Update on wind protection

Message

ronboskz650sr · Thu Mar 17, 2005 5:22 pm

I rode today with my new Maier faring. I had no idea how hard I was working to fight the wind blast, until today when it just wasn't there anymore! Now I can take my hands off the bars at 70, and not even strain to stay in my riding position. What a difference. I've read in another forum that this faring doesn't do much, but I made one adjustment, and it got even better. Being similar to the one on the zrx1200, I expected it to work pretty well, since all the tests I've read about that bike say it works. I'm very pleased with the extent of the improvement, even today in high winds. I expected results, but this is better yet! Highly recommended for UJM owners, it makes the whole ride more relaxing, and even cornering is smoother in the high winds, because you don't have to fight the wind with your arms.

ronboskz650sr · Sat Mar 19, 2005 8:54 am

Here's a pic...

and a side view

poppygene · #3 Unread post by **poppygene** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 9:45 am

Looks good on yer bike too, Ron!

How about buffeting around your helmet? Notice any yet?

ronboskz650sr · Sat Mar 19, 2005 10:14 am

Thanks! The wind was blowing around 35 mph, and there was buffeting. Today I went out wearing hearos, instead of silicone putty, and didn't notice much buffeting. Today I didn't wear the neck warmer on my jacket either, and the buffeting was greatly reduced yesterday when I wore it. I think the angle adjustment I made may have fixed the buffeting, but I need a less windy day to know for sure (still windy today).

In any case, the buffeting is only noise, and the hearos killed it. I also installed sport grips and bar-ends to cut vibration, but can't say they did much in the mirror. Still getting cloudy above 5500 rpm, just like the cycle magazine article said.

The complete lack of blast pushing me back is the most dramatic change I've felt in any comfort mod I've done. I can move my left hand around in what used to be significant wind blast, and there just isn't any anymore. Helmet noise overall is reduced, too. The buffeting is a different sound, but not very loud.

Very nice, I didn't know what I was missing! Yesterday, my cornering was smoother at higher speeds, and I didn't know that, either until I took a peek at the speedo in mid turn. I chalked it up to less stress fighting wind-blast with my arms.

scan · #5 Unread post by **scan** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:43 am

Looks pretty. I've been eyeballin' the larger Rifle fairing for my bike. For over $300 plus having to get it painted, I think it is down the list. Yours is a little bigger with more windsheild than my stock setup.

ronboskz650sr · Sat Mar 19, 2005 2:19 pm

I know...I was surprised when it came. The tint is darker than I thought it would be, too. Both of those are good things. Now I can see my helmet in the speedo and tach, too! Not sure if that's good or bad, but it seems cool enough. The review in metric road bike mag said your windscreen was pretty good, so that inspired me to get one as close as possible to it. These are alot cheaper than 300, so maybe they sell a rectangle one for yours..not sure.

Scott58 · #7 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:50 am

That doe look pretty nice. And not very large either. Isn't it great when you get something that works.

JCS · #8 Unread post by **JCS** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:24 am

scanevalexec-check out Zero Gravity. I think they have a sport-touring wind screen for your bike that will work with your stock fairing. Might give you a little more wind protection.

ronboskz650sr · Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:24 am

Yes it is great to find a quality product that fits such an old bike. Yesterday I rode in some less powerful wind, almost all highway for about 35 miles each way to a place south of here, and the buffeting really is not bad. With plugs in, the ride at highway speeds is quieter than before, just a different sound, I guess. The fatigue factor is really reduced. I suppose a taller person may not get these results. I'm 5'7", but I have really short legs and a pretty long torso, so It seems like most folks would benefit from some reduction in wind blast. Testing continues, But I doubt I'll adjust it any more. Thanks for all the replies, guys!

mt_100 · #10 Unread post by **mt_100** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 1:08 pm

Wow, I appreciate the review.

I am looking to add a fairing to my Yamaha Radian YX600, very similar to your bike in looks.

My first trip on the freeway resulted in me taking an exit in two miles due to the extreme wind, just couldn't take it.

Does it really make that much of a difference? I was thinking about getting the Maier with a rectangular cutout for my bike so your input is appreciated.