Custom Motorcycle Fairings: How to Choose the Right Type for Your Bike

Short answer: "custom motorcycle fairings" covers four different things: universal fairings, model-specific aftermarket fairings, OEM fairings and individually fabricated fairings. Which one suits you depends on whether you're replacing a damaged panel, adding a fairing to a bike that never had one, or building a one-off. In every case, confirm fitment against your exact make, model, year and existing parts before you pay.

There is no industry standard for the word. A seller may mean a made-to-order panel, a model-specific kit, or simply an aftermarket part. Ask what the fairing was designed to fit, not what it's called.

A universal fairing is made to fit a range of bikes, so the matching work falls on you. Seller guidance for universal headlight fairings is consistent: measure your headlight's diameter and shape, confirm the opening lines up, and check for mounting points on the fork stem, yokes or handlebars. Many sellers also suggest mounting the headlight in the fairing before installing the assembly, which saves rework. Before buying, check headlight size, fork tube diameter, handlebar and control clearance, and whether turn signals or gauges will be in the way. 

These are made for a particular bike, so the buying work is confirming the exact fit. Some sellers match kits to a bike's exact make, model and year, and cruiser specialists offer FXRT-style fairings with fitments for Dyna, FXR, Road King and Indian models. Year ranges matter. Viking's Darkin fairing for the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty states a 2018-2024 fitment and lists its dimensions and contents, which is the level of detail you should expect from any listing. Never assume a fairing for one model fits a related one. If you ride one of these brands, see our Harley-Davidson fairings, Indian fairings and Yamaha fairings pages.

OEM parts are made by or for the bike's manufacturer to the original design, which makes them the safest route for exact replacement. They usually cost more than aftermarket parts, and availability for older bikes can vary, so check with a dealer. 

Some builders make fairings by hand, often with custom paint. This route suits one-off builds, but cost, lead time and fit depend on the builder. Ask for dimensions, material, finish, and what happens if it doesn't fit. Building your own is also possible, though it takes real planning and time. See how a fiberglass fairing is built before deciding.

Cruisers vary in fork size, headlight and handlebar layout, which is why a fairing made for one bike can foul another. Turn the bars fully lock to lock before you ride. Fork-mounted and bar-mounted designs can change steering feel, and fairing weight affects stability and maneuverability. If you ride a Harley, our guide to choosing a fairing for a Harley-Davidson goes deeper.

A windshield is a clear shield. A fairing is bodywork that usually carries a windshield and may cover the headlight and more of the front end. All fairings include a windshield, but not all windshields are part of a fairing. A tall windshield can also create low-pressure turbulence behind it, which is why some designs are vented. For the wider case for adding one, read why riders add a fairing.

ABS plastic and fiberglass are both common in aftermarket fairings, and some products combine them with an acrylic windshield. Rather than asking which is "best," ask how thick it is, how it's finished and how repairable it is.

• Replacing a damaged panel: OEM or a model-specific aftermarket part.

• Adding a fairing to a cruiser: a model-specific kit first, universal if none exists for your bike.

• Custom build: fabricated, or universal with brackets.

• Looks only: a smaller cowl-style fairing may be enough. 

1. Exact make, model, year and trim, and the listing's stated year range

2. Headlight size and any modifications already on your bike

3. Fork tube diameter and mounting points

4. Handlebar, control and cable clearance, lock to lock

5. Fairing dimensions and windshield height

6. What's in the box: windshield, brackets, headlight extension, hardware, instructions

7. Finish: raw, primed or painted

8. Warranty, returns and who pays return shipping

9. Total cost, including paint, wiring and installation 

• Buying on the word "universal" alone

• Ignoring year ranges

• Forgetting wiring and headlight work

• Skipping the lock-to-lock check