Windshields

[CaptLen]

OK, this might be a little difficult, but I hope to glean information from many people and maybe be able to make a decision.
I have my GL 1800 outfitted with the Baker Leg, Upper and Lowers, and Hand wings. I use an Exo 2 heated vest along with the heated seat and grips.
However, warm or cold, I still have helmet buffeting and wind noise (Shoei helmet). I think the helmet may be a little noisy, but it's Snell approved and only 1 1/2 yrs old, so it stays.
I feel that the buffeting and noise gives me a low-grade headache, even though an 8 or 9 hour day of riding is fine otherwise, so I'd like to improve that aspect.
I've heard a lot about the National Cycle V-Stream windshield and also the F4. The V-Stream is shown to change the airflow, and i know it is supposed to work well. It is standard height and retains height adjustment, which I'm not sure I care about. The F4 is available in a 4" higher height. I'm 5' 9".
So, fellow riders- what experiences have you had with these or other windshields and what advice can you pass along?
Much appreciated.

[tfdeputydawg]

After trying/riding several different shields I settled on the F4+4 tinted and vented. Just the rain shedding capability is good enough reason to buy but, it goes way beyond that. No helmet buffeting, very easy to clean w/Windex and paper towel.
Also, start using ear plugs for the wind noise!

[CaptLen]

Thank you, Mr Dawg- I appreciate the feedback (I do use earplugs)

[WingAdmin]

I used Shoei for many years, and when my wife got into riding, she liked the Arai, so that's what we got. I was much impressed with her Arai, so my next helmet (and every helmet since then) has been an Arai. Not only is it formed to fit my head better (and thus far more comfortable than any of my Shoeis), it was far quieter.

I still wear earplugs, and have a custom-molded silicone set that I had made up for me at the Cleveland Motorcycle Show last January. They're fantastic.

[Oldbear]

On my 82 Suzie GK1100GS - I used the old windscreen to trace a new one on a sheet of Lexan. I had my girlfriend (now wife) hold a ruler at the top edge of the windscreen and me figured out where I wanted my screen to stop.

When riding with the old one I could tell where the wind and rain hit my helmet - so we raised the the top by 4+ inches. No more wind buffeting or mist on my visor.

I do have plans to do the same with the Goldwing this winter. I'm replacing a spider-webbed, tinted and corner cracked windscreen with a clear and "bullet-resistant" windscreen. I find it hard to get a good windscreen out here in the Canadian "wilderness".

[offcenter]

I have also gone the Lexan route. One eighth inch thick Lexan will stop a bullet from a high powered .22 caliber air rifle. I know 'cause I've tried it. It just leaves a dent and bounces off.
I've always ridden behind Windjammer fairings. The stock windshield was too tall. I was always looking through it instead of over it. Plus, the stock shield was made from heavy quarter inch thick plexiglas. (acrylic plastic)
A shorter shield made from eighth inch Lexan was MUCH lighter, and stronger. I always cut it so I'm looking just over the top edge when looking straight ahead.
Just my two cents....

P.S. The stock shield on my GL in my avatar will be replaced with another Lexan one as soon as I get the chance!!

[Oldbear]

I like to just look over the edge too. But at 6'3"+ tall that edge is high up... I'll be replacing an aftermarket windscreen that I can't find a manufacturer for anymore - it goes out wider than the stock 1100 and comes down between the mirrors and fairing to create a nice wind block for my hands. But the tint becomes a double tint in the mirrors - so another modification I'll need to do... hence building my own.

[vinlugg]

I know there has been a great deal of windshield(s) discussions concerning the riders comfort but there doesn't seem to be a specific thread about the issue of passenger suffering from wind noise, buffeting etc.
Ever since I purchased my 2012 my wife has complained about these issues. I would purchase anything to make her more comfortable but there doesn't seem to be much/any research done from the passengers point of view.
I am quite comfortable with OEM, I'm 5'8.
If anyone comes across any articles that concern passenger comfort I hope you post it here. I know the baker wings are very popular but I don't like bolting things on the bike that change the lines. They give the bike a "busy" look. If the baker wings could be mounted with a "quick disconnect" set up I'd consider them.

Thanks very much

[Oldbear]

That might be the only kind of option. I have Air Wings - which allow a great amount of adjustment and are clear - other than the chrome mounts. That and the taller windscreen help keep my wife out of the wind.

Does your wife ride in a full face or open helmet? You may consider a taller/wider aftermarket windscreen... or bulk up so you block more wind

[vinlugg]

That might be the only kind of option. I have Air Wings - which allow a great amount of adjustment and are clear - other than the chrome mounts. That and the taller windscreen help keep my wife out of the wind.

Does your wife ride in a full face or open helmet? You may consider a taller/wider aftermarket windscreen... or bulk up so you block more wind

Bulk up??? I'm trying to go the other direction. She wears a shorty with a full face shield. Taller screen maybe....but that can be a safety issue in the wrong conditions.

Thanks for the input

[rufus15]

Just purchased the special edition quantum windshield from Cycle Giant. Still waiting for delivery, but I've researched it to death and felt that was the answer for me. Just wish they offered it in smoke tint. I liked the video that showed a beefy guy trying to destroy it with a baseball bat to no avail, but a kid trashed the factory one with one swing. Now that convinced me with road debris or a strike of a reasonable kind may be a life saver unlike the original. It should be standard issue on all bikes.

[WGM]

WELL I THINK I CAN HELP YOU A LITTLE I HAVE A 2012 WING , IAM 5,9 ALSO I LEAVE THE SHIELD AT ITS LOWEST SETING I LIKE TO LOOK OVER THE SHIELD WIND NOISE, AND WHEN IT RAINS I FOUND TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED IT WITH A V STREAM SPECIAL EDITION I LOVE IT! WIND NOISE IS AMOST GONE .AND WHEN IT RAINS THE WATER GOS UP OVER YOU . IHOPE THIS WILL HELP

[vinlugg]

WELL I THINK I CAN HELP YOU A LITTLE I HAVE A 2012 WING , IAM 5,9 ALSO I LEAVE THE SHIELD AT ITS LOWEST SETING I LIKE TO LOOK OVER THE SHIELD WIND NOISE, AND WHEN IT RAINS I FOUND TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED IT WITH A V STREAM SPECIAL EDITION I LOVE IT! WIND NOISE IS AMOST GONE .AND WHEN IT RAINS THE WATER GOS UP OVER YOU . IHOPE THIS WILL HELP

Good input for the drivers comfort (which is important for sure) but I'm in need of something to make it more comfortable for my wife. it's becoming apparent that bike/windshield manufactures don't put much thought into the comfort of the passenger.
Thanks for the input.

vin

[WGM]

HAY IM SORRY , THE BACK WARMER IS VERY IMPORTANT, SHY SAID IT FELT DIFFERNTA LOT LESS TURBULENCE

[MaconWing]

I tried the V-Stream on my last bike (ST1300) and I just didn't feel a really noticeable difference. On my Wing I went with the F4 and I've never looked back. I'm 5'8" and bought the standard height. I've never really been bothered much by buffeting on the Wing and I like the windshield low in good weather and bring it up in rain. The water beads right up and rolls off. If you like looking through the windscreen, then the +2 or +4 should be great for you. I just like a little wind in my face. the F4 is incredible easy to clean and still looks new. No micro scratches. You can clean it with anything including the squeegee in swamp water they have at the gas station.

[vinlugg]

HAY IM SORRY , THE BACK WARMER IS VERY IMPORTANT, SHY SAID IT FELT DIFFERNTA LOT LESS TURBULENCE

WGM,

Not sure how the "back warmer" got into this conversation???? What's that got to do with wind turbulence?? Did I miss something?

Thanks

[MaconWing]

The way I read it, the "back warmer" was the one complaining about the turbulence.

[vinlugg]

The way I read it, the "back warmer" was the one complaining about the turbulence.

Thanks for straightening me out. Makes sense now that I read your post. WGN, sorry brother. I understand your point now that I got my brain in gear.

[fixdent]

Has there been any more input on windshields. I just purchased an 05 and am uncomfortable with all the "head beating" wind. I get headaches easy.

I used to have an '81 which had no wind turbulence at all. I'm 6,3 and in the high position, I can just see over the windshield so a taller one is not wanted.

Are there any other makes that I should consider..??

Thanks,
Gordon

[MaconWing]

Gordon,

No experience with this on a Wing but you might look at the Laminar Lip. Www.laminarlip.com. Could be worth a try without a big investment. Let us know what you come up with.

Mike

[MaconWing]

I also saw a review on bikebandit.com of a VStream windshield from a 6'2" rider that says the VStream cleared up bis buffeting on an 04 Wing.

[WingAdmin]

Has there been any more input on windshields. I just purchased an 05 and am uncomfortable with all the "head beating" wind. I get headaches easy.

I used to have an '81 which had no wind turbulence at all. I'm 6,3 and in the high position, I can just see over the windshield so a taller one is not wanted.

Are there any other makes that I should consider..??

Thanks,
Gordon

I have heard really good things about Windbender Windshields in terms of getting rid of wind, but that's third-hand. I would want to hear from someone who has tried one to get their opinion.

[fixdent]

Has there been much discussion regarding Klock Werks "Flare" windshield

http://www.kustombaggers.com/FLARE-Wind ... ogId=-1790

I don't see any mention on how high the taller verison is..

--
Gordon

[ghostvet]

What is the cost of the lexan vs the cost of other windshields?

[Oldbear]

Lexan can be expensive in sheets - Close or more than a store bought unit. Unless you make your own. I now have a 1/4" thick Lexan windscreen - it took some oven heat shaping to fit the curve of the fairing. But it is bullet proof material - we tested the scraps up to .38cal before our clamp wouldn't stay upright. I took a raven (think crow on steroids) at 110 kph and all it did was dull my clear coat and leave a bird sh*t smear on my screen.