GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: VSG on February 23, 2009, 07:03:43 AM

Poll
Question: Do you prefer a naked bike or one with fairings?
Option 1: Own a naked bike & prefer a naked bike.
Option 2: Own a naked bike, but prefer a bike with fairings.
Option 3: Own a bike with fairings, but prefer a naked bike.
Option 4: Own a bike with fairings & prefer a bike with fairings.
Title: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: VSG on February 23, 2009, 07:03:43 AM
So, which style do you guys prefer?

This may have been done several times, but I didn't bother to search.  :flipoff:


Having owned both, I prefer the naked.  I think the looks are a lot better, they're easier to work on, and there's less stuff to damage if you drop it.  I'd say the looks are the biggest factor though.

One (minor) plus to the naked gs500 is more bikers will wave to you.  :)  When I had a sport bike w/ fairings most of the people on cruiser type bikes didn't wave.
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: joshr08 on February 23, 2009, 07:18:21 AM
might just be your area on the waving.  Ive never passed a bike from BMW's to hogs usually the only ones that dont wave are the squids but thats a good thing cuz they are usually doin a 100+ and thats cool cuz they should keep both hands on the bars.
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: cafeboy on February 23, 2009, 07:21:32 AM
Quote from: joshr08 on February 23, 2009, 07:18:21 AM
might just be your area on the waving.  Ive never passed a bike from BMW's to hogs usually the only ones that dont wave are the squids but thats a good thing cuz they are usually doin a 100+ and thats cool cuz they should keep both hands on the bars.

Same here  :thumb:
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: Jay_wolf on February 23, 2009, 08:03:22 AM
Over here we have the simple nod, so both hands are on the bike , its just a little sign saying .. right on brother!/Sister
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: bucks1605 on February 23, 2009, 08:11:15 AM
Quote from: Jay_wolf on February 23, 2009, 08:03:22 AM
Over here we have the simple nod, so both hands are on the bike , its just a little sign saying .. right on brother!/Sister

I like the nod, I've been known to throw it on occasion.
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: Roadstergal on February 23, 2009, 12:11:35 PM
Which bike?

I like my 'tards naked, as fairing is pointless for that kind of riding and only adds weight and something to break when you crash.  I like my dirtbike naked for the same reason.  I like my streetbike with the half-fairing, as it keeps wind and rain off of my hands and head.  I like my big-track bike with fairing, as it's aero.
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: VSG on February 23, 2009, 01:26:59 PM
I guess whichever bike you use the most!  If I had several bikes I'm sure there'd be one with a fairing thrown in there.

I found that adding a windshield was good enough for my 40 minute ride in to work (about 60% highway).  But I'm sure a half or full fairing would be better for longer, touring type rides.
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: trumpetguy on February 23, 2009, 01:44:39 PM
Quote from: Roadstergal on February 23, 2009, 12:11:35 PM
Which bike?

I like my 'tards naked, as fairing is pointless for that kind of riding and only adds weight and something to break when you crash.  I like my dirtbike naked for the same reason.  I like my streetbike with the half-fairing, as it keeps wind and rain off of my hands and head.  I like my big-track bike with fairing, as it's aero.

I'm with Roadstergal on this one.  My GS500E has a small add-on windshield (F16) which still provides plenty of cooling airflow to me in the summer.

My 1982 GS1100E is totally naked at present, but I just bought a  Windjammer SS fairing for it.  It will be my long-distance touring bike.  It wears me out holding my head forward without a fairing.  The air gets under my big-ass Z1R helmet and pulls up and back.  Not a comfortable feeling after a couple of hours.  Aero is good in that setting.
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: frankieG on February 23, 2009, 05:12:59 PM
only women should be naked not bikes
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: jserio on February 23, 2009, 10:31:37 PM
holy crap...i agree with someting frankie said..... :D  seriously though, on cruisers a faring would look moronic. personally i feel "sport" bikes deserve a fairing. however, on say a dirtbike, well, it would be dumb to have fairings. just my opinion of course. and this is from an opinion bases solely on appearence.  but, to each his own, that's why we have choices.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Naked vs Fairings
Post by: 08GSSteve on February 24, 2009, 08:35:15 PM
I HATE removing plastic to do simple plug changes etc.  Not sure about the GS plastics(as i have the naked) but my GPX750 and the Triumph 1200 I had took bloody ages to remove the plastic just to change plugs.

I miss the plastic to control wind buffeting but besides that I will stay naked  :D