Fairing or No Fairing?

[silkchaos]

So, I am rebuilding a "project" bike I got. Its a 1982 GS 1100 GK. Only the previous owner removed the fairing, saddle bags, seat, etc..

Meanwhile, I picked up a 1980 GS 850 with no title, quite cheap. It had a fairing on it, which I have removed. I am trying to decide whether or not to put the fairing on the 1100. (Though I haven't yet checked to see if the Vetter mounting bracket will fit, or what might be required to make it fit). I will have to order a headlight bucket if I don't put the fairing on..

I have never ridden a bike with a fairing on the front, nor do I know anyone with one to ask their opinion. So, I thought this might be a good place to pop in and get opinions...

 

[Calvin Blackmore]

So, I am rebuilding a "project" bike I got. Its a 1982 GS 1100 GK. Only the previous owner removed the fairing, saddle bags, seat, etc..

Meanwhile, I picked up a 1980 GS 850 with no title, quite cheap. It had a fairing on it, which I have removed. I am trying to decide whether or not to put the fairing on the 1100. (Though I haven't yet checked to see if the Vetter mounting bracket will fit, or what might be required to make it fit). I will have to order a headlight bucket if I don't put the fairing on..

I have never ridden a bike with a fairing on the front, nor do I know anyone with one to ask their opinion. So, I thought this might be a good place to pop in and get opinions...

hmm i have used a large clear windshield in oct and nov

it makes for noticeable decrease in acceleration

but man when you have to twist your boot toe in behind the engine block to keep frostbit at bay its lovely
almost toasty cept at night with hoarfrost on the road

ask me about my small trash bag single use glove gauntlet mod.

 

[Redman]

...
.... I will have to order a headlight bucket if I don't put the fairing on..
...

GK forks are bigger diameter and wider spaced than a G (or any other).
A G headlight mounting will not fit.
This is one of the few differeences between a GK and a G (other than the obvious fairing-trunk-bags)

With fairing you can ride longer and further, due to not having to fight against the wind.
With fairing you can ride in colder weather.
With fairing you can ride longer and further in colder weather.
With fairing you can ride longer and further in wet weather.

If riding in warmer weather behind a fairing you can stand on pegs every once in a while. And/or can hold one arm out further on the handle bars and catch a draft up one sleve and out the other, then move that hand in and other hand further out for catching a draft up that sleve.

.

 

[bwringer]

It's strictly a matter of personal taste.

I personally hate fairings, but I'm strange that way.

Try yours and see how you like it!

 

[silkchaos]

Oh, I know its a matter of personal taste - was just interested in peoples opinions and why they felt that way. I will probably try it, just because I seem to have everything to try it (if the bracket is the same as the '80 850), while i still need the bucket for the headlight to try it without (already bought mounting ears for the head light, and the light itself.)

 

[Larry D]

It depends on what type of riding I'm doing....On the GK it's a fairing all the time and I like it. On long rides there's nothing better than a fairing to block the wind beating against your chest.

On the 750, I have a windsheild that I can put on or take off at will. If I'm going on a long high speed day, I'll put it on. If I'm heading down to hilly southern Indiana to ride the twistys, I'll take it off. It seems to be somewhat easier to ride a spirited ride without a big chunk of plexiglass in my face.

 

[tkent02]

What is your purpose?
Long distance?
All season riding?
Blasting around the hood?
Beer runs?

 

[silkchaos]

What is your purpose?
Long distance?
All season riding?
Blasting around the hood?
Beer runs?

Now thats a great question. In the past - i used it just to bang around and go on the occasional ride.. My work was to far and it was to cold in the morning, BUt now I commute 7 miles so thats no biggie..

I would like to ride as much as possible so I'm thinking that if i can fit the bracket, that I will try the fairing..

 

[emjay]

Other than the lack of the lowers, I like a removable fairing/windshield over the fixed GK or Vetter type.
When you don't want it you just take it off, easy peasy. In real cold weather the lowers are a big help.

... Beer runs?

A fairing is best for this purpose because without one the wind blows the beer all over your face.

 

[Larry D]

Other than the lack of the lowers, I like a removable fairing/windshield over the fixed GK or Vetter type.
When you don't want it you just take it off, easy peasy. In real cold weather the lowers are a big help.



A fairing is best for this purpose because without one the wind blows the beer all over your face.

I hate it when that happens.......

As a side note....I've ridden with and without the lowers on the GK. With them on and at speed, they tend to create a vortex of air that holds the heat from the engine against my legs. Not terribly uncomfortable, except on an day when the temperture is above normal. I leave them on because it just makes the bike look better.

 

[koolaid_kid]

It's strictly a matter of personal taste.

I personally hate fairings, but I'm strange that way.

Try yours and see how you like it!

Spoken by a man with a fully faired V-Strom. But we all agree you are strange...
I just removed a Rifle fairing from my GS, but I replaced it with a small Spitfire windshield. Personally, I like having the bulk of the wind diverted by a small shield.

 

[Guest]

What is your purpose?
Beer runs?

Always a noble & worthy excuse to get on a bike...

 

[Larry D]

Spoken by a man with a fully faired V-Strom. But we all agree you are strange...
I just removed a Rifle fairing from my GS, but I replaced it with a small Spitfire windshield. Personally, I like having the bulk of the wind diverted by a small shield.

Give the guy a break George....he did cut down the windshield.......

 

[Billyboy]

I've been running mine naked for the last two months and I really like it, except far that 130km ride yesterday in the wind. That wasn't fun. Gonna get a spitfire or something.

 

[koolaid_kid]

Give the guy a break George....he did cut down the windshield.......

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

 

[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.

.
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.