Fairing Lower Sections

[mikestrong]

Can members give me there thoughts on adding fairing lowers to a bike.

I don't want to add them to the bike if they add nothing to it. Would they provide more rider protection or just extra protection from dirt etc. to the engine?

I've added a bigger screen which is great but still get soaked on the legs in the rain if I'm not quick enough with the waterproofs.

Your considered opinions welcomed.

[bobh]

IMHO fairing lowers don't keep the engine clean, they just make it more difficult to wash it properly and get the salt off, not to mention having to be removed for oil changes etc. They will keep your legs a bit drier, but only protect from spray off the road, not rain coming out of the sky.

Personally I'd say decent quality fabric pants and waterproof boots are a better investment. I use cheapo Frank Thomas Aqua boots (the ones like reinforced wellies) in winter as they're 100% waterproof and surprisingly warm if you wear decent socks. My first pair have lasted 4 years (at least 20K miles) without splitting, which considering they cost less than 30 quid in a sale is a bargain. I have a second pair in the cupboard for when they do give up.

[bernardo]

Hello,

I'm new here, and still surfing about the forum, finding out loads of new stuff.... (Thanks everyone!) Over the last few months have test ridden loads of different bikes, with all sorts of different fairings until I managed to get a cracking deal on a 900 divvy in great condition, complete with fairing lowers. I've only done about 80 miles so far...

Here's my tuppence worth. The fairing lowers do provide a little more protection, especially at higher speeds and when it's cold that's useful, though to be honest its not that much. (and your feet still get cold anyway) I don't think they really provide that much dirt protection to the engine. If anything they tend to limit your riding position more as my knees are right up against them, so I have to adopt a more sporty riding position with my bum slid back a little on the seat. Ok for sports touring, but if I want to sit more upright say trundling about town at slow speed then my knees would have to stick out past the fairing..... Kinda defeats their purpose.... I am still experimenting, and am planning on fitting bar risers which should make a difference. Will let you know how I get on.

So the best I can say about the fairing lowers is that they are useful for sports touring above 60-70mph

But they do look sexy.....

Will send some pics in later

Happy Riding,

Bernard.

By the way how to I add a short statement to my signature block, or a moniker whatever you call it? Cheers




As you can see from the photo, the fairing lowers do seem to encroach a little into the space where you could put your knees if you were seated in a more upright position close to the tank. Note that I wear jeans or mesh trousers with armour in, which is maybe why my knees make a close fit with the fairing. It's not uncomfortable, just a very "neat" fit.

[teejayexc]

By the way how to I add a short statement to my signature block, or a moniker whatever you call it? Cheers

Bernardo, at the top of the page, click profile, then modify my profile ...you can add your sig in the box provided then. Welcome to YDC btw.

trev

SlowPoke;

I've added a bigger screen which is great but still get soaked on the legs in the rain if I'm not quick enough with the waterproofs.

You're not all that speedy without them are you?

[mikestrong]

A trifle harsh sir!!

[bernardo]

Hi Trev,

Thanks for the tip, have added some deep meaninful stuff to my signature block....

Bernardo

[bernardo]

OK have decided the knees knocking on the faring lowers are really p*****g me off now..... I went for a run round some of my favourite twisties this morning, and it just was not comfortable at all... It was my day off, kids at school, Mrs at work, so when I got back home I went into the garage took the lowers off, and did some surgery on them with a fret saw. I also had to re-position the uppermost mounting brackets and drill a few more holes, but now can sit as far forward as the seat will allow, and the knees are now well clear. Hopefully this has eliminated the "knock knee syndrome!" Didn't have time to go out though to rty for sure. Will post again when I have been out for another spin, and will send in a few photos.

Cheers, Bernardo

[mikestrong]

new piccies please.

[bernardo]

OK as promised (and requested) some pictures of the mods to my fairing lowers. Essentially I used a fret saw to remove the top rear part of the fairing which alas, also included a mounting point, which I then had to relocate several inches further forward.

Before the modification



And after



A close up



Another close up with my finger indicating roughly where the orginal fairing used to be before I sawed it off!



The bike is much more comfortable to ride now! I can sit a little further forward and even with mesh armour trousers my knees are clear of the fairing. Thus I also get the full benefit of the recently fitted "30mm up" bar risers. Frankly I'm amazed at the difference, comfort is really much improved to the extent that I don't think I'll need to get the up and back bar risers or the multi vario ones (see bar riser thread).

I was even out in the rain! I know shocking isn't it...! It is only supposed to rain occasionally and only if I'm on my scooter! Anyway the lower fairing does afford a little protection to ones legs. My legs were a little wet, rather than soaking. ( you still need good waterproofs!) As to the engine, the front top half of the engine block and down pipes did get pasted with road grime, but interesting the lower part of the engine is afforded a little respite thanks to a small plastic plate at the very bottom of the fairing connecting the two halves of the lowers together at the very bottom front of the engine. Further back the sides of the engine seemed also to be quite clean having escaped the road grime.

So, there it is the fairing lowers can be a little bit useful aswell as looking good.

Here's a picture of the left side



Happy Riding!

[m40man]

Nov 15, 2008 20:41:40 GMT bernardo said:

Another close up with my finger indicating roughly where the orginal fairing used to be before I sawed it off!

Pop it in a bag of ice & nip along to A&E. They might be able to sew it back on for you .

[bernardo]

Well you'll be pleased to know that my finger is doing just fine.... A little shaken, but well on the road to recovery....