- This topic has 7 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 7 months ago by Munch.
Fairing or Windshield?
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September 7, 2009 at 12:57 am #3403wbsprudelsParticipant
I know we don’t have many cruisers here, but I wondered if anyone had advice regarding adding a windshield or fairing to a bike. I have been riding my C50 Boulevard since early March and it has neither a windshield or fairing. I often ride on highways at about 60-65 mph, but I tend to not ride on the interstates much. My longest interstate ride has been about 45 miles. I just don’t find the interstate enjoyable and the wind pounding into my chest and head gets old fast.
I am thinking about adding batwing fairing and wondered if anyone had any advice along those lines.
September 7, 2009 at 3:32 am #22218MunchParticipantHa! Funny you ask… I have a Memphis shades batwing fairing on the way to me now. I have seen a couple of Vulcan 900’s with them on and love the look. I would look for a windshield though, for you to see if you like it before sinking the mullah into a fairing.
Both will knock the wind down for you greatly and make your interstate rides more enjoyable. Even with just my windshield I can go shieldless with my 3/4 helmet in the rain and feel maybe a drop or two hit my face…..at speeds.September 7, 2009 at 1:29 pm #22227wbsprudelsParticipantUnfortunately, the only windshields I like on the Boulevard cost the same as the Memphis Shades Batwing fairing. So, I will be sinking the mullah either way. What size windshield did you add to it? Did you add the wind deflectors?
September 7, 2009 at 3:37 pm #22231MunchParticipantWBS: For mine I got the 9″ windshield. I ride in the winter to. Even though it looks good it still has to be functional to me. Yes, I also got the lower deflectors that mount up under the wing (not the kind that mount on the fork).
I had to get a whole set up for it as you can imagine because it wasn’t designed for my bike. Fortunately there have been others to do the legwork before me. If you haven’t check some Boulevard boards to see if anyone has tried to narrow you error of margin down.
Elwood: If you want I can mail you my OEM windshield after I get the new one mounted…. shield would be free…just get you to pay shipping. That bad boy is tall enough even for you. I think some of your issuse have been that the shield may be to high on the bottom ( allowing to much wind curl) and not tall enough at the top (pushing the wind over you).Trust me the Kawi one is big enough for both. You would just have to debadge the front of the chrome piece and figure out a way to mount it up.
September 7, 2009 at 4:52 pm #22233eonParticipantMy scoot came with its optional windshield fitted (a father/son team were buying a scooter each but the father backed out at the last minute, they were still in the shop when I snapped it up). I barely get a breeze behind that thing and that is the way I have been riding all this time. But I took it off last month when we were getting 100′ temperatures and wow, what a difference. At speeds above 60mph I found it extremely hard on the neck muscles and the lower back. To counteract the pressure on my chest I had to either work my lower back muscles more, have a death grip on the handlebars or crouch forward. This was all distracting me from actually riding so I put the screen back on as soon as I got home.
I have heard of people who after years of riding get a full faired bike say they could never go back. My one brief attempt at going the opposite direction has convinced me a naked bike is not for me. So if you are regularly riding above 60mph in an upright position I would heartily recommend looking at windshields/fairings. Unless you just love that wind in your chest feeling
September 10, 2009 at 1:34 pm #22280wbsprudelsParticipantDecided to buy the fairing and the 5″ windshield. Fortunately, the shields are cheap enough that I can opt for the taller shield later, if needed. I should receive it sometime next week. Let me know if you have any trouble installing.
September 10, 2009 at 1:45 pm #22281AParticipantIMO, width of the windshield is more important than height.
I like to keep my helmet in “clear air” when riding, windscreen tend to distort the vision.
If I have good shoulders and arms coverage from the windscreen, that usually can ride as cold as 20 degree F.
September 11, 2009 at 12:25 am #22291MunchParticipantWith me it was just the opposite. I had to play with mine until I get the buffeting clear. Which the best advice I got was just above eye level …usually.
Not sure on most aftermarket shields but the OE Vulcan one has no distortion period. Very optically correct.
I am excited my fairing is scheduled to come in tomorrow. I already gave my service manager the heads up on staying late so I can put it on. -
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