Motorcycle.com

Kenneth_Moore · 01-23-2008, 11:44 AM

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 · 01-23-2008, 11:58 AM

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

acecycleins · 01-23-2008, 12:12 PM

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 · 01-23-2008, 12:27 PM

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 · 01-23-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 01-23-2008, 12:46 PM

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

sarnali2 · 01-23-2008, 12:55 PM

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 · 01-23-2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longride

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 · 01-23-2008, 01:10 PM

Set em straight brother!

sfcdjevans · 01-23-2008, 02:43 PM

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

01-23-2008, 11:44 AM	#1
Kenneth_Moore Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VIsiting the GIft Shop in the Pit of DIspair Posts: 7,118	Beaks 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. __________________ www.kennethmoore.org

01-23-2008, 11:58 AM	#2
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	Umm.......it looks cool? __________________ I'm a knucklehead

01-23-2008, 12:12 PM	#3
acecycleins Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North Georgia Posts: 4,129	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. __________________ "Slack" - a state of being in which everything flows smoothly.....a frame of mind so at ease that the universe naturally cooperates.

01-23-2008, 12:27 PM	#4
Kenneth_Moore Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VIsiting the GIft Shop in the Pit of DIspair Posts: 7,118	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. __________________ www.kennethmoore.org

01-23-2008, 12:46 PM	#6
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	I think someone was drinking heavily when they told you that one. __________________ I'm a knucklehead

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01-23-2008, 12:55 PM	#7
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,638	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. __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "Denser alloy. My Father gave it to me, I think he wants me to kill you"... CVF-FCV

01-23-2008, 01:10 PM	#9
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	Set em straight brother! __________________ I'm a knucklehead

01-23-2008, 02:43 PM	#10
sfcdjevans Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 43.47N-76.48W Posts: 956	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 __________________ 3425 miles from Reading, UK Why their heads on a pike of course. If I thought it would do any good. Last edited by sfcdjevans : 01-23-2008 at 02:45 PM. Reason: I'm procrastinating, ok......