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Chin fairing or no chin fairing?

Started by great white, March 20, 2019, 03:47:55 PM

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great white

This is not really a "modification", but I wasn't sure where to put it so I'm posting here.

When the 84 first came out, one of the things (as well as the rest of the bike) that got my "lust" going was the chin fairing. It was a relatively new thing on bikes back then and the FJ had one. Proper thing for the top of the line, $6000 bike in those times. But it was small (only as wide as the frame rails) and the proportions fit the bike perfectly (IMHO).

As the years went on and the FJ moved from "top of the heap hyper-bike" to sport tourer, the chin fairing started to grow. More protection for the rider, better aerodynamics and (if you believe the ad material) increased engine cooling.

I don't particularly mind the one on my 89 and it's in good shape (other than a crack or two on the bottom from someone bitting something) but it's always looked rather "big" to me.

With the FJ on the lift table and various modifications going on lately, I've had the chin fairing off for a fair bit of time now.

And honestly, I'm starting to really dig how it looks without one at all:



It gives the whole bike more of a race-y "forward lean" feel. It looks more early/mid 80's to me being able to see the frame, engine and header pipes.

The upper fairing looks a little bigger without the larger chin fairing down there, but the whole bike just seems to have a lighter/leaner and more "sporting" look to it.

The lower fairing has always been a bit of a "signature piece" of the FJ's, but I'm really digging the look without.

Thoughts? Issues? Potential problems?

ZOA NOM

An FJ requires a chin fairing, IMHO.

Rick

Current:
2010 Honda VFR1200 DCT (Full Auto!)
1993 FJ/GSXR 1200 (-ABS)
1987 Porsche 911 Carrera (Race)
1988 Porsche Carrera (Street)
Previous:
1993 FJ1200 (FIREBALL)
1993 FJ1200ABS (RIP my collar bone)
1986 FZ750
1984 FJ600
1982 Seca

Tuned forks

GW, I know what you mean.  Having been a young man in the eighties, I saw many bikes that did not have chin fairings much less front plastic at all.  However, I'm with Rick here.  The FJ should have it's bodywork to maintain it's identity.

Joe
1990 FJ1200-the reacher
1990 FZR 1000-crotch rocket

T Legg

I've never run mine with a chin fairing.
T Legg

ryanschoebel

I've never run a chin fairing on my 85, but that was just because I simply didnt have one. I grew to love the bike, without the fairing, because that's what it was to me. However, buying a new 84 later this week, it has the chin fairing, and I fully intend to keep it, because its a part of that bike. I really like the look, both with and without. IMO, you're correct, and it is a much sportier look without.
1985 FJ1100-- Atlas (SOLD)
1984 FJ1100-- Storm

Paul.1478

Personally I am with your first statement. loved it when it first came out and a big part of why I loved and and love it.

2006 GL1800
2009 KLR650
1976 RD400
1993 FJ 1200 ABS

ZOA NOM

Quote from: ryanschoebel on March 20, 2019, 05:07:15 PM
I've never run a chin fairing on my 85, but that was just because I simply didnt have one. I grew to love the bike, without the fairing, because that's what it was to me. However, buying a new 84 later this week, it has the chin fairing, and I fully intend to keep it, because its a part of that bike. I really like the look, both with and without. IMO, you're correct, and it is a much sportier look without.

Please tell us you got that creampuff in Torrance...
Rick

Current:
2010 Honda VFR1200 DCT (Full Auto!)
1993 FJ/GSXR 1200 (-ABS)
1987 Porsche 911 Carrera (Race)
1988 Porsche Carrera (Street)
Previous:
1993 FJ1200 (FIREBALL)
1993 FJ1200ABS (RIP my collar bone)
1986 FZ750
1984 FJ600
1982 Seca

ryanschoebel

Quote from: ZOA NOM on March 20, 2019, 05:29:14 PM
Quote from: ryanschoebel on March 20, 2019, 05:07:15 PM
I've never run a chin fairing on my 85, but that was just because I simply didnt have one. I grew to love the bike, without the fairing, because that's what it was to me. However, buying a new 84 later this week, it has the chin fairing, and I fully intend to keep it, because its a part of that bike. I really like the look, both with and without. IMO, you're correct, and it is a much sportier look without.

Please tell us you got that creampuff in Torrance...

You're damn right I did Rick
1985 FJ1100-- Atlas (SOLD)
1984 FJ1100-- Storm

ZOA NOM

Quote from: ryanschoebel on March 20, 2019, 06:00:47 PM
Quote from: ZOA NOM on March 20, 2019, 05:29:14 PM
Quote from: ryanschoebel on March 20, 2019, 05:07:15 PM
I've never run a chin fairing on my 85, but that was just because I simply didnt have one. I grew to love the bike, without the fairing, because that's what it was to me. However, buying a new 84 later this week, it has the chin fairing, and I fully intend to keep it, because its a part of that bike. I really like the look, both with and without. IMO, you're correct, and it is a much sportier look without.

Please tell us you got that creampuff in Torrance...

You're damn right I did Rick

I swear to God I was gonna take up a collection to make sure you got that thing. Can't wait to see it!
Rick

Current:
2010 Honda VFR1200 DCT (Full Auto!)
1993 FJ/GSXR 1200 (-ABS)
1987 Porsche 911 Carrera (Race)
1988 Porsche Carrera (Street)
Previous:
1993 FJ1200 (FIREBALL)
1993 FJ1200ABS (RIP my collar bone)
1986 FZ750
1984 FJ600
1982 Seca

Millietant

I ran my '89 3CV for a couple of years without the chin fairing and thought it looked much "sportier" - but, when I put it back on, I must admit I thought it made the bike look more of a "whole" than a collection of parts, as it looked without it.
Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.

FJ_Hooligan

Love the upper fairing, love the chin fairing.

Absolutely HATE HATE HATE the aftermarket center fairing!  It covers up that beautiful motor.

Way too much plastic.  Looks like a Hurricane
DavidR.

Pat Conlon



She just looks "right" with a chin fairing.

1) Free Owners Manual download: https://tinyurl.com/fmsz7hk9
2) Don't store your FJ with E10 fuel https://tinyurl.com/3cjrfct5
3) Replace your old stock rubber brake lines.
4) Important items for the '84-87 FJ's:
Safety wire: https://tinyurl.com/99zp8ufh
Fuel line: https://tinyurl.com/bdff9bf3

Ribz0

Yep... Im with the chin on... its what makes the FJ an FJ... very cool...  :biggrin:

Although a full fairing would be great... but I think it hides all the good bits...  (popcorn)

Some nice FJ porn there.... more please...  :crazy:

Eric
Bite off more than you can chew... then chew like hell!!

oldktmdude

    I think you should go with your first thought and convert it back to the best looking FJ built, '84/'85 paint and fairings. Keep the better looking 1200 tank
and paint the rest red and white or silver and white. By far the best looking FJ's produced.   :bomb:
   Regards, Pete.


1985 FJ1100 x2 (1 sold)
2009 TDM 900
1980 Kawasaki Z1R Mk11 (sold and still regretting it)
1979 Kawasaki Z650 (sold)
1985 Suzuki GSXR 400 x2 (next project)
2001 KTM 520 exc (sold)
2004 GasGas Ec300
1981 Honda CB 900 F (sold)
1989 Kawasaki GPX 600 Adventure

Millietant

Quote from: Pat Conlon on March 20, 2019, 08:03:18 PM


She just looks "right" with a chin fairing.



Definitely the best colour scheme and only looks "right" with the chin fairing in place.  :yes:
Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.