[Kenneth_Moore]

Here's a question for the crowd: what is the point of the "beak" on many, especially dual-sport or offroad, motorcycles? That big extension that's sort of like a front fender, but isn't really? They're common on BMW bikes, and one is being sold as an accessory for the V-Strom.

 

[longride]

Umm.......it looks cool?

 

[acecycleins]

Cosmetics-Dude!

It's just a little reminder that the bike may have some off road ability. High fenders on Adventure Tourers have their place, but I believe our USDOT has a problem with "street" bikes not having a front fender (or mud guard for you Brits) that is within so many millimeters of the top of the tread.
If you look at the BMW GS, Hypermotard and a few others on Euro sites I bet you'll find your fair share of bikes sans fender.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

Somebody is trying to tell me that they are for aerodynamics; to "keep the front wheel planted at autobahn speeds." It didn't seem plausable to me.

 

[acecycleins]

Somebody is trying to tell me that they are for aerodynamics; to "keep the front wheel planted at autobahn speeds." It didn't seem plausable to me.

Yeah, because adventure tour bikes and supermoto bikes have such exhilarating top speed they must put a "wing" on the nose for down force purposes.

 

[longride]

I think someone was drinking heavily when they told you that one.

 

[sarnali2]

I think someone was drinking heavily when you believed them....



They're pretty useless actually. On a MX'r or full on dirt bike they keep mud from jamming up the wheel and let the knobbies clean themselves. On a street bike they just let more crud fly up in your face when the weather's crummy. fenders that fit close to the tires are way better on a street bike if you ride in wet weather.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

I think someone was drinking heavily when they told you that one.

I'm sorry to report that not all forums have the wisdom and integrity of Motorcycle.com

 

[longride]

Set em straight brother!

 

[55028]

It deserves a look

I can't make up my mind if that beak on Strom is cool or fugly. At least it's unique.

Beak for vstrom - Stromtrooper.com

 

[longride]

The Strom is so ugly it really doesn't matter much.

 

[seruzawa]

Yikes.

I think someone was drinking heavily when you believed them....

They're pretty useless actually. On a MX'r or full on dirt bike they keep mud from jamming up the wheel and let the knobbies clean themselves. On a street bike they just let more crud fly up in your face when the weather's crummy. fenders that fit close to the tires are way better on a street bike if you ride in wet weather.

Remember when it was vogue to have no front fender at all.... gravel, mud puddles, assorted detritus, etc. all flying up in the wind and into your face in a perfect hyperbolic arc at 50 mph.

 

[The_AirHawk]

I can't make up my mind if that beak on Strom is cool or fugly. At least it's unique.

Beak for vstrom - Stromtrooper.com

Looks like a good place for a couple of extra lights, though.

 

[seruzawa]

Looks like a good place for a couple of extra lights, though.

Bjork is unique too.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

I can't make up my mind if that beak on Strom is cool or fugly. At least it's unique.
]

Got to see it in person; it's the only way to tell. If I were looking for more bodywork, I'd be doing the lower fairing kit first anyway.

dlvstrom | Proudly riding V STROM in USA !

 

[sarnali2]

Well going by the picture I'd say it looked like Daffy Duck on crank right before he flings himself at the SWAT Team.....

 

[trenttheuncatchable]

That custom-made beak makes the V-Strom look even stranger than normal. The lower fairings are a good design, though, much better than those for the older (pre-2006) FZ1. The black DL650 with lower fairings looks alright to me. The only issue I'd have is that installing lower fairings might preclude installing crash guards.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

That custom-made beak makes the V-Strom look even stranger than normal. The lower fairings are a good design, though, much better than those for the older (pre-2006) FZ1. The black DL650 with lower fairings looks alright to me. The only issue I'd have is that installing lower fairings might preclude installing crash guards.

I suspect that anyone intending to offroad their Strom would never consider the lowers. You couldn't add crash guards, bash plates, etc. It's for those of us who want their Strom for ST duties. You can still add sliders though.