Stretch
New Member
First posting, so apologies if images don’t show properly…
My previous bike spoiled me with quality wind-protection (2013 Triumph Trophy SE). Since getting a 2020 NC750XD this spring, I’ve toyed with ideas for ways to make this bike more liveable. After coming across a random YouTube video of a V-Strom owner doing something similar, I duct-tapped some cardboard onto the crash bars and was pleasantly surprised. Then I went out shopping for cheap parts.
An 8ft sheet of plexiglass was on clearance for $30Cdn and made this much less stressful knowing I had scrap if I messed up. The rest is basic parts from HomeDepot. I love the wingnuts for simple adjustments. If tightened just right, you can tweak the “fairing” angles while riding.
Results:
Much cleaner air and have only found helmet buffeting in the worst side winds.
Over a 3000km trip in the hottest part of summer, they did great at keeping the bugs off the legs. However, they also caused less wind along the engine to pull the heat away. This made for some moments of toastiness. I kept them at sharp angles (just barely deflecting winds) during the worst heat and it was bearable, and could rotate them for more protection as needed (did I mention grasshoppers?). My riding buddy had his 2015 Goldwing and made me switch for an hour as he, and I, thought it would convert me to the world of the Wing. It actually made me more impressed with my bike. Although mine was a slight bit louder, we both agreed that my air seemed “cleaner.” I actually wonder if his screen was set too low.
Now for the best part. Fall and winter rides. What a huge difference. My legs stay warm and I have much less cold air finding its way to my precious parts. Less rough air coming up from the crash bars also means much less cold attempting to enter the bottom of the helmet.
As I was already used to the fuel mileage with the crash bars, I haven’t noticed much difference in mileage.
For reference: Crash bars are GP Kompozit
My previous bike spoiled me with quality wind-protection (2013 Triumph Trophy SE). Since getting a 2020 NC750XD this spring, I’ve toyed with ideas for ways to make this bike more liveable. After coming across a random YouTube video of a V-Strom owner doing something similar, I duct-tapped some cardboard onto the crash bars and was pleasantly surprised. Then I went out shopping for cheap parts.
An 8ft sheet of plexiglass was on clearance for $30Cdn and made this much less stressful knowing I had scrap if I messed up. The rest is basic parts from HomeDepot. I love the wingnuts for simple adjustments. If tightened just right, you can tweak the “fairing” angles while riding.
Results:
Much cleaner air and have only found helmet buffeting in the worst side winds.
Over a 3000km trip in the hottest part of summer, they did great at keeping the bugs off the legs. However, they also caused less wind along the engine to pull the heat away. This made for some moments of toastiness. I kept them at sharp angles (just barely deflecting winds) during the worst heat and it was bearable, and could rotate them for more protection as needed (did I mention grasshoppers?). My riding buddy had his 2015 Goldwing and made me switch for an hour as he, and I, thought it would convert me to the world of the Wing. It actually made me more impressed with my bike. Although mine was a slight bit louder, we both agreed that my air seemed “cleaner.” I actually wonder if his screen was set too low.
Now for the best part. Fall and winter rides. What a huge difference. My legs stay warm and I have much less cold air finding its way to my precious parts. Less rough air coming up from the crash bars also means much less cold attempting to enter the bottom of the helmet.
As I was already used to the fuel mileage with the crash bars, I haven’t noticed much difference in mileage.
For reference: Crash bars are GP Kompozit