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The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

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  #1  
Old 10-24-2006 | 12:37 PM
russkrs's Avatar
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Default The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

Ok... so i've been playing with windshields since early this summer, trying to find something that I like. With very little luck so far.

The other day I was driving through town and a guy was giving away two old windshields and mounting brackets from an FXR, so I snagged them thinking I could surely do something with them. I got them home and cleaned them off, to find that that was solid was too cloudy to see through due to the years of neglect... and the one that was halfway clear was cracked at the bottom.

So I cut the top off the one that was solid but cloudy, and made a "fairing" out of the lower portion by painting it black inside and out. I then added chrome door trim to it cover up the edges I cut. I then but the top off the clear shield, and bolted it to the "fairing"... I added some pinstripes for fun... And here you have it: The Big Ugly.

Tell me what you think: (other than the fact I need to clean my garage)

Keep in mind this is primarily to get me through the winter, and for long highway rides. This is not something that I am leaving on my bike all the time.

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  #2  
Old 10-24-2006 | 01:02 PM
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

Well, it's not the most attractive thing I've ever seen, but I think it looks very functional. I like the two halves combined, very creative. I bet your wallet looks alot better with the cash you saved!

Nicely done!
 
  #3  
Old 10-24-2006 | 01:26 PM
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

Im going to be buying one of the new, HD quick release windshields for my bike to get me through winter and early spring. I plan to buy off Ebay, but your creativity certainly saved you between $200 - 350 and I bet it works pretty well. Its looks are "subjective" for sure, but as long as you're riding who cares what other think anyway, right?
 
  #4  
Old 10-24-2006 | 01:41 PM
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

I have a quick release Super Sport style windshield already... but it dosen't hardly block anything except bugs. This feels like you're riding a big bagger, because it blocks so much of the wind.

I personally think all windshields look bad on sportys... so if it is going to look bad anyway... I might as well have one that is going to do what I want it to do!
 
  #5  
Old 10-24-2006 | 02:10 PM
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

russkrs,

Looks like some good ole' Yankee inginuity to me! If it does the trick, who cares what it looks like. You'll be riding when others are only dreaming about it - nice job, and you can't beat the cost - way to go!
 
  #6  
Old 10-24-2006 | 04:33 PM
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

Today was the first normal ride I took with it... crusing around 70mph for about 30min going to town and back...

the temp is the low 40s I had a jacket half helmet and some mechanix gloves, and I was very comfortable. I love the big ugly!
 
  #7  
Old 10-24-2006 | 04:53 PM
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Hagar the Horrible
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

I was not a fan of windshield looks, however I do run a detachable on my 1200C. Yesterday I was going for service and popped mine off, the bike looked stripped without it. I put it right back on. I have two and now I want to chop one about 4-5 inches just for a low profile summer shield.
 
  #8  
Old 10-24-2006 | 05:02 PM
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

Hey, if it works for you, it's great! It's function and cost effective. Enjoy!
 
  #9  
Old 10-24-2006 | 05:33 PM
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

Well, russkrs, I must be in the minority cause I think it looks decent. You certainly made a silk purse out of a pigs ear. Very well done.
 
  #10  
Old 10-24-2006 | 05:46 PM
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Default RE: The Big Ugly Windshield / "fairing"

Hey russkrs,

I like the looks of your studded saddle bags. Who makes them and where did you get them?

Thanks,
 



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