fairing vs windshield
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 1
From: The High Desert, SoCal
fairing vs windshield
I throw on a windshiled for longer rides and, although I am not too keen on the look, I find it makes the ride much more comfortable. Less wind noise, less fatigue. So I am wondering, does a fairing do anything better or is a different means to the same end? Taking this a step further... is there that much difference riding...say a Street glide vs a Roadking? In weeker moments, been tempted to trade my softail in from time to time for a touring bike. You know, your in the dealer and there's that bike and that "well, maybe moment". But can't imagine the overall ride of either of these being a night and day experience over a softail. Then of course, I get on my bike and all is right with the world again. I'll have to get on touring bike one day and check it out though.
Last edited by chromedome; Aug 25, 2009 at 01:33 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 2,975
From: WACO
I throw on a windshiled for longer rides and, although I am not too keen on the look, I find it makes the ride much more comfortable. Less wind noise, less fatigue. So I am wondering, does a fairing do anything better or is a different means to the same end? Taking this a step further... is there that much difference riding...say a Street glide vs a Roadking.
And,just like in an automobile all the gauges are right there in front of ya.
Last edited by OLD 96; Aug 25, 2009 at 01:48 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 4
From: New Zealand
Up until last week I was riding an '07 Softail with 14' reach for Jesus bars. On long runs I'd use a detachable screen. Looked like crap, handled like crap but stopped me getting bashed at speed and on long trips.
Now I'm on an '09 Ultra.
For round town I wish I still had my Softie but for the bulk of my riding the Ultra is perfect and it handles like a dream. The fairing offers more comfort than I thought it would and I can hear me stereo as I blast along (so can everyone else). I just wish the bars came standard 2 inches higher.
Now I'm on an '09 Ultra.
For round town I wish I still had my Softie but for the bulk of my riding the Ultra is perfect and it handles like a dream. The fairing offers more comfort than I thought it would and I can hear me stereo as I blast along (so can everyone else). I just wish the bars came standard 2 inches higher.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 6
From: Burb of Chicago
I ride a Wide Glide with a compact windshield, never have rode a scoot with a full fairing. A freind who was in the sandbox asked if I would check out a used Ultra for him as he wanted to buy a scoot upon his return.
He picked out one for sale, I called up the owner and asked if I could come and take a look at it. I arrived, and asked if I could take it for a ride.
Normally, I just glance down at the speedometer, normally using the wind as an indicator of speed. I hop on this Ultra and off I go, I scan the road where the speed limit was 35 and notice a LEO up ahead on the side, so I glanced down at the speedo, and YIKES, I was doing nearly 60.
The point is, a full fairing takes away most all the wind. I swear I could have lit a smoke going down the road at 60, and I could have used a Zippo to accomplish that.
Yep, a full fairing is the way to go when you want to do some heavy touring, but for now, I'll keep my knees in the breeze with the WG. 400 mile days are still no problem, maybe when I hit 65, I'll be ready for the switch.
Respects,
Ed
He picked out one for sale, I called up the owner and asked if I could come and take a look at it. I arrived, and asked if I could take it for a ride.
Normally, I just glance down at the speedometer, normally using the wind as an indicator of speed. I hop on this Ultra and off I go, I scan the road where the speed limit was 35 and notice a LEO up ahead on the side, so I glanced down at the speedo, and YIKES, I was doing nearly 60.
The point is, a full fairing takes away most all the wind. I swear I could have lit a smoke going down the road at 60, and I could have used a Zippo to accomplish that.
Yep, a full fairing is the way to go when you want to do some heavy touring, but for now, I'll keep my knees in the breeze with the WG. 400 mile days are still no problem, maybe when I hit 65, I'll be ready for the switch.
Respects,
Ed
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
Letz see....................
FAIRY
or
WIMPSHEILD
Guess it's YOUR choice.
MIGHT jus' as well put SADDLEBARGES on it, too. Jus' sayin'.....................AND JUS' KIDDIN'.
My only 'beetch' is that the batwing is permanent. LOVED it on the Ultra, BUT it is permanent. I like to be able to run w/o, and that makes it a li'l impractical. To each "they" own, tho.
There are batwings available for Road Kings. Makes for a REALLY great multitude of "rides", IMFUO. None, Old Style windshield, or Batwing. You can throw on a Quik-tach trunk, and VOILLA, BAGGER !!!!!! Strip it all off, round town ride.
FAIRY
or
WIMPSHEILD
Guess it's YOUR choice.
MIGHT jus' as well put SADDLEBARGES on it, too. Jus' sayin'.....................AND JUS' KIDDIN'.
My only 'beetch' is that the batwing is permanent. LOVED it on the Ultra, BUT it is permanent. I like to be able to run w/o, and that makes it a li'l impractical. To each "they" own, tho.
There are batwings available for Road Kings. Makes for a REALLY great multitude of "rides", IMFUO. None, Old Style windshield, or Batwing. You can throw on a Quik-tach trunk, and VOILLA, BAGGER !!!!!! Strip it all off, round town ride.
Last edited by Da Gumpmeister; Aug 25, 2009 at 06:34 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,709
Likes: 9,211
From: Snow Hill, NC
I like the fairing for riding because i do a lot of winter riding and the protection is the bomb....To me though The windshield looks better...Obviously i didn't buy my bike all for looks. Dyna Wide Glide is to me the most beautiful bike ever built. I would have one if i could have an extra one in the yard. Not the 2010 but the previous models.
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