Motorcycle fairings are protective covers that protect the motorcycle’s frame and parts in case of a motorcycle crash. Motorcycles with aggressive-style fairings help improve aerodynamics by reducing air drag and ensuring faster performance. These protective covers are made of aluminum, carbon fiber, and hard plastic.
Motorcycle fairings can be installed on sports bikes, track racing bikes, baggers, and cruisers, though the last two cannot have full-body fairings. They are mostly fitted with a large front or nose fairing that includes an infotainment system, windscreen, speakers, and storage compartments. Small nose fairings are also installed on cruisers for aesthetics.
Due to being additional parts, fairings make the motorcycles heavier and unsuitable for novice riders. However, motorcycles with fairings are still popular among motorcycle enthusiasts. Most motorcycle companies have started experimenting with installing fairings on sports bikes to reduce overall weight and improve performance. Motorcycles with fairings are now lightweight, more aerodynamic, and aggressive, ensuring fast and thrilling performance. This article discusses the top 10 best street-legal motorcycles with fairings in 2023.
- Table of Contents
1. 2023 Lightning LS-218
Photo Credit: @Lightning Motorcycles
The 2023 Lightning LS-218 has changed the opinion of riders who doubted the performance of electric motorbikes. It is the world’s fastest electric sports bike on race tracks and roads since 2014. The Lightning LS-218 is powered by an IPM liquid-cooled 150 kW 10,500 rpm electric motor capable of a horsepower of 200 hp and a torque of 227.77 Nm, ensuring an average range of 100 miles at highway speed. Its sharp and aggressive-style fairing and lightweight frame allow for a top speed of 218 mph. The Lightning LS-218 electric sports bike has won several racing world records, including the official world record of 218.637 mph at Bonneville during Speedweek, the FIM Epower Championships at Le Mans, and TTXGP.
The 2023 Lightning LS-218 also has several modern features, including a RaceTech fork with fully-adjustable preload compression, Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, and programmable regenerative braking. All of these features bring its base price to $38,888.
Also Read: TOP 10 FASTEST MOTORCYCLES IN THE WORLD 2022
1.1 2023 Lightning LS-218 Specs and Features
| 2023 Lightning LS-218 Electric Sports Bike | |
|---|---|
| Motor | IPM Liquid-Cooled 150kW+ 10,500 rpm Electric Motor |
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
| Torque | 227.77 Nm |
| Transmission | Direct Drive Motor |
| Weight | 495 lbs |
| Seat Height | 32 in |
| Base Price | $38,888 |
| 2023 Lightning LS-218’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| IPM liquid-cooled 150kW+ 10,500 rpm electric motor |
| Programmable regenerative braking |
| RaceTech front fork |
| Öhlins TTX36 rear shock and linkage system |
| Direct drive motor |
| 30 mins charging time on a DC fast charger |
2. 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R
Photo Credit: @Ducati
The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R is a full-faired street-legal sports bike with an advanced aerodynamic body to ensure minimum drag and maximum performance. The Ducati Panigale V4 R features a 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R Evo engine capable of a horsepower of 207 hp at 13,500 rpm and a torque of 111.1 Nm at 12,000 rpm. With a full racing exhaust, the Ducati Panigale V4 R can produce a horsepower of 237 hp at 15,500 rpm and a torque of 118 Nm at 12,250 rpm in a closed racing circuit. This is the first street-legal motorcycle produced that is closest to a race track bike due to its high-power specs and performance.
The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R fairings were upgraded to ensure better efficiency. It has received a new sleek and compact two-piece wing design to help reduce drag.
The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R comes at a base price of $44,995 due to being fully equipped with advanced electronic features. It comes with a lighter dry clutch, a better intake cam profile, upgraded Power Modes, engine maps, ride-by-wire throttle, and Engine Brake Control EVO 2.
2.1 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R Specs and Features
| 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 998 cc |
| Engine Type | Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 |
| Horsepower | 207 hp @ 13,500 rpm With Full Racing Exhaust: 237 hp at 15,500 rpm |
| Torque | 11.1 Nm @ 12,000 rpm With Full Racing Exhaust: 118 Nm at 12,250 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-Speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) |
| Dry Weight | 172 kg / 379 lbs With Full Racing Exhaust: 167 kg / 368 lbs |
| Curb Weight | 193.5 kg / 427 lbs With Full Racing Exhaust: 188.5 kg / 415 lbs |
| Seat Height | 33.5 in / 850 mm |
| Base Price | $44,995 |
| 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| Electronic fuel injection system |
| Full ride-by-wire throttle |
| Quick shifter |
| Hydraulically controlled lighter slipper dry clutch |
| Fully-adjustable front and rear Öhlin suspensions |
| Five inches TFT color display |
| Riding modes |
| Power modes |
| Ducati Traction Control (DCT) |
| Ducati Slide Control (DSC) |
| Cornering ABS EVO |
| Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO |
| Engine Brake Control (EBC) |
| Auto tire calibration |
| Carbon-fiber wings and heatshields |
3. 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon
Photo Credit: @Kawasaki
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 are the road-legal versions of the fastest track sports bike, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R. Despite being a road-legal bike, it is powered by a supercharged 998 cc inline-four engine capable of a horsepower of 228 hp at 11,500 rpm and a torque of 142.2 Nm at 11,000 rpm, ensuring a top speed of 209 mph. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon has a lightweight chassis and an aggressive-style fairing to improve acceleration.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon are almost identical, with only a few minor differences, including the carbon fiber-made upper cowl used in the Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon also comes with several modern features, including ABS, launch control mode, cornering management function, traction control, supercharged engine, and more. All of these features bring it to an expensive base price of $35,000.
3.1 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon Specs and Features
| 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 998 cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-Cooled, Four-Stroke, Inline-Four Engine |
| Horsepower | 228 hp at 11,500 rpm |
| Torque | 142.2 Nm at 11,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Curb Weight | 524.8 lbs |
| Seat Height | 32.5 in |
| Base Price | $35,000 |
| 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| ABS |
| Supercharged engine |
| Intelligent anti-lock brake system |
| Traction control |
| Engine brake control |
| Launch control mode |
| Cornering management function |
| Quick shifter |
| Ergo-fit |
| Smartphone connectivity |
| Electronic throttle valves |
| Assist & slipper clutch |
| Economical riding indicator |
4. 2023 BMW S 1000 RR
Photo Credit: @BMW
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR is another uniquely-designed sports bike suited for race tracks and roads. Its unique fairings include composite plastic winglets below the twin headlights that produce 37.7 lbs of aerodynamic downforce when this bike reaches a speed of 186 mph. When the BMW S 1000 RR accelerates, the aerodynamic downforce produced keeps the front tire on the ground. This helps the BMW S 1000 RR accelerate faster and provides more traction.
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR is powered by a 999 cc four-stroke inline engine capable of a horsepower of 205 hp at 13,750 rpm and a torque of 112.53 Nm at 11,000 rpm. Due to its high-performance specs and aerodynamic design, it can attain a top speed of 188 mph.
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR has several ride-assist and modern features, including a traction control system, BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, and four riding modes.
4.1 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Specs and Features
| 2023 BMW S 1000 RR | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 999 cc |
| Engine Type | Four-Stroke Inline Engine |
| Horsepower | 112.53 Nm at 11,000 rpm |
| Torque | 205 hp at 13,750 rpm |
| Top Speed | 188 mph |
| Transmission | Claw-Shifted Six-Speed Gearbox with Straight Cut Gears |
| Dry Weight | 385.8 lbs |
| Curb Weight | 434.3 lbs |
| Seat Height | 32.4 in |
| Base Price | $17,895 |
| 2023 BMW S 1000 RR’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| ABS Pro |
| Dynamic Traction Control (DTS) |
| Four riding modes (Race, Dynamic, Road, and Rain) |
| 6.5 in TFT display |
| Hill Start Control (HSC) |
| M GPS Lap-trigger |
| Unique frame with composite plastic winglets |
5. 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650
Photo Credit: @Kawasaki
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has aggressive-style fairings, improved performance, and traction control. It is powered by a 649 cc Parallel-Twin engine capable of a horsepower of 68 hp at 8,000 rpm and a torque of 64 Nm at 6,750 rpm. If you are a beginner who wants to start learning how to ride a sports bike, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a good option. The traction control system allows you to switch between two riding modes depending on the condition of the road. In sports mode (Mode 1), the traction system does not intervene much and allows maximum performance and acceleration. However, Mode 2 limits your motorcycle’s performance but makes it better suited for roads offering less traction and bad weather conditions. The traction control system can also be turned off to gain full control of the motorcycle.
If you are a fan of a minimalist design or a naked bike, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is also available in a stripped-down version known as the Kawasaki Z650.
5.1 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Specs and Features
| 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 649 cc |
| Engine Type | Parallel-Twin Engine |
| Horsepower | 68 hp at 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 64 Nm at 6,750 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Curb Weight | 419.0 lbs |
| Seat Height | 31.1 in |
| Base Price | $8,199 |
| 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| ABS |
| Traction control system |
| Assist & slipper clutch |
| Dual throttle valves |
| Horizontal back-link rear suspension |
| Economical riding indicator |
6. 2023 Norton V4SV
Photo Credit: @Norton Motorcycles
The 2023 Norton V4SV is one of the most luxurious and lightweight British sports bikes with carbon-fiber fairings to ensure faster acceleration. It is fitted with a powerful 1,200 cc liquid-cooled, Norton 72° V4 engine capable of a horsepower of 185 hp at 12,500 rpm and a torque of 125 Nm at 9,000 rpm.
The 2023 Norton V4SV’s engine, frame, and chassis were built in-house and this motorbike has been tested on one of the most well-known and difficult race tracks, the Isle of Man TT. The fairings and frame have compact and aggressive designs to ensure responsive and quick rides.
The 2023 Norton V4SV comes with Öhlins front and rear suspension for a more balanced and stable ride. The electronic riding aids include traction control with a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and three riding modes: Sport, Road, and Wet. The Norton V4SV also comes with a quick shift system and a six-inch color display screen with a rearview camera.
6.1 2023 Norton V4SV Specs and Features
| 2023 Norton V4SV | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 1,200 cc |
| Engine Type | Norton 72° Liquid-Cooled, V4 engine |
| Horsepower | 185 hp at 12,500 rpm |
| Torque | 125 Nm at 9,000 rpm |
| Dry Weight | 193 kg |
| Seat Height | 836 mm |
| Base Price | $53,500 |
| 2023 Norton V4SV’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| Full carbon fiber bodywork |
| Three riding modes (Sport, Road, and Wet) |
| Lean-angle sensitive traction control system |
| Six-axis IMU |
| Electronic steering lock |
| Full quick shift system |
| Six inches color display |
| Rearview camera |
| Electronic fuel injection system with eight fuel injectors |
| Öhlins shocks |
7. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS
Photo Credit: @BMW Motorrad
The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS is a bulky sports tourer with full body fairings and an aerodynamic design. This sporty motorcycle comes with better wind protection and a relaxed riding position, allowing you to go on comfortable long rides with a passenger.
The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS is fitted with a 1,254 cc air- and liquid-cooled, four-stroke Boxer engine capable of a horsepower of 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and a torque of 142.36 at 6,250 rpm. Despite having a curb weight of 536 lbs, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 secs. The 1,254 cc Boxer engine comes with BMW ShiftCam technology with dual intake camshaft profiles for better running smoothness, powerful acceleration, and impressive torque delivery.
The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS also comes with several ride-assist and safety features, including the Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control (DTS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), three riding modes (Road, Rain, and Eco), and Hill Start Control (HSC).
7.1 2023 BMW R 1250 RS Specs and Features
| 2023 BMW R 1250 RS | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 1,254 cc |
| Engine Type | Air- and Liquid-Cooled, Four-Stroke Boxer Engine |
| Horsepower | 136 hp at 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 142.36 at 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | Constant Mesh Six-Speed Transmission with Helical Gears |
| Dry Weight | 536 lbs |
| Seat Height | 32.3 in Lowest setting: 29.9 in |
| Base Price | $15,695 |
| 2023 BMW R 1250 RS’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| TFT display screen with BMW Motorrad connectivity |
| Integral ABS Pro |
| Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) |
| Three riding modes (Road, Rain, and Eco) |
| Hill Start Control (HSC) |
| Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) |
| USB charging socket |
| Throttle-by-wire technology |
8. 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7
Photo Credit: @Yamaha
The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 is a lightweight, super sports bike with legendary Yamaha styling and a powerful engine to ensure maximum power output and torquey performance. It is powered by a 689 cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine capable of a horsepower of 71 hp at 9,000 rpm and a torque of 67 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Its low wet weight of 414 lbs ensures faster acceleration and quicker throttle response. The Yamaha YZF-R7 has the staple lightweight, sleek fairings and chassis of the Yamaha YZF-R series responsible for its impressive aerodynamics, maneuverability, and handling. The slim design also ensures better cornering capability and reduces air drag. The twin-cylinder engine features a 270° crankshaft design to ensure smooth acceleration, reduced vibrations, and better linear performance.
The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 also comes with several modern features, including a quick shift system and assist & slipper clutch for easy and smooth gear shifts. It also comes with an LCD screen display showing fuel capacity, gear position, fuel economy, speed, and more.
8.1 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Specs and Features
| 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 689 cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-Cooled, Four-Stroke, Inline Twin-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 71 hp at 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 67 Nm at 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Curb Weight | 414 lbs |
| Seat Height | 32.9 in |
| Base Price | $9,199 |
| 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| Assist & slipper clutch |
| Quick Shift System (QSS) |
| Brembo brakes |
| LCD instrument panel |
9. 2023 MV Agusta Superveloce 800
Photo Credit: @MV Agusta
The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 is one of the most good-looking and compact sports bikes with uniquely-designed fairings and café-racer style. It is inspired by the vintage Moto GP look and comes with a trellis frame and a single-sided swingarm.
The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 comes with four riding modes: rain, race, sport, and custom. It also has several other modern features, including a dedicated engine management system, traction control with eight interaction levels, ABS, four engine maps, full ride-by-wire throttle, and torque control.
The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 is powered by a 798 cc three-cylinder engine capable of a horsepower of 147 hp at 13,000 rpm and a torque of 88 Nm at 10,100 rpm. Due to its lightweight thermoplastic fairings and ALS Steel tubular trellis frame, it can attain a top speed of 149.1 mph and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.05 secs.
9.1 2023 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 Specs and Features
| 2023 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 798 cc |
| Engine Type | Three-Cylinder, Four-Stroke Engine |
| Horsepower | 147 hp at 13,000 rpm |
| Torque | 88 Nm at 10,100 rpm |
| Transmission | Cassette-Style, Six-Speed, Constant Mesh |
| Material | Thermoplastic |
| Dry Weight | 173 kg / 381.4 lbs |
| Seat Height | 830 mm / 32.68 in |
| Base Price | $24,398 |
| 2023 MV Agusta Superveloce 800’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| ABS |
| Rear wheel lift-up mitigation with cornering function |
| Thermoplastic fairings |
| Full ride-by-wire throttle |
| Four riding modes (rain, race, sport, and custom) |
| Traction control with eight intervention levels |
| Electronic quick shift |
| Slipper clutch |
| 5.5 inches color display screen |
| Cruise control |
| Launch control |
| Bluetooth and GPS |
10. Honda CBR10000RR-R Fireblade SP
Photo Credit: @Honda Powersports
Honda has dominated the race tracks with its top-class sports and super sports bikes for a long time. However, as technology has advanced and other well-known motorcycle companies have begun producing high-performance and fully-equipped sports bikes, Honda has lost its place on the race tracks. But recently, it has managed to make a comeback with its Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade SP.
The Honda CBR10000RR-R Fireblade SP has introduced 30 years ago and had an anniversary model with reshaped engine’s intake ports, a new throttle-return spring, a new quick-shift mechanism, and graphics introduced in 2022.
The Honda CBR10000RR-R Fireblade SP is fitted with a 999 cc liquid-cooled, inline-four engine capable of a horsepower of 215 hp and a torque of 112.53 Nm. For better fuel delivery to the engine and smoother throttle response, it comes with programmed dual-stage fuel injection with 12-hole injectors and 52 mm throttle bodies. The Honda CBR10000RR-R Fireblade SP is built with several modern features, including Brembo brakes, a colored TFT display screen, a throttle-by-wire system, a quick shifter, selectable torque control, and Öhlins second-generation suspension. Along with top-notch modern specs, it also comes with an advanced fairings design and frame with winglets for reduced air drag and improved high-speed performance.
Also Read: 10 BEST UPCOMING MOTORCYCLES IN 2023
10.1 Honda CBR10000RR-R Fireblade SP
| Honda CBR10000RR-R Fireblade SP | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 999 cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-Cooled, Inline-Four Engine |
| Horsepower | 215 hp |
| Torque | 112.53 Nm |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Curb Weight | 445 lbs |
| Seat Height | 32.7 in |
| Base Price | $28,900 |
| Honda CBR10000RR-R Fireblade SP’s Technology and Modern Features |
|---|
| Larger throttle body |
| Colored TFT display screen |
| Throttle-by-wire system |
| Selectable torque control |
| Quick shifter |
| Öhlins suspension |
| Longer swingarm |
| Aerodynamic winglets |
| Programmed Dual Stage Fuel Injection (PGM-DSFI) |
11. Takeaway
Fairings are mostly installed on sports bikes to give them an aggressive look, reduce air drag, and allow them to ride at high speeds at low rpms. The modern fairings are made of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber and thermoplastic, and are designed to improve aerodynamics.
If you want a fast motorcycle with an aggressive riding style and look, sports bikes are the best options. Sports bikes include several categories, including low-power, intermediate-level, supercharged expert-level, and super sports bikes that are only used for race tracks.
If you want to transform your sports bike into a sports touring bike by improving its storage capacity, Viking Bags has specially designed luggage options for sports bikes. These include backpacks, tail bags, saddlebags, and tank bags.
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