Who like's a front fairing?

[Guest]

I'm obviously a fan of the Cooley fairing. I've always liked 1/4 fairings. Check with Gustaffson Plastics as they carry the Airtech fairing and shield as well. Search for the "Air Tech Wes Cooley" on this site below.

http://bikescreen.com/

[trevor]

Mine is just a cheap EMGO fairing...around $69us...I quite like it...have had it on for about 18 months...great in the cold..but think \I will take it off this summer

[Guest]

Just wondering who has some kind of frontal fairing from any brand name, including the Cooley fairing.
How do you like them?

Let's just say that I refuse to ride any bike any farther than around the block unless it has SOME form of wind protection. I have had just about everything except the smallest "flyscreen" mounted, obviously some worked better than others.

- Vetter has about the best wind protection, but is butt-ugly. Darn near "fugly".
- I have ridden several factory touring models, the difference in their coverage/protection is amazing/amusing. Some were as good as the
Vetter, others were not much better than a naked bike.
- Handlebar-mounted shields/fairings actually work quite well. I am thinking here of the National Cycle Plexifairing or the larger Slipstreamer. Protections is virtually the same as a Vetter, above the knees. Below the knee, the Vetter is better.
- Smaller units like the Cooley, Maier and others might look ok, but offer minimal protection. Most notable at higher speeds, but I don't often ride at the speeds necessary to ''enjoy" that protection.

It pretty much boils down to what you want. Are you after looks or protection? For looks, it's purely up to you, and you can find something for less than $100. If you are looking for protection, plan on a larger unit that will cost closer to $200.

[Chris]

I ride a naked 1200 Bandit here in Germany and the lack of fairing really makes a difference on the autobahn. At cruising speeds of 80-90 mph the wind buffet tires you out pretty quick. I rode to visit a friend in Denmark last year and the ride was a lot more tiring than the hours in the saddle would have suggested. Anything that bucks the wind for you, even a bikini fairing like the Cooley "S" model helps.

[robertbarr]

Let's just say that I refuse to ride any bike any farther than around the block unless it has SOME form of wind protection.

Me too, but no sense getting carried away. I mean, I just need a little something to keep the insects under control.


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[81ZUKI75]

Did someone ask about fairings....

I prefer a small fairing. I used a Plexifairing (ll?) back in the 80's but found this NOS Shoei FM5 a few years ago on eBay. I appreciate it any time we're going over about 50 mph...



I use this little feller in the winter to aid in my daily commute. A little boomy but keeps the cold air off the chest...



And well, the Bandit is an S model so I came with a frame mounted unit. Sucky headlight but it protects pretty well in a downpour. Believe me, I've tested it...

[Griffin]

I prefer a small fairing. I used a Plexifairing (ll?) back in the 80's but found this NOS Shoei FM5 a few years ago on eBay. I appreciate it any time we're going over about 50 mph...

That would look really good on my GS650E. I need to find one of those for it. I wonder if they were made for round headlights too, or if I'd have to rig up a square headlight arrangement on the 650?

It wouldn't be too difficult to put a square headlight on it, the KZ700A headlight ears and light would fit just fine on the front, and they are readily available on ebay. I'd rather keep the original round headlight on it if possible.


Thanks, now I have a new obsession - to find an FM5 fairing....

[81ZUKI75]

That would look really good on my GS650E. I need to find one of those for it. I wonder if they were made for round headlights too, or if I'd have to rig up a square headlight arrangement on the 650?

It wouldn't be too difficult to put a square headlight on it, the KZ700A headlight ears and light would fit just fine on the front, and they are readily available on ebay. I'd rather keep the original round headlight on it if possible.


Thanks, now I have a new obsession - to find an FM5 fairing....

The FM-5 was available with either a round or rectangular headlight insert.

[Weasel]

I like the Cooley style fairings. X2 on no love for the Windjammers.

Griffin that is an excellent looking "touring" GS. I have plans to pick up another GS and do a touring project like that. Where did you get the Suzuki saddle bags? Very cool!

[Griffin]

I like the Cooley style fairings. X2 on no love for the Windjammers.

Griffin that is an excellent looking "touring" GS. I have plans to pick up another GS and do a touring project like that. Where did you get the Suzuki saddle bags? Very cool!

My mom gave them to me as a graduation present in 1986.

By the way, I have an '82 1100G that I'm getting into road ready shape. It should be good to go this spring. If you're serious about wanting a big shaftie touring rig, I'll let you know when it's done.

[Weasel]

My mom gave them to me as a graduation present in 1986.

By the way, I have an '82 1100G that I'm getting into road ready shape. It should be good to go this spring. If you're serious about wanting a big shaftie touring rig, I'll let you know when it's done.

I appreciate the offer but I'm sure when you get it road ready it'll be too nice & expensive for my cheap ass. What's the non-road ready price? LOL

[Griffin]

I appreciate the offer but I'm sure when you get it road ready it'll be too nice & expensive for my cheap ass. What's the non-road ready price? LOL

Let me get back to you on that.

[tkent02]

I prefer a small fairing. I used a Plexifairing (ll?) back in the 80's but found this NOS Shoei FM5 a few years ago on eBay. I appreciate it any time we're going over about 50 mph...

Just curious how this one is aerodynamically? I bought a GS 750, fly and ride a long time ago, had a cheapo copy of this style. It was terrible. Tried a bunch of different positions on the way home, nothing worked worth a damm. Took it off and tossed it out in the desert somewhere in Arizona.

[Griffin]

Just curious how this one is aerodynamically? I bought a GS 750, fly and ride a long time ago, had a cheapo copy of this style. It was terrible. Tried a bunch of different positions on the way home, nothing worked worth a damm. Took it off and tossed it out in the desert somewhere in Arizona.

The angle of the windshield has the most effect on where the air turbulence hits the rider. Even a few degrees difference can make the fairing highly effective, have a negligible effect, or make wind disturbance worse than nothing. A fairing that works great for a 5'8" rider may make matters worse for a 6'3" rider.

[Buffalo Bill]

A cheapo copy… whadayaspect?