What is a motorcycle fairing? In simple terms, it is the shell that is normally placed on top of the motorcycle frame so as to reduce air drag. Fairings are normally placed on racing motorcycles and it protects any rider from wind hazards and the engine should an accident occur. Fairing was a term that was first used in the aerodynamics of aircrafts in reference to smooth airflow. However, the first fully installed motorcycle fairing was done on the BMW R100RS in 1976 and was the beginning of the adoption of motorcycle fairing on a much larger scale.
According to historical data, in their original forms, fairings referred to cowlings that were placed at the front of the motorcycle such that there was an increase in the frontal area. However, presently, fairings have been known as an integrated part of a motorcycle's design. It is important to note that the way a motorcycle fairing is mounted determines its speed, steering capability and handling abilities.
A reason why fairings are used on motorcycles is because they assist in the reduction of fuel consumption since they enhance aerodynamics, thus increasing the life of the motorcycle's engine. Without fairings, the effects of aerodynamic drag on the performance of the motorcycles are negative and harmful over long periods of time. What are the types of fairings used today?
The first type is known as the streamliner that is essentially used to cover the whole body of a motorcycle and is mainly useful, to be technical, in providing the minimal drag coefficient ratio practically possible. Then, there is also the dustbin fairing with a nose looking like that of an aircraft and is also useful in reducing the frontal drag. However, this fairing was banned by the International Federation of Motorcycles from racing due to its instability at the frontal points.
Another type of motorcycle fairing is the dolphin fairing which is known as so due to the streamlined mudguard of the front wheel and the windshield that looks like the beaks of a dolphin. These were used from the time that dustbin fairings were banned. Then there is the full fairing that covers all the body parts of the motorcycle unlike the other forms of fairing that cover only frontal parts while leaving all the other parts exposed.
There is also half fairing, which consists of fairings that proceed beyond the lower portions of the handlebars and all the way down to the cylinder block. However, half fairings can easily be extended to full fairings should the owner of the motorcycle so desire. The quarter fairing is also famous among many motorcycles though it entails only a windscreen and minor fairings extending to the area surrounding the headlight. All these types of fairings can be used on Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki motorcycles.
Corey Czyz -- Owner of MotorcycleFairingSource.com. Your source for high quality aftermarket motorcycle fairings and superior customer service.
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Hey great thread with interesting stuff. Well it has been seen that fairings are used on the motorcycle frames in-order to reduce air drag. To avoid this effect, sports bikes employ these fairings to streamline the body resulting in a free-flow of air through the bike frame instead of the air impinging on the various parts causing interference. Thanks for sharing it. Keep up the good work.
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