Fairing and MPG

[Nubbs]

Ok, I know the topic of MPG with the Nomad has been beaten to death in these forums but I was unable to find anything specifically stating how the addition of a bat wing fairing effects the MPG. Can someone please enlighten me on this? I already get crappy mpg (will be looking at tfi settings and cleaning the throttle body soon) SO I am just curious how the addition of the fairing will effect the average.

Thanks,
Nubbs

[mobandy78]

Interesting topic... I would think it would go down a bit, but I have no idea. I want to add a fairing also, so I'll watch what others say.

[Monkeyman]

I doubt there will be much difference. Stock, you already have a fairing of sorts, just a different shape. The batwing might add 50# once you've got a stereo, speakers and gauges in but 50# on an 800# bike isn't much of a difference.

[zoom45]

I can't tell any difference after adding the fairing. Speed is what makes my mileage drop.
Zoom45

[ray2]

No fairing on my bike but the trailer makes the mpg go down about 2mph on a still day.

[cactusjack]

A fairing is more aerodynamic than the big slab of plexiglas that comes on the front of a Nomad. I doubt my fairing weighed as much as the stock windshield and brackets weighed.

[danimal2]

I just recently made the change. Mileage is pretty much the same as it was before switching to the fairing. Might've picked up 1 mpg if anything. I don't keep charts and graphs but I do check it every fill. Ranges anywhere from 38 to 42 mpg with mixed riding. Usually 40 mpg. Carb'd 1500,

I also run a car tire. No change there either. Dunlop 404 MC stock size I got the same mileage as the CT.

[ringadingh]

No difference with the fairing, But cleaning the throttle body will make a huge difference.

[Jared]

Not nearly as much of a difference as your speed and acceleration, and a well maintained bike.

[Nubbs]

Thank you all for your replies. Bike is an 08 that I bought new and have yet to clean the throttle body (on my list of things to do in the next few weeks)
Wife had given her blessing on the fairing but after doing the day long seat funds are a little more scarce right now. If everything works out I hope to have it ordered by mid month.

[danimal2]

Can't speak to the throttle body since mine's a carb'd model but from everything I've read, cleaning it will make a big difference. Fuel mileage not withstanding, IMO the fairing works way better than the stock windshield. No buffeting and works much better in dirty air (wind coming off semi-trucks and rv's and such). I've even got the low windscreen on mine (5") and it still works better than the stock piece did. I think you'll be very glad you made the change.

Here's a post from when I made the change. I really didn't expect it to make that much difference, but it did. Still thrilled with it.

Memphis Shades fairing (http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24963&page=2)

[Sin City Stan]

Fairing or windshield there is not much aereodynamic about a Nomad. Either one creates a huge low pressure area around the rider. The weight difference is minimal when compared to the total weight of the bike. I've found on a well maintained bike it's how fast your bore that hole through the air that affects mileage the most.