Fairing or No Fairing?

[bwringer]

You have a point. I wonder what he would have done if the V-Strom was offered fairing-less.

Why, I would have bought one years ago...

Google "thinstrom" sometime -- removing the 'Strom's fairing is a fairly popular project, and I wouldn't rule it out if I get really bored some winter weekend.


Anyway, I understand the arguments for a fairing, but I personally just don't like the feel, the look, or anything about the whole numbed-down experience. I put a stock windscreen on my V-Strom once and it really changed the handling in an unpleasant way. The plexiglass barn door that was on the bike when I bought it turned it into a real pig. Unbolting that monstrosity was the best thing I ever did.

With bars set up to give a correct riding position, it's no problem to ride long distances on a naked bike.

If you plan to switch off or you aren't sure, I'd say get the bars changed (most people end up with "Daytona" or "Superbike" bend bars on a GS) so you're happy with the bike in naked mode, and THEN add the Forward Arthropod Juicer.

[Redman]

One of the expereinces I missed by having a windscreen.
That would maybe have been about the left cheekbone.

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Note: Camera is purposlly focused on the splatt, which makes the background look out of focus. Windshield does not distort the view as you do see here. Notice that all the trees are out of focus, weither thru the windscreen or not.

[Guest]

I agree naked looks best, but a shield makes extended riding more comfortable. National Cycle Deflector = best of both worlds, since it comes off (without tools) in seconds, and doesn't look too shabby with it in place too.