I replaced the right side since a tab was cracked by the previous owner when he was installing a battery charger lead and I wanted it to be correct so I ordered a new one; however, the replacement did not come with the foil-covered foam that is on the back - guess I did not notice that it was a separate part. Anyway, what is the purpose? I suppose it is to reflect heat, but from what? Is it really needed?

* Last updated by: BobZ on 5/16/2017 @ 8:36 PM *

Gotta be to reflect heat back in with that foil. I've heard of people going without that on the gen1 and there was no problem. You might want to try pealing off the old pad before you buy a new one. It will probably stick twice. They do make a lot of different reflective foils for automotive use but most is not self adhesive. You might try a high temp spray adhesive.

https://jet.com/product/detail/fa4f63f779da46c983c59c3cf3ad3aa5?jcmp=pla:ggl:NJ_cons_Gen_Industrial_Scientific_a3:Industrial_Scientific_Tapes_Adhesives_Sealants_Adhesive_Tapes_a3:na:PLA_784744749_46713335491_pla-292662974784:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=784744749&is_retargeting=true

So there is a heat shield on the Gen 1s in the same area? I still wonder why it is there - I would hate to see something start melting! As most know other panels have just the foam, which I suspect is for noise or maybe to help secure the panel tighter, so the heat shield must be there for a good reason.

I was able to peel it off but it is basically trash since it appears they used a spray adhesive over the entire area and most of the foam remained on the panel. I guess I will have to buy the part, if it is really needed.

I'd say combination heat shield sound barrier. I'm not sure how hot the bike would have to be for that plastic to start melting but I'm not an engineer.

Maybe it's mostly for the purpose of trying to block heat transferring from the frame through the plastic where we put our knees against the bike. I'd think if there was actual risk of plastic melting the whole thing would need that barrier.

I just sat on it and yes, the inside of leg, just above the knee, comes in contact with the piece where most of the heat shield goes so since the left side has it I should be able to tell the difference, if applicable.

Interseting test. I think it's to keep heat off the knees.

I've had my PAIR solenoid zip ried in a plastic baggy in top of my valve cover for years and it looks like I put it on yesterday. There's lao a lot of wires wrapped in electrical tape on top of the engine. I think the fairings are safe from heat without any pads. I took all mine out except the ones that are glued. All the plastic shields and foam pads along with the two that bracket to the front blinkers and the one on the RH fairing hanger---I just sawed that bracket off. The rubber blankets are gone too. No problems. Can't tell a difference. There is probably 3.5 lbs of pads, shields and blankets on the gen1 and none of them are necessary except maybe the triple tree cover but I never had anything shoot up at me yet.

I took a long ride today and the right side, without the heat shield behind the replaced forum grill, does make it a little warmer on the side of the knee but not that bad, but since I need to get some rivets, etc. I am going to order it and put it on.

Perhaps the engine heat and airflow create higher temps right there?They just call it a 'pad'.There's a tab right there...maybe they're protecting it from getting brittle?

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/16/2017 @ 11:57 AM *

Yeah, could be. I hope it is the correct part since as per my pic it has foil on it; other pads are just that, with no foil. With my hand I could feel the difference between the 2 sides so it does help.

...are you sure one side was not always hotter? The RH side is closer to the engine.

Hmmm...

I just looked at the parts diagram and the left and right side pad appear to be the same price & shape so I wonder if just the right side has the heat shield over foam. I have not owned it long but I do not remember the right side being as warm before I replaced the foreman grill.