Benefit of fairings?

[StevenDavisPhoto]

So, I'm thinking about converting my GS500F to a naked bike. AFAIK, fairings only benefit by blocking wind on the rider. Is it THAT noticeable of a difference?

Seems pretty easy. Just remove the fairings, get a new headlight and mirrors.

What are the pros and cons of doing this? I just like the look of the naked bikes.

[zirconx]

So, I'm thinking about converting my GS500F to a naked bike. AFAIK, fairings only benefit by blocking wind on the rider. Is it THAT noticeable of a difference?

Seems pretty easy. Just remove the fairings, get a new headlight and mirrors.

What are the pros and cons of doing this? I just like the look of the naked bikes.

If you drive a lot on the highway, then yes it does make a lot of difference. If you mostly travel at 55 mph or under, it probably doesn't matter. I think the naked E looks better than the F, too.

[omio]

As mentioned above, on the highway you will tell a big difference, but around town not much at all.

[StevenDavisPhoto]

As mentioned above, on the highway you will tell a big difference, but around town not much at all.

what's the difference? wind hitting your legs more?

[Twism86]

As mentioned above, on the highway you will tell a big difference, but around town not much at all.

what's the difference? wind hitting your legs more?

Face and body. I like bikes with fairings look wise EXCEPT the GS. I like my naked 02 over the F models.

[The Buddha]

And if you drop it, or someone or something breaks them they will cost a lot of $ to replace and like a kid that has a new shiny toy that is broken ... you will do anything to keep it from crying ...

Oh Benefit for you ... yea ... none, but for suzuki its Ka - Ching.

The thing is yea up to 50 the naked is quicker, 50 to 65 its even and 65 - 95 (or what ever a GS will run before it blows up) the fairing is faster. It may even have higher outright top speed.

However even in a predominantly highway use, you rarely ride faster than ~70 for it to make any meaningful positive difference, and it will make a meaningful negative impact under almost any other situation. Its even harder to work on, so you'd rather take ti to a "professional". Its designed to make it look like the rest of its GSXR brethen, and make $$$$$ for suzuki. No advantage if you ask me. BTW I measured fairing vs naked on a bike I converted from naked to fairing-ed. Perfect apples to apples comparison of just the fairing addition only.

So what is my conclusion. Go naked. On a bigger bike that can consistently run 75+ the fairing does come in useful, but the sad fact is those bikes with the exception of the biggest ones (hayabusa, fjr 1300 and zx14) are designed to be really uncomfortable if you even mention the word freeway near it.

Cool.
Buddha.

[Yuri.]

I have the naked model and speeds above 120kph are tiring, and I only did above 140kph be leaning against the tank(not that the bike can't handle, I can't).

[ver4]

Driving on the highway sucks with an E.  The wind is ridiculous.

[adidasguy]

In CA, naked is probably better because it is so hot.
I have 3: 92 naked, 94 with headlight cowling and a 2009F.
In Seattle, the 2009 is best when cold or wet or going long distances at 50 mph or more.
I've driven the same 15 to 20 minute trips on all and the 2009 is better.
For short trips around the neighborhood and when not too wet or too cold, any of them is OK.
Decide what type of riding you will do. If you take it off and don't like it, you can always put it back on.
Add frame sliders to protect the fairing if the bike falls over. If you take off the fairing, add engine guards to keep it looking nice when it falls over.

[StevenDavisPhoto]

how do u add frame sliders? there arent holes for them i dont believe.

[steezin_and_wheezin]

recently did this to my 04. i'd take a naked gs over a faired any day. rode it for a little over a month faired btw

not too many pros other than aesthetics, got the head lights i've dreamed of. not as "sporty" of a look which i prefer.

i did feel more in touch with the bike w/o the windscreen and all the plastics. its has to be just a visual perception, since i was able see more of the forks and front wheel. but i'd definitely would never go fully faired again.

cons
- my legs got colder quicker, but now its warmed up(+40 F) its not noticeable at all.
- my rusty headers are showing    but have a full jardine in route

i don't ride interstate much, but the few times needed to use it- the wind was bearable

[StevenDavisPhoto]

yeah, i live in the bay area, so there's a lot of freeways, so would probably ride on them a lot. might have to keep the fairings

[mister]

Maybe the air down here is different or something, but I have no problem at all sitting on 120kph (75mph) for extended periods of time.

Don't really notice wind on my legs. But do on my chest. Nothing I can't handle.

Michael

[Yuri.]

how do u add frame sliders? there arent holes for them i dont believe.

They are mounted on the engine bolt that runs across the entire frame. It's the one with really long spacers

Maybe the air down here is different or something, but I have no problem at all sitting on 120kph (75mph) for extended periods of time.

Don't really notice wind on my legs. But do on my chest. Nothing I can't handle.

Michael

I don't know if that was in response to my post, but that's exactly my limit for extended periods, it's only above that that it's tiring.

[TCARZ]

I would imagine that the mpgs on the hwy would be better w/fairing. Not that anybody cares... 

[mister]

how do u add frame sliders? there arent holes for them i dont believe.

They are mounted on the engine bolt that runs across the entire frame. It's the one with really long spacers

Maybe the air down here is different or something, but I have no problem at all sitting on 120kph (75mph) for extended periods of time.

Don't really notice wind on my legs. But do on my chest. Nothing I can't handle.

Michael

I don't know if that was in response to my post, but that's exactly my limit for extended periods, it's only above that that it's tiring.

It wasn't direct at You specifically. Just saying, what with the various comments of how hard it is to ride a naked on the highway, that I have no such issues. And I don't understand what the big deal is. I once rode at 140 for an extended period with occasional trips higher with a Hayabusa as my ride buddy. He was tucked right down I was in my normal upright position and didn't think anything of it. I did wonder what he thought as I went by him at 160 fully upright and waved "see ya, thanks for the ride" at him while he was tucked right down as our highways went in different directions.

I don't know, maybe our air is thinner - or - maybe those who struggle with riding a naked bike on the highway need to develop their core strength more - or - maybe I'm just used to it 

Generally I won't go above 120kph. Cause, frankly, that's fast enough. And if someone wants to go faster, let them.

Michael

[Twisted]

how do u add frame sliders? there arent holes for them i dont believe.

They are mounted on the engine bolt that runs across the entire frame. It's the one with really long spacers

Maybe the air down here is different or something, but I have no problem at all sitting on 120kph (75mph) for extended periods of time.

Don't really notice wind on my legs. But do on my chest. Nothing I can't handle.

Michael

I don't know if that was in response to my post, but that's exactly my limit for extended periods, it's only above that that it's tiring.

It wasn't direct at You specifically. Just saying, what with the various comments of how hard it is to ride a naked on the highway, that I have no such issues. And I don't understand what the big deal is. I once rode at 140 for an extended period with occasional trips higher with a Hayabusa as my ride buddy. He was tucked right down I was in my normal upright position and didn't think anything of it. I did wonder what he thought as I went by him at 160 fully upright and waved "see ya, thanks for the ride" at him while he was tucked right down as our highways went in different directions.

I don't know, maybe our air is thinner - or - maybe those who struggle with riding a naked bike on the highway need to develop their core strength more - or - maybe I'm just used to it 

Generally I won't go above 120kph. Cause, frankly, that's fast enough. And if someone wants to go faster, let them.

Michael

+1 to this. I have 2 naked bikes and have no troubles doing highway speeds plus a little more. Even on windy days it doesn't bother me. I like to feel I am actually riding a bike so the wind is not an issue for me. Maybe if I lived in a colder climate it may be different.

[Paulcet]

I haven't ridden with fairings for extended periods, so I can't really compare.  But I have not found that I wished for fairings on any of my highway trips.  And those are at 80 mph.  But I ride ATGATT.

Maybe it is just what you get used to.

[adidasguy]

how do u add frame sliders? there arent holes for them i dont believe.

They come with replacement engine mounting bolts that are longer, so the added parts fit just fine.
Don't even have to remove the engine. Push old bolt out as you push the new bolt in. Then tighten new bolt with sliders on.

[cbrfxr67]

What is the preference of the naked look?  I dont get it.  To each his own, of course, but I like the fairings on the f.  The gs I'm working on doesn't have any fairings, but I plan on putting them on.  Just looks much better.  Reminds me of a mini hayabusa from the front.  I've been on customfighters dot com for awhile and there are some fantastic builds and I love the cross information, problem solving and diagnosis plus builds, but the naked look only seems right on one out of many bikes.  Otherwise simply looks like something is missing to me.