696 windshield fairing, is it functional?

golgofett · October 15, 2008, 10:39:56 PM

I was curious if there is a noticeable difference with wind if the bikini fairing is removed. My 696 came with the fairing and I left it on. I do not mind the look of it, but I also like the look with the fairing off. If it is functional, I might leave it on. What have you guys noticed that have removed them?

Raux · October 15, 2008, 11:24:15 PM

Quote from: golgofett on October 15, 2008, 10:39:56 PM
I was curious if there is a noticeable difference with wind if the bikini fairing is removed. My 696 came with the fairing and I left it on. I do not mind the look of it, but I also like the look with the fairing off. If it is functional, I might leave it on. What have you guys noticed that have removed them?

at high speeds with a very tight tuck yes it's functional. normal highway with normal riding position i suspect without would feel the same. Honestly, haven't ridden without it as I like the look.

desmoworks · October 16, 2008, 05:51:11 AM

Quote from: golgofett on October 15, 2008, 10:39:56 PM
I was curious if there is a noticeable difference with wind if the bikini fairing is removed. My 696 came with the fairing and I left it on. I do not mind the look of it, but I also like the look with the fairing off. If it is functional, I might leave it on. What have you guys noticed that have removed them?

There isn't much of a difference really. It is quite small!

lazarus7 · October 16, 2008, 05:53:24 AM

not much difference at all really....
rode a month or 2 with it on,
then removed it for aesthetics,
no noticeable difference.....

dutchy73 · October 16, 2008, 06:07:52 AM

I rode with it for the first month, then removed it. Oddly enough, and this is just me, but I almost feel like the wind was a bit worse with it on. Almost felt as if there was more of a blast being focused directly on my helmet.

causeofkaos · October 16, 2008, 07:37:18 AM

actually i tested both at high speed, same road same direction cant say it was exactly the same line but i found that like mentioned earlier, tight tuck full throtle top speed was different. im not going to mention speeds reached because im sure someone would think im talking out of my ass. F*uck it im going to say it, there was a differencee of almost 10mph

zedsaid · October 16, 2008, 11:41:07 AM

Quote from: dutchy73 on October 16, 2008, 06:07:52 AM
I rode with it for the first month, then removed it. Oddly enough, and this is just me, but I almost feel like the wind was a bit worse with it on. Almost felt as if there was more of a blast being focused directly on my helmet.

+1

with- it felt like a stream of air constantly trying to decapitate me. (i'm 6'3")

without- it takes a lot of weight of my arms at speed. (speeds that may not be legal)

I prefer without.

swampduc · October 17, 2008, 06:32:59 AM

Took mine off and replaced w/ a CF instrument panel cover. It hasn't really made any difference - I'm about 5' 9"

golgofett · October 17, 2008, 10:03:27 PM

I ended up taking my off and went for a little ride this morning. Maybe it is the season, but this is the first time I got hit in the visor by a bug, and not once but twice. Maybe the fairing scares them away?

danaid · October 17, 2008, 10:18:17 PM

Quote from: Raux on October 15, 2008, 11:24:15 PM
at high speeds with a very tight tuck yes it's functional. normal highway with normal riding position i suspect without would feel the same. Honestly, haven't ridden without it as I like the look.

+1 , Riding to work on the last , straight, 5mi. stretch, with my head tucked behind the screen, do I feel the air diverted.

gearhead · October 18, 2008, 05:33:02 PM

I've went 1000 km before removing it and I would definately say that there isn't any difference other than the bike looks better without it. It was also a pain in the ass to remove dirt from between the plexi and the cowl.

Raux · October 18, 2008, 06:33:38 PM

I'm hoping someone will design and sell a slightly taller version of the plastic to fit on the fairing. dibs on copyright

Spicoli · October 19, 2008, 12:03:14 AM

Took mine off. I think the bike looks good with the stock mirrors and the fairing... but with bar end mirrors I looks better without it. I can't tell a difference except for 60+ mph and tucked.

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696 windshield fairing, is it functional?

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