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Windshield Experience

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 3:54 pm
by klrstix
I am 6' and currently have the stock BMW touring windshield. Getting buffeted like crazy! I am currently looking at purchasing either the Aeroflow Touring set up (includes tank wings) or the CeeBaily 22" domed windshield. Does anyone have experience with either of these products.

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 6:14 pm
by Biff's R
I have less/no buffeting with the BMW sport shield. Sometimes going smaller helps, since I used to use the BMW touring shield. I would like a Cee Bailey's Sport shield. BTW, I am 5'10".

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 6:15 pm
by Biff's R
OH, and an old contributor to the board swore by the BMW high windshield.

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 7:21 pm
by bobclift
I have two solutions that worked extremely well for me (260lbs, 6'3"). First, I had the BMW touring shield. Buffeting was terrible. I added AeroFlow tank wings and that made a big difference. I found a good bit of "dirty" air was coming up from around the front fender and over the oil coolers. The tank wings work great (and in smoke - on my black bike - they're nearly invisible).

Since I was still getting some turbulence, I went to a Parabellum touring shield (22") that cut into the small remainder of the buffeting but, frankly, over time I began to dislike it's looks - doesn't go well with the naked bike look IMHO. I then went with a Parabellum Scout faring, I have a short 10 inch shield on the faring now (warm weather - mostly in town). I switch that out for a 19 inch shield for road trips or when it's cold. The swap takes 10 minutes max. The Scout gives (to me) the appearance of a cafe racer (especially with the short shield) and - either way - I have no buffeting at all. In short, Aeroflow tank wings and Parabellum Scout work best for me. I get nice clean air with the 10 when I want it and much less air with the 19 when I don't... BTW, I have the Parabellum 22" touring shield if anyone wants to offer a fair price... Good luck - Bob

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 9:03 pm
by klrstix
bobclift, I have a "silver" 1150 and though I have no doubt the tank wings would be a huge help, I am a little cautious due to how they might alter the overall appearance of the bike. Another factor is the whole adhesive mounting system. I have no doubt it works but again, I am hesitant to put anything "sticky" on the bike.

I may just need to go with the function over form philosophy and go with the tank wings.

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 9:46 pm
by bobclift
You might check the clear tank wings, I don't think you'd even notice them from a distance and, if you did, they're not distracting (to me) anyway, especially when you consider the result. Each wing is mounted with 3 strips of 3M automotive velcro. I've had mine on for 4K miles (and remove them regularly for cleaning) with no problem. If you remove the velcro on the tank, I'll bet some Goo Gone would quickly remove any residue. Good luck! Bob

I also

Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 5:04 am
by solitario11
I also when with the sport shield....less nose and buffering and I am only 5'9

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 9:24 am
by klrstix
Ok, another question. Is there anyone that has input on the Parabellum Scout. It appears as though this may be a solution. Seems to offer a small fairing painted to match the bike. (Silver) Also offers up to 20" windshield height.

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 12:56 pm
by Zamp
I replaced the stock BMW sport shield with the Cee Bailey 14 inch sport.. It's the same height, and slightly wider than my stock sport shield. No buffeting at all, and provides better wind protection to the torso..
I'm 5'7 and would recommend the switch..

R

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 1:00 pm
by yjleesvrr
5'10" here. Sport shield had too much turbulence and noise. Touring shield is much better for me, but still a bit loud as the airflow hits me nose-level.

Moral: if you want a quiet bike, buy a dedicated touring bike.

Tried 'em all and...

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 2:20 pm
by bimrluvr
BMW tall screen is too long for the bracket mounts so the top of the screen vibrates more.

Sport screen with laminar lip has worked very well...better than a Cee Baileys that was midway in height between the BMW touring and sport.

AeroFlow sport shield and tankwings also works very well, so well that in hot weather it can feel suffocating, but great in cold weather and not as great a visual impact if you get it all in clear. If you want to use bar-backs, tell the Aeroflow folks cause they need to send you a modified version. The tank wings are easily removed (they use industrial strength Velcro) for warm weather and if you want, you can completely remove the adhesive. When I did, it left no trace that I could see. Now I just have to get replacement Velcro for re-installation next winter.

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 5:43 pm
by ferragamo
I just put a used BMW sport screen on with a Saeng lip. It works great for me. It takes the air off my chest so I can cruise on the highway without feeling like a human kite. I'm 6'2" and 230lbs and the air hits me clean and high in the chest. This is just the solution I was looking for. My helmet is in clean air and I preserved the looks of my R1150R with the smoked sport shield. yjleesvrr hit it right on the head. If you don't want any noise or air load on your body then the R1150RT is the way to go. I guess the fact that we all bought R1150Rs proves that we're not quite that sensible! Try to buy used, that way your not out big dollars if the shield doesn't do it for you. Good luck.

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 9:47 pm
by r1150rider
I've had a Parabellum Scout on my 'R, and it was pretty good. Not much wind noise or turbulence, pretty expensive but very nicely made and the paint (Atlanta blue) matches perfectly. Easy to install and remove, takes about 20-30 minutes to do either. I have a 10" screen which looks really good, and I cut down a 16" screen to about 14". I'm 5'6", but with a long torso so prolly equivalent to about 5'9-10". The folks at Parabellum are really nice and great to deal with, it's also very lightweight...

I've been riding without it for over a year, might wind up putting it back on for an extended ride in the fall or in the winter. I had ridden 35 years previously without a windshield, kinda used to it I guess... :)

areo flow wind screens

Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 1:17 pm
by geogridshorthair
I have a '02' with the AeroFlow sport screen, no tank wings (but I want to try them).

I live very close to AeroFlow and Paige was very helpful with the install. He actually did the entire install for free.

I'm 5'6" and the air flow is just over my eyes (perfect for me).

No buffeting or turbulence behind the screen. It is a keeper for me.

My only negative is that I want hand guards and they don't fit with AeroFlows screen supports. I have mentioned this to Paige and he has offered to help me custom fit the guards if I come to his shop. I'm sure he will get them to fit.

IMO I believe the type of plastic that AeroFlow uses is better than the other products on the market. Paige has a very convincing demonstration to show the difference. Try it some time.

steve aka geogridshorthair