Fairing for NH 750? And a GSX 650F test ride...

[TimmyJ]

After going on a long ride in the Tennessee mountains with a couple of friends, I was beat up thanks to the wind. I cant go more than 50 MPH on the NH without worring about getting blown off the road. Angry, I almost got rid of the NH for a Suzuki GSX 650F (Suzuki's "light" sportbike). However, I was told a fairing for the 750 can be had, and that it makes things much better. Can a bikini fairing be had for the NH, or at least a windshield that fits right on? And will it make it aerodynamic enough to go 60 MPH without a lump in my throat? Any help is appreciated.  


****TEST RIDE****

Ok, I did test ride the Suzuki GSX 650 F. Firstly, the aerodynamics on it are amazing. I easily went 75 MPH without any wind probems at all...very impressive. A full fairing makes a huge difference. I was also impressed with the power, it's  12.5 RPM redline, 6 speeds, and the ability to go a quarter in 11.9 bones. Not a lot faster than the 12.3 second 750 Nighthawk, but a difference. But both are more than enough for me, so I didnt really care about that stuff. Of course both bike have the inline 4 which is nice. I like the GSF's scream when revved, but I also like the NH's more throaty roar, so a tie there. And I really like the GSXF's modren look. All in all, it was looking pretty good for the GSXF. However...

Now for the not so good stuff...

Although the GSXF handled nicley, it was a bit heavy when going slow around corners parking lots, etc. It's suspension was terribly stiff, and made me yearn for my soft-over-bumps Nighthawk again. But the worst part was the seating. With the Nighthawk I have to sit close to the gas tank, but there is still a bit of clearence between the tank and my crotch. But with the GSFX, there is no clearence...my balls were literally smashed up against the gas tank, with no other options. Combine that with the stiff suspension that the GSXF has, and you start running into some very serious and painful problems.

The handlebars were too low and needed risers. And riding for about 20 minutes gave my right leg a very uncomfortable burning sensation, since the hot pipe is litterally up against the fairing and the footpeg is up against the crankcase. I had no choice but to put my right leg on the most outer portion of the footpeg, lest I risk my leg recieving 3rd degree burns. Keeping the right foot on the outer part of the peg did the trick, but made rear braking tricky and akward. I wondered how Suzuki could overlook such an important thing? And I wondered "why doesnt Suzuki use two pipes for their inline four? Mabye that way the heat wouldnt be so bad?".

The pricetag isnt great...although it has only 1,200 miles on it, it still is tagged at a large 6,400 dollars at my local dealer. I'm still thinking about it, but only IF I can get over some of the problems. I can get handlebar risers Im sure, but I got to do something about the hot-leg thing.

Bottom line: I got back on my NH, and it was like sitting on a comfortable cloud  . Riding home, I realized how nice the NH rides and feels compared to a sportbike. If I can only make it more aerodynamic...

[redd_planet]

My 93 NH 750 came with a Rifle fairing.  I'm not really in a position to say if Rifle is the best, worst, or somewhere in between.  This is the only MC I've owned with a fairing.  Unless I could switch between a NH without a fairing and mine I'm not able to determine the benefit.  Although I'm sure there is one when riding.  And I do like the look of the fairing vs no fairing. 

Here is a link to the Rifle site for a 92 NH 750.   

http://rifle.com/BikeProducts.aspx?BikeNo=647

[TimmyJ]

Thanks! I happened to be checking Rifle already when I opened your post! It looks great. Here is an artical and piccy from a happy customer
http://www.pipeline.com/~randyo/NH-pics/nh-rifle.jpg

http://www.pipeline.com/~randyo/Rifle_Nightflight_on_CB750.htm

I really like the look of it. I can tell you redd_planet, not having a fairing is pure hell. Riding at even sensable speeds BELOW the highway speed limits is nearly impossible unless you have really big cohonas. And that is on no wind days!

Anyway, I emailed Rifle and am waiting for a reply...

[redd_planet]

Here is a photo from the front.

[TimmyJ]

Oh damn, that looks nice. So it is availible in candy bourgene red? Or did it have to be painted?

[Frankc]

I have an 03 nighthawk 750 and a Suzuki GSX650F, 08 year.  I bought the Suzuki new (it was a year old with 0 miles) for an out the door price of $5700.  Regarding the riding, I now have over 16K miles on it, the 6 speed is smoooth like butter, much more so than the Nighthawk.  The Suzuki is also much more powerful but it also feels more top heavy at low speeds.  I put a taller windsheild and handle bar risers plus went up one tooth on the front sprocket.  The sprocket change drops the RPM about 500 rpm at freeway speed.
 
Now the bad, my wife hated the Suzuki so that is why I have the 750 Nighthawk, so she will ride with me.  I had a 92 Nighthawk a few years ago and really missed it so when I found an 03 I bought it.  I use the Nighthawk for local runs, a hundred miles or so or when the wife wants to ride with me and the Suzuki for longer runs or when I want to go faster.  As an official Senior Citizen (over 65 years old) I surprise some of the younger folks with my machines.

So, that is my impression of the two bikes for what it is worth.

frankc (also my license plate on the Suzuki)

[redd_planet]

PO gave me all the paperwork.  He purchased the Rifle fairing in July 1999, the invoice says Superbike Fairing, Color Matched. 

[TimmyJ]

Ok thanks. That was '99...I wonder if 12 years later they still match it...

I have an 03 nighthawk 750 and a Suzuki GSX650F, 08 year.  I bought the Suzuki new (it was a year old with 0 miles) for an out the door price of $5700.  Regarding the riding, I now have over 16K miles on it, the 6 speed is smoooth like butter, much more so than the Nighthawk.  The Suzuki is also much more powerful but it also feels more top heavy at low speeds.  I put a taller windsheild and handle bar risers plus went up one tooth on the front sprocket.  The sprocket change drops the RPM about 500 rpm at freeway speed.
 
Now the bad, my wife hated the Suzuki so that is why I have the 750 Nighthawk, so she will ride with me.  I had a 92 Nighthawk a few years ago and really missed it so when I found an 03 I bought it.  I use the Nighthawk for local runs, a hundred miles or so or when the wife wants to ride with me and the Suzuki for longer runs or when I want to go faster.  As an official Senior Citizen (over 65 years old) I surprise some of the younger folks with my machines.

So, that is my impression of the two bikes for what it is worth.

frankc (also my license plate on the Suzuki)

Thanks for your impression. You too saw the problem with the handlebars, but I noticed you didnt mention the stiff suspension or the right leg burn. Perhaps you wear boots and do not notice it, but today in Tennessee it was a balmy 79 degrees and I was wearing jeans and a pair of loafers. Also the Suzuki didnt feel "much more powerful" too me, and when I looked at quarter mile times I saw why...4 10th's of a sec faster isnt that much really. But more powerful ,yeah I agree. Now tomorrow I am testing my friends GSXR 600, and that will be MUCH more powerful!

[Wahrsuul]

Rifle will usually color match the bike if they can, but expect to pay for it.  I got mine used from eBay and painted it myself.  It's not an exact match, but it looks good.

[Frankc]

Thanks for your impression. You too saw the problem with the handlebars, but I noticed you didnt mention the stiff suspension or the right leg burn. Perhaps you wear boots and do not notice it, but today in Tennessee it was a balmy 79 degrees and I was wearing jeans and a pair of loafers. Also the Suzuki didnt feel "much more powerful" too me, and when I looked at quarter mile times I saw why...4 10th's of a sec faster isnt that much really. But more powerful ,yeah I agree. Now tomorrow I am testing my friends GSXR 600, and that will be MUCH more powerful!
[/quote]

The suspension is a bit stiffer but you would expect it on that type of bike.  I have never noticed the heat from the pipe, unless I actually touch it, very hot then due to cat converter.  The hot pipe is more of a concern for the passanger due to the close placement of the passanger foot peg to the pipe. I wear light shoes usually, probably should wear boots for better protection but usually wear running type shoes and jeans.  Regarding the speed, the roll on speed in the 50 to 70 or so range is much faster than the quarter times would suggest, most people don't ride near red line anyway.  In fact I almost never rev it over 7K and have never had it over 9K, red line is 12.5K.

Bottom line, if I had to keep only one of my two bikes I would choose the NH due to lighter feel, air cooled and ease of maintance but would miss the GSX.

Frankc

[hppants]

I wonder if the rifle fairing will do a better job with the wind than a plexiglass windscreen?  IIRC, the fairing is much more expensive.

I was also impressed with the power, it's  12.5 RPM redline, 6 speeds, and the ability to go a quarter in 11.9 bones. Not a lot faster than the 12.3 second 750 Nighthawk, but a difference.

But did you try to countersteer it with the spoons?   

[marriedman]

Can a bikini fairing be had for the NH, or at least a windshield that fits right on? And will it make it aerodynamic enough to go 60 MPH without a lump in my throat? Any help is appreciated. 

I completely know and understand where you are coming from. I could not go above 50mph either without feeling as though I was going to be pushed off my bike. I searched all over for a fairing; even found one that I wanted. But they are next to impossible to find. If I ever come across a Targa Tsunami - even if I don't have a motorcycle - I am buying the dang thing!


Those things must be made of gold they are so expensive. However, After talking to a lot of people here, I decided on the National Street Cycle Street Shield EX:


I can't tell you how happy I am with this windshield. Just this past weekend, I went about 300 miles with 20-30 mph gusting winds the ENTIRE time. Most of the time, that windshield protected me from the worst of it. There is no protection from sidewind or swirls. I averaged about 65 - 70 mph too.

Now, during nice normal riding weather, I have to pay attention to my speed now that I have the windshield. Since I am not being beaten up by the wind, I will find that I am speeding unintentionally.

So, IMO, if you want looks; go with the fairing if you can find it. You want wind protection - get the Street Shield EX.

[TimmyJ]

Thanks for sharing all of that, your sheild looks fantastic. I like both to be honest. The fairing has a more sporty look, while the shield has more of a "touring" look to it. Im sure both will protect, but the fairing is so much smaller I wonder if it can protect as much as the shield? Im looking into all of this, checking prices and all that over the next several days. Today it will be 80 degrees in Tennessee, and it will be our last warm day, probebly until next spring. So after riding a few hours I'll look back into all of this!

[Sonnystile]

I'm waiting on a Givi A750 to be delivered.

I noticed on my '99 Nighthawk that the wind effect REALLY picked up between 60-70mph. 70 seemed almost unbearable when I was wearing my HJC helmet.  Its much MUCH better when I'm in my Shoei full face.

I like the looks of the Givi, it reminds me of the Queen Alien.  I figure if it can just get the brunt of the wind off my chest, I'll be ok. I don't really ride much faster than 75mph anyways...

For the record, this will be the first shield/fairing I've ever had...

[TimmyJ]

What does a Givi A750 look like? I cannot find either a Rifle or targa fairing. Evendently they do not make them anymore. I found a tracy on Ebay for a CB750, but I dont know if it will fit mine or not?

[RobbieAG]

I put a Slipstreamer Spitfire on mine. It made a huge difference. Now I can cruise at 75-80 mph all day long with no problem. As you can see with the clear shield, you hardly even notice it (It's the first bike in the picture where you can see the front of the bike in front of the guy with the blue shirt).

[jspringator]

This is for an 03 but should fit any year 750.

http://rifle.com/BikeProducts.aspx?BikeNo=4148

[TimmyJ]

That looks like a good possible...I like how it leans back like that.

Also, I found this universal fairing. It looks like it bolts up to the headlight. Would it fit on my CB? And would it deter the wind as small as it is?

Its the A750, or the A770, or the A755
http://www.givi.ca/en/pb_carenage.php#
And they are all avalible in silver color, which I think would be ok wouldnt it? The silver matches my decals, plus most of the engine. Of course I could always paint it candy bourgene red. I like the A770, with 38 inchs of height it is the tallest. I like the 81 dollar price tag too.

The shields
http://www.givi.ca/en/pb_univers.php

This is for an 03 but should fit any year 750.

http://rifle.com/BikeProducts.aspx?BikeNo=4148

Are you talking about the first one, the "nightflight"? It looks good...but it is 229 bones, compared to the A770 (above) which is only 81 pecos. But the 229 dollar one looks like it might protect a bit better on the bottom and sides?

What do you guys think?

[hppants]

On my (now sold) NH750, I had both the slipstreamer spitfire and the National Street Shield EX.  Both do a good job against the wind up to 90mph and even higher.  Both can be adjusted and should be adjusted to give good wind protection and visibility.

From a functional perspective, the National Street Shiield is far better.  It has 4 mounting points (v/s 2 for the spitfire), which makes it much more stable in the wind.  The spitfire wobbles a little at speeds above 60 mph, the Street shield is rock sold no matter how fast you go.  Also, the National shield is far more resistant to scratches from cleaning, bug wiping, etc.

Now, from the looks perspective, that is a matter of taste.  Personally, I don't care for the Rifle fairing look, but I get that others do.

I'll say this - once you install a wind screen on a motorcycle, you probably will never ride without one again.

[Wahrsuul]

Might want to recheck the Givi website.  It's in Centimeters, not inches.  38cm = almost 15"

[Sonnystile]

That looks like a good possible...I like how it leans back like that.

Also, I found this universal fairing. It looks like it bolts up to the headlight. Would it fit on my CB? And would it deter the wind as small as it is?

Its the A750, or the A770, or the A755
http://www.givi.ca/en/pb_carenage.php#
And they are all avalible in silver color, which I think would be ok wouldnt it? The silver matches my decals, plus most of the engine. Of course I could always paint it candy bourgene red. I like the A770, with 38 inchs of height it is the tallest. I like the 81 dollar price tag too.

The shields
http://www.givi.ca/en/pb_univers.php

This is for an 03 but should fit any year 750.

http://rifle.com/BikeProducts.aspx?BikeNo=4148

Are you talking about the first one, the "nightflight"? It looks good...but it is 229 bones, compared to the A770 (above) which is only 81 pecos. But the 229 dollar one looks like it might protect a bit better on the bottom and sides?

What do you guys think?

Yes, thats centimeters not inches and the price is more like $240.

the replacement "windscreen" is $81...

[RobbieAG]

The spitfire wobbles a little at speeds above 60 mph

I've never had a problem with wobble, but it's designed for the bottom to lean and be secured on the headlight. If you mount it higher off the headlight, it probably would wobble.

[hppants]

If you mount it higher off the headlight, it probably would wobble.

True.  I'm 6'-0" and in order for the spitfire to be effective at buffering my upper chest/head wind, it had to be lifted above the headlight.

[TimmyJ]

Man I dont know what to get. Im thinking the A750?
http://www.givi.ca/en/pb_carenage.php#

What do you guys think? Will that stop any wind? And will it fit?

[marriedman]

I think the price on the universal kits would keep me from even trying them out!  Those Givi's look good, but at 6 ft+ I think the wind will just hit you in the face.