Hi all,
I just wanted to share my experience installing Canyon cages on my 2013 C14. I have read just about all the threads here pertaining to Canyon cage installations, so in return, I decided to contribute my own experiences installing them.
I finally decided to purchase my cages after dropping my Connie for the *second* time. Stupid, I know, but better late than never, right? After replacing my damaged and cracked right lower and middle cowlings, I started on the cage install. Lesson learned: always make sure your kick stand is up. (That's another story altogether)
I'm happy to report that my install was 100% incident free and straight forward. The rears guards went on easy. I installed the rear foot pegs, even though I never ride with a passenger. No issues whatsoever with hardware or fit/finish.
The fronts guards also went on without issue. I used my long handled 3/8" ratchet with a 12" extension to remove the factory 10mm bolts. I used a baby bottle brush along with some Brakleen to clean up the threads. I ran the MCE bolts all the way in by hand before installing the cages. No issues with cross threading or galling. I installed all fasteners with Locktite Blue as per the instructions. The long middle bolt came out with little trouble. I didn't observe any shifting of the engine with any of the mounts.
Here are some tips that I'd like to pass on to others who are contemplating this install.
Read up on the forum as well as the MCE instructions to educate yourself prior to starting. Knowledge is power. Many here have shared tips and tricks that may help your install as well. Do yourself a favor and read all of them. I'm glad I did.
Place bike on center stand.
Take your time. Don't force anything. Make everything up loosely until all the pieces are installed.
A 16mm GearWrench or similar is a must for the front guards. Buy one prior to starting the install if you don't already have one. Makes your life MUCH easier when you reach that step in the install.
Have a 10mmx1.25 tap and die nut on standby in case the mount threads go south on you. The hardware MCE sent with the cages did NOT have plating on them as reported by some members here. Take your time on cleaning the threads spotless prior to installing the new fasteners. Run the new fasteners in by hand and make sure they go in smoothly. To me, this is one of the most critical steps in the install to prevent headaches later. If in doubt, chase the threads prior to assembly.
The long middle bolt installed like others that I've seen posted here. The nut on the left side WILL have unused threads. (Roughly three or four showing) Apparently this is normal, and you should not try to make it any better. It makes me wonder, though, why MCE didn't make the machined spacer a tad shorter to allow the nut to thread on further.
The torque specs for the 10mm bolts are 44 ft/lbs.
Props to MCE for making a well designed, good fitting product. The Canyon cages are beefy, and are well matched to the lines of the Connie. Thanks to members here who have shared their experiences so that others may learn from them. I hope that this post helps someone who is on the fence about purchasing these guards. Don't wait like I did and buy them after you have already damaged your ride. Canyon Cages are good protection for our plastic laden bikes.
I just wanted to share my experience installing Canyon cages on my 2013 C14. I have read just about all the threads here pertaining to Canyon cage installations, so in return, I decided to contribute my own experiences installing them.
I finally decided to purchase my cages after dropping my Connie for the *second* time. Stupid, I know, but better late than never, right? After replacing my damaged and cracked right lower and middle cowlings, I started on the cage install. Lesson learned: always make sure your kick stand is up. (That's another story altogether)
I'm happy to report that my install was 100% incident free and straight forward. The rears guards went on easy. I installed the rear foot pegs, even though I never ride with a passenger. No issues whatsoever with hardware or fit/finish.
The fronts guards also went on without issue. I used my long handled 3/8" ratchet with a 12" extension to remove the factory 10mm bolts. I used a baby bottle brush along with some Brakleen to clean up the threads. I ran the MCE bolts all the way in by hand before installing the cages. No issues with cross threading or galling. I installed all fasteners with Locktite Blue as per the instructions. The long middle bolt came out with little trouble. I didn't observe any shifting of the engine with any of the mounts.
Here are some tips that I'd like to pass on to others who are contemplating this install.
Read up on the forum as well as the MCE instructions to educate yourself prior to starting. Knowledge is power. Many here have shared tips and tricks that may help your install as well. Do yourself a favor and read all of them. I'm glad I did.
Place bike on center stand.
Take your time. Don't force anything. Make everything up loosely until all the pieces are installed.
A 16mm GearWrench or similar is a must for the front guards. Buy one prior to starting the install if you don't already have one. Makes your life MUCH easier when you reach that step in the install.
Have a 10mmx1.25 tap and die nut on standby in case the mount threads go south on you. The hardware MCE sent with the cages did NOT have plating on them as reported by some members here. Take your time on cleaning the threads spotless prior to installing the new fasteners. Run the new fasteners in by hand and make sure they go in smoothly. To me, this is one of the most critical steps in the install to prevent headaches later. If in doubt, chase the threads prior to assembly.
The long middle bolt installed like others that I've seen posted here. The nut on the left side WILL have unused threads. (Roughly three or four showing) Apparently this is normal, and you should not try to make it any better. It makes me wonder, though, why MCE didn't make the machined spacer a tad shorter to allow the nut to thread on further.
The torque specs for the 10mm bolts are 44 ft/lbs.
Props to MCE for making a well designed, good fitting product. The Canyon cages are beefy, and are well matched to the lines of the Connie. Thanks to members here who have shared their experiences so that others may learn from them. I hope that this post helps someone who is on the fence about purchasing these guards. Don't wait like I did and buy them after you have already damaged your ride. Canyon Cages are good protection for our plastic laden bikes.