Nobody else cares!

[daveschile]

I couldn't stop myself from sharing this. Sorry.

[nhmaf]

What model fairing do you have on your bike?

[AlfromNH]

No apology necessary. Unless your intention was to rub our noses in the SoCal weather.  

[daveschile]

Great, I knew there could be a purpose for this post!

I just put on this National Cycle windscreen.  Its the F-16 model.  I'm still not sure about it so I'd love to hear your opinions.  

Believe it or not there IS a little wind protection.  Very little.  So, yeah I'm aware this is mostly cosmetic.

What do you guys think?

[disco51]

I'm happy to give an opinion...  but what do I know.  It's your bike, if you like it - keep it.

The fairing isn't bad.  Goes with the look of the mods you've done.  I'd keep it on for awhile and see if it grows on you.

Other thoughts...  Not sure about the chrome thing around the headlight.  Doesn't seem that goes with the rest of the bike as far as the black out look.  It just sticks out a bit in my opinion and is really the only piece of flash on the bike.

Also, it looks like you kept the bracket that holds the front fender on.  I think I might take that off if you're going for the naked look.  I can't imagine it's holding back any splash right now.

No hard feelings - just one jerk's thoughts...

[montmil]

... it looks like you kept the bracket that holds the front fender on.  I think I might take that off if you're going for the naked look...

That stout steel bracket does more than provide a fender attach point. It offers a certain amount of bracing and fork leg alignment which prevents twisting of the fork lowers thus aiding suspension and handling qualities.
    Look at the numbers of BMWs running the San Jose fork braces that are even stronger than the OEM bit. Along these lines, the OEM flat steel top steering stem plate on many classic BMWs also benefits from the replacement billet San Jose upper clamp. I have both on my R100S.

[NC Steve]

I ran a National Cycle F-16 on a Guzzi, and it actually worked out quite well. As it mounts to the 2 headlight bolts, it is also very adjustable, allowing you to find your performance and comfort level.

Dave, if you decide to "unclutter" your bike and remove the crash bars, I've got 1st dibs on buying them, to get them out of your way  

[NC Steve]

And, that chrome headlight guard is an accessory used on the older BMWs, like some of the singles and /2s, maybe newer. It's just a nice piece to dress up the antique bikes.  8-)

[disco51]

Well, glad I posted.  Didn't realize that metal thing served a purpose besides fender attachment.  I've seen a lot of cafe bikes with no front fender on them - wonder if there have been fork twisting issues.

I get that the chrome headlight guard was for a retro look - however, when I take a look at his conversion it looks more "racey" to me.  I'm thinking a black wire screen over the lens (kind of like what marcmax has on his yellow headlight) would go better with the look.  I realize this is all style preferences and not sure why I'm even commenting at this point.

Back to work...

[daveschile]

Thanks for your comments!  I was wondering if anyone would mention the chrome headlight rounder.  That's what I'll call it.  It came with the bike, and I just kept putting it back on.  That and the headlight bezel are the only chrome left, and I'm inclined to black them out too.  The mesh idea is a good one!

Steve, Sorry but I think I'll keep the crash bars.  The cafe purist's that say everything should be stripped are missing the point, I think.  It's totally about personal aesthetic and opinion, I think.  If you're willing to ride around on it, you oughta not be so offended when someone calls it ugly.  Some people are gonna like it, and others are gonna shake their heads and call it a crime against humanity.

My first choice for a faring is the little Thruxton bikini faring.  But I got a deal on this F-16 instead.  I'd love to see a picture of a R65 with one of these on there.

[disco51]

Have you checked out this site…
http://boxercafe.com/fairings.htm
I like the bikini fairing, but a little more body to it than the Thruxton one.  Also the Rennsport QTR fairing might look good.  It's tough to visualize without paint, but some other options that might be plug and play.

[NorR65]

Sorry if i have hijacked your post.
I really liked Boxercafe`s Bikini fairing.
Do anybody know if they send parts to Europe?
I could of course call them, but my english i not that good.

[Dustybin]

Dave, I like the direction and style in which you are taking your bike, I see you are in California, and I appreciate the weather is always good.. Apparently ! But are you intending any sort of weather protection as I can,t see any fenders on the front or back?
It's a good look but the battery is going to get in a right state if you get caught out, as will the underside of your seat. It would not take much to protect these areas and maintain the look you are after.
Not a fan of the chrome trim on the head light, not sure what purpose it serves, but also not a fan of headlight mesh either as that will just obscure the light beam.
Just remember 'chrome won't get you home'!

[marcmax]

Nor65 I have bought items from Boxercafe and can say that the fit and finish of the parts was top notch. I will be glad to call Craig for you to see if he ships to Europe.

[NorR65]

Marcmax, thanks for your offer. But I sendt them a mail last evening.
I guess that even if the do ship to Europe the shipping cost will be very high.