To fairing or not to fairing
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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To fairing or not to fairing
How many of you went from non-fairing bikes to fairing bikes and really liked them, also how many did go and found they didn't like them. Love my 05 RKC bur also like the way the new SGS look. Many will say take a test ride, I did. seemed fine but need to ride for a while to really get the feel, that is the question I am asking
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I go both ways.
i like the fairing big time for 8 hour saddle days or in the wet.
each of us has our own strategy for dealing with wind- sometimes taking it straight in the face can be preferable to uncontrolled air rushing into the low pressure zone behind a large fairing.
windscreen height and baffling plays a big part in the rider wind/buffeting experience
On my '53 I usually mount the windscreen in the winter- that bike is not used alot and usually only for short hops around town...usually below 50 MPH.
dynamically the batwing fairing is mounted to the forks, any wind gusts become 'steering input'.
the frame mounted fairing on the FLTR reacts to wind differently and the rider may lean into a cross wind to keep a steady line.
test riding is the only way to determine which you prefer.
on paper the FLTR fairing is superior, but I bought another batwing...
mike
i like the fairing big time for 8 hour saddle days or in the wet.
each of us has our own strategy for dealing with wind- sometimes taking it straight in the face can be preferable to uncontrolled air rushing into the low pressure zone behind a large fairing.
windscreen height and baffling plays a big part in the rider wind/buffeting experience
On my '53 I usually mount the windscreen in the winter- that bike is not used alot and usually only for short hops around town...usually below 50 MPH.
dynamically the batwing fairing is mounted to the forks, any wind gusts become 'steering input'.
the frame mounted fairing on the FLTR reacts to wind differently and the rider may lean into a cross wind to keep a steady line.
test riding is the only way to determine which you prefer.
on paper the FLTR fairing is superior, but I bought another batwing...
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 21, 2014 at 11:55 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
I rode unfaired bikes for most of my life and was OK with it. I tried a windshield for long trips on my Dyna it was OK but could never completely eliminate the buffeting all I could do was reduce it to a level that was tolerable.I gave up on trying to turn my Dyna into a touring bike and bought a Limited the difference is like night and day.I no longer take my truck to work when it's cold and I feel like I could ride all day in fact I'm thinking of joining the IBA now.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 338
Likes: 2
From: North Central CT
Bought a King thinking I did not want a fairing bike....then I found I never wanted to take the windscreen off....then started to get stereo envy....bought a fairing (that is easily removable) and a radio....never take the fairing off, lol, but I CAN.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 4
From: Kansas City
I had an old suzuki bobber style without a fairing... it was fun, never rode a dresser over the three years I had it. When I went to a full fairing with all the whistles, I was hooked. I honestly don't think I will ever go back to a bike without the full fairing. However, there is a place for them, awesome in the dead summer heat.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
I have put a fairing on every bike I had that didn't already have one. Started with Honda's. Now my second Electra Glide, I just like not getting splatted with bugs.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 3
From: Moline, IL
RK is so much better looking than a SG but the fairing sure is awesome for long trips. i thought about going to a RK from SG and adding a fairing so that i could have the freedom. but i think my RG kinda serves both purposes for me. and i have my triumph for local bar hopping. no extras at all on it
WAY too much information!
I went from nothing for the first 20 years I rode, (not by choice, I was broke) to a windshield, to a Road Glide to a Limited.
I'll never go back.
I get plenty of air, and I can ride all day and all night.