Not really a genuine Streamliner, the Integral fairing , which is commonly called “Dustbin”, had a short life in road racing before the FIM banned them in 1957 due to the hazard with lateral wind at high speed. However, I really think that this nickname does not do justice to it and my pick is rather “Dreamliner”. I am right or wrong? I have just a few seconds of your time and a few pictures to make the case.
In fact I don’t really know why I am so fascinated by these integral fairings. Indeed, when my interest for motorcycles started in the early seventies, they were already gone for a long time and thus obsolete, there were no pictures of such things in the moto-mags; so this has nothing to do with performance or greatest speed but rather esthetic and curves.
I can see already some of you arguing that any fairing hiding the engine just kills the essential of the esthetic of a classic bike. I cannot disagree and a half fairing such the Egli-Vincent Café Racer makes a perfect job. But look at these pictures of street bike along genuine racing bikes. Look at the way that a simple road bike becomes something just so different and so … fascinating?
Let’s start with this fabulous Triton… yet to be convinced? Let’s see a few more shots.1957 Gilera 125 Road race. This fairing provided typically about 20 mph additional top speed on the smaller displacement with significant drawback in case of lateral wind which led to crashes and a ban from the FIM for road racing.Tarquinio Provini and his 1957 Works 125cc DOHC Mondial.This is how looked a 125 cc Grand Prix grid in 1957: Front row, Luilike a 125ccgi Taveri (blue helmet), Carlo Ubiali (6), Sammy Miller (4), Cecil Sandford (29) and Tarquinio Provini (44); Second row, Arthur Whealler (36)Gilera 500cc 4 cylinders with aluminum fairingThese are 2 beasts that all Vincent enthusiasts will recognize: Nero and Super Nero both built and raced by George Brown.Here is a pair of Norton 750 Atlas, one stock and one with a Dustbin fairing. Picture taking in the 60s.Two Triumph Bonneville, not from the same year but I think this picture make the point that it transforms an “ordinary” Classic in something very … fascinating, doesn’t it?Same comment about this BMW R75/5This picture was taken at the VOC Rally in 1983 at Quimper (France). Document Dominique Le BrisI think this Black Prince looks great and would even have benefit to leave the factory with this fairing?The Dustbin allows you to work on your own original paint scheme like on this BSA Road Rocket. Next to her, a BSA 500 Gold Star DBD34OK, this paint scheme might be fun but I think it also kills its charm. See attached link to Goffy’s BSA A10 http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffya10.htmUnknown owner, which is definitely proud of his Triumph T100, and he can beToday only Drag race allows integral fairing. The bike looks pretty cool and the fairing think is a big part of it!Last one, if at that point you still don’t like it…. then I lost my case ☹
The Avon “Dustbin” fairing came with built in lights.A headlight shining through a screen is dreadful to use at night,I speak from experience 🙂
There is an example on the cover of the 1980 CLASSIC BIKE magazine issue 8-9 which you may find on ebay
I agree that a period appropriate dustbin adds panache to a vintage bike. I’m thinking of one for my Gold Star (hate to hide that beautiful engine though). Where did you get dustbin on your bike?
My mate and I went down to Durrington in Wiltshire and had a Streamliner fitted. That was in 1963 and we went to the Avon factory. We drove down from Ayrshitre and there was no motorways in those days. Down the M6, lunch at the Jungle Cafe at the Shap, then on to Durrington. I recall it took us 10 hours. We stayed the night in a hotel and had the fairings fitted the next day. We were given instructions on how to handle our bikes (Norton Dominators 99s) as the fitting of the fairing made it limited steering. The drive home was great and it made the price of £40 (2 weeks wages in those days) worth the effort. It was the love of my life and I still havent forgiven my eldest son who came along and I had to sell my bike and by a car and a pram. It was quite a comedown 0-60mph in 4 seconds to 4mph in 60 minutes! Great memories of the Avon Dreamliner.
Hi. Just seen a pic of my dads vincent black knight on here, I was 4 when I first went on the back with him, not much too hold on too, it’s the black and white pic saying “would look good leaving the factory with this fairing” great bike.
Regards Bruce Vincent Brookes-Tee.
The Egli-Vincent 
The Avon “Dustbin” fairing came with built in lights.A headlight shining through a screen is dreadful to use at night,I speak from experience 🙂
There is an example on the cover of the 1980 CLASSIC BIKE magazine issue 8-9 which you may find on ebay
Yes, I believe you and guess that one can brag that at night you get the greatest visibility on your dashboard! Philippe
PS,search Google for “Avon Streamliner” and in Images there are quite a few examples.
Will do, thank you. Philippe
I agree that a period appropriate dustbin adds panache to a vintage bike. I’m thinking of one for my Gold Star (hate to hide that beautiful engine though). Where did you get dustbin on your bike?
Hi, thank you for your interest. If you google “dustbin fairing for sale” you will find a few such:
http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/vintage/vintagefairingsdustbin.htm
Philippe
My mate and I went down to Durrington in Wiltshire and had a Streamliner fitted. That was in 1963 and we went to the Avon factory. We drove down from Ayrshitre and there was no motorways in those days. Down the M6, lunch at the Jungle Cafe at the Shap, then on to Durrington. I recall it took us 10 hours. We stayed the night in a hotel and had the fairings fitted the next day. We were given instructions on how to handle our bikes (Norton Dominators 99s) as the fitting of the fairing made it limited steering. The drive home was great and it made the price of £40 (2 weeks wages in those days) worth the effort. It was the love of my life and I still havent forgiven my eldest son who came along and I had to sell my bike and by a car and a pram. It was quite a comedown 0-60mph in 4 seconds to 4mph in 60 minutes! Great memories of the Avon Dreamliner.
Hi. Just seen a pic of my dads vincent black knight on here, I was 4 when I first went on the back with him, not much too hold on too, it’s the black and white pic saying “would look good leaving the factory with this fairing” great bike.
Regards Bruce Vincent Brookes-Tee.
The unknown rider is Phil Roberts from Barlby in Yorkshire. His older brother Paul was passenger for me on my first race win.