Wind Resistance Q

Is there a considerable difference between having the fairing on and taking it off in terms of wind resistance?

Took my bike up to about 70 today (without the fairing) and I'd say the wind resistance would be close to oppressive had I been going faster.

Thoughts on this?

 

Definately a difference.

My 550 naked was uncomfortable past 70. Too much wind pressure on the body which stresses the arms. Body being buffeted around makes the bike unstable.

With fairing on it's stable to 100 which is pretty much maxed out for my 550.

 

I found my Seca handled better with the Vetter fairing on it than without it. The Vetter fairing was advertised to actually be better for aerodynamics than without it. My mileage stayed about the same (I guess it wasn't an issue for me) And adding little weight to the front of the bike made it feel alot more stable at higher speeds. When I didn't have it on, I felt like a parachute capturing the wind, and making it harder to control the bike. My 2 cents. >PD<

 

Yeah thats a good way to put it... Parachute.

I turn my head to the side and its pretty hard to get it to stop turning...

I'd hunker down with my helmet almost by the bars and it would help... but still.. phew.

 

I've got one of those National Cycle windshields that quick mounts on the handlebars. I'll put it on if I'm planning any longish trips at high speeds and it makes a HEWGE difference. Less wind buffetting on the torso and the head. Makes for much happier neck and shoulders at the end of the day...

 

I have one of the Spitfire windshields. I too find it makes a big difference on the highway. Without it I can barely hang on. With it it's smooth sailing. For just running around town though not needed. Maybe even annoying on hot days as it cuts down on personal cooling.

 

I bought my XJ about 3 years ago with a three quarter fairing I guess you'd call it. Because the fairing has exactly the same paint job as the original on the the tank etc. I'm guessing that it was fitted on or around the time the bike was first bought new (see my gallery).

Since riding it at all speeds with thqt fairing I'd be hard pressed to go back to iding any bike without some sort of fairing or windshield. The way the windscreen is designed pretty much makes the wind flow over and around my body and makes the longer trips less exhausting.

 

I had a Spitfire too and what a diferance. I took it off because I like the wind even at high speed but thats me.

 

I've thought about removing my Windjammer, but now that I've read this thread, I think I'll leave it on. I've been up to 85 and it seems to cut the wind nicely.