Which Fairing for this 850

[RobertGS]

Hi all,

As noted in the owners forum I'm picking up this new to me 850 in Victoria BC and riding her back to Toronto. I'm thinking a small fairing would make that ride more comfortable since the setup on the 850 seems a bit more upright than my GS1000 (harder to lean into the wind).

Any ideas for brands of small fairings? What would look good on this bike. And clear or tinted?

 

[850 Combat]

I have never felt like a small fairing made any appreciable difference in comfort. A bit bigger one can be some help. The big Plexifairings give pretty good protection, they are cheap, and they come off quickly.

This small Plexifairing provided some comfort. This is one of my loaner 850s. It also deflects bugs to the face. You would not believe what my brother in law's helmet face shield looked like the evening that we came through Shell Canyon over the Big Horns and down into Sheridan, WY. I would get the barn door fairing, if I was going to spend money. I've had a number of Cafe type fairings, and I basically couldn't tell if they were installed or not without looking. A big Plexifairing provides real protection from the cold wind.

 

[rustybronco]

Spitfire windshield tinted. Worked OK at keeping the bulk of the air off your chest. It's a little on the short side so if you're on the taller side (1.83 metres) the air will hit the top of your helmet.

The Wes Cooley style fairing is a little on the short side and, even though they work well, a windjammer is large and your fuel mileage will suffer a bit.

 

[RobertGS]

Did your brother in law's helmet look something like this?

That's after riding across Alberta.

Thanks for the picture and feedback on the impact of small fairings. That mid plexiglass one looks ok. It would just be for large rides like this one I think. Otherwise think I'd lean towards not having one. That's what I'm used to.

 

[bccap]

Are you going back through the states or Canada ?

 

[rustybronco]

You'll learn to like it.

 

[RobertGS]

the spitfire looks pretty good.

Going back through Canada. Highway 3, camping near Nelson first night... on to Dinasour Park Alberta night 2, Riding Mountain National park in Manitoba night 3. After that not sure. And if I miss those reservations so be it but like to have something booked.

 

[850 Combat]

Did your brother in law's helmet look something like this?

That's after riding across Alberta.

Thanks for the picture and feedback on the impact of small fairings. That mid plexiglass one looks ok. It would just be for large rides like this one I think. Otherwise think I'd lean towards not having one. That's what I'm used to.

They were smaller and blacker, ha ha. Not so full of yellow guts. We all had them, but that windshield really funneled them onto Ron's face shield.

 

[bccap]

the spitfire looks pretty good.

Going back through Canada. Highway 3, camping near Nelson first night... on to Dinasour Park Alberta night 2, Riding Mountain National park in Manitoba night 3. After that not sure. And if I miss those reservations so be it but like to have something booked.

In my old age I like reservations too. I hate pulling into a town after a days riding and having to look around. That's the main reason I like traveling with a tablet, so I can look ahead and reserve.

 

[RobertGS]

I ducked out at lunch and got a spitfire windscreen, tinted, black hardware.

One more thing off the list.

Thanks everyone.

 

[bwringer]

Late to the party, but another solution would be a set of "Daytona" bend handlebars to replace the stock ape hangers. A half hour or so to install, and you'll be far more comfy.

 

[RobertGS]

Funny I've been staring at those bars and clicking around for different shapes, so your suggestion has been on my mind... I'm actually kind of looking forward to trying them out though.

What can I expect, tired arms?

 

[850 Combat]

I'm one of the few who likes the stock bars, but...

Yours are rotated way up for my comfort, and the angle is pretty critical for me. Also, no matter where I put the stock bars, the winds resistance limits comfortable cruising for me to 70 mph or below (113kph), and that is pushing it a bit. That said, roads where cruising speeds are higher than that are not the roads that I prefer to use for travel.

 

[WingMan71]

Get a nice old Vetter Windjammer full fairing and put it on your 850. That's what I had on mine back in the 80's when I bought it new.

If you're going to do long distance riding, once you start riding behind a nice full fairing, you'll never go back. (Unless you're still 20-something and your back and shoulders can still take the strain.)

Here's a nice example:

(I'd skip the fairing lowers shown in this picture, they make your legs too hot.)

***

 

[RobertGS]

Thanks, now I'm a bit concerned about how the 5000 km's are going to feel with those bars.

Part of the issue is respecting the PO who's put a lot of care into this bike. Not really feeling good about arriving to pick up the bike and first thing starting a mod in his driveway.

Appreciate the advice. Leaning towards changing them to maybe Daytonas at my buddies place in Vancouver the day after I pick up the bike. If I do I'll let the PO know why and just get it done.

 

[rustybronco]

5000 Km's with the stock bars and sitting behind that fairing is not going to be a problem.

 

[RobertGS]

OK that's good enough for me I'll keep the stock bars for the ride home.

Easy enough to play with the angle as 850combat suggests. I'll have a better idea of how I like them by the time I get home.

 

[850 Combat]

My red 1000G has 57000 miles on the stock bars. My bikes, with me and with my brothers on board have done back to back 600 mile days, on back roads, with stock bars. They are fine. I've removed four Windjammers and ride fairing free. I'm 59 next month. It isn't a problem. Windjammers to work well though, but all things considered, my brothers and I prefer to tour without fairings.

If you are interested, I might be able to give you a good deal on some Krauser luggage. I'm switching all of my 1000Gs over to Samsonite. Not in time for your trip, of course. I wouldn't obsess too much about the bike. It still has a seat that few if any have ever surpassed in comfort. How many days do you have to make the 2400 miles?

 

[RobertGS]

I'm giving myself 6 full days... That's what I took on the same route in the opposite direction years ago. Longer might be nice but that's what I've got. So they'll be solid days of riding.

The PO's throwing in a couple of side bags. I don't think they're very high quality so I may contact you after I get back about that.