Author Topic: Why a lower fairing? (Read 5499 times)

Desolation Angel · « **on:** October 27, 2005, 04:41:36 PM »

We all have our opinions of the plastic sheeting on the modern bikes. In the pic below the Bandit has a lower fairing. Why? Just for looks, or in theory does it DO something? Seems to me it would interfere with cooling, like wearing a jacket, but I don't really know.

Is there a legitimate purpose for one on a street bike?

Fromage · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2005, 06:05:33 PM »

I dont know...but maybe it helps direct air as in a hood scoop on a car...and I would also guess it would help with wind resistance (on your legs)...but ounce again this is me just spitting stuff out I really have no clue...I like the way it looks im considering getting one...but I like being able to see the big engine on the B12

PeteSC · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2005, 07:21:48 PM »

Looks, mostly, also a bit more weather protection.
The few bikes I've put a few miles on during summer with full fairings sure remind you they're there with the heat they trap at slow speeds!

PaulVS · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2005, 08:32:32 PM »

There is no rational function for lowers that I'm aware of. It's just for looks.

Many bikes have them standard to cover up 'unappealing' looking engines.

And they will generally make the bike run a little hotter. It's also another item you can count on repainting/replacing if the bike tips over.

I almost picked up a set of genuine Suzuki factory-color matched lowers for my Bandit on Ebay, but they were in England... and the shipping alone would have been over $100.

97RedBird · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2005, 08:59:04 PM »

I would like to have a lower fairing to direct cold air around my legs on my morning commute.

But, I know the pictured lower fairing would not help.

I've been eyeing the Concours for cold morning commutes on the highway.

Cruisecontrol · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2005, 11:30:54 PM »

Aerodynamics makes a big difference.
I had an RZ500 that I lowsided and I took the fairing off to make the necessary repairs. I was amazed at the difference it made to the feel of the bike. It constantly felt like it was dragging through the air.

smooth operator · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2005, 06:36:41 AM »

I was thinkng f getting one to help keep my pipes clean. But taking another look,I dont think it would help much and I'd have to take them off to get to the pipes for cleaning

billster · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2005, 07:04:46 AM »

I had a full Hannigan fairing on my CB750 'cafe' ala the fairings on GP bikes...and the fairing with lowers actually increased performance/mpg and on a two day, 1400 mile ride from Tampa to NYC in the rain, actually kept my legs dry! In the cold the legs kept warm. In the heat, they roasted. The bottom of the fairing beneath the 'air scoop' was like a ground effects airfoil...it worked at high speed. I like full lowers but the one on this bandit doesn't look all that effective.

fritobandito · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2005, 11:52:45 AM »

My third bike was a 1987 Concours. Basically the same design as the current one, plastic-wise anyway. I can tell you from experience that in the summer, your legs will roast. It would be excellent in the winter. I had an aftermarket, Sergeant windscreen that was considerably taller than stock. I hated that little flip at the top of the stock one. It created way too much turbulence around my head. But, you could tuck yourself behind that Sergeant screen and stay nice and toasty in the winter. The only problem with the Concours, however is the fuel economy. That thing I had drank fuel like crazy. It went through those 7 1/2 gallons faster than my friend's 1995 GPZ went through it's 5 1/2 gallons. From the picture of the lowers on the Bandit, it appears that air would be drawn through it and push the resulting warmer air from the engine toward your legs. Not a bad thing in cooler weather. Not so good in warmer weather. That lower part of the fairing could possibly help keep the wheels down on the pavement at higher speeds. Probobly not much help at take off as far as helping to prevent those wheelies. The other thing for me is, I'm wanting to put on some case guards so I can attach some foot pegs to be able to stretch out on longer rides. Probobly not possible with the lowers. All in all, there's some good and some bad. I love the looks though. Sorry for being so long winded.

Fromage · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2005, 12:17:01 PM »

can you still put a lower fairing on if you have crash bars ?

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2005, 12:23:01 PM »

I bet the fairing would block or use up the attachment points for the bars.

fritobandito · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2005, 12:28:37 PM »

Also, why would you want crash bars if you're putting a fairing over them. I know, to protect the engine. But, you'd be screwing up the plastic anyway. I've seen a picture, I think on cycle trader, of a Bandit with lowers that they bored a hole through to mount sliders. Looked ok.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2005, 12:31:22 PM »

Quote from: "fritobandito"

Also, why would you want crash bars if you're putting a fairing over them. I know, to protect the engine. But, you'd be screwing up the plastic anyway. I've seen a picture, I think on cycle trader, of a Bandit with lowers that they bored a hole through to mount sliders. Looked ok.

I've seen sliders through the plastic on several bikes, especially on GSX-Rs. Did look OK, but I'd hate punching a hole in that expensive sheeting.

tacoman · « **Reply #13 on:** October 28, 2005, 01:38:13 PM »

Motorcycles are terrible when it comes to aerdynamics, thats why its so hard for even bikes like the 'busa to break 200 mph while its relatively easy for a car (not your average family car). Faring lowers help reduce drag and turbulence around the motor. Unless you spend a lot of time in the 100 mph range theres not a lot of difference. One thing I noticed from my Gixxer to the B6 is leg protection. I could ride the gixxer in the cold and rain and my legs were dry and warm. Not so on the Bandit. No lowers saves a ton of time on maintenance though.

b4cruz · « **Reply #14 on:** October 28, 2005, 02:08:50 PM »

http://photos.motorcycle-usa.com/Susan-200-Race-day-056.jpg

it also helps if you are a tiny skinny girl too
with some pro fairing & nitro 200 mph is too easy for
Susan Robertson on her busa