If you want to find out more about these popular machines, you’ve come to the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this cruiser motorcycle review!

What is a Cruiser Motorcycle?

There are many different types of motorcycles in the marketplace, and cruisers are just one of them. As the name suggests, these bikes are primarily built for cruising, so they are a great choice for medium-distance rides but they also do a good job around town.

Cruiser motorcycles first appeared in the US in the 1930s and become more prevalent in the decades that followed. The most well-known models were manufactured by the largest motorcycle companies including Indian, Henderson, Excelsior, and Harley-Davidson.

But are you wondering what makes a cruiser motorcycle?

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the features of these bikes in detail!

Engine and Gearing

The heart of a cruiser motorcycle is typically its large-displacement V-twin engine. Their long-stroke/small-bore cylinders ensure much lower rev limits than other motorcycle engines.

Therefore, these power mills and their gearing produce good low-end torque rather than high HP.

Many cruiser motorcycle engines pack traditional features including carburetors and air-cooling, while their displacement ranges from 15ci (250cc) up to 130+ci (2150+cc).

However, special models like the legendary Boss-Hoss cruisers have a maximum engine capacity of 376ci (6200cc) with a maximum power output of 445 HP.

Cruiser motorcycles that come with extremely powerful engines are considered “power cruisers”. Besides this high-performance power source, they are equipped with advanced suspensions and brakes for optimal performance.

Frame and Suspensions

The engine on cruiser motorcycles sits close to the ground in a massive “low-slung” metal frame.

Just like the engine, the seat is also positioned very low with a large fuel tank sitting slightly above it.

Some cruisers are built on a rigid frame to which the rear axle is directly mounted. In other words, these bikes lack rear suspensions, so they offer pretty bumpy rides.

In contrast, the vast majority of stock cruisers are manufactured with front and rear suspensions for comfort.

Another distinguishing feature of cruisers is their mid or forward-foot controls. which makes these bikes easily recognizable.

Riding Position and Experience

The main idea behind the low seating position and forward-mounted controls is to ensure a comfortable and relaxing seating position and a low center of gravity.

On a properly sized cruiser, you don’t have to be hunched forward to operate the machine. Instead, you can lean back slightly and comfortably rest your hands on the raised bars.

We don’t talk about high “ape-hanger” bars here, which are prone to making rides uncomfortable! The arched handlebars of cruisers provide controllable steering that finds the sweet spot between the high apes and the sporty clubman or clip-on bars.

This convenient setup offers quick and easy shifts and a comfortable body position allowing you to cover longer distances comfortably.

It also comes in handy at higher speeds, since the low center of gravity translates to much better stability.

Smaller riders also appreciate the low seat height of cruisers, which allows them to place their feet on the ground easily.

On the other hand, the drawback of cruiser motorcycles is that you can’t rise from the seat to dampen the bonces on a rough road. This means that the dynamic forces are directly transferred up your spine.

To dampen these impacts, cruisers are often equipped with soft saddles and suspensions.

Behind their comfortable saddle, these bikes typically have a smaller pillion seat to carry a passenger.

The dry weight of cruiser motorcycles starts at 300 pounds and goes up to 800+ pounds, but most of them fall into a range of 500-700 pounds.

Consequently, cruisers are great for smooth, flat, straight roads, but are not recommended for uneven surfaces. They are also hard to maneuver in tight spaces due to their long wheelbase.

Style and Features

In addition to the above, cruisers stand out from the crowd with their unique look and the lifestyle they represent. And we are not only talking about nostalgia here!

Cruisers have a distinctive sound, vibration, and unbeatable appearance.

They typically pack a lot of chrome parts, long front forks, balloon tires, and other features that are tailored to these bikes.

Due to their massive chassis, cruisers have great carrying capacities and offer plenty of space for luggage. One of the most stylish ways to carry gear on these bikes is to equip them with a pair of matching side bags.

Surprisingly, the riding characteristics won’t change too much even with a significant load.

Takeaways – FAQs About Cruiser Motorcycles

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about these popular machines!

Which Motorcycles Are Considered Cruisers?

As a rule of thumb, large-displacement motorcycles with a low seat height and forward foot controls are considered cruisers.

To be more precise, the distinguishing features of cruiser motorcycles are as follows:

• Durable, “low-slung” frame
• Big-inch V-twin engine
• Relaxed, lean-back riding position
• Low positioned seat
• Higher handlebars
• Forward foot controls
• Balloon tires
• Long wheelbase
• Comfortable seat and suspensions
• Highly customizable design

Which Companies Make Cruiser Motorcycles?

In a nutshell, the most well-known cruiser motorcycle manufacturers are as follows:

• Harley-Davidson
• Indian
• Triumph
• BMW
• Royal Enfield
• Moto Guzzi
• Honda
• Suzuki
• Kawasaki
• Yamaha
• Ducati

Is Every Harley-Davidson a Cruiser?

Harley-Davidson is considered the most important cruiser motorcycle manufacturer. But contrary to popular belief, not all H-D motorcycles are cruisers!

Instead, the American manufacturer offers many great sports, touring, adventure, and trike motorcycles to its customers.

What is the Difference Between a Cruiser and a Standard Motorcycle?

Compared to standard motorcycles, cruisers are bigger, heavier, have a lower seating position, and forward controls, which offer a relaxing “lean back” riding position.

In other words, on a cruiser your feet are in front of you while on a standard motorcycle your feet are positioned under your torso.

Also, cruisers have large-displacement, V-twin engines that produce a ton of low-end torque but less peak HP.

What is the Difference Between a Cruiser and a Touring Motorcycle?

Touring motorcycles are designed for long-haul riding, so they come with large-capacity fuel tanks and smooth, fuel-efficient engines. For the best wind and weather protection, they are equipped with large windshields and fairings.

In contrast, cruisers not only lack these features, but they are often powered by noisy and thirsty V-twin engines.

Can You Ride a Cruiser Motorcycle Long Distance?

Yes, cruiser motorcycles can cover very long distances, but they offer less comfort and protection than their touring counterparts.

Therefore, if you are looking for a bike primarily for covering long distances, you can’t go wrong with a touring machine.

How Far Can You Ride a Cruiser Motorcycle?

Cruiser motorcycles are designed to cover medium distances, so they typically have a fuel capacity of 4-6 gallons. This translates to a fuel range of 100-300 miles depending on the make and model.

For example, the fuel capacity of the popular Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight is as low as 2.1 gallons, which ensures a moderate fuel range of 80-100 miles.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can find some Japanese cruisers like the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager. This bike gets about 40 MPG on average, so its 5.3-gallon fuel tank can carry you more than 200 miles between fill-ups.

What are Cruiser Motorcycles Good for?

As the name suggests, cruiser motorcycles are built for cruising. They are great for covering medium distances on smooth, relatively flat roads. Although cruisers maneuver harder than scooters and city bikes, they can be also used around town.

Therefore, they are good for riding from a-to-b in the city or even cruising on highways or open roads.

On the other hand, cruiser motorcycles are not great for uneven roads or extreme speeds.

They are simply built for the enjoyment of riding rather than racing with squids!

What’s the Difference Between a Bobber and a Cruiser?

There are many differences between bobbers and cruisers, but the most important ones are as follows:

• Bobbers have shorter front forks
• Bobbers are lighter and look sleeker
• Bobbers are minimalist bikes built on bare bone frames
• Bobbers were originally intended to reach high speeds, but today they are more about style than performance
• Bobbers offer less comfort as they are designed for shorter rides

Is a Chopper a Cruiser?

It’s safe to say that any cruiser motorcycle can be a chopper with the appropriate modifications.

Choppers are often custom-built or heavily modified cruisers that are tailored by their owner or a professional shop. High-end models come with a jaw-dropping appearance and unique features.

Compared to stock cruisers, choppers usually have fewer features, smaller seats and fuel tanks, longer front forks, oversized engines, custom paint jobs, and a ton of shiny chrome features.

They sometimes look more like a piece of art than a conventional motorcycle.

Unlike choppers, cruisers are commercially-available motorcycles sold in large quantities with limited or no customization options.

They are influenced by choppers but come with more features, affordable price tags, and offer more comfort for everyday rides.

Are Cruiser Bikes Heavy?

Yes, cruisers are significantly heavier than standard motorcycles, as they typically weigh 500-700 pounds, but certain models can be as heavy as 800+ pounds!

What CC is a Cruiser Motorcycle?

The displacement of cruiser motorcycles averages from 15” (250cc) up to 130+” (2150cc), but the majority of them fall into arange of 50”-110” (500-1800cc).

How Much is a Cruiser Motorcycle?

The prices of cruiser motorcycles range from under $5,000 to well over $20,000 for a high-end model.

For example, Harley-Davidson cruisers cost anywhere from $11,000-$22,000, which doesn’t even include the gear and optional accessories.

Are Cruisers Good for Beginners?

Cruisers are considered good starter motorcycles, but not the heavy ones!

If you are looking for a beginner bike and are stuck with cruisers, make sure to invest in a lighter machine with a smaller engine. General wisdom says that the lighter the bike, the easier it is to handle.

Besides lightweight Japanese cruisers, the H-D Sportster 883 and 1200 can also be a great choice.

Are Cruisers Hard to Ride? 

Are cruisers hard to ride? – we get this question often and the answer is it depends.

While cruisers are easy to ride on open roads, they are difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and at slower speeds due to their heavy weight and long wheelbase.

Are Cruiser Motorcycles Safer?

According to statistics, cruiser motorcycles are safer than sports bikes since the latter has a higher fatality rate in accidents.

However, it boils down to the age and behavior of the rider rather than the features of the motorcycle!

Cruiser owners are typically older and more responsible riders who are looking for slower and more relaxing rides. In contrast, sport bikes and other high-performance motorcycles are often owned by performance-minded buyers who prefer to go very fast or even do dangerous tricks like “wheelies”.

Unfortunately, their irresponsible riding more often ends in a serious accident.

References:

https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/what-is-cruiser/

https://www.spauldinginjurylaw.com/blog/sport-bike-vs-cruiser-safety

If you want to find out more about motorcycle frames, you are in the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled the basics of this key part into this post!

What is the Frame of a Motorcycle?

Although frameless motorcycles have already been invented, almost every stock motorcycle comes with a metal frame.

What is the frame of a motorcycle? In a nutshell, it’s a metal base on which the entire vehicle is built.  The frame not only houses the engine, but also provides connection points for the rear suspension, handlebar, fairings, footpegs, seat, and many other smaller parts of the bike. This means the frame on a motorcycle does the same job as the backbone of our body.

It’s also good to know that front forks are typically not considered part of the frame.

Officially, the frame of a motorcycle is its metal frame completely stripped without any bearings, forks, or other additions.

What Types of Motorcycle Frames are There?

The different types of motorcycle frames have various names, which are often referred in their design. The seven main types of motorcycle frames are as follows:

1. Backbone or Spine
2. Diamond
3. Single-cradle
4. Double-cradle or duplex
5. Trellis
6. Perimeter
7. Monocoque and pressed

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about each one in detail!

1. What is the Backbone Motorcycle Frame? 

A backbone motorcycle frame features a pretty simple design. As its name suggests, this type of frame acts as a backbone on which the other components are directly connected. On these bikes, the engine basically hangs off the frame. This is why backbone motorcycle frames are also referred to as spine frames.

Thanks to their simplicity backbone frames are easy and cheap to manufacture. Because of this, they are commonly used in entry-level motorcycles.

Drawbacks?

Unfortunately, this type of frame is weaker and offers less rigidity than other frame designs. This means that backbone frames can only handle less powerful engines.

2. What is a Diamond Motorcycle Frame? 

Diamond motorcycle frames feature a diamond shape, which is where the name comes from. It’s a lesser-known fact that the earliest motorcycles featured this frame design! This is because the earliest motorcycles were actually bicycles equipped with very small engines. That’s why diamond frames are closely related to bicycle frames.

This type of frame was commonly used on early Indian motorcycles.

3. What is a Single-Cradle Motorcycle Frame?

Single-cradle motorcycle frames also feature a single down-tube frame. This design is actually a special type of diamond frame; hence, these terms are often used interchangeably. But the main difference between diamond and single-cradle motorcycle frames is that in the latter the engine is mounted closer to the ground.

This means in a diamond frame the engine sits higher, which results in a higher center of gravity.

Just picture a bicycle with an engine in place of the water bottle!

But if you bend the pipe where the bottle sits and move this point towards the ground, you virtually get a single-cradle frame.

This new shape offers more space for the engine, which is already closer to the ground. 

Since the engine is virtually placed in a loop, these frames are often called single-loop motorcycle frames as well.

4. What is a Double-Cradle Frame on a Motorcycle?

Unlike their single brothers, double-cradle motorcycle frames feature two down-tube frames. This doubled tubing provides a more rigid structure and better support for the engine. Double-cradle frames are stronger, more durable, and can handle more powerful engines. This construction is also known as a duplex or double-loop frame.

We also have to mention half-duplex motorcycle frames as well. These frames feature a unique design, as they are actually a combination of a double and a single-cradle frame.

These frames are often used on cruiser motorcycles, which can feature a “soft tail” (with a rear suspension) or a “hard tail” (without a suspension).

5. What is a Perimeter Frame on a Motorcycle?

It’s safe to say that most high-performance and racing motorcycles today feature a perimeter frame. These frames have two huge beams that directly link the swingarm and the steering head. There is a great deal of distance between the two beams in order to enclose the engine. To keep the weight of these large beams low, perimeter frames are usually made of aluminum.

Perimeter frames were originally developed for racing purposes, but today they are commonly used in many high-performance street motorcycles as well.

6. What is a Trellis Frame on a Motorcycle?

It’s safe to say that trellis frames are very much like perimeter frames. But instead of the two large aluminum beams, these frames are built of many short pipes. These little pipes are welded together to form a rigid structure. A well-designed trellis frame can be lighter and even more rigid than many perimeter frames!

They are also easier to manufacture as the process doesn’t require special machinery. On top of that, trellis frames look really cool, so they are typically part of the design, especially on naked bikes.

Trellis frames are used in Ducatis as well as many KTM bikes.

7. What is a Monocoque Motorcycle Frame?

Monocoque motorcycle frames work in the same way as a car chassis. This means they are actually one piece of metal, which provides outstanding strength and rigidity. Monocoque frames are expensive and hard to manufacture, which is why they are mainly only used in racing bikes.

If the structure is designed with additional supporting elements, it would be considered a semi-monocoque frame.

What Are Motorcycle Frames Made of?

Besides the shape, the material the frame is made of is no less important. The most commonly used motorcycle frame materials are as follows:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Magnesium
• Titanium
• Composite (mainly carbon fiber)

It’s safe to say that the majority of motorcycle frames are still made of aluminum or steel. The latter is cheaper, but aluminum is lighter.

To get the best of both worlds, more and more motorcycles come with hybrid frames that feature both steel and aluminum parts.

A few high-end bikes feature special frames that are made of titanium, magnesium, or carbon fiber.

Which Type of Steel is Used for Motorcycle Frames?

One of the most commonly used types of steel for manufacturing motorcycle frames is carbon steel or “mild steel.” The main advantage of these frames is that they can be more easily repaired if bent. On the other hand, this material is quite heavy. Besides carbon steel, many motorcycle frames are made of alloy steels like chrome moly. These frames are lighter but harder to fix as they are prone to cracking when they bend.

Which Type of Aluminum is Used in Motorcycle Frames?

It’s hard to tell what type of aluminum is exactly used in motorcycle frames, as they are typically custom alloys. And for obvious reasons manufacturers want to keep this a secret! However, there are rumors that some of the most common types of aluminum used in motorcycle frames are most likely the 7xxx and the 6xxx series.

How Heavy is a Motorcycle Frame?

Despite their large dimensions, these metal frames are quite lightweight. As a rule of thumb, a motorcycle frame weighs about 17-80 pounds depending on the size, design, and material. You can find the lightest motorcycle frames in dirt bikes as they only weigh about 17-25 pounds. The perimeter frames of sportbikes weigh 25-30 pounds, while cruiser’s double-cradle frames weigh about 50-80 pounds.

(These numbers are just ballpark figures, as the weight of a motorcycle frame always depends on several factors!)

The lightest perimeter frames can be found in high-end BMW sportbikes.  These lightweight motorcycle frames are made of carbon fiber and weigh as little as 17 pounds, which is about 11 pounds lighter than a regular steel frame.

For example, the frame of the vintage Honda SL350 K1 weighs only 28 pounds, while the 2004 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 perimeter frame weighs about 25 pounds.

The heaviest motorcycle frames are arguably the huge monocoque box frames, which can reach or even exceed 100 pounds.

This seems like a lot, but don’t forget that these frames also contain the fuel tank and other parts of the bike.

FAQs About Motorcycle Frames

As a takeaway, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about motorcycle frames!

What is the Chassis of a Motorcycle?

The chassis of the motorcycle is actually its frame, so these terms are often used interchangeably. The chassis of a motorcycle is the main supporting structure of the machine. The other components like the suspensions, wheels, engine, seat, gas tank, are all mounted onto this framework. The chassis ensures the motorcycle’s stability, strength, and proper handling.

Where is the Chassis Number on a Motorbike?

The chassis number on a motorcycle is typically stamped on the right side of the tubing or the headstock tube. The latter is the short tube on the front of the frame directly above the front forks. A motorcycle’s chassis number is often referred as the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

What is a Twin-Spar Frame?

Twin-beam or twin-spar frames are just synonyms of perimeter motorcycle frames. The term “twin” refers to the two large beams that are the main components of these frames. These beams enclose the engine and directly connect the headstock tube with the pivot points of the swingarm.

What is a Deltabox Motorcycle Frame?

The Deltabox frame is one of the most well-known perimeter motorcycle frame series designed by Yamaha. This frame gets its name from its shape and design (Delta=triangle symbol in the Greek alphabet). According to Yamaha, the Deltabox frame offers excellent torsion rigidity and a well-balanced structure, which results in superb stability and responsive steering.

Do Frameless Motorcycles Exist?

Surprisingly, frameless motorcycles do exist! However, they are pretty rare and used primarily for racing purposes. The main idea behind the frameless design is to reduce weight and manufacturing costs.

 On frameless motorcycles, the rear swingarm is attached directly to the engine, which takes over the role of a classic frame.

One of the most well-known frameless bikes was the Britten V1000, which was built for racing purposes in the ‘90s.

When it comes to the newest bikes, one of the most well-known semi-frameless motorcycles is the Ducati Panigale.

We can’t say that this bike is completely frameless, as its front forks and engine are still connected to a small aluminum box (which is often considered to be a monocoque frame). Simply put, this box and the engine itself act as the frame of the machine.

 Just like on real frameless bikes, on the Panigale the rear suspension is directly attached to the engine.

How are Motorcycle Frames Made?

Today, the majority of motorcycle frames are manufactured by special machinery. Depending on their design and material, frames can be welded or fully machined.

However, a small series of custom motorcycle frames are still being made by hand welding and by using pipe benders.

Here’s a great video on how custom motorcycle frames are being made:

What Types of Tubing is Used for Motorcycle Frames?

Generally speaking, three different types of tubes are used for manufacturing motorcycle frames:

• ERW (Electric Resistance Welded)
• DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel)
• Chrome Moly (Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel)

ERW is considered to be the most basic tubing for motorcycle frames, while DOM tubes are significantly stronger. The latter is often used for manufacturing chopper frames.

The best of these three types of tubing is arguably Chrome Moly or “chromoly” tubes, which are made of a more complex alloy. Thanks to the additional elements this material is stronger than ERW and DOM tubes.

Which Frame is Best for Motorcycle?

Many riders say that the best motorcycle frames are perimeter and trellis frames. They can handle high performance, offer excellent rigidity and directly connect to the forks and the swingarm. That’s why they are commonly used in high-performance motorcycles. On the other hand, they are hard to manufacture, very expensive, and don’t fit the design of many types of bike. Because of this, the best frames for cheaper motorcycles are still backbone and cradle frames!

References:

KTMMad

TVS Motor

CarBikeTech

Motorcyclist

If you want to find out what the advantages of this custom head fairing are, you are in the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

What is a Batwing Fairing on a Motorcycle?

Let’s face it, when you ride a motorcycle, you are completely exposed to the elements. To give you some protection, touring bikes are equipped with fairings and a windshield.

But due to their design, many cruiser motorcycles typically don’t come with these important parts.

If you have a cruiser and are looking for some protection, you have two options to choose from.

You can install a regular windshield on your bike, or you can invest in a batwing (or shark nose) fairing.

A batwing fairing is actually a fork-mounted head fairing that has two extensions on its side. Thanks to this design, this fairing looks like a bat with spread wings. This is where the name comes from!

A complete batwing fairing systems consist of six parts, which are as follows:

• Outer fairing
• Inner fairing
• Windshield
• Mounting kit
• Lower trim skirt fairing
• Extra storage bags

The outer fairing is the largest and most recognizable unit. It encloses the headlight and covers the front of the handlebar.

Some cheaper batwing fairing kits only consist of this outer shell and a windshield.

Other kits come with an inner fairing, which is less visible from the front as it sits behind the outer shell.

The main role of this unit is to enclose the gauges and screens to give a clean and organized look to the dashboard.

Thanks to its large dimensions, the inner fairing offers plenty of space for other features like speakers, and even extra gauges.

Batwing fairing audio systems typically contain a stereo and some speakers as well. This usually means two large or four small speakers depending on the make and model.

Just like head fairings in general, batwings also come with windshields. Depending on your height and needs, you can choose from many different shapes and designs.

Since they have to be attached to the front forks, these kits come with mounting brackets in most cases.

However, be careful since for some aftermarket batwing fairings you have to purchase the mounting kit separately.

A lower trim skirt fairing (also known as an “outer fairing skirt”) is a little fairing that is also available as an option.

This tiny deflector gives the batwing fairing a finished look and offers a little extra wind protection as well.

It sits below the outer fairings between the two forks. For some reason, it’s not built into the outer fairing.

Another nice little addition to this setup is a windshield bag, which can be mounted above the inner fairing.

It’s a great place to store your sunglasses, phone, and other small types of gear!

The Origins of Batwing Fairings

The first motorcycle with a batwing fairing was the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide introduced in 1969. Since then, this kind of head fairing has become a standard on many other Harley models.

What’s more, today many major cruiser manufacturers offer “batwing fairing motorcycles.”

Thanks to the variety of aftermarket batwing fairings, they are already available for most cruiser motorcycles.

The early batwing fairings were easy to remove, but today they are filled with so many gauges and instruments, making them hard to remove.

What Does a Batwing Fairing Do?

Simply put, there are two main purposes of batwing fairings, to enhance the protection as well as the design of your bike. The main idea behind batwing fairings is to offer you more protection from the elements. It can effectively keep cold, wind, rain, and bugs away from you. Furthermore, it gives your bike a custom look and also makes your dashboard more organized. As an addition, they can accommodate a complete audio system!

Do Batwing Fairings Work?

Yes, a batwing fairing does a really good job on cruiser motorcycles! This type of fairing is very popular among riders, and for good reason. Thanks to its large design, it offers reasonable protection for you and the instruments behind it. The wide wings also protect the handlebars as well as your hands. It comes in handy on the chilly days!

Especially in the colder Northern states, greater protection on a motorcycle is very important.

The lower temperature, lots of rain and wind cause a lot of headaches for many riders in these areas. That’s why batwings are more popular in the North!

Many riders claim that a batwing fairing works better than a regular windshield. Why?

Because this type of fairing has an aerodynamic shape that results better airflow. In contrast, windshields are basically flat boards that generate more turbulence.

Thanks to their better shape, a batwing provides greater protection and effectively reduce the buffeting of the helmet and the handlebars.

On top of that, it allows the windshield to be mounted closer to you, which leads to less turbulence behind your back.

Drawbacks?

Since batwing fairings are only bolted onto the front forks, they can’t completely eliminate buffeting.

What’s more, some of them are prone to vibrating slightly.

Another issue with this fairing is that the perfect protection it offers leaves you without any airflow.

While this is desirable in cold weather, it can be a problem on hot sunny days. This is why certain touring bikes (like Honda Gold Wing) feature wind deflectors that direct some airflow behind the fairings.

Batwing Fairings vs. Shark Nose Fairings

Just like batwings, shark nose fairings are also a popular addition on cruiser motorcycles.

In a nutshell, the main difference between a shark nose and a batwing fairing is the how these fairings are attached to the bike. As we’ve discussed, a batwing fairing is attached to the front forks, so it turns with the handlebars. In contrast, shark nose fairings are attached directly to the frame. This means they don’t turn when you move the handlebars.

Shark nose fairings are similar to the fixed fairings you can see on a Honda Gold Wing, BMW K1600, and many other touring motorcycles.

The key advantage of this frame-mounted design is that it’s less likely to vibrate and cause buffeting issues.

Since the wind has much less effect on the handlebars, you can expect easier and more precise steering. Finally, it results in a smoother riding experience!

Just like batwings, shark nose fairings can also accommodate many gauges, speakers, and even screens.

Conclusion

The batwing fairing is large fork-mounted head fairing on cruiser motorcycles.

It’s designed to protect you from the elements and to house gauges or even a complete audio system. If you live in the North or just prefer longer tours, you can’t go wrong with a batwing fairing.

Many riders say that it does a better job than regular windshields, thanks to its aerodynamic design!

References:

News from Oakland H-D

1. Lack of a windshield
2. Small or lack of fairings
3. Lowered “race-style” handlebars
4. Harder front forks
5. Smaller and stiff seat
6. Uncomfortable riding position
7. Louder Exhaust
8. Lack of fenders

If you want to find out more about these important factors, you are in the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

Are Cafe Racers Comfortable?

No, there’s no question that café racers are some of the least comfortable motorcycles you can buy or build. This is because a café racer is basically a “DIY race bike” without any fairings or a windscreen. So, how could it be comfortable?

Therefore, if you are looking to take longer trips or want any comfort on a bike, café racers are not for you.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and see why café racers are so uncomfortable!

1. Lack of Windshields

When it comes to comfort on a motorcycle, a windshield is always a game-changer.

Because of their minimalist design, café racers typically lack this important protection.

Only a few of them come with a tiny windshield or a windscreen. As you might assume, these are usually more for design than effective wind protection!

2. Lack of Fairings

Another main reason why care facers are so uncomfortable is the lack of fairings.

To achieve the minimalist look, café racers are usually completely stripped down.

The only fairing you can see on some café races is a smaller headlight fairing, but the majority of them are completely naked.

And just like windshields, fairings can also increase the comfort of a bike in many ways. The less fairings the bike has, the less protection and comfort you can expect.

But why do café racers lack these important shells?

Simply put, these machines were originally built for short rides and street races between cafés in London. This is where their name comes from!

But as these rides happened in the city and were very quick, having fairings on these bikes was not necessary.

Unfortunately, this naked look is not a great point on longer trips!

3. Lowered “Race-Style” Handlebar

The other feature that makes café racers uncomfortable is their low-mounted, “race-style” handlebar.

Café racers are typically equipped with two different types of handlebars, which are known as an ‘ace’ bar or clip-on.

Both of these designs offer a very low grip position and less range of motion.

This means the handlebars of many café racers move a lot less than the handlebars on other types of motorcycles. (However, it always depends on the position and design of the handlebars and the tank.)

This makes the bike harder to maneuver in parking lots, tight places, and when you filter though the traffic.

Another drawback of these race-style handlebars is that they are much more likely to put weight on your wrists. The general rule is that the lower the handlebar the more pressure on your wrists.

After a while, this can lead to a massive pain in your hands!

This can be an issue especially if the bike is poorly designed or if you ride it in the wrong position.

4. Smaller and Less-padded Seat

Café racers feature many modified or even custom parts, and their seat is no exception.

Unlike other bikes, cafés feature a recognizable “humpback” seat. This type of seat is typically less ergonomic, and stiffer compared to stock seats.

Therefore, as you might assume they offer less comfort as well.

5. Harder Front Forks

Just like the seats, the front forks of café racers are also often replaced with a pair of “superbike-style” front forks.

They do the job in the turns at higher speeds but are also much harder compared to the stock forks.

6. Uncomfortable Riding Position

As their name implies café racers are racing motorcycles!

Even if they are barely used for racing purposes they feature many race-style parts and offer a similar riding position as sportbikes and racing motorcycles.

And as we know, these types of bikes are not known for comfort!

What’s more, many café racers feature “rear set” footpegs, which are mounted much farther back on the frame of the bike.

This setup results in a more aggressive riding position and requires you to lean on the tank, which causes your head to bend way back.

This unnatural body position usually leads to pain in your neck and back!

7. Louder Exhaust

It’s also good to know that café racers usually have smaller mufflers than stock bikes.

Since they feature smaller baffles, the exhaust systems of these bikes are significantly louder.

On top of that, where it’s legal you can even find café racers with straight pipe exhaust systems.

They sound really cool, but are also very loud, which can be annoying on a longer ride.

8. Lack of Fenders

Because of their minimalist design, café racers typically don’t have fenders at all, or just feature very small ones.

This is not a problem until you get caught in the rain! Fenders are on motorcycles for a reason, so you can expect a lot of water if you ride a café racer in the rain.

Do Café Racers Hurt Your Back?

Yes, it’s sad to say but riding a café racer can cause a lot of pain in your back, neck, hands or even other parts of your body. This can be true especially on longer rides!

The lowered handlebar and the replaced footpegs force you to lean forward towards the handlebars. If you ride a lot of hours in this position, you should be prepared for a lot of pain in your back and neck.

Are Cafe Racers Good for Long Rides?

No, as you already know café racers are not good for long rides at all. The design and features of these bikes are very similar to sportbikes, which are also not recommended for touring. It’s safe to say that café racers virtually lack all the features needed for motorcycle touring, such as:

• Comfortable riding position
• Windshield and fairings
• Large fuel tank
• High and convenient handlebar
• Comfortable seat for the rider and passenger
• Moderated exhaust sound
• Fenders
• Storage space
• Reasonable weight to handle wind
• Reliability (this is a problem mainly on DIY machines)

Another hidden problem with café racers is that many of them are built by amateurs.

Unfortunately, these “DIY café racers” usually have a poor design and low reliability. Keeping safety in mind, touring with these bikes is never a good idea.

Finally, don’t forget that the seat of café racers is typically designed for one rider. Therefore, carrying a passenger or bags on these bikes is always challenging, if not impossible.

Conclusion

Café racers are customized motorcycles that feature a minimalist design. This is why they typically don’t have windshields, fairings, or fenders.

What’s more, they come with lowered “race-style” handlebars, less-padding in the seats, and replaced footpegs.

Because of these features, it’s sad to say but café racers are not comfortable at all!

Let’s drill into the details and talk about these factors in detail.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this post!

Can You Ride a Motorcycle if You Can’t Ride a Bike?

The four main reasons why you should learn to ride a bike before you start riding a motorcycle are as follows:

• Riding a bike is safer
• Bicycles are far cheaper to buy and fix
• You can learn to ride a motorcycle easier if know how to ride a bike
• MSF courses usually require this skill

Let’s drill into the details and talk about these factors in detail!

Riding a Bike is Far Safer

The main and most important reason why you should start to learn with a bicycle is that bikes are much safer than motorcycles!

Both of these machines feature two wheels, meaning that they have much of the same physics.

So, if you want to become a rider, you have to learn how to balance on two wheels first.

And general wisdom says that the learning process is easier, faster, and much less dangerous on a bicycle.

Why?

This is simply because bicycles are much slower and lighter than motorcycles.

While the average speed of a bicycle is about 10-20 mph, motorcycles can easily reach 100-186 mph depending on the make and model.

And to reach these amazing speeds you don’t need too much physical effort on a motorcycle, just twisting the throttle and controlling the clutch/shift lever.

And believe it nor not, you can even hit these amazing speeds on a motorcycle in a couple of seconds.

Yes, it’s a thrilling feeling, but the last thing you should do as a beginner is to ride at high speeds on a motorcycle. It can be dangerous in many ways!

If you can’t balance and handle a two-wheel machine with confidence, there is a high risk of you falling off. And the consequences of an accident are always way lower on a bicycle!

But even if you keep your speed low, the weight of the motorcycle can also cause a lot of trouble.

The average bicycle weighs about 15-25 pounds, while the weight of motorcycles ranges from 200 up to 1000+ pounds.

Even if you fall off a motorcycle at minimum speeds, it can easily end in serious injuries. And unfortunately if you are a beginner you are at much higher risk of having an accident.

This is the main reason why you should start on a 20-pound bicycle rather than on a heavy motorcycle!

Bicycles are Much Cheaper

Even if you don’t get hurt in an accident, you can still damage the motorcycle in many ways.

And unfortunately, motorcycles are very expensive to buy and repair! Besides the machine, your clothing and helmet can also be easily damaged.

In contrast, a used bicycle costs virtually nothing. And even if you drop it, thanks to its low weight and speed an accident hardly causes any damage.

Learning to Ride a Motorcycle is Easier if You Know How to Ride a Bike

The other main reason why you should start on a bicycle is that it helps you learn to operate a motorcycle faster and easier.

Learning to ride a powerful and costly motorcycle can be stressful for many beginners.

To speed up the learning process and make your job easier, best practice is to learn how to ride a bike first. If you can handle a bike with confidence, you will be able to balance much better on a motorcycle much easier.

On top of that, cycling is a great skill to have, and you never know when you will need it!

MSF Courses Usually Require It

Knowing how to ride a bicycle is the first step to learning how to ride a motorcycle.

This is the reason why in many areas MSF courses don’t accept applicants who can’t ride a bicycle!

Is Riding a Motorcycle Easier Than a Bike?

As a rule of thumb, riding a bike is easier than riding a motorcycle. They are slower, lighter, easier to handle, and require fewer skills to ride. On a motorcycle, you have to be familiar with the controls like the throttle, clutch, and shift lever. What’s more, turning with a bike is easier as you can turn it by simply moving the handlebars.

In contrast, motorcycles are difficult to steer as you have to lean into the turns.

Since motorcycles are much heavier than bikes, you have to lean into the curves which causes the bike to turn. Surprisingly, you don’t have to move the handlebar a lot, as the machine virtually “turns on its own.”

This technique is known as counter-steering, which requires practice to master.

Besides, motorcycles can go very fast and things happen really quickly at high speeds!

Conclusion

General wisdom says that you should know how to ride a bicycle before you start riding a motorcycle.

If you want to become a motorcycle rider, you definitely have to learn how to balance a two-wheel machine. And this process is far easier and safer on a bicycle! Why?

This is because compared to motorcycles, bicycles are lighter, much slower, and easier to handle.

This results in more safety, and less risk of injures/damage in a possible accident.

What’s more, cycling ability is typically a prerequisite for MSF courses in many areas.

Keeping safety in mind, it’s highly recommended that you learn to ride a bicycle first. Buying a used bike is really cheap and you can pick up the basics of riding with it on a weekend. This is the best way to start if you want to become a great motorcycle rider!

References:

BookMotorcycleTours

Although they have many advantages, some owners still remove the fairings from their motorcycles to turn it into a café racer or streetfighter.

If you too are considering building a naked bike, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled the pros and cons of removing motorcycle fairings under one roof!

What is a Fairing on a Motorcycle?

A fairing on a motorcycle is a plastic or fiberglass shell mounted to the frame and designed to reduce air drag. They are commonly used on sport and touring bikes as well as racing motorcycles.

Surprisingly, the very first motorcycles were manufactured without fairings. The first commercially available motorcycle that featured a full fairing was the BMW R100RS, introduced in 1976.

So far, fairings have become standard equipment on many street-legal motorcycles, and with good reason.

They not only protect you and your bike from the elements but can also increase gas mileage. Therefore, removing them is not recommended.

But if you want to remove the fairings from your motorcycle by all means, keep reading!

Can You Remove Motorcycle Fairings?

Motorcycle fairings can be easily removed with an Allen key or a socket set. Don’t worry, as removing them is not as difficult as it looks! As always, best practice is to read your bike’s service manual as the first step. If you want to leave your bike naked in the long run, here are some other factors to consider:

Even if you remove the fairings from your bike, keep in mind that the lights and turn signals need to remain in place.

They are required by law so make sure that you don’t remove them with the fairings.

One of the main drawbacks of removing the fairings is that it leaves the wires, hoses, reservoirs, and other parts unprotected. What’s more, unlike naked bikes, on faired motorcycles these parts can be a little messy.

You may want to check the hoses and wires, especially on the bottom of the machine. If they are not secured you should zip tie them together, or to the frame of the bike.

You also have to inspect where the air vents of the fairings direct the airflow. This is because some of them may be used for cooling hidden places on your bike.

Leaving them without fresh air may end in overheating.

On top of that, removing the fairings may void the warranty!

To avoid these issues, it’s highly recommended that you consult your dealer before you modify your bike. And although in most states it’s completely legal to remove the fairings from a motorcycle, best practice is to check the local laws upfront.

Can You Ride a Motorcycle Without Fairings?

Yes, it’s safe to say that a motorcycle can be ridden without fairings. However, keep in mind that this comes with many drawbacks, which are as follows:

• Increased air drag (worse aerodynamics)
• Less protection from wind, cold, and rain, debris, and bugs
• More fatigue and body pain
• Decreased gas mileage
• Odd design

As you can see, there are many advantages to having fairings on a bike.

Let’s see how removing them changes the riding experience!

Does a Fairing Make a Difference?

There’s no question that fairings make a noticeable difference in the riding experience. Without fairings, you are much more exposed to the wind, which results in more fatigue and less comfort. This can be an issue on longer rides or at high speeds!

What’s more, you are also less protected from dirt, road debris, and bugs, which can cause a lot of headaches.

The lack of protection also increases the chances of hypothermia. Without fairings your body and especially your legs are much more exposed to the cold air.

Another main complaint against naked bikes is wind-buffeting. This is a typical problem especially on bigger-displacement bikes at higher speeds.

Finally, don’t forget that the fairings provide an extra layer of protection on your bike.

Removing them leaves not only you but many parts of your bike without protection.

Why Would You Remove the Fairings?

In a nutshell, there are two typical reasons why riders want to ride their bikes without fairings.

Let’s take a closer look at each!

Design

The most common reason why many riders convert their full-fairing bikes to naked is to radically change the design.

Café racers and street fighters are gaining in popularity among riders, and these bikes typically feature a naked design.

Building a street fighter typically involves removing the side and front fairings. However, the latter can also be replaced with a “street fighter head fairing” that perfectly fits this design.

In contrast, building a café racer means removing all of the fairings from the bike.

To be sure, besides the fairing removal, building these bikes includes many other steps as well!

Fears of Beginners

Surprisingly, some beginner riders also consider temporarily turning their full-faired bikes into naked.

Why?

This is because they want to protect the expensive fairings from damage in case they have an accident.

Even if it seems like a good idea this solution also has its drawbacks.

The fairings offer increased wind protection, higher comfort, and less fatigue. Thanks to this, the rider can focus better on the road, which results in higher safety.

This means that removing the fairings on a motorcycle actually makes it less safe. And let’s face it, this is the last thing a beginner wants!

Therefore, this modification is definitely not recommended for beginners!

Conclusion

Sport and touring bikes are manufactured with fairings for good reason.

They can keep wind, cold, debris, bugs, and rain away from you. They do a really good job especially at high speeds and on longer tours!

Removing the fairings always leads to lower gas mileage, less protection, and more pain/fatigue.

But if you want to build a café racer or a street fighter, you can even turn a full-faired bike into a naked one.  

Before doing this, make sure to consult with your dealer and also refer to your service manual. Removing the fairings may void the warranty and can harm the bike’s cooling in certain cases. What’s more, you also have to make sure that you don’t remove the lights or the turn signals with the fairings.

As a final word, don’t forget to check the local laws before you do any modifications to your bike!

References:

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/what-is-a-motorcycle-fairing

• Protection from Wind and Cold
• Rain Protection
• Debris/Bug Protection
• Reduced Fatigue and Pain
• Noise Reduction
• Reduced Buffeting

If you would like to find out more about these factors and the basics of motorcycle windshields, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know about this useful part under one roof!

Do Motorcycle Windshields Make a Difference?

There’s no question that a correctly-sized windshield makes your rides far more comfortable. It can protect you from wind, rain, debris, and bugs while also helping to reduce fatigue and pain. These are great points, especially on longer tours! This is why touring and ADV motorcycles are typically equipped with larger windshields.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and take a closer look at the main advantages of motorcycle windshields!

Protection from Wind and Cold

It’s safe to say that the main idea behind a motorcycle windshield is that it gives you an extra layer of protection. As the name implies, a windshield is a shield designed to protect you from the wind and elements.

The larger the windshield, the more effectively it pushes the wind away from you.

A properly designed and installed larger windshield can keep the wind and cold away from your upper body. What’s more, it can also reduce the amount of air flowing to your legs!

It comes in handy, especially on chilly days!

If you ride regularly in cold weather, you may also want to consider a pair of hand guards.

Reduced Fatigue and Pain

Wind protection also reduces the force against your helmet and upper body. This results in more comfort and less fatigue and pain.

Without a windshield, the wind would push much harder against you, which can lead to pain in your neck, arms, and shoulders.

A windshield can make your rides more relaxing and allow you to cover longer distances.

Reduced Buffeting

A windshield can also significantly reduce wind buffeting, which causes a lot of headaches for many riders.

If buffeting is an issue on your bike, you should consider installing a windshield.

A properly adjusted screen pushes a good portion of the air over your head, which can help prevent your helmet from buffeting.

Noise Reduction

Motorcycles are prone to making a lot of noise. The exhaust, wheels, brakes, or even the drive chain can produce various sounds.

What’s more, besides mechanical sounds, you also hear wind noise when you’re riding.

If you want to make your ride quieter or just want to hear your audio system better, you definitely need a windshield on your bike.

Rain Protection

If you’ve ever been caught in the rain on a bike, you probably know how uncomfortable it is. Even if you have a good-quality waterproof suit, you can get soaked in a very short time.

But if your bike features a larger windshield, it can keep a lot of the rain off of you!

It can’t keep you completely dry of course, but the difference is day and night.

Debris/Bug Protection

Another key advantage of a motorcycle windshield is that it protects you from dirt, debris, and bugs.

Even a little rock can cause damage to your helmet or clothing. What’s more, it really hurts when one hits you, not to mention bugs, which can virtually cover everything from your helmet to your clothing.

Bugs are not only a hassle to remove but can also restrict your vision, which can lead to dangerous situations.

If you’re considering buying a motorcycle windshield, keep reading.

We’ll get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the basics of these important parts in detail.

Types of Motorcycle Windshields

There are many ways to classify motorcycle windshields, but the most commons are as follows:

• Size: small/medium/large
• Fixed or adjustable
• Fitted vs. universal
• Quick detach mount vs. permanently installed
• Material: acrylic vs. polycarbonate

Motorcycle Windshield Sizes

Motorcycle windshields come in many sizes and shapes.

Even the smallest ones can change your bike’s overall look and add some spice to it.

What’s more, contrary to popular belief, these small windshields are not only for design purposes.

Instead, a properly designed model can make a noticeable difference on a naked bike. It would be best if you try to find one that is specifically designed for your bike.

This is because there are many worthless shields on the market that feature a poor design.

The wrong shield can distract the airflow from your body to your head, which may end in a turbulence in your helmet.

If you are looking for a bigger windshield, you can choose from two different types, the fork and the handlebar-mounted windshields.

The latter are typically smaller, which results in less protection, and they are more likely to buffet as well. The main advantages of these shields are their adjustability and better overall design.

If you are looking for the largest motorcycle windshields, you should take a look at fork-mounted models.

As the name suggests, a fork-mounted windshield can be firmly attached to the front forks. This is why they are so stable! Furthermore, they are typically very large and offer excellent coverage.

The main drawback of these shields is that they are not adjustable.

Finally, don’t forget that some motorcycles feature windscreens rather than windshields. These bikes are typically the sport and sport-touring motorcycles with full fairings.

On these models, the windscreen is usually fitted into the fairing.

What are Motorcycle Windshields Made of?

The majority of motorcycle windshields are made from acrylic plastic or polycarbonate.

Acrylic motorcycle windshields are more affordable and aren’t prone to becoming yellow because of UV rays.

On the other hand, they can lose their clarity over time and also scratch easily. Fortunately, most of these scratches can usually be removed with a little care.

Another popular material for motorcycle windshields is polycarbonate. These shields are more flexible, durable, and more scratch-resistant than their acrylic brothers.

Sadly, they come with higher price tags and are prone to becoming yellow as the bike ages.

Another drawback of this material is that the scratches are much less repairable on the surface.

Are Motorcycle Windshields Universal?

While many motorcycle windshields are universal, you can also find many bike-specific models on the market. Which one should you choose?

The general rule is that if it’s available, best practice is to invest in a shield that is specifically designed for your motorcycle. It will not only fit your bike perfectly but also be much easier to install.

But if you have a vintage or custom motorcycle, you will probably need a universal windshield.

How High Should a Windshield be on a Motorcycle?

According to Dennis Kirk, a motorcycle windshield should be high enough to offer acceptable wind protection, but the rider must still be able to look over it while riding. This means you have to be able to see the road for about 50 feet in front of you, even if you aren’t looking through the shield. As a general rule, the top of the windshield should be as high as the tip of your nose in a normal riding position.

In other words, the tip of your nose should be horizontally level with the top of the shield.

Why?

This is because motorcycle windshields are often covered with dirt, bugs, debris, or even moisture. This means your vision through the windshield may be limited to some extent. And to stay safe on your bike you always need the best vision available.

Therefore, keeping safety in mind you should be able to ride your bike while looking over the windshield.

Here’s a great video on how to adjust a motorcycle windshield to the proper height.

How is a Motorcycle Windshield Measured?

Measuring a motorcycle windshield is not rocket science. All you need is a tape measure and a helper. When you measure, the most important thing to remember is that the front forks are at an angle.

This means that you should keep in mind that the shield won’t be in a vertical position. Instead, it will follow the angle of the forks.

To measure the windshield on your motorcycle, you should sit on your bike in a natural riding position. Ask your helper to hold up the tape measure from the headlight. Again, make sure to take into account the angle of the front forks. The tape measure should be angled at about the same angle as the forks. The measurement of a windshield is the distance between the top of the headlight to the level of the tip of your nose.

If you are looking for a step-by-step tutorial on how to measure a motorcycle windshield, don’t miss this video!

Modifying a Motorcycle Windshield

Let’s face it, the perfect motorcycle windshield doesn’t exist. Many bikes come with a built-in windshield that doesn’t necessarily meet the needs of the riders. This is why many riders prefer to customize the shield on their bikes. It’s safe to say that the most common motorcycle windshield modifications are as follows:

• Trimming the shield.
• Installing an extension on it.
• Tinting/painting/wrapping the windshield.

Can a Motorcycle Windshield be Cut Down?

Yes, you can cut down the windshield on your motorcycle if it’s too high for you. On the other hand, keep in mind that this modification may void the warranty. Therefore, always consult with your dealer in advance!

How do You Cut Down a Motorcycle Windshield? 

To cut down a motorcycle windshield all you need is an electric jigsaw, a marker, tape, and sandpaper. Surprisingly, you can do this modification without removing the shield from the bike. Just tape off both sides of the cutting area, mark the line, and simply cut it down.

You can use an electric jigsaw or a fine-tooth Dremel circular saw for cutting. As the final step, polish the new edge of the shield to make it smooth.

Best practice is to make a rough cut, and shape the final profile by sanding.

If you want to learn more about the process, don’t miss this great post about windshield trimming at Motorcycle Cruiser, or just check out this video.

This mod seems easy but it’s very important to do it slowly and carefully to avoid damage.

If you are afraid that you might damage your windshield or even the bike, you may want to contact a plexiglass shop in your area.

If you are lucky, they can help you with this.

How to Make a Motorcycle Windshield Higher

While many riders trim OEM windshields for better vision, taller riders may find them too low. If your bike comes with a smaller shield you probably want to know how to extend it for more head protection. The easiest way to make a motorcycle windshield higher is to install an extension on it!

These aftermarket motorcycle windshield extensions are also known as “motorcycle windshield wind deflectors” or “extension spoilers.”

As their name suggests, these extensions are designed for heightening stock windshields to reduce wind buffeting.

They can be easily fixed on top of the original screen with adjustable hinges.

Some of these wind deflectors feature a clip-on style, while others require you to drill holes into the original shield.

How Do You Attach a Motorcycle Windshield?

The exact installation process of a motorcycle windshield always depends on its type and the design of your bike. The majority of windshields have to be mounted to the front forks or the handlebar with brackets. However, some of them attach directly to the fairing. As always, best practice is to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions!

Also, you can find a plethora of tutorials on YouTube on how to install a motorcycle windshield.

Which Motorcycle Windshield is the Best?

If you are considering investing in an aftermarket screen, you probably want to know which are the most reputable brands on the market. Without further ado, here’s the list of the best motorcycle windshield manufacturers.

• Memphis Shades
• National Cycle
• Zero Gravity
• Slipstreamer
• Rizoma
• Givi
• Puig
• MRA

How do you Make a Motorcycle Windshield?

If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars for a new model, your other option is to make your own motorcycle windshield. If you like making things you can easily make your own DIY motorcycle windshield from a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet. First, you need to make a pattern from cardboard. Then tape the sheet, draw the shape onto it with a sharpie, and cut it out with an electric jigsaw. As a final step, polish the edge to get a smooth finish.

If you’re looking for a detailed guide of the process, don’t miss this detailed post at Instructables.

Related Questions

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions under one roof.

Do all Motorcycles Have Windshields?

Surprisingly, the first motorcycles were manufactured without windshields. When it comes to today’s motorcycles, many of them come with a windshield as standard, while others still lack this useful addition. Why? This is mainly for design reasons!

There are many machines like naked bikes, bobbers, or café racers that have a minimalist “naked” look.

Therefore, windshields typically don’t fit the style of these bikes.

In contrast, ADV, touring, and sportbikes are usually equipped with windshields, and with good reason.

Sportbikes can even reach the amazing top speed of 100-186 mph, so effective wind protection on these bikes is a must.

Touring and ADV bikes also come with windshields because they are designed for long rides.

Is a windshield necessary on a motorcycle?

Contrary to popular belief, a windshield is not necessary on a motorcycle. However, it does a really good job, that’s why many bikes come with a windshield as standard. If your bike doesn’t feature a screen you may want to consider adding one to it.

Do windshields help on motorcycles? 

Yes, riding a motorcycle with a windshield makes a huge difference. It can help keep wind, dirt, bugs, and debris away from you and make your rides more comfortable and enjoyable.

Should you look through or over a motorcycle windshield?

As a rule of thumb, you have to be able to look over the windshield on a motorcycle. If your screen is too high, you should lower it, cut it down, or replace it with a smaller one.

Can you tint motorcycle windshield?

Yes, there are many ways to tint a motorcycle windshield. However, before you do this modification, make sure that it isn’t against the law in your state.

What is the windshield on a motorcycle called?

Motorcycle windshields are also called screens or windscreens, especially those models that are fitted into the fairings of the bike.

What is the best material for a motorcycle windshield?

The best materials for a motorcycle windshield are acrylic and polycarbonate.

Conclusion – Why do Motorcycles Have Windshields?

As we’ve discussed, there are six main reasons why motorcycles have windshields.

1. Protection from Wind and Cold
2. Rain Protection
3. Debris/Bug Protection
4. Reduced Fatigue and Pain
5. Noise Reduction
6. Reduced Buffeting

Finally, all of these advantages lead to more comfortable rides and higher safety!

References:

https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/32342/best-motorcycle-windshield

https://ridermagazine.com/2013/05/07/motorcycle-windshield-buyers-guide/

https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/the-buyers-guide-to-motorcycle-windshields

https://www.denniskirk.com/learn/motorcycle-windshield-guide

https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/motorcycle-windshield-buyers-guide/

1. Lower weight and better mobility
2. Wider range of vision (extended eye port, pointed lower chinbar)
3. Increased ventilation
4. Lack of face shield
5. Protection from dust, dirt, and rocks (goggles, peak)
6. Greater sun protection
7. Better cleanability

If you want to find out more about these factors, you are in the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled the seven key factors as to why motocross helmets are different than street bike helmets!

Why are Motocross Helmets Different?

Motocross helmets are different from regular street bike helmets because they are designed for different purposes. Let’s face it, dirt bikes are much slower and riding them is very exhausting. That’s why motocross helmets are always lighter, less padded, and more ventilated. They also come with a peak and goggles that offer better protection from dust, dirt, rocks and even the sun.

In contrast, street motorcycle helmets come with a more aerodynamic design.

They are also much tighter and feature more padding, which results in better airflow and noise reduction.

Many street helmets come with a face shield, which offers better face protection, especially at higher speeds.

On top of that, street bike helmets are always stronger due to their massive design.

This is because they have to be able to absorb a higher impact as street bikes generally go much faster.

Therefore, full-face helmets do a better job on street bikes, while motocross helmets are more comfortable on the trails.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about these differences in detail!

What is the Difference Between a Motocross Helmet and a Street Bike Helmet?

Weight

It’s safe to say that motocross helmets are always noticeably lighter, and for good reason.

When you ride a dirt bike you are much more physically involved. Therefore, you need a lightweight helmet for greater mobility!

Riding on the trail in a heavy street helmet would be exhausting, as these helmets are typically much heavier.

It would result in more fatigue, neck pain, and finally less enjoyable rides.

Vision

The increased mobility and design of a motocross helmet also offer better vision, which is another key point on a dirt bike.

This is because when you ride a dirt bike you’re switching between the outside and inside lines. Therefore, you need a wider peripheral vision!

Some riders prefer to ride in the woods or in extreme places, where greater sight is desired.

In contrast, on a street bike, you have to primarily focus on your route and the traffic. This means slightly lower mobility and vision are acceptable on these bikes.

Besides, don’t forget that, unlike dirt bikes, street-legal motorcycles usually come with mirrors.

Mirrors help you see what’s going on behind you!

What’s more, a few modern street helmets come equipped with a rearview camera, which gives you 360-degree vision.

It seems the future is already here, isn’t it?

Ventilation

Another key difference between a street and a motocross helmet is that the latter features much better ventilation.

To achieve this, motocross helmets have larger vents, an extended eye port, and a lower pointed chinbar.

What’s more, they also come with less padding and are not equipped with a face shield.

Thanks to these features, motocross helmets allow much more air in.

But why is this increased airflow so important?

As we’ve discussed, riding a dirt bike is like exercising, which causes you to breathe harder and faster.

Your higher pulse rate and blood pressure also increase the temperature in the helmet, which results in sweating.

Besides, dirt bikes are typically ridden at much lower speeds, so increased helmet ventilation on these bikes is a must.

This is where the larger vents and the more open helmet design come into play.

A lot of fresh air can flow through the helmet to cool your head down!

If you are looking for the best-ventilated motocross helmets, don’t miss this video.

Lack of a Face Shield

Another obvious difference on motocross helmets is that they don’t feature a face shield.

This open design not only helps keep your head cool, but also allows you to breathe easier.

Riding on the trails is hard like running or doing exercise. As you might assume, this wouldn’t be pleasant in a full-face helmet!

Because of the shield, you could hardly breathe. But even if you could, you would have to literally face the fog on the shield.

So finally, the three main advantages of the lack of a face shield are as follows:

• Better cooling
• Less sweating
• No fogging

On the other hand, this helmet design doesn’t provide much protection at all in cold weather or rain.

In such weather conditions, best practice is to protect your face with an extra face mask.

Protection from Dirt and Rocks

Although motocross helmets don’t feature a face shield, you still need some eye protection. That’s why motocross helmets and goggles go hand-in-hand.

The extended eye port of these helmets allows you to wear goggles, which is a key point on dirt bikes.

Besides the fogging and breathing issues, the other reason why motocross helmets don’t feature a shield is that it can’t effectively keep dust away from your eyes.

Even if you were to close the shield completely, dust would still reach your eyes through the vents and below the chinbar. This would be not only be uncomfortable but dangerous as well in many ways.

This is why you need a pair of MX goggles!

Since they fit perfectly on your face these goggles can keep dust and sweat out of your eyes.

Another useful and distinctive feature on a motocross helmet is a peak (or visor).

The main advantage of this peak is that it can block spraying water, mud, and rocks from the tires of other machines riding in front of you.

These helmets typically feature a raised mouth guard, which is designed to protect your face even more.

Sun Protection

Street motorcycle helmets offer several options for sun protection.

Some helmets come with an extra built-in sun shield, but you can also install a sun blocker strip on a regular shield.

What’s more, you can even replace the entire shield with a smoked, tinted, or mirrored shield, or choose among many helmet-friendly sunglasses.

Since motocross helmets are used with goggles instead of a face shield, those solutions sadly don’t work on them.

But thanks to its peak, motocross helmets still provide some sun protection!

It’s safe to say that the majority of riders use clear MX goggles, but if you want something more ‘shady’ you can choose from many smoked or mirrored lenses.

Cleanability

Since motocross helmets usually get very dirty, they also have to be easy to clean.

To this end, the liner is typically completely or partially removable.

You can clean it by hand or even toss it in your washing machine depending on your manufacturer’s recommendation. 

Street Motorcycle Helmet vs. Motocross Helmet [Chart]

For better comparison, we’ve compiled the key differences between motocross and full-face motorcycle helmets into one chart:

FAQs About Motocross Helmets

Why are Motocross Helmets Shaped Differently?

There are two main reasons why motocross helmets are shaped differently. First, these helmets require better ventilation, which is why they have a lower chinbar and larger vents. Besides, they also feature a larger eye port to accommodate MX goggles.

Since dirt bikes are significantly slower than street bikes, motocross helmets can be slightly less aerodynamic.

Why do Motocross Helmets Have a Pointed Chin?

The main idea behind the pointed chin on motocross helmets is better ventilation and easier breathing.

On regular full-face helmets the chinbar is placed much closer to your face, but it’s not a problem on a street-bike. But on a dirt bike, the increased bodywork causes you to breathe harder.

Therefore, some extra space in front of your face is desired to get enough air to breathe!

Why do Motocross Helmets Use Goggles?

Motocross helmets always use goggles and with good reason. Goggles can effectively keep dirt away from your eyes, and don’t restrict airflow like regular face shields. What’s more, goggles can also prevent fogging issues while their foam absorbs sweat, so it can’t flow into your eyes.

 If a motocross helmet featured a face shield, it would become extremely hot and lead to hard breathing.

Besides, the dust would scratch and wear the shield out much faster.

Why is There a Visor on Motocross Helmets?

The use of the visor (or peak) on a motocross helmet is to keep flying debris away from your face.

Where does this flying stuff coming from? If other bikes are riding in front of you, their rear tire can pick up and throw mud, rocks, or water straight into your face.

Fortunately, the visor can block the greatest part of these, and also offer some sun protection.

Can You Wear a Motorcycle Helmet on a Dirt Bike?

Wearing a regular motorcycle helmet on a dirt bike is certainly not recommended.

Street helmets offer much less ventilation, so they would become extremely hot on the trails.

Besides, your increased breathing would also cause the face shield to fog.

On top of that, a street helmet wouldn’t be able to keep dirt away from your eyes. This can result in less safety and a lot of headaches.

Conclusion

There are many noticeable differences between street and motocross helmets. Generally speaking, the latter typically comes with the following features:

• Lighter weight
• Better mobility and vision
• Larger eye port
• Lower pointed chinbar
• Raised mouth guard
• Bigger and more effective vents (increased airflow)
• Lack of face shield (uses goggles instead)
• Features a peak (for sun and dirt protection)
• Worse aerodynamics and noise protection
• Better cleanability (removable liner)

As a final word, keep in mind that a full-face helmet is a perfect choice for the streets while a motocross helmet does a good job on a dirt bike. Switching them is never a good idea!

This is our short motorcycle helmet vs. motocross helmet comparison.

We hope you find it useful!

References:

https://redpandaadventures.com/difference-between-dirt-helmet-and-street-helmet/

https://dirtwheelrider.com/helmet-differences/

If you would like to find out more about motorcycle timing chains and their maintenance, you are in the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

What is the Timing Chain in a Motorcycle?

Motorcycle engines feature valves that control the exchange of gases in the engine’s cylinders.

These valves move continuously when opening and closing the cylinder, which requires some power.

And this power comes from the crankshaft! But how does the crankshaft transmit power to the valves?

This is where the timing chain comes into play.

The timing chain in a motorcycle connects the crankshaft to the camshaft. There’s a smaller sprocket mounted on the crankshaft while the camshaft has a bigger sprocket attached to it. These sprockets are connected by the timing chain. The crankshaft drives the chain, which transmits power to the camshaft, which finally controls the valves.

This means that the camshaft RPM is in harmony with the RPM of the engine, even though it rotates more slowly because of the gearing ratio.

The timing chain is also known as the cam chain, as it actually drives the camshaft. But then where does the name “timing chain” come from?

In a nutshell, this part is often referred to as the timing chain because it ensures that the valves open and close on time.

This role is key, as the valves in the engine have to open and close at a specified time to ensure proper engine operation.

If the valves were not perfectly synchronized with the crankshaft, the valves would move at the wrong time.

In the worst-case scenario, the pistons would hit the valves, causing major engine damage.

Unlike the heavy-duty drive chain (which is also driven by sprockets), the timing chain is a much thinner chain. At first glance, it looks like a simple bicycle chain.

The timing chain is enclosed in the engine, so it’s completely protected from water and dirt.

On top of that, it’s lubricated by the engine oil!

Thanks to this care, timing chains are very durable and many of them virtually last forever.

Here’s a great animation on how a timing chain works in a motorcycle:

Do Motorcycles Have Timing Belts?

Yes, it’s a lesser-known fact that some motorcycles feature timing belts instead of metal roller chains. What’s more, besides toothed belts and chains, gears can also be used as the camshaft drive. The majority of production bikes come with a timing chain, and some of them have belts, but only a few feature gears.

As an example, Ducatis and some big touring bikes feature timing belts.

What is a Cam Chain Tensioner on a Motorcycle?

The cam chain tensioner on a motorcycle is responsible for maintaining the desired tension of the timing chain (cam chain). There are two main types of motorcycle cam chain tensioners. The majority of bikes are manufactured with an automatic cam chain tensioner, which is maintenance-free. Or, at least, as long as it operates properly. In contrast, some bikes feature a manual tensioner that requires the rider to adjust the timing chain manually.

Just like any other chain drive, a motorcycle timing chain also requires some slack to avoid stress on the bearings.

On the other hand, too much slack is undesirable. A loose chain can lead to operating issues and will wear out the chain/sprockets much faster.

To avoid these issues and maintain the proper timing chain tension, every motorcycle is equipped with a tensioner.

The automatic motorcycle cam chain tensioners typically use a spring-driven worm, a spring-loaded arm, or even hydraulic power to keep the chain tight.

Hydraulic tensioners use the oil pressure provided by the engine’s oil pump.

Besides the more common automatic units, some motorcycles come with a manual tensioner.

As the name implies, this unit can only be adjusted manually, which requires some extra attention.

So, the design of timing chain tensioners varies widely, but basically all do the same thing. Let’s see how they work!

How Does the Cam Chain Tensioner Work on a Motorcycle?

Simply put, the tensioner features a wheel or a slider, which is mounted halfway between the two sprockets. The spring or hydraulic pressure forces this small slider/wheel against the chain. It causes the chain to move inwards, which increases the tension and finally eliminates excessive chain slack.

These tensioners typically feature an “anti-return mechanism,” meaning that they can only move in one direction.

Here’s a great video on how a hydraulic cam chain tensioner works:

What is CCT on a Motorcycle?

The abbreviation CCT on a motorcycle simply refers to the Cam Chain Tensioner, which is also known as a TCT (Timing Chain Tensioner).

Motorcycle Pushrod vs. Timing Chain

Besides overhead cam valvetrains, which feature timing chains or belts, pushrod valvetrains are also used on motorcycles. As the name suggests, a pushrod valvetrain uses long metal rods to move the valves. Pushrods were much more prevalent on vintage bikes, but a few modern motorcycle engines feature this design as well. This type of valvetrain typically fits well on larger-displacement, air-cooled engines like the big V-twin cruises.

The cylinders of these bikes are usually pretty large, so pacing them into the frame is tricky.

This is where pushrods come in handy!

The main advantage of a pushrod valvetrain is that it can lower the height of the cylinders. How?

This is because on these bikes the camshaft doesn’t sit on the top of the engine!

Therefore, the cylinders can be lower, and fit into a smaller frame.

Here’s an informative video on how a pushrod motorcycle engine works:

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Timing Chain?

The most common motorcycle timing chain symptoms are as follows:

• Noises from the engine (most common)
• Decreased performance
• Other engine malfunctions
• Engine doesn’t start or stalls
• Too much slack in the timing chain

It’s safe to say that the most frequent problem with timing chains is arguably that they become noisy over time.

Motorcycle Timing Chain Noises

When it comes to motorcycle timing chain noises, they typically vary depending on the model and its engine design. However, a bad timing chain often produces one of the following noises:

• Buzzing or squealing engine sound
• Rattling noises (like having a bunch of rocks in the engine)
• Rhythmical “tick, tick, tick” sounds

These noises are typically noticeable at idle or lower RPMs and always come from the cam chain tunnel.

But to be more precise, in most cases it’s not the timing chain that goes wrong, but the tensioner.

If they are fully extended or fail, they can’t tighten the chain anymore.

This usually means a loose chain!

An increased chain always results in various noises or even engine malfunctions.

So, if you notice any noises or other issues with your timing chain, you may want to first inspect the tensioner!

It’s also good to know that tension failure is a common issue on certain motorcycle models.

On these bikes, it makes sense to replace the automatic tensioner with a manual one.

Before you dig deeper, don’t forget that the noises may come from somewhere else.

For instance, it could be a clutch basket rattle, which is a common issue on Kawasakis.

If pulling the clutch lever makes quiets the noise, it’s a clue that your bike has a clutch issue.

Let’s move on and take a closer look at the chain as well!

When Should a Motorcycle Timing Chain Be Replaced?

How Long Does a Motorcycle Timing Chain Last?

Unlike the drive chain, the timing chain doesn’t have to tolerate a lot of engine power.

Since it’s designed to only drive the camshaft, the time chain takes only a little power from the crankshaft.

Consequently, timing chain replacements on motorcycles are very rare.

It’s safe to say that with proper maintenance, timing chains can even last as long as the engine. That’s why you can find bikes with original timing chains, which have over 150,000-200,000 miles on them! In contrast, some owners prefer to replace their chain after a certain mileage. For instance, 50,000 miles is a typical milestone when more cautious owners consider a replacement.

As they say, replacing the timing chain is like having extra insurance on their bike.

Since a broken timing chain can lead to serious engine damage, it makes sense to replace it to avoid these issues.

But as a rule of thumb, the sprockets and the timing chain should be replaced if they are damaged or worn out.

And this is independent of the mileage!

Let’s move on and see when a motorcycle timing chain should be replaced.

When Should a Motorcycle Timing Chain Be Replaced?

In most cases, there’s no scheduled replacement interval for a motorcycle timing chain. Since these chains are very durable, they are typically considered lifetime parts. Therefore, most owners don’t replace it as long as it’s in good condition. On the other hand, a timing chain must be replaced if it’s worn out or gets damaged. But how do you know when your timing chain is worn out? Keep reading!

Before we drill into the details, something important needs to be clarified.

Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle timing chains don’t actually stretch! Instead, the slack is caused by the chain wearing out.   

When the chain wears its pins get smaller while the holes start to grow, which results in a longer chain.

Although it looks like it’s stretched, the plates virtually remain the same length.

To inspect a motorcycle timing chain, you have to remove the cover and the engine oil may also need to be drained. Once you get access to the chain, you can measure its slack and the distance between two pins with a vernier caliper. Then you should check your service manual, as it will tell you if the chain is worn out and needs to be replaced. Rather than mileage, the time of replacement is typically determined by the wear of the chain.

How do You Adjust a Motorcycle Timing Chain?

If your bike has an automatic chain tensioner this means you don’t have to deal with adjusting. However, on some bikes you have to unscrew a bolt or a nut to activate this automatic tensioner. If the bike features a manual tensioner, you have to adjust the chain manually every time it’s needed. The exact procedure is clearly stated in your bike’s service manual. Make sure to check it carefully before you do any maintenance on your bike!

If your bike has an automatic tensioner but it doesn’t eliminate the chain noises, this is a clue that the tensioner is bad/reached its limit or the chain is worn out.

Don’t forget that too much slack in the chain can wear out the sprocket faster, or in the worst-case scenario it can jump (skip a tooth), which may end in engine damage!

Therefore, you always have to be sure that the timing chain on your bike is properly tightened.

Here’s a great video on how to adjust a motorcycle timing chain:

How do You Install a Timing Chain on a Motorcycle?

Unlike adjusting its tension, installing a timing chain on a motorcycle can be enormous work. This is because to replace the chain, in many cases the sprockets have to come off as well. Ideally, the chain is located on the side of the engine and the sprockets are removable. But if the chain sits between the cylinders, this probably means that you have to pull out the whole crankshaft to install the new timing chain.

As you might assume, it’s not a five-minute job!

While chain replacement is usually much easier on a single-cylinder engine, on a bigger bike it takes a lot more work.

Finally, it always depends on the design of the engine.

Besides, if you have to install a new timing chain in your bike, experts recommend replacing the cam sprockets too.

On some bikes, this can be tricky! Why?

This is because sprocket replacement is only simple if they are removable.

But in some engines the cam sprocket is fitted tightly to the crankshaft, which can cause a lot of headaches to remove.

What’s more, on a few bikes the cam sprocket is not replaceable at all, as it is permanently mounted on the crankshaft.

This means if you want to replace the cam sprocket, you actually have to replace the entire crankshaft.

It sounds crazy, but this is the truth!

It’s a clue that timing sprockets are designed to last as long as the entire engine. If you are lucky, yours will. If not, you’ll probably face a costly repair.

Back to the time chain replacement, the other thing that makes it difficult is that the cam timing mustn’t be changed.

In other words, the timing with the new chain has to be the same as it was with the old chain.

Messed up timing can lead to an uneven engine operation, or even engine damage!

As you can see, replacing a timing chain and the sprockets is not for beginner riders.

If you’re not familiar with valve settings and engine repairs in general, it’s recommended that you leave this replacement to a professional.

But if you want to install a timing chain on your bike yourself, make sure that you carefully read the service manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For more info, here’s a great step-by-step tutorial on how to replace a motorcycle timing chain.

Are you wondering how much it costs to repair a motorcycle timing chain? Keep reading!

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Motorcycle Timing Chain?

Depending on the source of the problem, fixing a motorcycle timing chain can be a cheap or even a pretty expensive repair. If the tensioner is all that has to be replaced, it would be about $50-$150 plus labor. But don’t worry as this service can typically be done in less than an hour! But if the chain needs to be replaced too, you have to be prepared for a hefty repair bill. Depending on the design of your engine, replacing the timing chain may cost you many hundreds or even thousands of dollars!

When it comes to motorcycle timing chain prices, they typically range from $50 up to $100. However, this is typically not the biggest cost, it’s the labor.

It’s hard to give even a ballpark figure for the complete repair as it depends on countless factors.

If the cam drive sits between the cylinders, the crankshaft has to be removed to install the new chain.

As you might assume, this can result in a lot of labor.

Besides the chain, it’s wise to replace the sprockets in many cases which would add to the cost.

What’s more, once the engine is taken apart, the repair usually involves replacing some other parts like bearings, gaskets, and so on.

Because of this, replacing the timing chain on your bike may cost you far more than you expect!

Conclusion

Motorcycles feature three different types of camshaft drives.

Most bikes use a metal timing chain to drive their camshaft, while other bikes have a rubber belt or gears for the same purpose.

This chain connects the two cam sprockets, one of them is mounted on the crankshaft while the other is attached to the camshaft.

The timing chain on a motorcycle is used to transmit power from the crankshaft to the camshaft.

Timing chains are typically pretty durable, so they are usually considered to be a lifetime part.

However, some manufacturers may have a recommended replacement schedule for the chain.

In most cases, it depends on the wear on the chain rather that the mileage.

Keeping safety in mind, some owners replace it periodically regardless of its condition.

Unlike chains, tensioners are prone to breaking, which may end in slack in the chain. This slack typically results in a noisy engine, lack of power, or other engine malfunctions.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only. Before you do any maintenance on your bike, always read its service manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations!

References:

https://www.diymotofix.com/blog/cam-chain-wear-and-replacement-tips1

http://www.dansmc.com/camchain_adjust.htm

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/bikes/air-cooling-and-pushrods-bright-future-for-old-tech

1. Keeps the chain away from your leg if the chain breaks accidentally
2. Helps prevent damage to your bike in case the chain snaps
3. Protects your clothing and luggage from the chain
4. Keeps chain lubricant from spraying all over the machine
5. It helps keep dirt and foreign objects away from the chain
6. Chain guards may be required by law
7. You can customize your bike with a stylish chain guard

If you’re considering removing your chain guard or would just like to find out the benefits of this part, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this post!

What is a Chain Guard on a Motorcycle?

The chain guard on a motorcycle is a metal or plastic cover that partially encloses the drive chain. It’s typically mounted to the swingarm and features some rubber inserts to reduce vibration. Chain guards are often referred to as “motorcycle chain covers” or “motorcycle chain protectors” as well.

Surprisingly, chain guards are often made of plastic. Why?

This is because plastic is lightweight, cheap, and doesn’t cause damage to the chain.

Besides their advantages, plastic motorcycle chain guards are more likely to break and usually look very cheap.

That’s why the more durable and stylish metal chain guards are much more popular among riders. On the other hand, they cause more wear on the chain when they accidentally come into contact.

When the bike runs on a rough surface or the chain is too loose, it’s not uncommon for the chain to slam against the guard.

What is the Purpose of a Chain Guard?

Simply put, the main purpose of a motorcycle chain guard is to protect your body and the bike from damage in case the chain snaps. It also helps to prevent your or your passenger’s foot from touching the chain. As a hidden benefit, a chain guard helps keep your bike clean as it effectively keeps chain grease from spraying. And finally, it can keep dirt and objects away from the chain to some extent.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about these important factors in detail!

1. A Chain Guard Protects Your Body if the Chain Breaks

One of the main advantages of a chain guard is that it can protect your leg from injuries. If the chain breaks on a motorcycle it typically drops to the ground. But if you are unlucky, the chain can act as a whip causing serious injuries to your leg.

This is where the chain guard comes into play.

Since it’s mounted directly above the chain it can effectively prevent the chain from whipping.

Even if it can’t keep you completely safe, it definitely offers extra protection. And it works!

If you have doubts just do your research at online forums. There are some documented cases when chain guards saved riders from injuries.

And contrary to popular belief, even plastic chain guards offer significant protection.

Although they are not as strong as their metal brothers, since they are placed close to the chain they can effectively dampen its energy.

In other words, the chain guard prevents a broken chain from acting like a whip, so it has to withstand a much smaller amount of energy.

That’s why it’s important to have a chain guard on your bike, especially if you ride with a passenger. Don’t forget that he/she is much more exposed to a broken chain!

2. Protects Your Bike from Damage

What’s more, the chain guard can protect not only your body but your bike as well. This is because a slapping broken chain can cause very serious damage!

It can break the tail of the bike, the fairings, or in the worst-case scenario it can put a hole in the engine.

As you might assume, these issues typically lead to costly repairs, or even the end of the life of the bike.

3. Keeps Clothing and Luggage Away from the Chain

Another important reason why a chain guard is necessary on a motorcycle that it protects your and your passenger’s clothes and leg from getting caught in the chain.

Let’s face it, on a motorcycle the left leg of the passenger is located pretty close to the chain.

This means there’s always a chance that clothing accidentally touches the chain, which may end in some dirty clothes, or even serious injuries.

Fortunately, most of these accidents can be prevented by having a chain guard.

What’s more, if you carry any luggage or an extra helmet on your bike, thanks to the chain guard they are less likely to touch the chain or get dirty from the spray.

4. Helps Keep Your Bike Clean

To the greatest regret of many chain-driven motorcycle owners, the drive chain requires periodic cleaning and lubrication. Therefore, unlike belt and shaft-driven bikes, the drivetrain of these bikes requires more attention and care.

Besides the hassle of this maintenance, another complaint against the chain drive is that it sprays lubricant all over the bike.

This grime is prone to covering everything from the rear wheel to the tail, which can cause a lot of headaches.

But thanks to the design of the chain guard, it significantly reduces the amount of this lube spray.

This is a great advantage, as it helps keep the bike as well as the clothing/luggage clean!

5. Keeps Objects and Dirt Away from the Chain

As its name implies, a chain guard can also protect the chain from foreign objects and dirt.

It’s a great feature especially on dual-sport and ADV bikes!

On these machines, the rear tire is continuously throwing dirt and mud at the chain, so it makes sense to protect it as much as possible.

6. Motorcycle Chain Guard Legal Requirements

Although a motorcycle chain guard is not a legal requirement in many states and countries, local laws vary widely. So contrary to popular belief, chain guards may be required by law under certain circumstances. For instance, if the bike is street-legal and features passenger footpegs, it probably means that it has to be equipped with a chain guard as well.

Again, laws differ a lot so to stay safe and legal double-check local laws, especially if you’re considering removing the chain guard from your bike!

7. A Chain Guard Can Customize Your Bike

Last but not least, installing an aftermarket chain guard is a great way to customize your bike. They come in many shapes, materials, and colors, often in a set with sprocket covers or even mud guards.

What’s more, some bike-specific chain guards come with laser-cut detailing, which can even be of the same type of the given bike.

They look pretty good!

But if you are looking for something unique, you can consider making a custom chain guard for your bike!

FAQs About Motorcycle Chain Guards

Do You Need a Chain Guard on a Motorcycle?

To keep your bike clean and your leg safe, best practice is to have a chain guard on your motorcycle. If your bike is manufactured without a chain guard, you may want to consider getting an aftermarket one. If a model-specific guard is not available, you can also choose from many different universal motorcycle chain guards.

They come in many shapes and sizes, but it’s good to know that mounting them can sometimes be tricky.

What’s more, if your bike features a plastic guard, you can also consider replacing it with a more durable stainless-steel model.

Why do Some Motorcycles not have Chain Guards?

In the past chain guards were much more prevalent on motorcycles to block the lube spray. Virtually all vintage bikes featured regular chains, which were very dirty. To keep the machine and the riders clean, a chain guard was a must on these bikes. In contrast, modern motorcycles usually have a sealed chain, which is much cleaner. Another factor is the presence of passenger footpegs on new bikes. If a bike features passenger footpegs, it’s typically equipped with a chain guard as well.

Since chain guards are not required by law in many states and countries, whether a motorcycle is equipped with this addition always depends on the manufacturer.

Should you Remove the Chain Guard on Your Motorcycle?

Keeping safety in mind, removing the chain guard from your motorcycle is definitely not recommended. It’s there for a good reason! A removed chain guard leaves your foot and the bike unprotected from the whipping chain in case the chain snaps. What’s more, you would be faced with a much dirtier rear wheel and tail as well.

Despite the risks, some riders take off this protector from their bikes.

Are you wondering why they do this?

Keep reading!

Disadvantages of a Motorcycle Chain Guard

In a nutshell, the disadvantages of motorcycle chains guards are as follows:

• Makes chain maintenance harder.
• Makes the rear wheel more difficult to remove.
• A chain guard is usually very dirty (as it collects mud, grime, brush, or even small animals).
• Creates annoying noises when the chain touches it, especially on rough terrain.
• Requires some attention – a chain guard is prone to loosening, breaking, or even falling off.
• Adds extra weight to the bike (even if it’s often marginal).
• Aesthetic issues – some riders prefer a naked look.

Again, even if it has some disadvantages, you shouldn’t remove the chain guard from your bike!

Do You Need a Chain Guard on a Dirt Bike?

In most cases, dirt bikes don’t feature chain guards as they are hardly ever ridden with passengers. Another issue is that a dirt bike’s chain would pack a lot of mud on this guard, which could cause the chain to move harder. On top of that, the chain on dirt bikes typically has more slack and the bike is ridden on harder terrain, which results in more movement in the chain. If a dirt bike were fitted with a chain guard, the chain would probably hammer its surface all the time.

It would not only be very annoying but it would wear out the chain and the guard much faster.

Instead of a regular chain guard, dirt bikes are typically equipped with a plastic chain guide and a slide.

Conclusion – Can You Ride a Bike Without a Chain Guard?

Even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s highly recommended that you have a chain guard on your bike. As you can see, having this protective unit on your machine has many advantages! If your chain breaks, the guard keeps it away from your leg or the tail of the bike. If you ride with a passenger, it protects his/her clothing or luggage from the spinning chain. Another purpose of a chain guard is that it helps keep your bike cleaner, as it can significantly reduce the spraying of chain lube.