Batwing Fairing Question

[JTJersey]

I have searched the forum for info on handlebar mounted fairings or I guess they're referred to as Batwing fairings. A bunch of the responses centered around the efficiency of the stereo systems. Not a subject I'm interested in. I like the sound of my motor. After a few days of research I've discovered that it's real hard to find one of these that DON'T have cutouts for stereos with one or more speakers. Memphis Shades is mentioned a lot and they seem to have them without sound system provisions, they look good and the prices seem reasonable. The question is do they work? At highway speeds do they in fact cut down on wind in the chest and head area? Don't care about the legs. Do they affect handling? I lot of questions, sorry, but I know nothing about these things nor do I know anyone using one. If they work I'm all in.

 

[Rigsby]

Hi, I went with a fairing from Tsukayu who make several versions to fit the freewheeler. I bought a basic model with no speaker or stereo cut outs etc. it just has a small shelf for phone or odd change etc. Another thing i liked is it fixes as a windshield would fit so its removable in seconds but can also be ordered with a lock and key to prevent it going missing.

They are moulded in one piece rather than in two halves with a join around the edge which i preferred. It came in primer, ready for a topcoat or you can order it pre painted.

As for the handling I didn't notice any difference with it on or off and it definately keeps the wind off. Here are a couple of pictures (that could be any way up but you get the idea )

 

[JTJersey]

Hi, I went with a fairing from Tsukayu who make several versions to fit the freewheeler. I bought a basic model with no speaker or stereo cut outs etc. it just has a small shelf for phone or odd change etc. Another thing i liked is it fixes as a windshield would fit so its removable in seconds but can also be ordered with a lock and key to prevent it going missing. They are moulded in one piece rather than in two halves with a join around the edge which i preferred. It came in primer, ready for a topcoat or you can order it pre painted.

As for the handling I didn't notice any difference with it on or off and it definately keeps the wind off. Here are a couple of pictures (that could be any way up but you get the idea )

So they do work to keep the wind under control, very encouraging to hear. Nice mounting of your fairing. Looks like it belongs there, blends in nicely.

 

[JTJersey]

So I've been trying to contact Memphis Shades since Saturday. They never replied to my email query and when I called this morning I got a message that said leave a message with a call back number, which I did. No call back as of yet. Tried calling them in late afternoon and got a message that nobody could answer the phone and the mail box is full, Goodby. Not getting a warm fuzzing feeling about this company. My brother who lives in Tennessee and lived in Memphis for years has been to their place so I guess they're legit, but I'd really prefer talking to someone before placing a $600 parts order. Hopefully I'll have better luck tomorrow.

 

[rhino 2]

So I've been trying to contact Memphis Shades since Saturday. They never replied to my email query and when I called this morning I got a message that said leave a message with a call back number, which I did. No call back as of yet. Tried calling them in late afternoon and got a message that nobody could answer the phone and the mail box is full, Goodby. Not getting a warm fuzzing feeling about this company. My brother who lives in Tennessee and lived in Memphis for years has been to their place so I guess they're legit, but I'd really prefer talking to someone before placing a $600 parts order. Hopefully I'll have better luck tomorrow.

I haven't done business with them [Memphis shades in years when i had a Honda VTX 1800...Never had any problems with them....But that was then and this is now...

Nobody returns messages nowadays.....Not even Doctors..:gah:

But as to your quest for a Fairing....My Son just got one last month ; From recklessmotorcycles.com......For his 2018 Softail deluxe....Fast service...No radio but speakers for his bluetooth and color matched perfectly..

 

[JTJersey]

But as to your quest for a Fairing....My Son just got one last month ; From recklessmotorcycles.com......For his 2018 Softail deluxe....Fast service...No radio but speakers for his bluetooth and color matched perfectly..

Does it work to help tame the wind rush on the upper body area? Does he think it performs well, sound system aside?

 

[rhino 2]

Does it work to help tame the wind rush on the upper body area? Does he think it performs well, sound system aside?

He hasn't had any complaints.....And he has the VERY short wind screen:Shrug: ...I gave him my stock Tri-Glide shield to try and he gave it back to me saying its too tall..:Shrug:..

 

[JTJersey]

So I went ahead and ordered the Memphis Shades Batwing Fairing with the standard smoked 5" windshield and polished metal mounts despite having never gotten a response from my email and phone queries. Hope I haven't made a $534.85 mistake. I did at least get an automated order confirmation. Guess I'll see.

 

[New Orleans Kevin]

So I went ahead and ordered the Memphis Shades Batwing Fairing with the standard smoked 5" windshield and polished metal mounts despite having never gotten a response from my email and phone queries. Hope I haven't made a $534.85 mistake. I did at least get an automated order confirmation. Guess I'll see.

A lot of folks are out of pocket as Sturgis is happening right now. Two places I deal with have prerecorded messages to get back with them after the 16th

 

[JTJersey]

A lot of folks are out of pocket as Sturgis is happening right now. Two places I deal with have prerecorded messages to get back with them after the 16th

Hadn't even considered that. Probably means the parts aren't showing up here for a couple of weeks. Wonderful.

 

[shovel52]

I bought a Memphis Shades Batwing for my Freewheeler at the beginning of summer. I have had lots of their products over the years. They are always first class. I put the taller windshield on mine and like it a lot. Lots of air from underneath. I ordered the fangs from JES and put them on. They work great. I don't think you will be disappointed. I ordered mine through JP Cycles. I have ordered stuff from them for years. I never look anywhere else if JP has it. Shipping is good and customer service is good. I know you have already ordered yours.

Installation is straight up and handling is not changed at all that I can see.

Hope you enjoy it. Ken

 

[molokaimike]

Hi John

I had the Memphis Shades Batwing fairing on my Dyna. Easy installation and it worked great. People say that a handlebar mounted fairing causes handling issues compared to the frame mounted fairing. I've had 4 Harley's with Batwing fairings and never noticed any issues. I'm in Sturgis now, if I see their booth I'll ask them if shipments are held up because of Sturgis. I suspect that the manufacturing and shipping departments are still working and that only the sales people are at the rally.

Mike

 

[JTJersey]

Hi John I had the Memphis Shades Batwing fairing on my Dyna. Easy installation and it worked great. People say that a handlebar mounted fairing causes handling issues compared to the frame mounted fairing. I've had 4 Harley's with Batwing fairings and never noticed any issues. I'm in Sturgis now, if I see their booth I'll ask them if shipments are held up because of Sturgis. I suspect that the manufacturing and shipping departments are still working and that only the sales people are at the rally. Mike

I'm very jealous that your in Sturgis for Bike Week and I'm stuck in NJ. Please do post back if you actually get the chance to talk to them, in the meantime, don't have too much fun. :laugh:

 

[molokaimike]

I didn't see them in Sturgis but I didn't make it to all of the vendor's areas. There is another big vendor show in Rapid City, if I make it down there I look around.

 

[JTJersey]

So I finally heard back from Memphis Shades about my Batwing Fairing I ordered a week ago. Was told rather tersely that "Orders ship up to 3 weeks after they are received." End of reply. I really hope this is worth the wait 'cause I don't think I want to have to deal with customer support.

 

[rhino 2]

So I finally heard back from Memphis Shades about my Batwing Fairing I ordered a week ago. Was told rather tersely that "Orders ship up to 3 weeks after they are received." End of reply. I really hope this is worth the wait 'cause I don't think I want to have to deal with customer support.

Being the Devils Advocate........All supply chains are in a knot, Wait the 3 weeks or so before you tie your self in a knot also...The world of fast service is gone the Virus has what with factories that were closed and now short handed everyone is a little tense ...

 

[pigfoot63]

So I finally heard back from Memphis Shades about my Batwing Fairing I ordered a week ago. Was told rather tersely that "Orders ship up to 3 weeks after they are received." End of reply. I really hope this is worth the wait 'cause I don't think I want to have to deal with customer support.

About the same as ordering parts from Surdyke, ordered a 2020 Trike manual took seven weeks to arrive.

I found a slightly used one and purchased it. I now have two.

 

[JTJersey]

So I finally heard back from Memphis Shades about my Batwing Fairing I ordered a week ago. Was told rather tersely that "Orders ship up to 3 weeks after they are received." End of reply. I really hope this is worth the wait 'cause I don't think I want to have to deal with customer support.

Got a tracking number this afternoon from Memphis Shades about my Batwing Fairing kit. Yay! Hopefully I'll post some pics next week with the kit mounted. Rode to Delaware from South Jersey yesterday to get lunch at TGI Fridays. Anxious to see what that hop will be like with the Fairing kit. Also had to pay a toll at the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Went better than I anticipated. Hadn't had to fish money out of my pocket on a bike in years, probably about when the toll was 85 cents. Now it's $5. At least I didn't have to fool with change. Sigh.

 

[rhino 2]

Got a tracking number this afternoon from Memphis Shades about my Batwing Fairing kit. Yay! Hopefully I'll post some pics next week with the kit mounted. Rode to Delaware from South Jersey yesterday to get lunch at TGI Fridays. Anxious to see what that hop will be like with the Fairing kit. Also had to pay a toll at the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Went better than I anticipated. Hadn't had to fish money out of my pocket on a bike in years, probably about when the toll was 85 cents. Now it's $5. At least I didn't have to fool with change. Sigh.

I Haven't had to fish money out for tolls in years....Since 1987...When EZ Pass first came out i got 3 for the car/pickups and one for Motorcycles....For years i would laugh at the morons at the Lincoln Tunnel backed up for miles every morning at the booths going into Manhattan....And i just sailed through behind the TA Busses......

 

[JTJersey]

I Haven't had to fish money out for tolls in years....Since 1987...When EZ Pass first came out i got 3 for the car/pickups and one for Motorcycles....For years i would laugh at the morons at the Lincoln Tunnel backed up for miles every morning at the booths going into Manhattan....And i just sailed through behind the TA Busses......

Love EZ Pass. I'd have one on my Freewheeler if NJ would get off its rear end and issue me a plate and registration. EZ Pass won't issue a unit without a good tag number and on top of that my temp tag expires in two weeks.

 

[rhino 2]

Love EZ Pass. I'd have one on my Freewheeler if NJ would get off its rear end and issue me a plate and registration. EZ Pass won't issue a unit without a good tag number and on top of that my temp tag expires in two weeks.

Between the Postal Service and the motor vehicle department they take forever motor vehicle is slow and the Postal Service is very iffy at times… They both run on Indian time..

 

[copbiker]

faring

I also love the wind reduction the faring makes, got mine from Woody's Farings. DK Products makes a tank lift kit and cooling deflector wings, the lift kit raises the front of the tank an inch or so which stops the wind coming over the top of the tank. The cooling deflectors directs the wind from your body and puts it down on the motor where it should be. Easy install and the result is a cooler motor and at interstate speeds, 70 to 80 mph, just a breeze hitting my chest and face. Just a slight shirt flutter, perfect.

 

[JTJersey]

Memphis Shades fairing showed up this afternoon. Got it mounted and went for a test ride. Very sweet! Just a slight breeze on the midsection and the only buffeting is very light at my glasses around 65 mph. A ton better than the blast of wind at that speed prior. Going to run down to DE tomorrow and give it good test. That'll cover highways, back roads, city and rural roads for a couple hours. Liking this a lot so far.

 

[Jack Klarich]

That looks great, you would think The MOCO would offer Freewheeler owners an option like that

 

[Rigsby]

Looks great :clapping:

 

[JTJersey]

Memphis Shades fairing showed up this afternoon. Got it mounted and went for a test ride. Very sweet! Just a slight breeze on the midsection and the only buffeting is very light at my glasses around 65 mph. A ton better than the blast of wind at that speed prior. Going to run down to DE tomorrow and give it good test. That'll cover highways, back roads, city and rural roads for a couple hours. Liking this a lot so far.

So I took the run down to DE from New Jersey for lunch today. Other than walking the trike across the Delaware Memorial Bridge in 90+ degree weather due to construction it was a great ride and the Freewheeler handled everything without a hiccup. Only about a 100 mile round trip, but it was enough to thoroughly test the Memphis Shades fairing. I think I'm going to order the 7" windshield and try to reduce the wind buffeting some more at high speed. I have wrap around prescription tinted riding glasses I use for trips that I love, but when I hit about 65 mph they get to vibrating a bit and it can be annoying, but anything 60 and under was great. Planning another long lunch ride for tomorrow.

 

[W3JNP]

I think I'm going to order the 7" windshield and try to reduce the wind buffeting some more at high speed. I have wrap around prescription tinted riding glasses I use for trips that I love, but when I hit about 65 mph they get to vibrating a bit and it can be annoying, but anything 60 and under was great. Planning another long lunch ride for tomorrow.

I’m 6’1” and have the Reckless fairing and went to the 9” inch windscreen for the same reason.

There is virtually no wind on my face but a nice air on my arms and shoulders that keeps me cool in the heat.

 

[JTJersey]

Now I'm getting annoyed. I wanted to order the Memphis Shades 7" windshield to try on the Batwing Fairing I just got from them and all they have is clear. I don't want clear. I wanted black translucent like I've got with the 5" that's on there. I would have accepted the gradient black translucent, but they stopped making that. Girl on the phone told me I get clear or nothing and they have no plans to make anything else. I chose nothing. From a businessman's standpoint I don't see this as the best in customer relations.

 

[rhino 2]

Now I'm getting annoyed. I wanted to order the Memphis Shades 7" windshield to try on the Batwing Fairing I just got from them and all they have is clear. I don't want clear. I wanted black translucent like I've got with the 5" that's on there. I would have accepted the gradient black translucent, but they stopped making that. Girl on the phone told me I get clear or nothing and they have no plans to make anything else. I chose nothing. From a businessman's standpoint I don't see this as the best in customer relations.

I had my own business Midtown Manhattan For 30 years I am going to say you’re expecting too much ‘ especially in this day and age and I’ll leave it at that

 

[JTJersey]

I had my own business Midtown Manhattan For 30 years I am going to say you’re expecting too much ‘ especially in this day and age and I’ll leave it at that

Your probably right, but I would never dismiss my customers that way and I've been a gunsmith/dealer in NJ for 40 years.