Fairing vs. No fairing.

[Mrtinajero]

I currently have a vetter fairing on my bike and was wondering what would be the pros and cons of not having one vs. having one on. Post what you guys think

[crazy steve]

A lot of this will be your personal comfort; there's no doubting that a fairing will keep a lot of 'stuff' off you as well as dramatically reducing the tiring effects of wind. Some like the looks, some don't. I personally don't care for the looks, preferring to run just a windshield for protection on distance runs, but that's me. If you don't ride in a lot of 'weather', you may never miss it...

[Mrtinajero]

Yeah I live over here in the valley in CA so not much crazy weather. And that regular windshield is what I was thinking of doing for long trips. I'm actually also wondering if going without a fairing would save me some gas or would the reduced wind resistance from the fairing be better with that.

[madmax-im]

Ok..I'll bite...I have 2 bikes one fully faired Honda ST1100 and my now unfaired '82 XJ1100. Having a fairing means not having to fight the very headwind you're creating at speed. Depending on your age it can become quite tedious to maintain any speeds above 70 mph for a sustained period on an unfaired bike...whereas a faired bike will only extend you ability to go further with much less fatique.
I removed a windjammer that I had on the XJ...liked the wind protection but it added over 30 lbs weight...plus the tall windscreen caught too much air. I dont know if it was just this particular windjammer but installed and bolted down correctly it would exhibit vibrations at cruising speeds plus alot of wind buffeting..gas mileage actually decreased...Now that its off I get lots of air..especally good in the summer...but i cant ride as far trying to stay upright against the headwind...but thats fine because my ST1100 does all the serious LD sport touring. Then theres the aesthetics of the naked look vs. the fairing and touring dressers. I prefer the naked look of my XJ but from certain angles with the windjammer on it...it didnt look all that bad...In the long run it comes down to your personal taste and what you feel works best for you irrespective of what other opinions you solicit.

[cywelchjr]

I've ridden with and without, and find I prefer with. That said, I like the looks of bikes both ways. However, I don't like the looks of bikes with the Venturer tank without the fairing as the tank is rather large. Now at least for warmer times I like a shorter windshield, with the top of the windshield about 2 or 3 inches below my line of site. This leaves my head just getting some of the wind but my body out of it (and this is a blessing in the hot Sacramento summers, you DON'T want 100+ deg air blowing on you) and I can tuck just slightly and be out of the wind completely. However I'm thinking of getting a second windshield that's taller for winter to keep the cold air off me completely. Matter of fact, I'm thinking of setting it up to have a winter fairing and a summer fairing.

[Joab]

I put a fairing on mine last year, and I really enjoyed it...while the bike was running anyhow.
I am not as tall as I would prefer to be, so I had our sheetmetal shop chop the windscreen on it, and it is perfect now. Of course, I work nights as well, so having a fairing compared to not having one, riding home at 4 am, you are either dealing with a cold wind, or a bug massacre. I just prefer it to be on the 'shield as opposed to my face

[79XS11F]

Fairings are the way to go but myself, I prefer the simple handlebar mounted clear plastic types. They give ample protection from the wind and rain without covering up too much of the bike.
Rob

[Mrtinajero]

good input from everyone so far thanks. Also if anyone knows where I can get a headlight setup and a set of turn signals let me know please so I can get that on there. You can post it in the parts for sale forum, I have a thread in there thanks

[Elevener]

Yeah, if you prefer driving your car and having a place for your cup then by all means a fairing.

If you prefer feeling like your on two wheels in the wind then without.

I guess its all a matter of taste.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Mrtinajero,
well if you are a young pup with strong arms riding in a warm climate then no fairing is a good way to go On the other hand if you are an old fart with weak arms who lives in a cold climate and likes to ride a longer season then a Fairng is the best choice.
My ride:


may as well have the bags too
Phil

[dpotter58]

go with one of each.

[BA80]

I had never run a fairing, only a windshield, until last fall when I was headed to Arkansas. It was a bit cold in the mornings (40s) and I had an old Kutter fairing I had picked up in a trade in the garage so I stuck it on.

Now I'm debating with myself on whether I'll take it off in the spring. It makes riding, especially distances and in cooler weather, so much more enjoyable.

Like Phil said, us old farts are all about the comfort.

[Elevener]

Like Phil said, us old farts are all about the comfort.

Wow, you must really be old. Im 53 but act 21, maybe that helps.

If your holding yourself up or on with your arms your doing it wrong Phil.

[mack]

Buffeting

I put a clear glass one on Hermes last summer and tried it out. I found that there was too much head buffeting. I took it off after a couple days. I liked not fighting the wind but the helmet shake just drove me crazy. I'm wondering though if part of it isnt my helmet shape. It's kind of two tiered at the back.May try it again this summer with a different helmet.

[MaximPhil]

Wow, you must really be old. Im 53 but act 21, maybe that helps.

If your holding yourself up or on with your arms your doing it wrong Phil.

Hi Elevener,
my riding style is to comfortably hide behind the fairing neither leaning on nor hanging on for dear life to the handlebars.
Without a windshield/fairing the wind pressure on my broad chest would overcome my weak arms in a hurry. 8+ hours at 70+mph would just not be possible.
Phil