New front fairing?? Need opinions.

[Jono]

So, I dislike riding my bike at higher speeds without some type of wind protection. At anything above 70mph I feel like my head is going to be ripped off. Okay, it's not that bad but my head does start to blow around quite a bit. And the front end just feels light and unstable. I rode my friends 07 2fiddy and realize how important fairings are when you wanna go fast! Haha. So, I have a plan. As many of you know, my bike is kinda cafe racer -ish. I hate the looks of the stock front fairing and do like the looks of cafe racers.


The plan is to get a 1/4th cafe racer fairing. This one: http://www.oldbikebarn.com/Viper-Cla...tegory=1503371 I will paint it white to match my bike and will continue using my 7'' round headlight. I will modify the stock headlight/fairing mount in order to mount the headlight and new fairing which should be fairly easy. If possible I will try and remount the stock gauges but I doubt I will be able to use them. We will see.


My bike:



A friend did a quick photoshop of what my bike would look like with the cafe fairing. Just squint your eyes a little. Haha.




What do y'all think? Should I go for it? I would like some wind protection but I can't go back to stock. I want function over looks, but if it looks good too then that is a plus.

[allanoue]

Link to original page on YouTube.

[exploring/carolina]

Bought an older Kawasaki KLX250 fairing/light assembly for a KLR650 I had. Sold the KLR. Thinking about using the fairing with LED turn signals when turning the Ninja250 into a naked bike. Not much wind protection unless a windscreen is added.









Here's a late model KLX:

[Jono]

@exploring/carolina Thanks for your input. But as an owner of a 09 KLX250sf I know for a fact that little wind screen does little for protection. Okay, it pretty much does nothing. Haha. I need to have a windscreen to duck down behind.

[StephenA]

I would say go for it
1. it will be very useful
2. i will look unique, and personally i think it should look pretty cool.
3. i was thinking about the same when i get my bike, so you will be sort of an example for me hahaha

[Jono]

Finally, someone gave me their opinion. Haha

I really think I am going to order one. If it does it's job I will be happy and I don't see a cheaper way to do it. Plus, I enjoy being creative so trying to make this all work should be fun.



Anyone else have an opinion?? Just say, "yeah go for it" or "no, you're an idiot."

[CZroe]

Won't provide much more wind protection if you don't ride in a cafe racing position.

[csmith12]

If you want honest opinions, I don't like it much. But it's your bike and it's your opinion that matters. Imho, to match the tail of the bike, it needs at least one straight line on the front somewhere.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by CZroe

Won't provide much more wind protection if you don't ride in a cafe racing position.

I ride in a full tuck at speeds over probably 65mph as is, so I am thinking it will provide the protection I need. I could be wrong though.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by csmith12

If you want honest opinions, I don't like it much. But it's your bike and it's your opinion that matters. Imho, to match the tail of the bike, it needs at least one straight line on the front somewhere.

That's exactly what I want! Haha. Thank you. But don't worry too much about the tail. If this front fairing does it's job I could probably lose the tail and side fairings. Then get pod filters and tidy up the rear.

Look something like this....



But then that might look weird. Ahh. I like my ninja but I think I am trying to make it something that it isn't. The only reason why I was keeping it was for a track day this summer. But I don't think it would be fun to ride without a few mods. Such as a front fairing, better suspension front and rear, brake pads/lines, and new tires. That's a good bit of money. And even then I doubt I will be happy with it. I think it's time for a 600cc. That's my excuse for getting one.

I mean my stock KLX250SF is more track worthy than my ninja. And I can get way better tires! Now I am thinking that if I go to a track this summer I will just ride the KLX and buy a used 600 next winter. Yup, that sounds like a good plan. Haha

[csmith12]

You know what might look good your bike now, be inline with your future plans and offer you the wind resistance your after? A windscreen alone, similar to the one in the pic.



Of course that one is small but you get the point. You could also do some of the clear "winter wings" for lower front. Just to the left and right of the headlight. And if you have the paper and local talent, have an image engraved/etched into the plexiglass.

Just tossing out ideas....

[fierostetz]

the fairing you're thinking about... I have one on my kz1000 and it's between terrible and useless on the wind protection front. It's a styling bit vs. an actual functional fairing. Perhaps check out the mini fairing from laminar (they make the laminar lip) - all their stuff is great for wind protection

http://www.laminarlip.com/lamini.php
it's not terrible looking, and the angle of the screen looks like it'll give you a bit more actual protection. If you need more wind protection, I think you can install a regular lip on top of the mini fairing.

[DreamN]

Originally Posted by Jono

Look something like this....

I have nothing to add to this thread other than the fact that I think that bike looks effin' sweet.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by fierostetz

the fairing you're thinking about... I have one on my kz1000 and it's between terrible and useless on the wind protection front. It's a styling bit vs. an actual functional fairing. Perhaps check out the mini fairing from laminar (they make the laminar lip) - all their stuff is great for wind protection

http://www.laminarlip.com/lamini.php
it's not terrible looking, and the angle of the screen looks like it'll give you a bit more actual protection. If you need more wind protection, I think you can install a regular lip on top of the mini fairing.

Thanks a lot for the input. I still don't know what I am going to do but thanks to your opinion I won't be getting the one I had originally looked at. That laminar screen doesn't look too bad and if it actually works then it might be a good option.

[EsrTek]

+1 on the laminar...I don't like your original pick.
Plus I like the looks w the side fairings vs just seeing the frame. I'd keep them and maybe add a belly piece.

[fierostetz]

Originally Posted by Jono

Thanks a lot for the input. I still don't know what I am going to do but thanks to your opinion I won't be getting the one I had originally looked at. That laminar screen doesn't look too bad and if it actually works then it might be a good option.

no problemo - I just recommend laminar stuff because it all works really well. I live like 12 minutes from them so when they release new stuff I go over there and play with it

they make tall and short shields for their fairing; I've never used one, but would vouch for the company in a heartbeat

[StephenA]

ok so don't mean to revive an old thread, but @Jono , did you put the fairing on?

[Jono]

Originally Posted by StephenA

ok so don't mean to revive an old thread, but @Jono , did you put the fairing on?

Ah, you're fine.


I didn't. But I might be in the future. If I do, I will get the one that I originally thought would work best. Mainly because it only costs $65 dollars.

[StephenA]

awesome, if you do, keep it updated

[j98sprint]

Hey Jono. That fairing you're looking at has been around forever. It has a great classic style. With the work you've done on your bike I'm sure you could make it mount and look right.

I say, "Go for it!" I like your style brother.

[Jono]

Thanks John!

As soon as I have some spare cash I think I'm gonna give it a go. But I am set on upgrading the suspension before I get a front fairing.