is riding on a freeway + head wind ever an issue?

[andylawcc]

I just got a Ninja 250 with no fairings, and speeding above 70mph on the freeway is quite a task as the head wind gets stronger.
How do you guys cope with the fairing-less FZ6?

I always loved the fundamental of the FZ6, good power, good look, good price; am I starting off with wrong foot if I care so much about the wind?

 

[VEGASRIDER]

Always had issues about gusts and crosswinds, but headwind? Nah, no match for our 98hps.

 

[cv_rider]

I've never ridden a fully faired bike, but I've never noticed that wind on the legs/arms is an issue. It's wind on the chest/head that gets tiresome. I actually dislike it a lot, so I've dealt with it using a 2.5' long windscreen that puts the wind over the top of the helmet. Looks dorky, but is comfortable! Wind is a total non-issue for me now.

 

[Erci]

Using a bike with no fairing for high speed riding pretty much sucks. It's fine for short distances, but it can get very tiring pretty fast.
That's why those cool bikes are classified as street fighters

 

[Moses195]

What kind of 2.5' long windsheild??

 

[C-bus Biker]

Above 90, I'll tuck my head a little. Other than that, the stock windscreen does nicely.

 

[razteo]

It has something to do with the weight of the helmet (lighter helmet is more unstable at high speeds), how the aerodynamics of the helmet work with the aerodynamics of each specific bike, your height, etc.
There are lots of factors.

 

[afpreppie04]

I like the stock windscreen at 90+. It puts the wind right onto my helmet so I can just lay in it like a pillow. Eats up the miles in comfort, except for that pesky stock butt burner...

 

[delafz6]

it IS a 250....

 

[afpreppie04]

Whoops I kinda skimmed over that part...I can't really think of a comfortable situation for a naked 250 on the highway in heavy winds...

 

[cv_rider]

What kind of 2.5' long windsheild??

CalSci, Largest size, which is called +11 I believe. I have a Laminar Lip on top of it, which hugely reduced the wind noise. If you go the route of taller screens, you'll find that wind noise increases as turbulent air hits your helmet. Depends on how tall you are. While the CalSci blocked the wind very effectively, it created a loud wind roar, but the Laminar Lip fixed that. Some people have used a Cee Bailey screen that seems similar to the CalSci, but has a little forward curvature at the top that seems to push air a little higher, like my LL is doing. If it worked as well, it would be a less expensive and less ugly solution.

If you are about comfort over looks (or don't mind the sport-tourer look) then I highly recommend a large windscreen.

 

[chanke4252]

If your riding position has a bit of a hunch to it, meaning slightly more aggressive bars than what come on the FZ6, then riding w/o a fairing is great. Get a nice helmet w/ little wind noise and good aerodynamics, and after a couple of weeks you won't even notice the wind. Test drive helmets as well. You can't tell how they are going to perform with your head shape unless you get up to some decent speed and get some good airflow around them.

 

[andylawcc]

CV_Rider,

where did you buy your windscreen and the Laiminar Lip?

 

[Spideyrex]

I just got a Ninja 250 with no fairings, and speeding above 70mph on the freeway is quite a task as the head wind gets stronger.
How do you guys cope with the fairing-less FZ6?

I always loved the fundamental of the FZ6, good power, good look, good price; am I starting off with wrong foot if I care so much about the wind?

I ride a regular FZ^ with the half fairing and no problems in the wind. Above 80 tuck a little bit for a little more speed but the stock windshield is perfect for me (5'9")

By the way I miss my old Ninja 250 sometimes. Fun little bike and a great learning tool, but very capable

 

[AJ_rider]

I noticed a big difference when I upgraded from an HJC CL-SP to a Shoei RF1000. The aerodynamics of the helmet will play a big factor on wind buffeting. If I get going faster than usual I'll just tuck a little and I'm good to go.