Convert "deflectors" question

[Anomaly]

The rectangular panels mounted on the crash bars-- what purpose do they serve? Moreover, why only on the Convert?

[Dave Swanson]

The rectangular panels minute on the crash bars-- what purpose do they serve? Moreover, why only on the Convert?

The horns were moved out to the crashbar due to the torque converter oil cooler taking up the space where the horns are mounted on most Tontis. The deflectors serve to protect and hide the horns.  The horns look very out of place hanging out on the crashbar without the deflectors.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Also used on the G5, IIRC. Took mine off because they directed a blast of air at my torso that was very effective at inflating my jacket. 

[kidsmoke]

The horns were moved out to the crashbar due to the torque converter oil cooler taking up the space where the horns are mounted on most Tontis. The deflectors serve to protect and hide the horns.  The horns look very out of place hanging out on the crashbar without the deflectors.

I had never heard that. My G5 (A convert with a 5 speed) has the horns located as they are here on this sales brochure.

[Anomaly]

Interesting to hear them called horns. In the brochure above they are spoilers and in the Italian references I've seen they are deflettori (deflectors). But what do I know, I thought they only appeared on Converts...

Now, what is their purpose?

[kidsmoke]

Interesting to hear them called horns. In the brochure above they are spoilers and in the Italian references I've seen they are deflettori (deflectors). But what do I know, I thought they only appeared on Converts...

Now, what is their purpose?

You misunderstand, Anomoly. Dave is stating that the horns - the audible 'beep beep' horns - were relocated from the frame below the triple tree, as seen on the brochure, to the crash bars, to make room for the oil cooler needed for the Convert's torque converter. Then the 'spoilers' were used to obscure them.

The G5 was identical to the Convert, with the exception of the gearbox. One article stated it was developed to 'right the wrongs' of the convert. So they are 'sister's if you will, with the same livery.

[guzzisteve]

They are to keep the front end planted on surface better when going fast. Like the wedges above cylinders on a LeMans

[Anomaly]

You misunderstand, Anomoly. Dave is stating that the horns - the audible 'beep beep' horns - were relocated from the frame below the triple tree, as seen on the brochure, to the crash bars, to make room for the oil cooler needed for the Convert's torque converter. Then the 'spoilers' were used to obscure them.

The G5 was identical to the Convert, with the exception of the gearbox. One article stated it was developed to 'right the wrongs' of the convert. So they are 'sister's if you will, with the same livery.

Thanks. But, really? Just to hide the horns?...

[kidsmoke]

Now, what is their purpose?

Well, the truth of that may be lost. But to Dave's point, they had to have horns. In the case of the Convert, they had to be relocated. So they came up with a simple cheap solution, and called it a 'spoiler' when really it's simply distracting from what would be a design detraction.

Here you can see the oil cooler and the relocated horns.

[Bulldog9]

They are to keep the front end planted on surface better when going fast. Like the wedges above cylinders on a LeMans

If you reverse them, they could provide some lift and be considered wheelie assist devices for doing a wheelie at speed. 

The deflectors and rear seat cowl thing were long gone when I got my Convert, the PO didn't know what I was talking about when I asked.

[kidsmoke]

Thanks. But, really? Just to hide the horns?...

Seems like was the catalyst, and they took the opportunity to come up with a 'functional' solution. To Steve's point, they will produce some downward force for the front of the bike.

[Cam3512]

And most importantly, they look frickin’ cool!

[Dave Swanson]

Thanks. But, really? Just to hide the horns?...

Have you seen Convert horns without the deflectors?  They need hiding!   

[guzzisteve]

They drive faster in EU so you need the deflector to stay safe, same time they got the Integral brakes to slow that auto beast down. I seen some fast ones believe it or not. You would be surprised at what folks do to them.

[Anomaly]

OK, you guys are a barrel of laughs....

My original thought was that they had something to do with  aerodynamics and the comfort of the rider. You know, sort of like the "deflectors" on the V100. But no, I got Comedy Club answers. Maybe that is, in fact, the truth of why they are there (to hide the horns)...

My interest in this is: I have a wonderful 1981 T3 California. I am 6'2" and when I purchased the bike in Puglia and rode it to Tuscany, I experience considerable buffeting from the original "barn door" screen (cupolino). So, I took the screen off. Besides, I was not a fan of the CHIPS look. Sacrilege, I know... But, you gotta do what you gotta do. Still, I have been intrigued by these "deflectors" on the Converts and wondered what effect they might produce. On, say, a T3.....

[Dave Swanson]

Still, I have been intrigued by these "deflectors" on the Converts and wondered what effect they might produce. On, say, a T3.....

It will be a night and day difference, but only if you relocate the horns also.  HA 

[kidsmoke]

I own a G5. I have the deflectors but have never had them on the bike. I would be amazed if they make any discernable difference at all, but as Charlie said above, he DID notice it and didn't like it. I was thinking of adding them this spring to make the bike look like the Convert I posted above, with the fag packets and crash bars, but no screen.

I've ridden with and without the windscreen and it's a huge difference, and I find riding 'naked' to be preferable.

Riding a T3 the width an breadth of Italy.....Sounds wonderful! 

[Anomaly]

It will be a night and day difference, but only if you relocate the horns also.  HA

THIS is a priceless response!

Thank you Dave!

[Dave Swanson]

You have convinced me to try my T3 without the screen.  Removing it should be equivalent to adding 10 horsepower! 

[Anomaly]

You have convinced me to try my T3 without the screen.  Removing it should be equivalent to adding 10 horsepower!

They don't call it a "barn door" for nothing...

I took some flack from the California purists here (Italy), but for me it made a big difference to remove it. Of course, I haven't gone on a long ride since removing it, but I'm very happy with the results on my afternoon jaunts. YMMV

[Dave Swanson]

They don't call it a "barn door" for nothing...

I took some flack from the California purists here (Italy), but for me it made a big difference to remove it. Of course, I haven't gone on a long ride since removing it, but I'm very happy with the results on my afternoon jaunts. YMMV

How would you describe the T3 California following in Italy?  It sounds more vibrant than in the USA, which is comatose.

[kidsmoke]

They don't call it a "barn door" for nothing...

I took some flack from the California purists here (Italy), but for me it made a big difference to remove it. Of course, I haven't gone on a long ride since removing it, but I'm very happy with the results on my afternoon jaunts. YMMV

Perhaps more than most, the big screen really seems to fit and create a balance on the T3 California...might be the seat that balances it. Cool bike.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

My interest in this is: I have a wonderful 1981 T3 California. I am 6'2" and when I purchased the bike in Puglia and rode it to Tuscany, I experience considerable buffeting from the original "barn door" screen (cupolino). So, I took the screen off. Besides, I was not a fan of the CHIPS look. Sacrilege, I know... But, you gotta do what you gotta do. Still, I have been intrigued by these "deflectors" on the Converts and wondered what effect they might produce. On, say, a T3.....

I'm only 5'6", so the "barn door" windscreen works great for me - no buffeting at all. Mine does have the edge trim removed though.

[Bulldog9]

I had the Barn Door on my Convert for 2 years, didn't like it. Robbed too much air, and the black edging was RIGHT in my line of sight. I have the summer screen on it right now, and the Barn Door is hanging on the Garage Wall............... ..

[theoneandonlymin]

The purpose of the wings is, when riding in heavy rain, to deflect the water coming of the fork sliders straight into your knees and groin.

[Anomaly]

How would you describe the T3 California following iGn Italy?  It sounds more vibrant than in the USA, which is comatose.

Interesting question... On the one hand, there is the Facebook group you directed me to several years ago that is moderated by an Italian and seems to have more Italian members than others. On the other hand, I probably can't give an informed opinion--- we live in a quite rural area and there are almost NO Guzzis around (of any model, let alone Californias...). It has always seemed strange to me, the parking lot of our local watering hole always fills up with motos any sunny or semi-sunny day. Out of, say, ten bikes, 6 will be BMW GSs, 3 will be various Ducatis, and 1 will be an Africa Twin...

I think the picture may be quite different in different parts of Italy. We have a friend in Puglia, near Lecce, who is the head of a moto club that is very active and full of Guzzis, classic models abpund including Californias but I think LeMans and Falcones are more revered/sought after.