Long Winter (sigh)

[Jerry]

Switching isn't such a problem on some bikes. Unplug the wiring harness, remove 2 bolts and 2 clamps to remove the fairing and bracket, unplug the wiring harness inside the shell, (I put connectors on all the wires, not hard-wired) put the turn signals back on and install the headlight. 30 minutes tops. All wires are maked as to function. I don't change mine over, just had marked all the wires to make install easier, but have taken the fairing off a couple times for front end and electrical maintenance. On bikes where the headlight shell has been removed or the fairing wire loom is hard-wired into the bike harness the conversion would be more difficult and time consuming.

Incidently, on the XJ the front turn lights hold the shell in place. With fairing on a couple bolts replace the turn signal stems so mounting ears, shell, everything is still in original location. I have a Vetter IV. Others have said you cannot leave the shell in place if you have the radio pod or earlier versions of the Vetter fairing.

I have a set of lowers, makes fall / spring riding on chilly days a lot more comfortable!

[Pat Kelly]

I run my bike nekkid in the summer. Just got done putting the fairing, saddlebags, and trunk for the winter. I have to remove the headlight bucket and turn signals to do so. It's a bit of a chore but a good chance to check things out maintainence-wise.
Headset bearings get regreased and adjusted, front wheel get rebalanced, forks inspected.
At the back, saddlebags just bolt on. Frame gets checked for any cracking, shock preload gets bumped up.
A half day work to transition but it's a half day with the bike. The change is refreshing

[Parr8hed]

Interesting, something to think about. Are the vetters pretty much all the same, or do you have to buy a brand specific model? I see quite a few on eBay for older GL1000, and GL1200's. Will XS brackets work with these fairings? I could almost ride year round with one of those babies on the front. My dad has a GL1500 and his is pretty toasty this time of year!

I like the radio option too!

Thanks

[Parr8hed]

Any other names to put into ebay search engine other than vetter or pacifico?

[kkrazyt85]

Winter riding

Coldest day so far has been 38 degrees at night riding home at 3am....took at trip up to mount Cheaha highest point in Alabama and it was 57 degrees going up and 38 coming back...ok with chaps and Willy G. riding jacket...sure wish I would have brought my gloves though....had my cutoff finger riding gloves and fingers got cold...but with my full fairing and lowers on it was ok....as long as bike is running and no ice/snow on road I will ride year round....first bike I have owned with a fairing and I love it...specially in the cold rain.....81SH

[Jerry]

fairings...

There is a lot of vetter information at Craig Vetter's web page:

http://www.craigvetter.com

Basically you bought a generic Vetter and a bike-specific mount. One person said he had problems moving his Special mount to his Standard, the Standard handlebars hit the windshield. Every one else I've spoken to said the mounts for all XS/XJ 1100s are the same. If you have the XS bracket then the Gold Wing units will work fine. Make sure you gt the wiring harness or "pigtail" that goes between the bike and the fairing.

Pacifico was another major player. Unfortunatly a fire put them out of business a few years ago. They made some of the Yamaha-labeled gear, and marketed an adapted to convert a Vetter mount to handle a Pacifico fairing. Some Pacifico units had places to install guages. Vetter had a radio module that is still quite popular.

A few other makes were out there, some very well designed. (Pilcher) Search using the generic term "fairing" and you should see most everything available.

[Ken Talbot]

There was a fairing with mounting bracket on Ebay recently that got no bids at $75. It was titled "1979 YAMAHA XS ELEVEN HUNDRED FARING" I believe it was only ever viewed three times, and I'm sure one of those was me. No Vetter, no Pacifico, no fairing! Sometime some good deals slip through when people don't find them...

[Ken Talbot]

Travis - that fairing is listed again, complete with the same typo. This time it is listed at $25

[jacuff1]

Logansport

Travis, Logansport is in the north-central part of Indiana. We're about halfway between Indy and South Bend. The forecast for the next five days shows temps back in the low 70's, so maybe I'll get my chance yet!

John

[Parr8hed]

Cool, found the "faring". maybe will try for that one?

Colder up that far in indiana! I rode to the gym to workout yesterday. wow, chilly! Should be better this weekend!

[young nip]

texas weather

Dragon rider,
58 degrees?? luxury!!!! Tomorrow is nov 1st. here in southern ontario it is supposed to go up to 55 degrees F. thats a nice day this time of year,(no rain please). I always think one more ride. Then my baby sleeps. Even colder than that I get all bundled up and squeeze the cylinders with my legs and reach down to put my gloved hands on the head too. Yes april is a long way away. I wait till april too cause theres to much grit on the roads from sand /salt.Texas is riding heaven,nirvana. An infinity for a canadian boy such as I. 58 degrees?.With out being disrespectful to you , I laugh. Yet i do envy your weather systems.well someone has to ride and keep us informed.
Hey you know what I sound like with a scarf over my face and my michlien man coat on? hrumph hrumph mumph oaumphf. Which translated:Hopefully no snow till january. you take care.
Regards steve
ps : you guys have fun riding your bikes in those sunny southern latitudes. lucky joes.

[Dragonrider]

Heh heh...83 degrees today! We're running the air-conditioner! On Halloween!

LOL! Been like this all week! Gorgeous riding weather!

VROOM VROOM!

Ack! Gotta go ride some more!

[Bill]

Dragonrider wrote:

83 degrees today! ...
LOL! Been like this all week! Gorgeous riding weather!

Man! How can you do that to your bike... making it breathe that thin, warm air?

It was 37° here yesterday when I rode to work. Crisp and clear. Great performance when the engine's breathing that oxygen-rich, high test air!

[Pat Kelly]

Yesterday was my first rainy ride to work since summers' end. Temp was 60 deg. F. Tuesday temp. ws almost 90 degrees. We had our 3 days of fall for this year. Looks like I got the fairing and lowers on just in time.

[mitch]

ok

OK Pat kiss my A..... it was 34 deg in Canada this morning and winter has not even thought about starting yet!! Long time till May and i dont even wanna think about my bike being cold and lonely that long . Anyway have a nice winter>>>>>>>>MITCH