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Message started by cowspotter on 08/13/08 at 14:11:13

Title: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by cowspotter on 08/13/08 at 14:11:13

So I installed the suzuki brand windshield yesterday and rode it today for the first time. It definitely cut down on the wind blast to my chest but now I have a new problem. The turbulence at my helmet vibrates my helmet so much I get a headache. It also makes my visor pop from the random sideways blasts. Not good.

There's no angle adjustment and i have about 1-2" of vertical adjustment available. Really considering taking it off...

On a side note, got stuck in 2nd today. That was interesting. Came to a light and when downshifting the shifter went loose on me and when I released the clutch it stalled. Started back up and couldn't downshift any more. I realized I was in 2nd and managed to get going and then was able to access first again.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by verslagen1 on 08/13/08 at 14:18:21

either lower it or raise it.

I lower mine in the summer for more wind in the face... cooler.

Raising it will move the turbulance higher over your helmet.

when you're having trouble getting into gear (most often at a stop) apply a little pressure on the shifter and let out the clutch. It should shift into gear before it completely engages (sending you forward into the street screaming whoa big girl). know your friction zone.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by bill67 on 08/13/08 at 14:26:14

If a small windshield worked Goldwings would use them

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by cowspotter on 08/13/08 at 15:00:26

382B3C3D222F292B207F4E0 wrote:

I would do that, there just isn't enough clearance between the headlight and the top of the forks to make any difference.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by craigq on 08/13/08 at 15:39:34

I had the same results after my windshield install. I ended up removing it; as a plus I actually prefer the look of the bike without it.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by ALfromN.H. on 08/13/08 at 15:47:45

I tried the same windshield and took it off the same day. Then I put a Memphis Fats 21" windshield and I love it. I like the looks of the bike without it but I like the ride better with it on. Only takes a minute to remove or install it once you have the brackets installed.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by clueless on 08/13/08 at 16:49:13

I got a small one I can adjust vertically and also the tilt angle. The correct angle makes worlds of difference.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by EssForty on 08/13/08 at 18:39:22

I have the Memphis Shades Classic Deuce. It is only about 19" from the headlight cutout to the top of the shield but the angle is easily adjustable, which makes all the difference for me (and I am 6'1" tall.) There are some adjustment tips on the memphisshades.com site that might help you, even though the OEM shield is not one of theirs.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by cowspotter on 08/13/08 at 18:56:45

Well I removed it and look at my options. I just don't see any way to adjust this one to work for me. I'll take a look at those other windshields. Perhaps one of the quick removable ones would be good to put on for trips but remove for my daily commute.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by serowbot on 08/13/08 at 19:27:37

Had the same problem, gave it away. Rode a v-star with a huge windshield once that didn't buffet, other than that one,...they've all sucked, and I've rode a lot of bikes.
So now I say, if you want a windshield, buy a car...

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by Sandy Koocanusa on 08/13/08 at 19:32:03

I just put an enormous slipstreamer sport shield on my bike. We took it off Kay's GZ250 before she sold it. I think it'll do when the cold weather hits, but it is not going to be a regular fixture next summer. It rattles my ear drums and pisses me off in general. I'm going to try to move it up a little, but it doesn' adjust easily. I think it may have been Oldfeller who recommended using a sledge hammer to adjust them awhile back. Gotta get the torque specs on that from him and give it a whirl. :)

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by mick on 08/13/08 at 19:33:52

I have a "Plexistar 2" from national cycle,it works perfecty,and I get better mileage with it on.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by Windrider on 08/14/08 at 12:54:32

Since my windshield was destroyed, I need to find a new one. I really like the Plexfairing 3. Thanks for posting the link to national Cycle!

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by skatnbnc on 08/14/08 at 13:13:22

756671706F6264666D32030 wrote:

when you're having trouble getting into gear (most often at a stop) apply a little pressure on the shifter and let out the clutch. It should shift into gear before it completely engages (sending you forward into the street screaming whoa big girl). know your friction zone.

I had to LOL - that happened to me this week at a light - popped into gear and did a little WHeeeeee forward...squeek! (the squeek was out of ME) :o
Nothing like a little excitment to brightnen the day! 8-)

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by Bear_Rider on 08/14/08 at 16:48:42

313D2521223D26263720520 wrote:

I have the same windshield, and the same problem. I am about 5'8" and the buffeting isn't too bad so long as there isn't any crosswind to speak of. However, the Washoe Zephyrs that we get out here will slap you silly in a short time.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by buttgoat1 on 08/14/08 at 17:39:44

Windrider,
what do you mean by destroyed?
Do you still have the brackets and hardware? If so, perhaps you can get a piece of lexan or plexiglass and cut out a new shield. I like my shield except it it just a bit too short, so I am planning on cutting a piece to extend it up by about 2" and down by about 4" with the same basic profile.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by bill67 on 08/14/08 at 17:58:05

I have a full size rifle windshield its got the harley look, But I have had a plexaglass before and it was better coverage.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by Windrider on 08/15/08 at 21:19:20

Buttgoat1,

LOL I mean little hand-sized pieces. I'm sure all the energy of the impact went first through the windshield: http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1218590021/0

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by sockmonkeygirl on 08/16/08 at 06:46:51

I put a Suzi OEM windshield on last week. It's taller than the windshield from my 250. Makes the bike feel oddly rigid while riding. Also, it breaks in a weird spot for me. I end up looking 1/2 out the (tinted) windshield and 1/2 over it. I will try to angle it more, but not sure what kind of results I'll get. It's pretty much where it needs to be.

I don't get the turbulance under my helmet with this taller w/s though.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by EssForty on 08/16/08 at 08:40:22

Here is a link to an article that I found helpful when selecting and then installing my windshield. Good explanation of the different options, materials and how to pick one for your conditions. Then it tells you how to line it up for best results. Lots of things to consider!

http://motorcyclecruiser.automotive.com/30777/windshield-comparison/index.html

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/16/08 at 08:53:05

Well, I had it nearly typed, hit SOMething & Zooom, its all gone, so, short version.
Guzzi had a small shield with a laminar lip, shield angle adjusted up & down. When I had the old style helmet,with the visor that came down to the chin, the wind would buffet me badly. When I went to the HJC with the flip face, the buffeting stopped.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by 07S40rider on 08/16/08 at 14:23:31

I recently installed a 'StreetShield' from National Cycle. At first I hated it because the wind buffeting was horrible - but then I adjusted the angle and it made it much better. My first setup was almost straight up/down. I ended up with an angle that matches the fork angle exactly. The shield is still on the bike and I have no intention of removing it. I realize your OEM Suzuki windshield does not have angle adjustment so you probably are going to want to pawn that off on someone ::) and get one that does offer angle adjustment.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by sockmonkeygirl on 08/16/08 at 17:01:02

We did actually just angle it downward a few inches. I think/hope it will help a lot.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by sockmonkeygirl on 08/17/08 at 07:00:17

Properly angling the windshield made a world of difference. Yay! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by 07S40rider on 08/17/08 at 18:42:53

Excellent.

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by DJM on 08/18/08 at 13:11:55

I just installed a National Cycle Dakota windshield on my S40, and it works great for me. I can still see over it, but it keeps the wind off my body. It still hits my helmet, but that is good because it helps keep it ventilated. I'm 5'7" tall.
http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/NC125A?mv_session_id=229mtRAn&search_model=su%2d085%22

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by flcruzr on 08/24/08 at 20:41:05

Just thought I would share my thoughts, I too installed an oem Suzuki windshield and have had it for two weeks now, so far so good! I'm 5'11 and it seems to be working well, obviously it does not block the wind entirely from my face but it helps deflecting the wind off of my chest and it blows wind right above my forehead. Nice looking lil' shield and does what its intended to do for its size. :-/

Title: Re: Installed Suzuki windshield - not happy
Post by Rockin_John on 08/24/08 at 23:31:18

7F71763B0 wrote:

I ponied up almost twice as much $$$ for the 4.5mm version Dakota. Partly because it should be much stronger, but also it is a couple of inches taller and about 4" wider, and I felt I wanted one that big. I should know in just a few days now. The seller claimed to have it all in stock. 8-)