Accessories
Various features and accessories may be attached to a motorcycle either as OEM (factory-fitted) or after-market.
Touring fairing on a Honda Gold Wing
Fairing
The most prominent of the plastic or fibreglass shells covering parts of the motorcycle is the "fairing". In practice, this may blend almost seamlessly with engine panels or wheel covers/mudguards (which in some cases will be painted or plated metal). These systems act to protect the rider from some or all of the weather, may improve aerodynamics (reducing drag), and are an important styling element. Full enclosure, the dustbin fairing, went out of fashion, partly for safety reasons - they were banned in racing in 1958 by the FIM.
Modern fairings, mostly designed specifically for each motorcycle and fitted as original equipment by the manufacturer, have eliminated the aerodynamic and structural failings of early add-on fairings. Both sports and tourer versions improve (sometimes very considerably) the rider's comfort in cold and wet weather and even "bikini" versions protect the vulnerable crotch region from water ingress.
Various features and accessories may be attached to a motorcycle either as OEM (factory-fitted) or after-market.
Touring fairing on a Honda Gold Wing
Fairing
The most prominent of the plastic or fibreglass shells covering parts of the motorcycle is the "fairing". In practice, this may blend almost seamlessly with engine panels or wheel covers/mudguards (which in some cases will be painted or plated metal). These systems act to protect the rider from some or all of the weather, may improve aerodynamics (reducing drag), and are an important styling element. Full enclosure, the dustbin fairing, went out of fashion, partly for safety reasons - they were banned in racing in 1958 by the FIM.
Modern fairings, mostly designed specifically for each motorcycle and fitted as original equipment by the manufacturer, have eliminated the aerodynamic and structural failings of early add-on fairings. Both sports and tourer versions improve (sometimes very considerably) the rider's comfort in cold and wet weather and even "bikini" versions protect the vulnerable crotch region from water ingress.
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