Finding a honda vtx with fairing setup that actually looks good and performs even better is the dream for a lot of cruiser fans who want to turn their naked bike into a long-haul machine. Let's be honest, the VTX is already a legendary bike. Whether you're rocking the 1300 or the beastly 1800, these things are built like tanks and have that classic, low-slung stance that never really goes out of style. But as much as we love that "wind in your face" feeling for the first twenty minutes, a three-hour highway stretch can leave you feeling like you just went twelve rounds with a heavyweight boxer.
Adding a fairing isn't just about changing the look; it's about reclaiming your stamina on the road. It transforms the bike from a local bar-hopper into a legitimate cross-country tourer.
The Battle Against Highway Fatigue
The biggest reason most of us start looking for a fairing is the wind. On a naked VTX, your chest basically acts like a giant sail. At 70 mph, you're constantly fighting to stay on the bike, which tenses up your arms, shoulders, and neck. After a hundred miles, that fatigue starts to set in.
When you toss a fairing on a VTX, you're creating a pocket of still air. It's not just about blocking the wind; it's about directing it over your head and around your shoulders. If you get the height right, you can ride with an open-face helmet or even just some shades without feeling like your skin is being peeled off. It makes those 400-mile days feel like a quick trip to the grocery store. Plus, it keeps the bugs off your leather jacket, which is a nice little bonus for anyone who hates scrubbing dried grasshoppers off their gear.
Choosing the Right Style: Batwing or Sharknose?
Most guys looking for a honda vtx with fairing options end up staring at two main styles: the Batwing and the Sharknose.
The Classic Batwing
The Batwing is the go-to choice for the VTX. It follows the lines of the forks and moves with your handlebars. This is the classic "touring" look. Brands like Memphis Shades or Hoppe make some killer Batwing fairings that fit the VTX lines perfectly. The cool thing about the Batwing is that it keeps the traditional cruiser aesthetic while giving you a massive amount of protection. Because it's fork-mounted, it's generally easier to install, though some riders say it can make the steering feel a bit heavier at low speeds.
The Sharknose Alternative
While less common on a Honda, some folks go for the frame-mounted Sharknose look. Since it's mounted to the frame, the weight of the fairing doesn't affect your steering. If a gust of wind hits you from the side, it doesn't jerk your handlebars. It's a bit more of a custom fabrication job to get a Sharknose onto a VTX, but the stability at high speeds is hard to beat.
The 1300 vs. The 1800 Dilemma
It's worth mentioning how the fairing affects the two different VTX models. The VTX 1800 is a monster. It has so much torque that you won't even notice the extra weight or the wind resistance of a large fairing. You can load that bike down with a fairing, hard bags, and a passenger, and it'll still pull like a freight train.
The 1300 is a bit different. It's a lighter, more nimble bike (relatively speaking), and it has that single-pin crank that gives it a more Harley-like rumble. When you put a heavy fiberglass fairing on a 1300, you might feel a slight change in how the bike handles flicking through corners. It's nothing deal-breaking, but it's something to keep in mind. You might want to look at lighter ABS plastic fairings if you're worried about keeping the 1300 feeling "zippy."
Dealing with the Installation Headache
Let's talk about the actual work. Unless you're buying a bike that already has one installed, you're going to be in the garage with a set of wrenches and probably a few choice curse words. Most fairing kits for the VTX are "bolt-on," but as anyone who has worked on bikes knows, that's usually a loose interpretation of the word.
Brackets are the most important part. If the brackets aren't solid, that fairing is going to vibrate like crazy once you hit highway speeds. And there's nothing more annoying than a buzzing fairing when you're trying to enjoy a scenic ride. If you're doing a DIY job, take the time to use Loctite on every single bolt. The VTX vibrates—especially the 1300—and it will shake those bolts loose over time if you aren't careful.
Adding Tunes and Tech
One of the best perks of having a honda vtx with fairing is the ability to run a real sound system. Sure, you can wear earbuds, but there's something special about blasting your favorite tracks through a set of 6x9 speakers while you're cruising down a backroad.
Most modern fairings come with cutouts for a head unit and speakers. If you're going this route, don't cheap out on the components. Marine-grade electronics are a must because, let's face it, you're going to get caught in the rain eventually. A lot of riders are moving away from traditional head units and just installing a Bluetooth amp hidden inside the fairing. It keeps the dashboard looking clean, and you can just control everything from your phone mounted on the bars.
Paint and Aesthetics: Making it Look Factory
A lot of VTX owners worry that adding a fairing will make the bike look like a "franken-bike." To avoid this, the paint match is everything. Honda had some pretty specific colors for the VTX line—like that deep Candy Red or the Titanium Metallic.
If you just slap a matte black fairing on a glossy bike, it looks unfinished. If you can't afford a professional paint job right away, even a high-quality wrap can bridge the gap. But if you really want that "pro" look, getting the fairing color-matched to the tank and fenders is what makes people stop and ask, "Is that a new Honda touring model?"
Is a Fairing Actually Worth the Cost?
You're looking at anywhere from $300 for a basic shell to $1,500+ for a fully loaded, painted fairing with a sound system. Is it worth it?
If you only ride ten miles to work and back, probably not. But if you have any desire to travel, it's the best investment you can make. It changes the ergonomics of the ride. You'll find yourself staying out longer, taking the "long way" home, and feeling way less beat up at the end of the day.
The Honda VTX is one of the most reliable cruisers ever built. The engines are basically bulletproof if you change the oil and keep an eye on the valves. By adding a fairing, you're basically taking a bike that could already last 100,000 miles and making it comfortable enough to actually want to ride it for all 100,000 of those miles. It's the ultimate DIY touring conversion that doesn't require a $30,000 price tag.
So, if you're tired of fighting the wind and you want to give your VTX a whole new lease on life, stop thinking about it and just do it. Your back, your neck, and your ears will thank you the second you hit the on-ramp.