Windshield Opinions Sought

BlueBeak · Post by **BlueBeak** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 9:01 am

With the cooler weather settling in up here in the Northeast USA,
a rider's thoughts turn to wind protection.

I mostly (95%) ride backroads, even commuting to work, and
would like a windshield that puts the wind above my helmet
(I'm 5'9"/175cm), but that won't be miserable on the highway.

What does the collective recommend?

Thanks!

Post by **rdsmith3** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 9:32 am

Lots of opinions have been expressed on this topic

Here are a few from the archives:

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=1545

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=1811

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=887&highlight=

Post by **MikeCam** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 11:41 am

BB,

Consider that less is more. I've watched many folks strive for the perfect windscreen that breaks the air off their chest and helmet AND has little or no residual turbulence. They tend to go bigger and wider and still can't get happy.

Some (DJ especially) have determined that smaller can work just fine.

Get the wind off your chest and keep your helmet in clean air above the turbulent flow. (My screen angles so that the wind cuts me at the neck and has little felt turbulence at 115mph.)

That said, the quoted threads are definitive for providing options and opinions. Pay attention to Dallara's info and rdsmith's, esp.

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 12:27 pm

I Like the touring screen and don't find the high speed buffeting too uncomfortable....My helmet is usually a Shoie rf 9000. full face which behaves better aerodynamically than my arai 3/4 .

Optimus Prime · Post by **Optimus Prime** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 12:43 pm

As I've been riding, I've found that long distance highway miles are where I spend a lot of my time. Mainly because I'm busy with a full time job and getting my Masters, so I usually only get to ride when I mix it in with a business or personal trip. Here in the midwest our highways are slightly elevated with nearly no windbreaks and a large amount of semi traffic. I was getting a severe semi-truck turbulence that was low freaquency and very high amplitude around my head. I tried several ways to fix it and add some weather protection: (I'm 6'1")

-I've had no windscreen
actually a very nice option for summer non-highway riding

-Sport screen
turbulent air around helmet, less pressure on chest

-Sport screen with Tank wings
much better, but head was still in turbulent air

-Sport screen with Tank wings and Laminar Lip
nearly perfect. Still got windflow, but it was very controlled and smooth in all conditions except dealing with truck turbulence

-Aeroflow Tall Touring screen with Tank Wings
Ultimate weather and wind protection. It's very over the top, but it does the job. I wouldn't be able to ride as much without it, but I yearn for no screen around town. I guess this just means I need to get another bike...

Post by **Boxer** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 12:51 pm

I am 5' 10", sit on the mid-height seat (or the Bill Mayer, which is a little higher) and wear a noisy Nolan flip-up. I started out with the BMW Sport Screen since it looked cool in the smoked color. I used it for two really long trips out west and never realized what a difference the Touring screen would make until I bought a used one and tried it. To me it is all I will ever need. It is high enough to knock the wind just over the top of my head, decreasing the wind noise around my noisy helmet. Yet it offers plenty of exposure on my arms to let the air flow through my mesh jacket in the summer. I like it! And the look has grown on me. I paid $45 for it used and cannot justify hundreds for a Parabellum or other brand equivalent.

There, that's my opinion.

BlueBeak · Post by **BlueBeak** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:17 pm

Thanks to all for their input!

To add some background, I had this HUGE NationalCycles Plexistar2
on my Kawasaki and LOVED it for cold-weather riding. It kept the
cold air off my hands (not as much of an issue with the heated grips
on the R) as well as torso, and if I ducked down into a more sporty
riding position on the highway, it was completely silent. For warm
weather, remove the 4 plastic knobs, and in 30 seconds, it's gone.

I like the looks of the BMW touring screen, but it doesn't look
removable.

So far, the SportShield EX looks like the best contender, despite
the tinting on the bottom, which I'm not sure I care for.

Anyone else care to chime in before I take the plunge?

In particular, anyone try the StreetShield EX and hate it?

Airman1 · Post by **Airman1** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:43 pm

I've got the touring screen. I have found it noisy with my Arai Quantum/F,
but the protection is quite good. I think if I felt sporty in the summer, I would buy the BMW sport screen which uses the same mounts. I'd like to try that "new" touing screen to see the difference. It rains alot in winter where I live and I need the protection of a good screen. I don't know how you "naked" guys do it. I hate getting hit by bugs and stuff. Cold rain is pretty unpleasant after an hour or so. With the touring shield I get no rain on the upper body except my arms. Helps a lot.

Post by **rdsmith3** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 2:06 pm

Herb/Blue Beak

It is really difficult for anyone else to answer this for you. That is the problem with these windscreens. We are all different sizes. Even if we are the same size, I may sit somewhat differently than you, or I may have a different helmet, or my tolerance for wind noise may be different because I use ear plugs.

FWIW, I use the Touring Screen. I do get wind buffeting around the head and it makes some noise, but it is not too bad. I tried a laminar lip, but I did not like that. It did not reduce the buffeting and made the bike more susceptible to the "wash" from large trucks. I like the body protection of the touring screen. I have a tall seat with an Alaska Leather sheepskin butt pad, so my 6'2" body sits fairly tall in the saddle.

When I rode to work this morning, it was 42 deg F, and I was doing up to 70 on the highway, so it was COLD. I was glad to have the wind protection of the touring screen.

Next spring, I will probably put the fly screen back on. That is the best looking IMO. My riding buddies think it even looks better than a naked Roadster.

BlueBeak · Post by **BlueBeak** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 2:16 pm

rdsmith3 wrote: It is really difficult for anyone else to answer this for you.

Right, I'm not looking for "answers", just people's experiences.

I appreciate that a windshield isn't as universal as a set of
System Cases, but whatever information is out there is better
than taking a shot in the dark.

Cheers!

Acacia · Post by **Acacia** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 8:28 pm

Blue Beak,

I have the Street EX - great! Love it. Yopu dont notice the slight tint and shading after it is on.

I am 5'8" on a Bill Mayer. Got it set so that the bugs hit just above the helmet shield. No turbulance. Been up to 125 with it on. At $119 a great deal. Ridden friends with other screens and they concur with me that the NC is great too. Done 15 hour rides with it. Done over 900 miles a day rides with it. Great.

Since the mountings are are not made speciafically for the 50R, you will have to bend the bottom ones. PM me if you are inrterested in more detail.

Acacia

MIXR · Post by **MIXR** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 6:27 am

Lots of choices out there. I've tried a couple, but have been really happy with a 'bikescreens.com' screen (out of New Zealand). Uses stock fly mounts and projects bugs to helmet above visor on me (5'10"). No noise or buffet off the screen. Been there for 25,000 km now.

Post by **mistercindy** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:50 pm

Lots of opinions on this one. I'll give you my experience and two cents with the R1150R. I tried the BMW Sport Screen, but it created a lot of turbulence and dirty air. After a few thousand miles I switched to the BMW Touring Screen (same mounts). After three thousand miles I'm happy with the Touring Screen. It keeps the blast off my chest and neck, and got rid of the turbulence.

BTW, I'm 6'0" and 235 lbs with an inseam of 32".

Xray28 · Post by **Xray28** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 10:17 pm

Well, when I bought my bike I ordered it with a touring windscreen. My dealer didn't have one in stock so as a temp they installed a sport windscreen. I liked it fine, but stubbornly demanded they put on the tourer as soon as it came in. It worked fine, but looked kind of monstrous to me. I rode with it a long time, until my unfortunate dust up in Hinkley Ca. When the opportunity to replace the windshield came up I asked if the price was the same or less that they install the sportie again. I like it better. Less buffeting at speed, and it deflects the wind just as well. I think I may be getting a few more bugs on my visor now, but what the heck, free protien.

Post by **Wayno28** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:38 pm

I have Sport screen and Touring screen and like the Touring
screen best. I like Naked till a chill gets in the air...bout now!
6' 250 lbs.

FGanger · Post by **FGanger** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:17 am

I've had the touring screen on for about 50,000 miles and I have no thoughts of changing it. I'm 5'-7" ish.

There are some other factors to consider. Ones height, but some, me for example, have "pull backs." That will really throw off a person's opinion of a particular shield.

Frank

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:49 pm

I have a National Cycle Street Shield and it works great! Got it brand new off Ebay for $49.00 and it does the job quite nicely for these cool-cold New England mornings.

sdixit · Post by **sdixit** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 11:20 pm

Started off with a Sport Screen. It was terrible - lot of noise and wind against the helmet - took it off the same day. Luckily for me my dealer let me swap it for a Touring Screen off one of the used bikes. I have to say that the Touring Screen works much better. I have decided to keep it on all the time.

5'8", 31" inseam, sit on an AirHawk pad.

FWIW: Many riders here, and myself included, feel that the touring windshield spoils the appearance our beloved RRs.

BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Windshield Opinions Sought

Windshield Opinions Sought

Consider

Touring screem

Windscreen