For those who want to mount a wind fairing to their OEM Base Rack

[spoolinX1]

After 6 months of fuel tracking, I can safely say that I've lost 2-3 miles per gallon since adding my OEM Roof Load Bars. Figured it was time to attempt to regain a little bit of my aerodynamic shape back by adding a wind fairing. See if that might help.

Spent a great amount of time researching based on the tiny amount of sizing information that is actually shared publicly by the three major rack companies (Thule, Yakima, Inno).

I was able to make a determination.

The Inno INA261 (Medium) Fairing is the way to go. Thule's fairing requires modification to the clips and/or drilling into your base rack. Yakima's isn't even considerable based on the fact that their bars are round.

With exception to one small detail (Outlined below) you will find that the INA261 fits our X1's absolutely perfectly. Note that you will have to remove the center grey plastic piece that is double sided taped to the bottom of your front OEM base bar. Look under it, you'll see what I'm talking about. If you don't remove it, it's going to interfere with your center fairing backet.

Once installed, the contour of the fairing is perfect. It sits nice and flat against all four points on the roof and traces the shape of the sun roof cutout perfectly as not to restrict movement of the glass, but also not to block any sunlight from inside the vehicle. I honestly could not be happier with the fitment. I see too many cars with fairings that are either too short, too long, or the contour looks funky against the shape of the vehicle.

So here's the one small exception. You're going to find that the mounting bolts that come with the Fairing are about 1/2" too short. To remedy this situation, Inno sells what they call an "Extended bolt kit" (Part number ISF717) which includes 6 longer bolts. The are absolutely out of their mind for thinking that they can get away with charging $15-20 for those 6 bolts. You can get around this. Here's how: The exact size you need for the longer bolts is 6mm, 1.00 thread pitch, 75mm length. They must be carriage bolts so that the shoulders will lock into the square recess of the bracket. You are not going to find these at your local hardware store. Good news though!! Our friends at Thule apparently did not feel like ripping their customer's off on this bolt. Perform a search on Google for "Replacement Carriage Bolt - M6 x 75mm" and you will find that e-trailer.com sells the exact bolt you need in the Thule brand, already painted black, for 43¢ each. You will need 6.

That's all there is to it. When I get a moment, I will upload some pics for you guys.

Another thing to mention is that the Inno logo is just a sticker and is totally removable if you like that clean look better.

[spydrz]

Would love to see the pics!

[vstolpner]

Same here, pictures would be great!

[spoolinX1]

Not the greatest pics, but this will give you an idea.

There is about 1.25" of clearance between the end of the the fairing and the factory side rail. If you went with the size large, it would be too long to fit snugly in that area. If you went with a size small, it would be awkwardly short and not serve much purpose.

I have zero wind noise on the highway now. I never really had a whistle, per say, but there was definitely a little bit of noise coming from up above before installing the fairing.

[vstolpner]

Looks great! Congrats!

[spydrz]

Looks cool!

[salzo]

Is there actual contact with the paint, and do you think normal vibrations will wear down the paint?

[spoolinX1]

Originally Posted by salzo

Is there actual contact with the paint, and do you think normal vibrations will wear down the paint?

Yes there is and no I don't. This is my 4th fairing and so far all of them have come with thick clear adhesive vinyl stickers that you put down on your paint at the points of contact, under the soft pads of the fairing. I have never had an issue with paint abrasion and I have never had a noticeable fade issue. A clay bar, some paint cleaner and wax always made the area like new again even after years of consistent use.

[salzo]

Stickers! Didn't think of that. Duh. The main reason I don't keep my bike rack up there during cycling season is noise. This sounds like a great find.

[spoolinX1]

Originally Posted by salzo

Stickers! Didn't think of that. Duh. The main reason I don't keep my bike rack up there during cycling season is noise. This sounds like a great find.

Do it!