Hi I have a 2013 HRC Blade, and am finding myself confused about buying a rear seat cowl, I am looking for a non OEM part as although I want it to look the part I do think £200 a little steep, I am told by some that the design changed for the 2012-2013 model and earlier models will not fit. I have contacted several companies some say the older one fits other stating it does not. Any advise, please.
The design of the fairing and some other parts did change for the MY12 onwards model but the seat cowl aint one of them. Any cowl designed for an MY08 onwards will fit your bike, paintwork however may not match depending on colour required. For example the HRC MY 12 used pearlescent white whereas the MY 13 uses solid white. Apparently the cheap Chinese copy cowls aren't half bad for the Dollars, see Fleabay!
All done, purchased from ebay £30 delivered. Apologies for rubbish pic taken on IPhone, but not a bad cowl in my opinion.
i put one off an 08 on my '13, simply cos im fkt if im paying dealer prices for a new one. it was a bit rattly so i put some rubber edging on it and it looks sound. but its white, not pearl white. for what i paid for it i'd rather get a rattler made up and paint it myself when i can be bothered but tbh it looks fine as it is. and gives me an extra 7 tanks full of fuel than if i'd bought a dealer one. quite like the trim. it gives a nice contrast imo. it's a self adhesive U section from carbuildersoultions - on my storm i did the entire bodywork with this stuff and it looked great - stops chips as well on the leading edges 10 x 8mm SATIN Black 'U' Channel Edge Trim - TRMSBU so to answer your question - yes, the cowl from an earlier model will fit. but you need to fit a trim to it or it will rattle about and mark the tail. with the trim it sits nice and snug.
I seem to found a solution, mine did fit quite well to start and I have been told that even some of the OEM cowls rub. Under the cowl are two allen bolts near to the front and on either side. I replaced these with longer bolts and adjusted them until the cowl sat flush down on them. No rattles no rubbing simple.
Looks good mate. Good to know cos I've just ordered a blade in same colours as your one and I won't be paying dealer prices for one either
I went with the cheap ones.mine did touch when I got it but two mins with a file sorted that.more than happy with it and the colour match was bang on.
