The bike is going to need some work (it’s been sitting for a few years), but this Goldwing gives me an excuse to share the rare (and amusing) Bates Clipper fairing with you.
Established in 1949, Bates Manufacturing was created in Los Angeles by Bob Bates, who produced a variety of motorcycle accessories. Though they have since focused on leathers (worn by legends like Mert Lawwill, Gene Romero, and Kenny Roberts), one of their notable accessories in the past was the Clipper fairing.
The Clipper was quite a sight – the seller says it’s nicknamed the Dolly Parton of fairings but I haven’t seen anyone else use that reference. I have, however, seen it described as ‘cartoon eyes’:
picture from http://picturespider.com/i-cartoon-eyes-popping-out-gif.php?pagenum=2&ad=off
The body of the fairing was fixed, though the windshield turned with the handlebars (a la the 1000cc Ducati Multistrada). The Clipper had removable leg shields and lockable side storage AND a top luggage box, integrated behind the headlights. Options included a AM/FM radio, digital clock, map light, cigarette lighter, and custom colors beyond the standard black or white. For more information on the Clipper, check out this ad from the January 1980 issue of Cycle World. Hit next to see some other Bates ads, but be warned – you might get lost for 30 minutes in period ads and reviews like I did. Who needs to work, anyway?
Cosmetically, this bike doesn’t look too bad, except for the holes drilled into the fairing by a previous owner to mount some air horns. Mechanically, it will need some work, but the fairing and all the bags are probably worth some money to someone feeling a pang of nostalgia when they see this bike – or to someone who’s always wanted a motorcycle that resembles a semi. Find this Goldwing for sale in Plainfield, Illinois with an opening bid of $500