Chin fairing or no chin fairing?

[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.

[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

[T Legg]

I've never run mine with a chin fairing.

[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.

[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.

[ZOA NOM]

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...

[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.

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

You're damn right I did Rick

[ZOA NOM]

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!

[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.

[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

[Pat Conlon]

She just looks "right" with a chin fairing.

[Ribz0]

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

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

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

Eric

[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.   
   Regards, Pete.

[Millietant]

She just looks "right" with a chin fairing.

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