Vetter Windjammer and wind protection?

[petevan]

I am very new to the street bike seen. ( I sold my motocross bike to enjoy more of a marriage friendly bike) I recently bought a 1979 xs 1100 eleven special. It has been a great fixer upper so far. However, it has a Vetter Windjammer that I really do not like the look of, it is very bulky. It does provide a lot of wind protection, but I am wondering if a large wind shield will provide similar protection. If not, does anyone have any recommendations or resources regarding more sleek and less bulky wind protection ( is it called a fehring?)

[TopCatGr58]

And the wind cries.....

Hey there Petevan,

Welcome to the world of Xsives, and street riding. Yes, there are other models of windshield that are not so large and bulky, and they mount onto the steering head/handlebars instead of the frame. They can still provide some pretty good protection for your head and chest, but you loose the leg protection as well as all of that storage space!!! You can find examples of these "fairings" in the JC Whitney and Dennis Kirk catalogs, as well as on line, or your local bike shop, but they will probably be a bit more $$ there!!

Also, did you get the original headlight with the bike, cause most WindJammers have one already mounted, and the OEM is usually removed to allow room for the Jammer!?

Thirdly, have you been riding street much vs. dirt?? Do you know about Countersteering?? Have you taken a Motorcycle Safety course? Street is in many ways much more dangerous than the dirt, especially when you're carrying some precious cargo(the SWMBO-wife) with you!!! HTH.
T.C.

[Bud Manley]

I bought mine with the same fairing. I found out that headlights are real expensive. 100 bucks or more but thats for new. My headlight mounting brackets are still there though. I just replaced my windshield that was broken in a fall. (bad windstorm). I plan to remove it in the spring and mount a headlight same as you but for now I really like the induction heating that the jammer provides.
Good luck.
-Scott

[Bill]

Re: Vetter Windjammer and wind protection?

Petevan wrote:

I recently bought a 1979 xs 1100 eleven special. It has been a great fixer upper so far. However, it has a Vetter Windjammer that I really do not like the look of, it is very bulky. It does provide a lot of wind protection, but I am wondering if a large wind shield will provide similar protection.( is it called a fehring?)

Yes, it's called a FAIRING. I rode my '79 Standard for several years with a Pacifico fairing and really enjoyed the wind protection... especially when touring. Then, one day I rode one without the fairing and I was surprized at how light the steering felt. So, I replaced the fairing with a full windshield.

The windshield doesn't provide the same "air bubble" as the fairing, but it does provide adequate wind protection. It's a different look and a different feel. I may go back to the fairing as the weather turns colder.

If you should decide to remove the fairing, you'll have to find a headlight and mounts.

XSively,

[Jerry]

Well, mine doesn't look as good as Scott's, but I also run the Windjammer and lowers. Lowes can be found on ebay for around $70.00 and up, and really help keep legs warmer on cold days. Seeing as how it is October, I would keep the 'jammer on for the rest of the fall season and check out windshields for next spring.

FWIW, I would keep the Windjammer. Although it is heavier than a windshield, and you loose some mpg, the overall protection and comfort it provides ( I ride late into the fall and early in the spring) makes up for a lot of ills. 350 miles yesterday looking at fall colors, temps got into the 60s but the morning and evening were cool. Elevations ranged for 4,600 ft (Grand Junction) to a bit over 9,000 ft. (Grand Mesa) here in Colorado. Crossing Grand Mesa (Hwy 65 on your Colorado map) I got hit with ice particles, not really snow, but close. Just put on heavier gloves and ducked behind the 'jammer and away I went. Should you want to part with the 'jammer you won't have trouble selling it.

[skids]

Bud, I like the headlight visor. Where did you find it?

Originally posted by Bud Manley

Good luck.
-Scott

[Bud Manley]

sorry, it came with the bike. The only thing I've added to it is me.

[webbcraft2150]

Years ago I would not touch a bike with a full fairing. Bought my 80g with all the factory stuff. I try to ride all year and it can get cold here (12f beens the coldest). With the full fairing and lowers it much more tolerable. I do switch to a lower windsheild in the summer. I know it would go faster without all that stuff hangin off of it, but you just get used to having all that space for "stuff". If I want the wind in my face, I fire up the ringy dingy RD350.

[tony7914]

hey there!!
welcome!!! i bought my bike with the vetter fairing and hard bags on it but i removed them for now...they both need some work! lol! i found a headlight that is very close to stock at http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/head_and_tail.htm it shows a 7 inch modle with holes for a kawasaki and universal holes, (that's the one i bought) if you still have the stock ears on your forks and the front turn signals it will bolt right up and the headlight from the fairing will work in it! good luck!!

[theonegod]

If you are looking to sell your hard bags drop me a line or email. Been looking for some for some time.

(619) 666-5317
josh@cloud9shuttle.com

[Brian_D]

Slipstreamer Inc. makes some good looking acrylic windscreens and their applications page shows that most all of their models will fit the XS1100s.
I have not tried one yet but I'm looking at purchasing and installing the S-06 Spitfire on my '81 1100 Midnight Special.
note that slip streamer does not sell direct but can be purchased from distributors like Dennis Kirk

[Parr8hed]

After talking on another topic I may now be inerested in a vetter fairing if anyone is letting one go? (getting chily in indiana, and not ready to park yet!)

[CA.XSer]

One on Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2439882130

[Parr8hed]

Yea, saw that this am. Thanks though.

[Dark Horse]

I installed a National Cycle Plexifaring III on the Dark Horse a couple of seasons ago. Purchased it from MAW online for around $100 USD. I don't leave home without it.

Ride Safe.