Top Batwing Fairing for Motorcycles and Motorbikers – Our Analysis & Guide
Once you have decided to upgrade your motorbike and make it more comfortable and adequate for long distance cruising by installing the best motorcycle batwing fairings, you might find out that you do not know exactly what to look for. In order to help you make the right decision, we have examined a variety of products available and, while taking technical specifications and customer feedback into consideration, our team has concluded that the product offering the most features for the price is the Memphis Shades MEM7031. Designed to fit a multitude of motorbikes, such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha, it is versatile and can be easily adapted to your needs. It features a clean, aerodynamic shape and the interior is made from ABS. Furthermore, it has a class A finish that looks great, has optional wind deflectors and can accommodate a new speaker system. Since it is available at an attractive price, it might be quickly sold out. In this case, you might be interested in buying the Memphis Shades MEM7011.
Our Team Recommends
Finding the best and cheapest motorcycle batwing fairings can be pretty difficult, given the wide variety of products available and their many different features. In order to make it easier for you to choose the right product, our team compiled a list of the best items available, and we wrote reviews of motorcycle batwing fairings to offer you detailed explanations about each listed device.
Memphis Shades MEM7031
One of the main purposes of a batwing fairing is to reduce turbulences which reduce stability and increase fuel consumption while riding at higher speeds. The clean and aerodynamic shape of this product makes riding smoother and more comfortable, reducing vibrations, drag and also offering some protection against frontal winds.
The fairing inner structure is made from ABS, making it lightweight yet durable, while the outer shell is opaque black with a class A finish that can be painted over. It has a trigger-lock mounting kit, allowing quick installation and removal and making it easier to mount other accessories.
Optional wind deflectors and speakers can also be placed in it, making the product versatile and efficient.
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Memphis Shades MEM7011
The aerodynamic design improves not only the performance but also the looks of your motorbike, without hindering the driver or adding too much weight. The 36 ½-inch inch wide and 17-inch tall body is made from ABS and designed to have an aerodynamic and elegant shape.
It is useful for reducing drag and for offering limited protection against the elements, and it can accommodate other accessories such as windshields or wind deflectors, and a separately sold sound system by Hogtunes can also be mounted on the fairing.
Installation and removal are both made easier by the trigger-lock hardware mounting system. Requiring no tools to be fitted, it can be mounted in minutes provided that your bike is compatible with it. The fairing fits a Harley Davidson or Metric model, but for the latter, it will require a model specific mounting kit which can be bought separately.
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Vector Road King
It is one of the more popular items, thanks to the attractive price and plenty of features. Made from durable, hand-laid fiberglass, it is stronger than ABS plastic and will survive longer, even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. The aerodynamic shape reduces turbulence and increases riding comfort while offering some degree of protection against elements.
Improving style, the product looks amazing and definitely has an aesthetic value. The UV and scratch-resistant gel coat finish can be painted with minimal efforts. Designed to fit 1994-2015 Harley-Davidson Road King models, it can be installed on other motorcycles too but some modifications might be necessary.
It can accommodate an audio system (not provided), and, depending on what you want to add, other minor adjustments might be required. The package includes two windshields as well, one clear and one tinted.
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Max Motosports GL1500C
Versatile and compatible with a variety of motorcycle models, this item is durable and will resist a long amount of time, regardless of how harsh the weather conditions it is exposed to are. Easy to install and remove, the fairing requires no drilling or mounting hardware, and all you need is a screwdriver and perhaps a wrench to firmly tighten the screws in place.
Apart from featuring an easy setup, it is also durable and resistant and is made of ABS plastic. Colored in vivid black, it can be painted over or waterproof stickers can be placed on it without any problems.
In spite of being very cheap, it is a high-quality design that is compatible with a variety of Harley Davidson, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki models, and, depending on the year the motorbike was built, minor adjustments might be required. The aerodynamic shape will increase riding comfort and it does not add too much extra weight to the vehicle.
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ECOTRIC Universal Cruiser
With the included windshield mounted on it, the batwing fairing will measure 37 inches in width and 2 inches in height, meaning that it is large enough to offer some protection against the elements and frontal winds. Made from ABS plastic, the item has an aerodynamic shape that eliminates turbulence and increases riding comfort.
It is lightweight, but it has no inner fairing. Setup is easy, requiring no tools, but the brackets and mounting kits are not included and have to be bought separately. The included windshield is tinted and can be mounted immediately if you want to. It fits many motorcycles, but, to make sure that proper clearance is provided, carefully measure the sizes before ordering it.
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Vector VTX 1300/1800
Made from durable fiberglass which has been hand laid, it is far more durable than ABS plastic models and will last longer. The UV and scratch resistant finish is ready to paint over and offers further protection against the elements. It is pre-cut to allow the user to install 2 6 by 9-inch speakers, having enough room for the supplementary wiring.
Compatible with the 1300 and 1800 Honda VTX models, it is extremely easy to install, requiring no special preparation. Being lightweight, it increases riding comfort without hindering the rider or reducing the maneuverability of the vehicle. Included in the package are two windshields, one tinted and one clear, at no additional costs.
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Memphis Shades Spoiler Windshield
It is much cheaper, without sacrificing material quality or the finish. It fits all Memphis Shades batwing fairings and can be adapted for any motorcycle fitted with such an accessory. It is made of Lucite, ensuring durability and a long lifetime without being too expensive either.
Five custom heights are available, ranging from 4.5 to 9 inches, thus making the design pretty versatile and easily adjustable to every rider’s needs. In terms of look, it is available in smoke, a medium-bronze tint with 30% visible light transmission.
This looks great and reduces heat transmission, minimizing direct exposure to sunlight. The popularity of this item is a consequence of the low price and great value for the money, and also of the high-quality build and versatility.
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Midwest Corvette Novistretch Mesh
This product is less expensive and can be fitted on a variety of fairings, as it is adjustable and easy to remove or mount. Made with stretch-fabric technology, it incorporates fastening systems that enable an extremely fast setup, making it perfect for those who own more than one motorcycle with an added batwing fairing.
It can be transferred from one vehicle to another without problems, and with one product you obtain protection for all your motorbikes. Offered in black only, it is meant to fully cover all Harley Davidson batwings. Including a one year limited warranty, it will last longer than that if properly installed. It demands no maintenance, offering a tight and contoured fit.
The material is breathable and allows water to dry immediately in the open air, without having to be taken off.
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USA Harley Electra
The black, glossy finish looks attractive and offers some protection against the elements and scratches caused by pebbles thrown by other vehicles. The aerodynamic shape reduces fatigue and fuel consumption by decreasing the turbulences formed around the frontal part of the motorbike.
It also improves the aesthetics of your vehicle, and the tinted windshield deflects the frontal wind. To install it, you will need one quick-detach windshield mounting kit, and for some models, it might necessary to relocate the stock turn signals with an auxiliary lighting kit, neither of which are included in the package.
It only works with a detachable OEM Docking kit, but it can accommodate 4 by 5-inch speakers without requiring any adjustments.
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This Year’s Buying Guide
Before you start prospecting the market in order to search for some reliable motorcycle batwing fairings, you must take some aspects into consideration. These will influence the outcome and taking them into account will help you obtain a high-quality product at the lowest possible price.
Even though most designs are similar, there are essential details that set them apart. Learn what to look for by reading the buying guide featured below.
Shape
The most important feature of any batwing fairing and the one that helps it fulfill its main purpose is its shape. Aerodynamics is extremely important because it will help reduce turbulences, in turn increasing comfort and fuel efficiency.
The shape must provide a smooth and steady flow of air, while also offering some protection against the elements for the rider’s hands. It must also accommodate as many motorbikes without requiring adjustments or other accessories, and having enough space for a small sound system is indicated too.
Most quality motorcycle batwing fairings available for sale are pretty similar in shape. Minor differences are a result of how many models it can be fitted to, and the presence of other features also influences the overall form.
The more adaptable types of fairings have a less aerodynamic shape, but this will not influence performance too much. Those with included windshields are a little bit bigger and bulkier, but they are designed in such a way that they will not hinder the rider or reduce their ability to control the vehicle.
Windshields for batwing fairings are also sold in a variety of shapes; these have the purpose of deflecting the frontal flow of air and increasing comfort for the driver. Either clear or tinted, they have to be not too tall, allowing the rider to look at them with ease.
Their shape influences the flow of air only when the models are pretty tall and big, otherwise, it is not so important to pay attention to their design. Only if you have certain preferences from an aesthetic point of view, is their shape important.
Materials and finish
Batwing fairings are made from many materials, and their quality and type influences the price they are sold for. Each manufacturer specializes in accessories made from certain materials, and the experience with the various options is a guarantee that the product is good and will last longer.
Most commonly found batwing fairings are made from ABS plastics. This is a lightweight, durable and not so expensive material, many companies are experienced with it and for this reason, it seems to be the most reasonable choice. Good motorcycle batwing fairings are usually made with it, and have a satin or glossy finish, depending on the model.
It can be only for décor, with some models having UV and scratch resistant finish, which is more expensive. Fiberglass is also found in the pricier models. These are more durable, have a more solid build and almost all include a very tough and resistant finish that will protect them from the elements or other damage that might occur on the road.
The least expensive models feature a construction with low-quality plastics that do not guarantee a long lifetime, but their low price enables one to buy more than one product.
Quality
The quality of a product, together with the price influence the lifetime of your accessory and also how easy and enjoyable it is to use. Even cheap motorcycle batwing fairings must offer an aerodynamic shape and a strong build that prevents wind-induced deforming.
With the more expensive designs, there is no need to worry about their quality. Made from fiberglass or tough ABS, these will retain their shape even in the most adverse weather conditions and frontal winds.
More affordable models, usually made under license, are found at more than affordable prices, but these are made from cheaper plastics that might not stay firmly in place at high speeds, reducing comfort and efficiency.
Brands are also important; customers have complained that copies of licensed models that are too cheap can be difficult to mount, requiring special kits, brackets or adjustments. These are made with little attention to details, and sometimes their pre-drilled holes do not match those on the brackets.
By going to a very cheap model you might end up spending more money than you would on an easy-to-install version, by having to invest in various kits and tools. If you are a long distance rider who enjoys cruising, it is recommended that you do purchase an item with great quality for the money, one that can be mounted on more than one model of motorcycle.
Having the adequate shape and a strong build will surely improve your comfort and will make riding more enjoyable over long distances. For this reason, opt for the highest quality item you can afford.
Frequently asked questions about motorcycle batwing fairings
What is a batwing fairing?
A batwing fairing is a piece that can be installed on most motorcycles when the user desires to do so. It is aerodynamic and fulfills several purposes, all to increase your comfort and to make it more enjoyable to ride your motorcycle. It decreases turbulence, reducing fatigue by making the motorbike more stable and less prone to wind-induced vibration.
Furthermore, it protects the rider’s hands against the frontal wind in cold weather, also offering a degree of protection against raindrops. By making the vehicle more aerodynamic, fuel consumption can also be slightly reduced.
Last but not least, it looks good and can improve the aesthetics of a motorcycle without adding significant extra weight to it or hindering the rider in any way.
How to install batwing fairing?
Before you start installing a fairing, you should make sure the bike has been thoroughly cleaned – this is because the piece will cover part of it, and trapping dirt, bugs, leaves or other organic matters is not desirable. Clean the front fork, headlight, and handlebars. Mount the (usually included) brackets to the bike with the associated mounting bolts and screws.
Screws can be attached to the handlebars or fork legs. Once these have been attached, mount the fairing on the brackets. This should only imply tightening some screws after you have placed them through the pre-designed holes.
To make everything lines up properly, further adjustments might be required, but these should be done according to your personal preference and taste.
How to remove batwing fairing?
Removing a batwing fairing is as simple as installing one; it is basically a reversed installation, and, provided your kit is a quality one, all you have to do is follow some simple steps. First, remove the screws you used when mounting it. Be careful not to damage the pieces or the fairing itself.
Once the fairing is free, make sure it is not restrained by any other leftover screws or pieces, then tilt it forward and lift over the spotlights. Disconnect the headlight from the wiring harness; to prevent scratches, you can use a dry cloth or towel for extra security. This is pretty much all you have to do to remove a fairing.
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