What are fairings on a motorcycle?

Question

I am not sure what they are for and what they look like.

Answer 1

Many motorcycles have fairings, but Harley is the best example I can use to explain. On their FLH models the fairing is located on the handlebars, thus when the handlebars are turned, the fairing turns with it. Thus "Fairing Located on Handlebars."

On the FLT models, the fairing is located on the fork assembly and does not move with the handlebars.

Such fairings help deflect the cold, rain, and snow from the rider, regardless that the windshields are now installed lower than forehead level.

Note to the thumbs-downer: I don't understand the negative response you've given, but I do know what I'm talking about, having ridden Harleys since 1977. I also know what FLH and FLT means and the reasons thereof.

Answer 2

A motorcycle fairing is a shell placed over the frame of some motorcycles, especially racing motorcycles and sport bikes, with the primary purpose to reduce air drag. The secondary functions are the protection of the rider from airborne hazards and wind-induced hypothermia and of the engine components in the case of an accident. A motorcycle windshield may be an integral part of the fairing.

The major benefit of a fairing on sport touring and touring motorcycles is a reduction in fuel consumption. The reduction in aerodynamic drag allows for higher speeds at lower engine rpm, which in turn increases engine life.

There may be a front fairing, or a rear fairing, or both. Alternatively, a single fairing may partially or fully enclose the entire motorcycle, and may also enclose the rider.

Answer 3

Basically the plastic that protects the bike and rider.

The goldwing has a fairly large fairing as do the sport touring bikes like the VFR and Honda ST1100's. It's a large barrier to protect the rider from wind and some portion of the elements. It also can reduce the wind and road noise.

Sportbikes also have fairings but the windshield is much lower down. They're usually used again to protect the bike and rider but much more importantly, to make the bike as aerodynamic as possible. The Hayabusa for example had its fairing be the prime design factor so it can have a top speed of 206mph. The riders of sportbikes must tuck down below the windscreen to prevent injury and to keep from being ripped off the bike at higher speeds.

Answer 4

You will find Fairings on many top of the line motorcycles, they are generally in place to provide a combination wind barrier and windshield to the rider and in some cases more streamlining for the cycle itself.

Typical motorcycles with large Fairings would be.
Honda Goldwings
Harley Electra-Glides.
BMW Touring bikes.

Many Sport bikes have fairings as well, but they are much lower profile and the rider is generally required to crouch or lower their profile in order to get behind the fairing.

Answer 5

First off...will you be getting a performance exhaust? If you are, throw that thought of having a quieter bike out the window (fairings or naked). The noise issue however will be dramatically effected by the wind noise on your head. As with a fairing bike, you can tuck behind a windscreen to keep warmer in winter or to go triple digits. As opposed to a naked bike (with no windscreen) that'll expose you to weather, bugs, wind, etc. I can see a naked bike running slightly cooler...if you were sitting in traffic. But if you're cruising around, then no significant difference here. None that would matter. There are radiators for cooling issues and aux fans if you do sit in traffic. Just make sure you're running synthetic or frequently changing your motorcycle conventional oil. Better yet, skip the BS and just put in Shell Rotella T 15w40 (works charms on bikes without breaking the bank at every oil change) or their 5w40 synthetic variation. Another thing to consider is how easy it is to change oil on a naked bike as oppose to having to remove fairings (even with quick-pins, like on my RC51).

Answer 6

I have always found that a fairing on a motorcycle helps make the ride alot more pleasurable.
Simply because you tend not to get as much buffeting in the wind as the motorcycle is streamlined.

Answer 7

They are located on the front of the bike. They are solid from about the handlebars down with a clear or sometimes smoked plexiglass windshield from the handlebar area up. The fairing diverts air around the sides and top of the bike. This reduces the amount of wind the rider feels. This can keep you warmer on cold rides and can take a lot of the bug hits that otherwise would be on your jacket and in your teeth. Usually you see them on the touring model of bikes for riders who take extended rides.

Answer 8

there's many styles. 1 of the easiest to know what ur looking it is just to take a look at the touring bikes. they basically are the part that's usually made of plastic or fiberglass, and sheilds the rider of almost all of the wind blast.

Answer 9

Fairings are the fiberglass base for the windshield.

Answer 10

what is a fairing ??? its a plastic gaurd look it up