Best Motorcycle Fairing Accessories (2026): Top Upgrades

The fairing accessories most worth buying are a taller or race-style windscreen from Puig, Zero Gravity or MRA, a set of stainless fairing bolts with proper well nuts, and a tank pad or fork guard for paint protection. Choose model-specific parts whenever possible, because windscreen shape and fastener sizes change by bike. This guide explains what each accessory does, what to measure, and what to avoid.

Quick comparison of fairing accessories

Best upgrade: a model-specific windscreen

A windscreen changes airflow around your helmet more than any other cosmetic part. Puig’s catalog lists well over a hundred screens, and Zero Gravity and MRA offer race and touring profiles for popular models. Taller screens push turbulence above your helmet at highway speed; shorter race screens sit lower and give a sportier tuck.

The trade-off is that a tall screen can create buffeting at some rider heights, and a short one may not help much. Match the screen to your seated height, and if you can, look at how tall riders describe the airflow for your exact bike.

Best for hardware: stainless fairing bolt kits

Fairings lose bolts over time, and mixed fasteners strip. Universal stainless kits typically include M5 and M6 bolts, washers and clips. They are inexpensive and help with a rebuild or a repair after a drop. They are not a replacement for model-specific hardware where torque or color matters.

Well nuts matter on windscreens. The rubber insert cushions the plastic against vibration, which prevents cracks around the mounting holes. Buy a screen-specific hardware kit if you are replacing the screen.

Best for paint: tank pads and protectors

Tank pads protect the area where jacket zippers and belts rub the paint. Puig lists a tank pad category with many shapes. They are cheap, easy to replace, and are an easy first accessory for a new bike. Clear versions keep the original look. Colored pads add a personal touch but can hide wear, so check them periodically.

Best for tip-over protection: fork guards

Fork guards and fairing protectors bolt to the lower fork or fairing edge and take the first hit in a low-speed drop. They are similar in purpose to frame sliders but protect different parts. If your bike has expensive plastic at the front, these are worth considering.

How to choose fairing accessories

Get the exact model and year

Windscreens and fairing guards are shaped for specific bikes. Confirm the model year range, because a screen for the 2019 model may not fit the 2023 redesign.

Choose the right screen height

Screens add roughly 1 to 4 inches over stock in many catalogs. Add height if your head is in turbulent air; keep it short if you want an aggressive tuck.

Check material and finish

Quality screens are made from acrylic or polycarbonate with scratch-resistant treatment. Tinted options reduce glare but can limit night visibility.

Plan the fasteners

Replace old fasteners with the correct metric size, and use thread locker where the manufacturer allows. Do not overtighten plastic panels.

A worked example: finding the right screen height

Sit on the bike in your normal riding position and have a friend measure from your eye level to the top of the current screen. If you look over the screen, add around 1 inch to 2 inches and test again. If air hits your helmet chin bar, try a screen with a wider shape rather than just a taller one. Small changes can matter, so make one change at a time.

Ownership realities

• Fairings crack at mounting holes if fasteners are overtightened.
• Screens scratch easily, so clean them with microfiber and plastic-safe cleaner.
• Adhesive pads leave residue after removal, and heat helps lift them.
• Check bolts after the first few rides, as vibration loosens them.

Decision matrix: which accessory to buy first

Mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is buying a screen for the wrong model year. Fairing shapes change with redesigns, and screens that almost fit will stress the plastic. Another is overtightening bolts into fairing tabs, which causes cracks around the hole. Finally, avoid mixing stainless bolts with bare aluminum fasteners in wet climates without anti-seize, because dissimilar metals can seize. Keep the original bolts if you switch to aftermarket ones, so you can return the bike to stock later.

Buying checklist

Start with the problem you want to solve: wind noise, lost bolts, scuffed paint or drop protection. Choose one accessory for that problem and check the fitment list for your exact model and year. Look at the material, the finish and any included hardware, and keep your original screws in a labelled bag. If you ride in cold or wet climates, favour stainless fasteners with a dab of anti-seize. Install one change at a time and ride a familiar route, so you can tell whether it actually helped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a taller windscreen reduce helmet noise?

It can, if it moves turbulent air above your helmet. Results depend on rider height and bike shape, and some riders still use earplugs.

Can I use universal fairing bolts on any bike?

You can use them as a repair option, but verify thread size and length. Model-specific fasteners are safer for critical mounting points.

Do tank pads damage paint?

Good pads use adhesive designed for paint, but they can leave residue if left for years. Remove them with gentle heat and a plastic scraper.

Are race windscreens legal on the street?

In most places they are allowed, but double-bubble race screens can limit upward visibility. Check your local regulations.

How tight should fairing bolts be?

Tighten until snug and the washer seats, not until the plastic flexes. Follow your service manual for any torque specification.