Exploration of side panels

In my previous post I talked about making some risers for my motorcycle. These are still on the table, but over the past few days I’ve gotten more excited about the panels that cover my battery and fuses. They’re bulbous and ugly and are some of the last stock pieces on the bike. I’ve been thinking of some fun/useful ways to cover up that area, make it look clean without sacrificing access to the electronics.

I pulled a coors box from the recycling bin and did some cardboard aided design. I came up with the general concept through sketching, where one piece drapes over the area and under the seat. This secures the product without any frame modification, plug and play. I originally wanted the idea on the left, it would be made from metal and have these vents shaped into it. I wanted to try something else though, I pulled out an idea from a while ago where I sketched a battery cover made of leather fringe. This material would allow super easy access to the electronics, drape well, fit the ‘biker’ aesthetic, and move well in the wind. The cardboard version looks pretty good, so a leather one should be even better.

After mocking up the cardboard, I mentioned the idea of filling the space with some small saddlebags. Most current bags sit over the rear shocks and are bulky, not really fitting the slimmed down aesthetic of 70s style choppers. Luckily my friend had a smaller leather bag with her, and I threw it over the seat to check it out. I’m liking that a lot too, it would be a cool and helpful addition.