Fairings or not?

[vtech]

Comments? For a newbie would it be better to get a faired bike or naked? Whats the wind resistance like on a naked bike at high speeds (80+) compared to one with fairings etc etc. Some difference would be noticeable yes, but would it drastically effect vibrations of the handlebars and overall frame? (Im talking gsf250's here) May sound stupid to ask, but your only stupid if you never ask in the first place i guess.....

[AllanB]

A fairing will make f-all performance difference to your 250. It will offer wind/chill/rain protection.

Me I like my rides naked.

[portokiwi]

Me I am like allen, I like the naked bikes.
Yes my bike has full kit. But it came with it.
I loved my FZX750 Looked good felt great. and I could touch the ground lol.

[Strang0r]

faired bikes just don't look the same after the first time you drop them... I was told as a newbie naked bikes would be a better option... But I went against the advice and got a faired bike anyway.... love that sporty look

[FROSTY:Me]

I feel a bit like a scratched record but here goes.
At the speeds a novice rider is soposed to ride at fairings do not a lot in anything but a horrible wind.
What they do is cost you a shit load WHEN you fall off.
I know I sound cynical here but most novice riders have silly little offs.--In the driveway at 2km/h or in the parking lot.
First bike buy one with no fairings -second bike do what ya want.

[BadCompany]

A fairing will make f-all performance difference to your 250. It will offer wind/chill/rain protection.

Me I like my rides naked.

Full fairings make a huge difference at high speed, with wind resistance n' all.

[sleeqe2000]

At 80kph + my CBF250 (naked) doesn't feel too stable especially around Wellington. If you are going to be doing alot of motorway travel then I'd think about getting a bike with fairings. Wish I'd test riden one on the motorway.....

[johan]

When I was on a naked bike and changed helmet to an aerodynamic Shoei, the difference was huge. With my old helmet, a HJC $200 helmet, my head was really heavy to support in the wind. With the new helmet, my head was kind of holding itself up thanks to the design of the airflow this helmet gives.

So it's not only about the fairings. Sometimes the design of the windscreen can make the wind buffer right at your head, making it very uncomfortable.

[vtech]

Thing is im looking at bandits, and yes it will be used for commuting but we also travel regularly down to the coromandel (so that means well up to 110kph ) as well so i would ideally like something that doesn't vibrate the shite out of me at those speeds

[MaxB]

I guess the question to ask yourself is: " How many times do I think I will be falling off in the first few years of learning how to ride my bike?"

If it is "heaps" then naked is the way to go. Unless you have heaps of $$ for the fixes and insurance premiums.

[Drum]

Naked is how god intended them to be

[erik]

In my experience, sportsbike fairings don't stop the wind much at all unless you're crouched behind the screen. My sv650 even has an upswept givi screen and I think it only succeeds in deflecting the wind into my head and shoulders more. Maybe it's because I'm 6'4".
You can get better wind protection wearing a waterproof overjacket thing, like what dririder makes. My cordura jacket has the waterproof breathable lining, but it also means the wind goes through it, it's amazing how much warmer it is with the dririder jacket over the top.

[Swoop]

I guess the question to ask yourself is: " How many times do I think I will be falling off in the first few years of learning how to ride my bike?"

If it is "heaps" then naked is the way to go. Unless you have heaps of $$ for the fixes and insurance premiums.

Why not think positively and go for "I'm not going to fall off!".

[BadCompany]

Why not think positively and go for "I'm not going to fall off!".

Because it will happen.

[Gwinch]

Because it will happen.

I had my Hornet 250 for the duration of my restricted license when I subscribed to that theory. Guess what though? I didn't fall off.

To the OP: Don't listen to naysayers, you're not guaranteed to take a tumble.