Windshields for 6'2" Riders

[ferragamo]

Hello, I'm new to the forum. I've been riding for years and just bought my first BMW. I love the R1150R, but I would like to take a little of the air load off when riding on the highway. I've read all the threads and would like to get feedback specifically from those in the 6'2" height range. The windshields seem to be so height critical that I thought some of you could save me some money and time. Thanks.

[DJ Downunder]

G'day and welcome...do you have a screen now?..and if so what type?

DJ

[rdsmith3]

I am slightly over 6'2". I have used the fly screen and the touring screen, and no screen.

They are all a compromise. The fly screen looks the best -- even better than no screen, IMO -- but it offers just minimal protection. The touring screen takes the wind off of your chest but you will get more around your helmet. I wear a full face helmet with ear plugs, so I can deal with it. I also tried the touring screen with a laminar lip on top, like this
http://www.laminarlip.com/r1150rtour.jpg

but I did not notice much of a difference. Your results may differ, and I would gladly sell the lip to you for a really cheap price.

So I currently use the touring screen because a lot of my daily commute is interstate highway. If I rode on the back roads more, and the highways less, I would probably stick with the fly screen.

If you have more specific questions let me know.

[toolinalong]

I put a Memphis Shades unit on my 2002 in the summer of '02. I am 6'3" and have the tall seat. I have ridden from Colorado to both coasts several times. It works quite well keeping it off your chest, though not so much your helmet. If you plan on doing a lot of Interstate riding something bigger would be more desireable.
Occasionaly I remove it, which takes about 3 minutes, and I am always amazed at just how much it does do to make the high speed ride easier. It measures 17" wide x 14" inches high. They don't make the exact model I have anymore, but the "Shooter" I think is similiar. Get one that uses the two point handlebar mounts. They are a bit chunky in size but worth it in my opinion, cause they make removal so easy. And the cost from Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse was around $115 including shipping.

I know what the term "quiet air" means; I also own a '78 R80 with a Luftmeister fairing.

http://www.memphisshades.com
http://www.mawonline.com

[ferragamo]

Thanks for all the input. Does anyone have any experience with either the tall Aeroflow sport shield or the BMW sport shield. I'm wondering if the BMW sport shield would take some air off my chest without dumping dirty air on my full face helmet. The Aeroflow looks like the superior design. It's kind of designed after a Fowler flap on an airplane. Please keep adding to the thread. I would like to hear more from the tall folk!

[munchmeister]

Please keep adding to the thread. I would like to hear more from the tall folk!

Me, too.

rdsmith3: whaddya thinkin' for that lip gizmo? Is it clear or smoke? Fit only the touring screen, or others? I presume the attaching points are permanently installed (glued) on to whatever screen you are using, correct?

[DJ Downunder]

I'm 6'4" and ride every day...I've tryed a few..and I like this best....really.. ..

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2345.JPG

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2341.JPG

DJ

[ferragamo]

Please keep adding to the thread. I would like to hear more from the tall folk!

Me, too.

rdsmith3: whaddya thinkin' for that lip gizmo? Is it clear or smoke? Fit only the touring screen, or others? I presume the attaching points are permanently installed (glued) on to whatever screen you are using, correct?

They make those lips clear for the touring screen and tinted for the sport screen. I have no idea how well they work. The site is http://www.laminarlip.com.

[rdsmith3]

rdsmith3: whaddya thinkin' for that lip gizmo? Is it clear or smoke? Fit only the touring screen, or others? I presume the attaching points are permanently installed (glued) on to whatever screen you are using, correct?

It is clear. I know that it fits the touring screen, but don't know if it fits any other screens. You attach it with dual lock fasteners
http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=16303

The dual lock things are extremely strong, but it is not a permanent mount. So if you don't like it, you are not stuck with it. I removed it from my touring screen, and you cannot tell it was there.

These things sell for $89 new. I would sell it for $35 plus shipping. It is just sitting in my garage. You would have to buy your own dual lock, which is available at many places.

[frbank6]

I am 6'1" and have had the touring shield, a 23" Parabellum and most recently, the "Tall" BMW shield. YMMV, but I found the Touring shield terrible. The Parabellum was the best in terms of protection and lack of noise, but seemed to have a durability problem(developed a crack through one of the mounting holes), and was just plain ugly. The Tall shield is the most aesthetically pleasing and mounts very securely, but I can't say it was anywhere near as effective as the Parabellum.

In short, if you want maximum protection, get the Parabellum, but watch out for cracks. I think in the taller shields they should use a thicker plastic to deal with the additional stress the wind places on the mounting areas. Again, YMMV

[ferragamo]

I am 6'1" and have had the touring shield, a 23" Parabellum and most recently, the "Tall" BMW shield. YMMV, but I found the Touring shield terrible. The Parabellum was the best in terms of protection and lack of noise, but seemed to have a durability problem(developed a crack through one of the mounting holes), and was just plain ugly. The Tall shield is the most aesthetically pleasing and mounts very securely, but I can't say it was anywhere near as effective as the Parabellum.

In short, if you want maximum protection, get the Parabellum, but watch out for cracks. I think in the taller shields they should use a thicker plastic to deal with the additional stress the wind places on the mounting areas. Again, YMMV

Thanks for the information. What did you find terrible about the touring screen?

[frbank6]

Again, YMMV, but in comparision to the Parabellum there was a lot of noise and helmet buffeting ay highway speeds. The Parabellum was tall enough to put you in a really quiet "bubble". One reason for this might be the fact that the Parabellum has a gasket that seals the area between the headlight and the sheld, and the others leave this area open. I really had hoped the Touring shield would work well, but it just didn't do it for me.

[ferragamo]

Has anyone run just a BMW sport shield. Where does the wind hit a tall person? Does it take a noticeable load off the upper body? Thanks for all the input.

[monerai]

I’m 5’10” and the Sport shield dumps the breeze about neck or chin level. Also spills around and hits my shoulders. Neck and shoulders a little tired after any distance at speed.

[Brownw3]

Good News. I'm 6'2" The touring windscreen (I have a rockster) is perfect and very stylish for both the R and ROckster. Cheers

[H8terboi]

Just mounted the Givi Airstars A750 on my 2004 1150R and while it does help with air blast on my chest it does not protect my head. Does let me go 95mph comfortably which I was not able to do without it. I am 5'11". So if you are taller than that I would recommend avoiding this screen at all costs. And if you find something that is better please email me at [email protected].

[ferragamo]

Just mounted the Givi Airstars A750 on my 2004 1150R and while it does help with air blast on my chest it does not protect my head. Does let me go 95mph comfortably which I was not able to do without it. I am 5'11". So if you are taller than that I would recommend avoiding this screen at all costs. And if you find something that is better please email me at [email protected].

You bet, thanks for the information.

[BigJugs]

I'm 6'3" and use the Sports Shield. I prefer its look over the Touring version. It does a great job of keeping the wind blast off of my chest and I can ride for hours comfortably. It does dirty up the air a bit around the helmet but only regarding wind noise, no buffeting. I've heard the touring model can buffet but have no personal experience with it.

Cheers,

[ferragamo]

I'm 6'3" and use the Sports Shield. I prefer its look over the Touring version. It does a great job of keeping the wind blast off of my chest and I can ride for hours comfortably. It does dirty up the air a bit around the helmet but only regarding wind noise, no buffeting. I've heard the touring model can buffet but have no personal experience with it.

Cheers,

I'm glad to hear that. I just found a great deal on a used sport windshield on another site. I'll post my results soon.