May we be honest about the RS fairing?

[ozmoses]

I've ridden when it's chilly, low 40's like today, and when it's been downright cold, 15-20. Know what? I was freezing!

I've ridden in light rain and I've ridden in an outright downpour; know what? I was soaked!


So why are people always mentioning their ride across the Arctic tundra & through a typhoon wearing only a t-shirt & never even noticed the weather?!


Have I broken the code? Will I be "disappeared" now?

[tofgasp]

I've had one for a few weeks on my bike, very pleased with the protection, only get the top of my shoulders and helmet wet under hard rain.
If I get rid of it it was only because of the noise. I'm 6.2ft, and the wind blows awfully right in my helmet visor, as loud as it feels like having a vacuum inside.
That was really the only problem with it. I've ridden maybe 20 diferent faired bikes, absolutly none gave a better wind and rain protection (even the RT).

Of course, if you stop under rain, you get soaked...

[Bulldust]

Originally Posted by ozmoses

I've ridden when it's chilly, low 40's like today, and when it's been downright cold, 15-20. Know what? I was freezing!

I've ridden in light rain and I've ridden in an outright downpour; know what? I was soaked!

So why are people always mentioning their ride across the Arctic tundra & through a typhoon wearing only a t-shirt & never even noticed the weather?!

Have I broken the code? Will I be "disappeared" now?

Yep code broken, I think you need a Toyota!

[moosehead]

I certainly prefer my RS fairing than an RT I had. Don't know why but I get better "wet" protection behind the RS than the RT. Maybe cause I go faster with the RS

As for cold, also prefer the RS. I put a "flipper" on an old RS windscreen in the cooler weather and it knocks the cool air of the throat area and does indeed make a difference




I've used the "flipper" in the wet and it really works well. Less wate hitting the facemask and shoulders...

Now this old Hannigan was fantastic in the wet weather (also use the "flipper" on the as well)....don't have it anymore (the bike and fairing that is) but wish I did...my old (and still going strong for the new owner) 1974 R75/6...

[DoktorT]

Last year I was heading back home on the freeway. Hit a cats and dogs thunderstorm. Just for water on the road I slowed down to about 35. Moments later I was down to 25. Just tucked in behing the RS faring and idled along for several minutes until I got through it. 10 miles later I was home and dry.

The RS faring is the bomb for getting to point B in nasty weather.

[chollo9]

Alright, one of y'alls lyin'.

[Big Bamboo]

Originally Posted by chollo9

Alright, one of y'alls lyin'.

"Well I thought it was a very lovely story, and you tell it so well, with such enthusiasm."

[100RT]

I will stick to my 81 RT for comfort and protection, sure as Hell beats the 03 1150RT that sleeps next to it. Oh did I mention my old bones just dont like lying on the tank to stay dry. Almost forgot to say the RS is one of the prettiest BMW's ever made!!

[boxerboy81]

You'll still get wet behind a RS fairing if the gear you wear lets water in.
However, it takes much longer to happen. Wet weather gear is still required.

1985 or thereabouts I was riding my first R100RS on a 5C night. It was a 3 hour ride and I was with a fellow on a Honda VF.

We stopped for petrol and he complained bitterly about the cold. I was almost oblivious to it, but did layer up appropriately. He was really annoyed! That was when I learned the RS fairing made a real difference.

[Wirespokes]

Hey, ozmoses - show us a picture of your RS!

I think you put the fairing on backwards!

[ozmoses]

I was gonna say, maybe I'm doing it wrong!

[Bluethumb]

When introduced, the RS fairing was, as far as I know, the first full sport fairing of its kind. I had a '78 RS and put 130k riding behind that fairing. To this day I believe it is still a beautifully designed work of aerodynamic art. As far as protection, it's ability to minamize side winds always impressed me. I use to have to look for telltale signs to see if there were sidewinds, grass blowing sideways, flags flapping, etc., because the bike simply sliced through the wind. In cold and rain I had great weather protection. In heavy rain, the tops of my shoulders would get wet and my shins and boots, but other then that i would be dry. The only complaint I had was the low bars which eventually helped to give me the back I have today, screwed-up! A buddy of mine equipped his with K75S bars which allowed for somewhat more upright position. To this day I still find the RS to be one of the most gorgeous motorcycles of the last 40 years. I consistently got 42-45 mpg and believe the design of the fairing helped the milage. Great aerodynamics, beautifully designed, incredible protection.

I sold my RS after taking it from Texas to Alaska and back. In Alaska I saw guys on R100GS's so I bought a R100GSPD after the trip. Winds would push the bike all around and the buffeting shook me around. I was always much more tired after a day on the GS compared to the RS. Totally different bikes, but the comparison is that what I found was the RS fairing was the most effective sport fairing ever designed.

Are you wearing clothes? I did find that helped!

[Airhead Wrangler]

Originally Posted by Bluethumb

When introduced, the RS fairing was, as far as I know, the first full sport fairing of its kind.

Except for this which came over 20 years earlier. The RS is often quoted as being the first bike with a full factory fairing. I think even BMW claimed that at the time. It just wasn't.


1954 Vincent Black Prince

[blaine.hale]

I think another big claim of it was being the first wind tunnel tested bike.

[dlew]

Originally Posted by Bluethumb

When introduced, the RS fairing was, as far as I know, the first full sport fairing of its kind. I had a '78 RS and put 130k riding behind that fairing. To this day I believe it is still a beautifully designed work of aerodynamic art. As far as protection, it's ability to minamize side winds always impressed me. I use to have to look for telltale signs to see if there were sidewinds, grass blowing sideways, flags flapping, etc., because the bike simply sliced through the wind. In cold and rain I had great weather protection. In heavy rain, the tops of my shoulders would get wet and my shins and boots, but other then that i would be dry. The only complaint I had was the low bars which eventually helped to give me the back I have today, screwed-up! A buddy of mine equipped his with K75S bars which allowed for somewhat more upright position. To this day I still find the RS to be one of the most gorgeous motorcycles of the last 40 years. I consistently got 42-45 mpg and believe the design of the fairing helped the milage. Great aerodynamics, beautifully designed, incredible protection.

I sold my RS after taking it from Texas to Alaska and back. In Alaska I saw guys on R100GS's so I bought a R100GSPD after the trip. Winds would push the bike all around and the buffeting shook me around. I was always much more tired after a day on the GS compared to the RS. Totally different bikes, but the comparison is that what I found was the RS fairing was the most effective sport fairing ever designed.

Are you wearing clothes? I did find that helped!

Nice review, Bluethumb.

I'm sitting upright on my GS's getting buffetted around and would like to be in a nice little wind protected pocket on an RS for a change, so this is helpful to read.

I've always read that the RS fairing is hot. As you are in the Texas Hill Country do you have an opinion on that?