Hippo Hands Standoff Brackets DIY

[waituntilthebeep]

I spent a bunch of time working on solutions so I could use my Hippo Hands handlebar covers and not have the "pushback" issue that happens. Because they are flexible, when you get over 25 mph or so, you find that the covers are pushed back by the wind. That causes them to push against the brake and clutch handle causing drag, activated brake lights and some safety issues with getting your gloved hands around the levers. This is not good and really makes for a bad experience with a good product after sending 100 clams for them. I have the resolution! I bought some light gauge flat bar and round stock from Lowes and with some trial and error over a 2 hour period, I made a very decent standoff that cures the problem.It only takes 10 minutes to watch the process and about 30 minutes to do it if you follow the video.

2 warnings - I DRILLED into my bike. If drill bits, power equipment or dirt in close proximity to your precious ride make you weak in the knees, look away now. Also, I swore in the video. Twice. At least that made it in the final cut. Just sayin.



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[Aussie81Interstate]

Good Job well done

[waituntilthebeep]

Thank You!!! Appreciate that.

[wingpilot08]

NIce Work!! Great post!

[Scooter363y]

That was an excellent video bravo! It shows what you can do if you put your mind to it.

I worked in the motorcycle business from the mid seventies to the mid eighties. The last four years at a shop that serviced all makes and we sold bmw's. I remember the "Vetter" hippo hands. The older ones were made of really heavy vinyl type material. The new ones look muck lighter ( and more comfortable).

I would suggest putting some kind of snaps on the front to securely mount the hands to keep them off your hands. Something to keep the weight and air pressure off.

Good riding
Scott

[waituntilthebeep]

I would suggest putting some kind of snaps on the front to securely mount the hands to keep them off your hands. Something to keep the weight and air pressure off.

Good riding
Scott

Thank you sir...

These are very light as far as weight goes, compared to the old vetters. They don't really need any kind of snap. The bracket is inside the HH so under 25mph, they just move about freely and you don't even notice them. Over 25, the wind pushes them back against the new standoff and they stay put nicely. There is no pressure against the hand or handles. I was clipping along at a snails pace of 80mph yesterday with the cruise set and had no issues with them. Wasn't the case before... had to hold them away from the handles over 40mph. Was a pain as these are such a nice product. Someone commented on the video page and said I should crank out a few sets and sell them but I doubt there is a big enough need. You either fix the issue yourself or you stop using the HH's.

[Scooter363y]

Excellent video. Sort of like "bark busters " for goldwings


Scott

[Metal Mangler]

Did you drill all the way through your handlebars and then tap them? Very nice design I've always wanted a set.

[waituntilthebeep]

I did not drill all the way through. The bars are shaped like an upside down "U" and the wiring and hoses are routed through that channel. I pried the lines and stuff down to clear and only drilled and tapped one half of the U.

Handlebar Profile

[Metal Mangler]

Thanks for the info very good diagram you must be an engineer take care and Merry Christmas

[waituntilthebeep]

Thanks for the info very good diagram you must be an engineer take care and Merry Christmas

Thank you for that ego stroke... but sadly no. Not an engineer. Just a little bit tech geeky. Merry Christmas to you as well sir.