Fairings

I've had four different fairings on my bikes so far. So, in response to the question that was not asked, I've put together this rough comparison page.

Deflector

This is the National Cycle Deflector. It is a minimalist approach, and works quite well for a summer shield. This picture was taken immediately before I did my first Saddle Sore in September, and this configuration worked well for that. The little shield kept the wind blast from blowing me off the bike, but still let me get plenty of air. It was hot, so I didn't mind being in the wind, but when I went through a thunderstorm I got soaked. Link to National Cycle

Gauntlet

This shows the Tracy Gauntlet, which was just about perfect for me. Not too tall, wide enough to cover your hands. Split in half in a high-side after I grabbed a big handful of brakes (when startled) on a new, cold tire on a damp road. Broke my thumb, too. Thumb healed, fairing didn't. Tracy is out of business, successor is Memphis Shades. There is no direct replacement for this particular fairing (The Bladerunner and the Santa Cruz are close). A common problem for fairings of this type on the big Sabre is the close relationship between the turn signals and the headlight; the bit that sticks down on either side of the headlight usually fouls the turn signals.

Rifle

This is the Rifle Sport mounted on Jeff Turner's bike before I bought it (the fairing, that is).

This is the same fairing as mounted on the Chainsaw. Note the cutesy little driving lights, and the mount for the horns. This has the 18" windshield on it, it is also available in 15" or 21". I got this in October, and suspect it might well be too hot for deep summer. I think it was Bob Peloquin who detailed the procedure for making your own windshields using a big pan of hot water (or cooking oil); it's in Jack Hunt's archive. With the low bars I have, my hands are almost well protected with this fairing. With the stock bars, your hands will be about even with the bottom of the windshield, getting more air and rain. One of the biggest drawbacks with this fairing is that it has to be removed for any headlight area maintenance. To facilitate that, I've used the ubiquitous trailer connectors for the horn, driving lights, and soon the turn signals. I will also be replacing the slotted bars of the fairing mount with a couple of pieces of thicker flat aluminum stock, which will be threaded for the bolts. This way, I won't have to keep track of a bunch of nuts & washers if I have to change a fuse some night on the road. 4 bolts, 5 trailer connectors, and there is the fairing sitting in the dirt. I should be able to R&R it in about 10 minutes in the dark once I get this sorted out. Link to Rifle Fairings

Spec2

This is the bike formerly belonging to Kurt Grife, then Kern Sutton, then ??? lmk This is a SpecII fairing system, which is still available and advertised in the back of magazine ads. Not having ridden behind it, I can only surmise that it would offer similar protection to the Concours or Hondaline, with possibly a bit less protection for your hands compared to the Concours.

I also had one of the SS28 cheap windshields sold in Dennis Kirk. It was ok, with the exception of the problem with the turn signals. I solved that by sawing off the bottom part of the windshield. It is similar in size the the Tracy Gauntlet, but not nearly as nicely shaped. Link to Dennis Kirk

Powerbronze also carry a nice-looking line of fairings, although they're a bit pricey.

If anyone has detailed reports of another type of aftermarket fairing, you can for possible inclusion.