Tank Wings

[Zamp]

I'm taking a week long trip from Los Angeles to Colorado, and was thinking of putting on some tank wings.. Currently I have the BMW sport screen with a Laminar lip. And GS hand guards.. They are kinda funky looking, and not exactly cheap.. Worth the investment?
Thanks Zamp

[morrie]

My guess is that they will make a significant improvement. I originally had a Parabellum shield and the tank wings eliminated most of the buffeting. I now use the Aeroflow touring fairing with the tank wings, and buffeting is a thing of the past.

[Buckster]

I had them on my bike for a while. While they do block wind that would come up and hit you in the chest, I just didn't like the look of them. After doing many comparo rides with and without, I finally removed them.

[morrie]

The significant difference I noted was the elimination of buffeting on the helmet. Comfort is increased considerably, and on a long ride the fatigue factor is significantly reduced. I lost one once and had to wait for a replacement. After getting used to them, I was surprised at the amount of buffeting without them. It seems to me that the only objection to them on this board is appearance. IMO, form follows function, and they really work. If you want to sell yours, I could use a spare set.










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[tlwood28]

I have thought on and off about getting these things but exactly what are they suppose to do? I have the BMW touring windscreen with laminar lip that eliminated all buffeting for me. I still have a lot of wind noise though to the point where I have to wear ear plugs. My dream would be to arrive at a point where I have "clean air" giving me a windy but quiet ride.

As far as just blocking wind is concerned, I have an Engage tank bag that probably provides some additional protection (although I have yet to do a comparison ride focused on this aspect). Just another, and I would argue more useful, option if that is all you are looking for.

Let us know what you end up doing.

Tom W.

[Zamp]

Thanks guys.. I'm going to give them a try.. Just want a little added protection on the longer rides, and if it helps with fatigue and weather protection, even better... We are leaving from Los Angeles to Colorado on the 29th of this month. So hope to locate a used pair, or I may give in and buy new ones.. Thanks again for your advise, will let ya know how the whole thing works out..
Zamp

[Ol' Jeffers]

Ummm......being a Beemer novice and knowing little or nothing about available accessories, what do these things
look like?

[morrie]

They are actually vortex generators. They capture the dirty air that comes up over the oil coolers and vent it out to the sides. Without them, that dirty air creates turbulence on the back side of the shield. Thus no matter what shield you use, or a laminar lip as well, you are going to have some dirty air hitting your helmet. I have had two RTs which probably have about as good a weather protection system as you can get. with the Aeroflow fairing and tank wings, my R is every bit as good. When I first got that setup, i discovered that I rode about 10 mph faster than before because it was so smooth. I could send you some pics of my setup but I'm not sure how to do it or if I can on this board. You might try this link:

http://aeroflowscreens.com/images/R1150 ... owLeft.jpg

I also hang out on the V-Strom board and noted recently that some of the guys have started making their won vortex generators to eliminate buffeting on those bikes.

[tlwood28]

Zamp, you and I have a very similar set up. I hope to hear how these work out for you.

Morrie, or others, the site says they use dual-lok connectors. Do these apply to the tank or the oil coolers or both? I can't say I am crazy about applying those to painted surfaces. On the other hand, looking at the picture you posted and what is on the site, I don't find them that bad looking. Additionally, I would think they could be painted to match the color of the bike, which would make them even less noticeable.

[Zamp]

I decided not to go with the tank wings, but did get the Aeroflow sport screen and bar plate.. Went for a week long tour of southern Colorado, and can tell you it worked great.. Much better than my old set up of BMW sport screen with Laminar lip..
Picked up the screen in person at Aeroflow, Paige was most helpful, and knowledgeable..
I was thinking of replacing my R1150R, with perhaps an f800ST, or new Honda NT700V, but with the new shield working so well, think I'll keep her for a while.. Thanks for all your help..
Zamp

[morrie]

Zamp, you and I have a very similar set up. I hope to hear how these work out for you.

Morrie, or others, the site says they use dual-lok connectors. Do these apply to the tank or the oil coolers or both? I can't say I am crazy about applying those to painted surfaces. On the other hand, looking at the picture you posted and what is on the site, I don't find them that bad looking. Additionally, I would think they could be painted to match the color of the bike, which would make them even less noticeable.

The dual lock connectors go on the tank above the oil coolers. Dual lock is designed for use on painted surfaces. I had my set on for three years and removed them to replace the dual lock. After I cleaned up a couple of sticky lines with an alcohol swab, there was absolutely no evidence that they had been on there. Then I put on the new ones.