Windjammer... To be, or not to be?

[Carbcleaner]

Hello all!

This is my first post here so i'm sorry if i'm doing any of this wrong! I've read many posts on here and have had much success with them!

I am currently trying to restore a 1977 GS750. It's my first bike, I love it! However, It has the Vetter Windjammer Fairing on. I've read a lot about how people say they are really nice for long rides and such. However, I really, really love the stock look. I've read in several places that a lot of times when people install the Windjammers they just fold the headlight ears in. I've taken the Windjammer off to see if they are there, and they are not :grumpy:. The Windjammer that I have does have turn signals in it, so I would have to install a new headlight and turn signals on the front. I've tried to find sites on how to do this, but so far I've had no luck. If anyone has any advice or can point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it!

Again, I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong place or doing anything wrong! I promise in time i'll get better. Thank you all for the support!

-Kev

 

[tkent02]

Not a fan of Windjammers, way too big and the aerodynamics are not all that good, not very comfortable to ride behind. They will keep you warm on a cold day.

Easiest way would be to get all of the stock Suzuki headlight parts. Post an ad in the parts wanted section, a lot of us have some of this stuff laying around.

I probably have some of it...

 

[Guest]

As far as HOW to add the parts, there are two methods that I know of.

1. Remove the fork legs (one at a time) so you can insert the headlight "ears". Removing the fork legs will involve removing the front wheel and fender, but that is not usually much of a problem.

2. Remove the top triple tree. This will involve removing the handlebars and probably loosening up the instrument panel. This will allow sliding the 'ears' over the tops of the fork tubes.

 

[dbraz7]

My 1980 GS850G had everything on it, fairing and rear and side luggage boxes. I like the stock look to so I took everything off but had to get a headlight, ears, front signals, front fork decal and rear signal mounting mounting clips. I was lucky and found the headlight with ears and signals attached on ebay for a good price. I also had to find a sissy bar for the seat. Putting the ears on wasn't that difficult, you just take the front tire off and drop the forks enough to put the ears on then slide them back up. Good luck with your build and have fun! I know I enjoyed getting my hands dirty and learning about my bike. Youtube was a big help as well!

 

[wymple]

There are those of us who like Windjammers just fine. There is no complaint about wind protection. They sold in big numbers for a reason. Looks are subjective and only your opinion matters. It reminds me of all the people who claim Viragos are butt ugly. I believe they outsold all the other Jap cruisers combined. Somebody thinks they looked good.

 

[Guest]

It's pretty easy to hook up the stock signals and head lights. A manual will help if you don't have one, have a look at the parts fiche and you'll see how everything goes together. You'll likely be able to find all the parts on here or ebay, cheaper here. Like someone said if you have any issue just start a thread in the appropriate section with some photo's and you'll be sorted in no time. I use the Vetter in the winter here do to the cold and wet but I'll never ride with it again, like last season, once the temp. gets above 15C , way too hot behind it.

 

[Grimly]

There are those of us who like Windjammers just fine. There is no complaint about wind protection. They sold in big numbers for a reason. Looks are subjective and only your opinion matters. It reminds me of all the people who claim Viragos are butt ugly. I believe they outsold all the other Jap cruisers combined. Somebody thinks they looked good.

Yay! Let's hear it for the Vetter!
I'm Vettered, wish I'd done it years ago, but then again, the prices of Vetters were always stupidly high over here.
So far, it's standing up to the RT test - about 90% as good as the RxxRT fairing, but it will never get that missing 10%, simply because the Suzuki doesn't have the two massive foot warmers sticking out.

 

[dpep]

If when you ride you estimate distances by the number of gas tank fillups instead of miles, you are probably someone who appreciates a Winjammer.
...

 

[Grimly]

If when you ride you estimate distances by the number of gas tank fillups instead of miles, you are probably someone who appreciates a Winjammer.
...

My first 1200 mile day was done behind that RT fairing. I wasn't crippled for days afterwards, which impressed me. I don't see that I'll be doing that kind of daily mileage ever again and Iron Butt challenges hold no attraction for me, having done that kind of thing too many times for a living, so if the WJ can hold its own on moderate distances of 200 ~ 300 miles return trips, I'll be happy enough. I think I'll extend the cut-down PO's screen by a couple of inches and arrange a couple of foot deflectors, mounted on the crash bars, to fill in the gap.
Overall though; Craig Vetter got it quite right, which was some kind of feat for a universal fairing that had to fit just about anything.