Cruising down the open road, the wind in your face, the roar of your Road King beneath you, there’s no feeling quite like it, right? But, when it comes to outfitting your iron steed with the best fairing, the bustling market presents a whole new challenge for motorcycle enthusiasts.
That’s where we step into the fray. We’re not just a brand, we’re your bike-loving buddies, gearheads who’ve spun their fair share of wrenches and are here to simplify those daunting choices.
We’ve tackled the complicated task of navigating the vast fairing market to bring you an unambiguous, jargon-free answer to the question, “What’s the best fairing for Road King models of all years?” Through careful research, real-world testing, and a pinch of hands-on experience, our endless highways of knowledge are laid bare for your benefit.
Your adventurous spirit deserves nothing short of the best. So, rev up your engines, fellow riders, as we throttle into this comprehensive guide. Buckle up, it’s going to be one exhilarating ride.
Other Road King Upgrades:
- The Best Handlebars for Road King (of all years) Revealed
- Best Seat for Road King: Long Rides, Comfort, and More
- Best Shocks for Road King: Comfort, Performance, and More
- Best Road King Windshield: Clear, Tinted, and More
Understanding the Need for a Fairing
Before we delve into the various options, it’s essential to understand why a fairing is necessary for your Road King. A fairing helps deflect wind, rain, and road debris away from the rider, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable ride. It also enhances the bike’s aerodynamics, reducing drag and increasing speed and fuel efficiency.
Fairing vs. Windshield: The Dilemma
Many riders find themselves torn between choosing a windshield and a fairing. A windshield offers a simple solution to wind protection but lacks the comprehensive coverage and enhanced aesthetics that a fairing provides. On the other hand, a fairing, while more expensive, offers superior wind and debris protection, integrates sound systems and navigation, and improves the bike’s overall look.
While you’re in there, you might wanna change your handlebars too: The Best Handlebars for Road King (of all years) Revealed
Identifying the Best Fairing for Road King Models
Really, for the Road King, there’s one company that seems to reign supreme. It’s Memphis Shades, offering skinny fairing, batwing fairings and more, they came up most frequently during my research. With that being said, let’s cover a few of their Road King fairing variations.
Memphis Shades Road King Fairings
Let’s look at the best fairings by style/category. These categories include:
- the best batwing fairing
- the best bikini fairing
- the best road warrior fairing
Now for the specifics, let’s keep moving!
Best Batwing Fairing for Road King
Memphis Shades Batwing Fairing
Key Features
- Aerodynamic Shape: Enhances the style and comfort of your ride.
- Material: Inner fairing made of black textured ABS and outer shell of opaque black Lucite with a Class A finish.
- Customization: Ready to be painted to match your bike (paint tips provided by Memphis Shades).
Rev up your ride with the sleek Memphis Shades Batwing Fairing, the ultimate blend of style and aerodynamic efficiency. Crafted with a keen eye for detail, this fairing features a robust inner shell of black textured ABS and an outer shell of premium opaque black Lucite with a flawless Class A finish. Ready for a custom touch? It’s paint-ready to match the unique spirit of your bike.
But the Batwing Fairing isn’t just about looks. It’s about performance, demanding the attention of riders who know that comfort and protection are paramount on the open road. With optional enhancements like wind deflectors and a windshield tri-pouch, your riding experience is customizable to your preferences.
Proudly made in the USA, the Memphis Shades Batwing Fairing is a testament to superior craftsmanship. Don’t settle for less than the best. Elevate your motorcycle’s aesthetic and enjoy a smoother ride with this top-tier accessory.
Pros
- Optional Add-ons: Wind deflectors, windshield trim, a windshield tri-pouch, and a speaker system.
- Made in the USA: Domestic quality assurance.
Cons
- Mounting: Requires the purchase of a separate mounting kit and windshield or spoiler windshield.
Best Bikini Fairing for The Road King
Memphis Shades Bullet (Bikini) Fairing
Key Features
- One-Piece Construction: Super-strong and gap-free for a sleek appearance.
- Design: Bold, aerodynamic shape with outlaw styling to streamline low-slung cruisers.
- Coverage: Provides good torso coverage to help reduce wind fatigue while ensuring clear views.
- Finish: Factory-appearing finish that’s ready to be painted for full bike integration.
- Size: Approximately 16″ from the top of the headlight bezel to the top of the fairing.
Transform your club-style bike into a head-turner with the Memphis Shades Bullet Fairing. This one-piece powerhouse is the epitome of strength and style, eliminating unsightly gaps and presenting a seamless shield. With its upper half tinted and the inside boasting a Class A finish, this fairing offers a glossy, high-end look that resists color fading.
The Bullet Fairing isn’t just about making a statement; it’s about performance. Its aerodynamic design cuts through the wind like a knife, offering substantial torso coverage to combat wind fatigue on long rides. And with its ready-to-paint surface, you can customize it to become an integral part of your bike’s design.
Perfect for the rider who refuses to compromise on style or substance, the Memphis Shades Bullet Fairing is a declaration of independence on the open road. It’s time to gear up, get out, and ride with confidence.
Pros
- Made in the USA: Domestic quality assurance.
Cons
- Installation: Model-specific mounting kit required (sold separately).
Best Road Warrior Fairing for Road Kings
Memphis Shades Road Warrior Fairing
Key Features
- Stylish Coverage: The fairing provides a sleek look with clean lines and smooth curves.
- Customizable: Offers a variety of windshield heights and colors to suit personal preferences (note: windshield and mounting kit sold separately).
- Sturdy Construction: Built with a Class A finish on the outside for durability and aesthetics.
- Dimensions: The fairing is 19″ in width and has a cutout for a 5 3/5″ headlight.
Elevate your motorcycle’s style and comfort with the Memphis Shades Road Warrior Fairing. Designed exclusively for Harley models including the Road King, this fairing not only enhances your bike’s appearance but also improves your riding experience. With its clean lines and smooth curves, the Road Warrior Fairing adds a touch of elegance to your motorcycle. The customizable windshield options allow you to tailor the look and feel to your exact preferences, ensuring that your bike stands out from the crowd.
Ready to ride with style? The Memphis Shades Road Warrior Fairing is your ticket to a more enjoyable, more personalized, and more impressive motorcycling experience.
Pros
- Made in the USA: Domestic production for quality assurance.
- Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward installation.
Cons
- Additional Requirements: Designed for use with Memphis Shades headlight extension block (sold separately). May require relocation of fork tube mounted turn signals.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fairing
When choosing your fairing, you’ll want to consider the following points:
- its aerodynamics
- the color and finish
- the structure and material
- the installation process
- The items availability
- available accessories
- and the price, of course
Now, let’s get into it a little bit shall we?
Aerodynamics
The fairing should provide a clean, aerodynamic shape to reduce air drag and enhance the bike’s speed and fuel efficiency.
Color and Finish
You might want a fairing in a color that matches your bike. Many fairings come in a gloss black finish, which can be easily painted to match your custom ride.
Structure and Material
The inner structure of the fairing should ideally be made from durable materials like ABS for longevity.
Installation
Look for a fairing pre-drilled and fitted with push out hole plugs for easy wind deflector installation.
Windshield Availability
Check if the fairing comes with a windshield. If it doesn’t, you should be able to purchase one separately in a style and color of your choice.
Accessories
Accessories like storage pouches and fairing trims can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your fairing.
Price
The price of the fairing is an important consideration. Look for one that provides the best value for your money.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the best fairing for a Road King involves careful consideration of various factors, including style, functionality, price, and personal preference. The right fairing can significantly enhance your riding experience, making every journey on your Road King a joy. Whether you choose a Woody’s fairing or a Memphis Shades Batwing, ensure it meets all your requirements and aligns with your budget. Happy riding!