Fairing
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 573
Likes: 2
From: Central, Wisconsin
RE: Fairing
The fact that the fairing is detachable is even a better reason toconsider one. I do take the windshield off during the summer when in town or for short trips, but forthe long trips its nice.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
RE: Fairing
I have a QD weenie shield that I use much of the time. Don't really care for the looks, and I care even less for the looks of the fairing. But if it floats your boat, go for it...I think $800 is a bit much.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 7
From: Chester County, PA
RE: Fairing
ORIGINAL: HDHornet
I do tear up the twisties, unfortunately I can't afford to buy a Street Glide to go along with my Sportster and like to go on alot of long road trips and a fairing would make those trips a lot more enjoyable in the way of comfort. Not all of us just use the bike to go from bar to bar.
ORIGINAL: chornbe
Nah. It's a Sportster. Embrace the nakedness of it and go tear up some twisties.
Nah. It's a Sportster. Embrace the nakedness of it and go tear up some twisties.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Fairing
ORIGINAL: chornbe
Then I'd suggest the little sport cowl. The bigger fairing might be a handful on such a small bike. The forks are kind of twiggy and it just doesn't have the mass of some of the larger machines; not to mention the power to move that sail thru' the wind (unless yours is built). And trust me, bar hopping is the last thing I'd ever do on a bike.
ORIGINAL: HDHornet
I do tear up the twisties, unfortunately I can't afford to buy a Street Glide to go along with my Sportster and like to go on alot of long road trips and a fairing would make those trips a lot more enjoyable in the way of comfort. Not all of us just use the bike to go from bar to bar.
ORIGINAL: chornbe
Nah. It's a Sportster. Embrace the nakedness of it and go tear up some twisties.
Nah. It's a Sportster. Embrace the nakedness of it and go tear up some twisties.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 7
From: Chester County, PA
RE: Fairing
Oh, right... the OTHER orifice. Gotcha.
... and not everyone rides a 1200, modded or otherwise. The 883s in stock trim would be kind of anemic for touring duty when loaded down with a lot of wind-catching hang-offs. (please note, that's not an insult to the manhood of 883 owners everywhere - I own one - don't want to get off on the wrong foot of anything, golly!) The original poster doesn't state what he's riding or what seemingly inevitable mods he's done to it. Forgive my "least common denominator" thinking on this. And yeah, the forks *are* kinda twiggy on the Sportster, in comparison to the baggers. The best forks twist and flex and deflect during normal riding and increasing pressures in any of the multitude of places (including additional wind resistance and pivot points at the bars) can exacerbate that. All I'm saying is the final result might not be quite as expected. Ever loaded down a bike and found the handling suddenly horrible just because the wind is flowing differently over it? Ever had a new wobble or oscillation introduced because of, say, a GPS mount on one side of the bars and nothing to counter it on the other? The smaller & lighter a bike the more careful one must be with mods that affect wind profile, necessary power, etc.
So tell me, tho'... At what point did I say anything to actually offend you? I realize that the several dozen bikes I've owned over the last 30 years and all the time, energy and money spent trying to make some of those bikes do more than they were intended don't amount to much at all. And I know my years spent as a professional wrench building engines for cars and bikes just aren't worth much. So just cut this poor newb a break and ease off. I wouldn't want to get my feelings hurt or anything. I mean seriously, just forget I said anything and golly, maybe the mods will delete my post since it doesn't run with the current. Can't have that. Sorry to offend. kthx.
... and not everyone rides a 1200, modded or otherwise. The 883s in stock trim would be kind of anemic for touring duty when loaded down with a lot of wind-catching hang-offs. (please note, that's not an insult to the manhood of 883 owners everywhere - I own one - don't want to get off on the wrong foot of anything, golly!) The original poster doesn't state what he's riding or what seemingly inevitable mods he's done to it. Forgive my "least common denominator" thinking on this. And yeah, the forks *are* kinda twiggy on the Sportster, in comparison to the baggers. The best forks twist and flex and deflect during normal riding and increasing pressures in any of the multitude of places (including additional wind resistance and pivot points at the bars) can exacerbate that. All I'm saying is the final result might not be quite as expected. Ever loaded down a bike and found the handling suddenly horrible just because the wind is flowing differently over it? Ever had a new wobble or oscillation introduced because of, say, a GPS mount on one side of the bars and nothing to counter it on the other? The smaller & lighter a bike the more careful one must be with mods that affect wind profile, necessary power, etc.
So tell me, tho'... At what point did I say anything to actually offend you? I realize that the several dozen bikes I've owned over the last 30 years and all the time, energy and money spent trying to make some of those bikes do more than they were intended don't amount to much at all. And I know my years spent as a professional wrench building engines for cars and bikes just aren't worth much. So just cut this poor newb a break and ease off. I wouldn't want to get my feelings hurt or anything. I mean seriously, just forget I said anything and golly, maybe the mods will delete my post since it doesn't run with the current. Can't have that. Sorry to offend. kthx.
Club Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,815
Likes: 16
From: Virginia
RE: Fairing
Can you pick me up something to drink while you are out chornbe? This dang popcorn makes me thirsty. [8D]
I'd take my bike out to the store and get something but I'm afraid to put any bags on it or it might get all squirrely on me and make me wreck it.
I'd take my bike out to the store and get something but I'm afraid to put any bags on it or it might get all squirrely on me and make me wreck it.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
RE: Fairing
I just don't understand wanting to put all this "stuff" on a Sportster. For God sakes, a fairing? Ugly!
Personally, I fell in love with the look and feel of my 8-ball. I like the wind in my face. I have t-bars to ride in an aggressive posture. I don't have saddlebags. They would make my bike look silly. I wear a back pack if I need to carry stuff. I do ride long distances, 300-500 miles on weekend trips. I just don't see why people try to make their bikes into something they are not. Comfort is for the big bikes and cars.
Personally, I fell in love with the look and feel of my 8-ball. I like the wind in my face. I have t-bars to ride in an aggressive posture. I don't have saddlebags. They would make my bike look silly. I wear a back pack if I need to carry stuff. I do ride long distances, 300-500 miles on weekend trips. I just don't see why people try to make their bikes into something they are not. Comfort is for the big bikes and cars.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 0
From: Niagara Falls, Ontario
RE: Fairing
ORIGINAL: scottburns8ball
I just don't understand wanting to put all this "stuff" on a Sportster. For God sakes, a fairing? Ugly!
Personally, I fell in love with the look and feel of my 8-ball. I like the wind in my face. I have t-bars to ride in an aggressive posture. I don't have saddlebags. They would make my bike look silly. I wear a back pack if I need to carry stuff. I do ride long distances, 300-500 miles on weekend trips. I just don't see why people try to make their bikes into something they are not. Comfort is for the big bikes and cars.
I just don't understand wanting to put all this "stuff" on a Sportster. For God sakes, a fairing? Ugly!
Personally, I fell in love with the look and feel of my 8-ball. I like the wind in my face. I have t-bars to ride in an aggressive posture. I don't have saddlebags. They would make my bike look silly. I wear a back pack if I need to carry stuff. I do ride long distances, 300-500 miles on weekend trips. I just don't see why people try to make their bikes into something they are not. Comfort is for the big bikes and cars.
I'm not denying that it looks ugly but sometimes there is no other choice. Right?