on your bike and I hope they save the purpose intended, looks like they do. I bet a road trip on a bike is fun. I think I might have went about 200 miles on one since. It was definitely a sweet ride!
Ahh yes! The wing window. A standard on all the classics. I promise to one day post pics of some of my former vehicles. Been meaning to do that for awhile now.
I hope those wings on your bike are as "cool" as they look.
(:D) Best regards.
Cassandra:
The previous "Camobile" had 'em.
(No air conditioning)
Tin Ma'am:
Just please remember what I told you about taking the motorcycle safety course, OK?
I wouldn't want you to learn the hard way...like I did.
Feline From Da' Rocky Mtn. Hood:
My previous "Camobile" was an '84 "chebby", so they were making those wing windows at least 'til then.
Also, being a long hair myself, I agree with you about the messing up of the hair thing.
Marsha:
The "wing" windows on the Harley do a great job.
Since my Harley has the upper/lower fairing and windshield, I don't get all the relative wind that other models do. Of course, when it's cool out, I don't want that breeze anyway.
Hawkeye®:
The wings on my bike are indeed as cool as they look, thanks...
Oh yeah, I surely did love those wing windows. They were the best ofr us smokers, a virtual smoke vacuum!
I also saw first hand why they aren't around anymore. A buddy of mine was nearly run through with the metal post in a relatively minor accident, guessing that was pretty much the reason.
Still, they were swell!
Those "wing windows" on the cars of yesteryear were great! I remember playing with them as a kid.
Wish I could get a ride on your bike with it's "new" wings...I could use some "fun" at present. :-)
boberin:
I remember that smoke vacuum effect from when I was a smoker.
Your theory about why wing windows aren't around anymore certainly seems plausible.
Bunny:
Yes, the "new" wings got installed last year, but I only got around to writing about them this week...probably because they came in quite handy riding up to New Hampshire and back.
I hope you get to have some fun A.S.A.P...
Wings were cool but not as cool as Mercury Turnpike Cruisers with roll down rear windows.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/images/a_1957_Mercury_Turnpike_Cruiser_2.jpg
As wanted one of those Mercs
Those windows were great smoke suckers, as I recall. Just hold the burning item anywhere near the window and all the smoke was sucked right out the winder!
Of course with no fairing, you'd have all the air you wanted...and then some!
Ms RightWing:
Some of those old cruisers were built like tanks.
When I was a kid, I couldn't ride in the rear-facing seat in the back of the family Mercury station wagon...or I would get violently ill. I still can't ride in anything where I'm facing backward without the same result, although that's never an issue on my Harley.
Beerme:
So, you're saying that "wing" windows suck? ;-)
With no fairing, I would have more air than I wanted when it's cold; the "wing" windows are a great feature when it's hot...
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