Fairing Advice

[mseale65]

I have a 2002 Vulcan Nomad that I was thinking about putting a batwing fairing on and seeking any advice I can get. I'm not sure what is the best brand out there, how easy they are to install, or if I should look for a used one.

Thanks

[Peg]

Use the "Search this forum (http://vulcanbagger.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1154860)" button, and you'll find plenty of previous discussions and opinions on the subject... 119 threads found in .08 seconds.

[BudMan]

My wife has a reckless fairing on her 1500 trike. It fits good and installation is pretty simple.
We haven't had any issues with it. The main thing is wiring what you put in the fairing.
It's best to use a connector you can easily pull apart in case you need to remove the fairing for some reason.

[plumber63]

http://www.recklessmotorcycles.com/nomad1500.html
Reckless is one. I have one, don't know if I would get another one from them. No major issue but the finish was poor, and they wouldn't do anything about it. Wanted me to pay return shipping to return it. If you are going to get it painted then the finish isn't an issue.

https://theusatrailerstore.com/kawasaki-vulcan-1500-nomad-fairing/
This one looks the same for less money. Read people that have got them are happy with them, but it maybe just because of the price.

http://www.memphisshades.com/metric-shades/metric-fairings/metric-batwing-fairing
I had a Memphis Shade one first. Very good finish and quick release brackets. But not made to add a stereo (no inter fairing).

There is a few other for 2-3 times more $. Some use a Harley fairing but you need to fabricate brackets. I think Chucksters customs has made some for a few members.

[Monkeyman]

I used a HD fairing on my old '07. I got the brackets from Chucksters. I think the HD fairing looks better and has the advantages of being able to easily add guages and use any HD accessories/windscreens/etc but it's a LOT more work. Most if not all of the aftermarket fairings are either QR or direct bolt on. If they have a stereo, you run their supplied wires to the battery and plug it in. Probably takes an hour or two to ride (with tunes) using an aftermarket fairing. Using a HD fairing, IF you have all the parts you need and IF you are good @ fabricating, it'll take a LONG weekend.

If you want options and have the talent to fabricate parts/brackets, buy the HD. If you want plug-n-play and only want a stereo, buy aftermarket.

[ringadingh]

I used a HD fairing and made up my own brackets. I like it best for the same reasons Monkeyman posted. If you want a really good fairing that comes painted to match your bike, get a Premeux fairing, thats if they are still around. These are probably the best quality bolt on fairings out there.

[Monkeyman]

These are probably the best quality bolt on fairings out there.

And, by far, the most expensive. Weren't they around $2k?

[vulcanscott]

I have a reckless that I picked up from another Member have not put it on yet though . Looked for a Memphis Shades because They are Lighter but was only finding listings for the FI models . Still like the stock look too .

[MAS Tequila]

I bought one of the inexpensive fiberglass fairings on ebay.

All I wanted was the stereo, no gauges.

The brackets that came with it matched up to the existing windshield mounts perfectly.

A little paint and some stereo equipment, wired up through a trailer harness with a plug, and it's finished.

All of the HD stuff has bolted right up.

MT

[mseale65]

Thanks everyone. I'm wanting to get a fairing with just a radio a speakers so I don't have to do any extra wiring for gauges. I'm lucky in that I have a contact who builds bike and patrol cars for law enforcement who is willing to do the work on mine. I'm looking at buy the fairing and electronic separate because it appears I can get it cheaper that way.

[Navigator]

http://www.recklessmotorcycles.com/nomad1500.html
Reckless is one. I have one, don't know if I would get another one from them. No major issue but the finish was poor, and they wouldn't do anything about it. Wanted me to pay return shipping to return it. If you are going to get it painted then the finish isn't an issue.

https://theusatrailerstore.com/kawasaki-vulcan-1500-nomad-fairing/
This one looks the same for less money. Read people that have got them are happy with them, but it maybe just because of the price.

http://www.memphisshades.com/metric-shades/metric-fairings/metric-batwing-fairing
I had a Memphis Shade one first. Very good finish and quick release brackets. But not made to add a stereo (no inter fairing).

There is a few other for 2-3 times more $. Some use a Harley fairing but you need to fabricate brackets. I think Chucksters customs has made some for a few members.

Thanks for these links Troy. I'm still considering a batwing fairing, having had on my Electra Glide, but will tackle that after I've found a decent tour pac.

[nomadtom69]

12377One hint if you buy a aftermarket one make sure it is the 3 hole style on top that way a lot of the windshields and trim for a Harley can be used.

[nomadtom69]

the usa trailer one looks like the old model Reckless which I like better than their new one they have stopped selling theirs without radio and wiring I bought one of their original ones and the paint and body man loved it . It came primed and he said all he had to do was lite sand it.

[RAG]

I have the trailer store fairing on my 2001. I got the 4 speaker one, modified it for a tablet and an amp. Works great.

[Rasta]

I got one of the original Reckless ones that I bought from a member on here and put it on my 2004 nomad. This last weekend I went to Minnesota to get a Premux one from a friend of mine to put on my 2000 Nomad. Man the one I just is so nice because it mounts on the bike solid. It attaches to the two bolts above the headlight as well as the to three bolts on each of the bike. The Reckless you use just the two bolts on each side of where the windshield mounts and is easubject to put on take off fast but I like the Premux one on how sturdy it feels.

[vulcanscott]

You should post pictures of the mounts with ruler for ref. Might help some on getting a better mount on cheaper fairings .

[Iamriding]

I have the Memphis Shades fairing. It ended up being pretty expensive by the time you buy the mount and windshield. No stereo as others have said, but I am OK with that. It is lighter, which I like since it is fork mounted.

[ldhthept]

My Memphis Shades was less that $400 including two tinted shields, one a recurve, the chrome strip and the air reflectors on each side as well as the quick release brackets... Expensive?

[vulcanscott]

the problem I run into with the Memphis Shades is They seem to only list FI models !

[Thom]

https://www.tsukayu.com/

I have only seen one of these in person on a Suzuki M109. I was really impressed with the fit and finish not to mention the system and gps availability Worth a look. Like MT. I have the ebay version on mine. Easy on and off and it pretty durable and takes all the 96-13 Harley windshields

[toman1969]

I have the tsukayu.com gps fairing on mine as well as tour pack and jumbo strong saddlebags, I love them. If you go to the website and click on kawasaki nomad 1600 in the gallery, they used the pics I sent of my bike on the site. After they asked permission of course.

[Thom]

Nice ride toman

[Iamriding]

My Memphis Shades was less that $400 including two tinted shields, one a recurve, the chrome strip and the air reflectors on each side as well as the quick release brackets... Expensive?
Canadian prices and taxes made it more than that for me combined with the fact that I bought it at my local bike shop.

[toman1969]

Nice ride toman
Thank You!

[plumber63]

I have the tsukayu.com gps fairing on mine as well as tour pack and jumbo strong saddlebags, I love them. If you go to the website and click on kawasaki nomad 1600 in the gallery, they used the pics I sent of my bike on the site. After they asked permission of course.

So how well does the gps work? Can you map your own route like the garmin with base camp? Is it user friendly?

[toman1969]

So how well does the gps work? Can you map your own route like the garmin with base camp? Is it user friendly?
I didnt order the maps for it. I use my cellphone that is waterproof for navigation. I got the gps option because of the large touch screen for radio, plus the option to purchase maps later if I chose to.

[Rasta]

Here are pictures to show how the Premux fairing is attached to the bike. A lot more is involved to attach it than the Reckless one but it is on there solid.I like they way it looks and feels.

[Joedaddy]

I went with the stealth mine being a 2001 classic I had fab fork brackets. I took my time getting it exactly where I wanted it. The finish is pretty decent for $250.
I went with the 2 speaker 6x9. I had to use a router to enlarge both speaker holes and the sleeve opening. Overall I'm very pleased.