|
SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Windshield preferences? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1220489867 Message started by up4fishin on 09/03/08 at 17:57:47 |
|
Title: Windshield preferences? Post by up4fishin on 09/03/08 at 17:57:47 I'm new to cycling and already convinced I want to try a windshield. I'm 5' 9" on a good day, so I'm sure that matters. A lot of the posts on this site are by people a bit taller than I am, so I'm not sure what works for them will work for me. Would an OEM windshield work well, or is something else preferable? I see they come in many heights, commonly 15-18". Which is best for someone who will be taking mostly short trips under 65mph? Comments on widths? Anything I've missed? Thanks! |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Chris has a Savage on 09/03/08 at 18:20:00 I have an OEM windshield on my Savage and it is SO much nicer than none. I'll take my bike any day over my dad's for the windshield alone. (Not to mention I like the bars and seat better on my '01 than his '07) I'm not sure what size it is exactly, I'll let you know if I can find out, but I'd recommend it for sure. Try checking the classifieds here if you want one that's less than full price for trial purposes. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/03/08 at 18:20:07 I say any windshield that has handlebars behind it instead of a steering wheel is a darn good windshield to be looking thru. Smarty aleck answers aside, I havent put one on the savage yet, but had one on a Guzzi & liked the small shield fine. It knocked the pressure off the chest, so I wasnt holding on at 80 to keep from being blown off. If its a cold climate, I would want a bigger shield, to hide behind better. In hot climes, I would want the smallest windshield I could get that would be big ebnough to knock the wind off the chest & chin, allowing the wind to hit in the visor area. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by up4fishin on 09/03/08 at 18:27:55 good points so far--thanks for the quick replies. more details from my end--fair weather driving only, and probably won't be driving much in the cold weather. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by 1st2know on 09/03/08 at 18:29:05 If those short trips are in cold weather, it doesn't matter how fast(slow) you're going - every 10mph you will subtract about 5f degrees in wind chill. 50f degree day at 40mph? yep, it will feel like 30f degrees. A larger, wider shield will keep you warm and dry in the fall, and will add about 30 days to your riding season. I have 2 shields - the stock suzuki, and a large plexifaring. I use the stock shield from may-September, and switch over to the plexifairing just in time for Oktoberfest. When selecting a shield, make sure you can see over it. I can't see over the larger shield, and I have trouble making things out at night as the oncoming headlights glare up the shield. Windshields offer a great comfort: - No more wind buffeting. - Reduced wind noise. - Bug and pebble protection for the face. - Warmer rides. - Dryer rides. If it's drizzling, the shield will knock the rain away - it's an amazing effect. The only downside is that they MUST be cleaned - if your shield is dirty, everybody will notice, especially you. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by serowbot on 09/03/08 at 18:42:59 Personal experience only but, a small windshield is good for keeping you on the bike at speed and letting you relax your grip,... if you want to keep the wind off your face, get the biggest sucker you can stand to look at. The in-between sizes have always caused an really annoying head buffeting that is much worse than no shield at all (imagine someone playing bongo drums on the forehead area of your helmet). I've ridden on 40 or 50 bikes with shields over the years, and overall I prefer none. I'm 5'-8'. If you can,.. try riding a friends bike with a shield first, it might help you decide. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by bill67 on 09/03/08 at 18:54:10 I've always had big windshields, To me more relaxing and you don't have to hold on so tight. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by FreeSpirit on 09/03/08 at 19:10:38 It would be nice if some of the guys put their height and the height of their windshields :) |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by bill67 on 09/03/08 at 19:15:21 5 6 windshield 1 inch below eyes |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by ALfromN.H. on 09/03/08 at 19:31:45 this is what a 21" memphis fats looks like. I'm 5'7" and can just barely see over the top of it if I'm sitting straight up in the seat. I like it alot. AL http://w3.bikepics.com/pics/2008/05/13/bikepics-1287679-800.jpg |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Paladin. on 09/03/08 at 20:22:16 434602505F455E5F58360 wrote:
I have two windscreens, neither mounted at this time. The first is the National Cycle Flyscreen: http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/N2530? http://paladin.savageriders.com/images/Phto0041.jpg (My bike's on the left) 9" high, 9.75" wide, looks to be mere decoration. It blocks a remarkable amount of air, mostly from mid chest down, reducing the pressure of the wind trying to shove you backward off the seat, yet leaves that wind in the face freedom. Goggles highly recomended. The flyscreen is my screen of choice for cool weather. However, on my first Mojave Moonlight Madness I ran into 30 mph headwinds returning on I-10 which made anything above 60 approach painfull unless I crouched cafe style behind the flyscreen, which made 75 comfy as to wind, but painful as to position. My second screen is the National Cycle Street Shield: http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/N2560? http://paladin.savageriders.com/images/SS-2.jpg A mid sized screen, 17" tall, 16.5" wide, mine mounts with the top of the screen around mustache level. Airflow hits me just about at the hairline. On the second Mojave Moonlight Madness I met the same headwind on the return, but this time I could maintain 75 while sitting normally. This screen was worn on my 2700 mile tour. It blocks enough wind that you can ride without any other eye protection. This one gets mounted in COLD weather. It blocks those icy fingers that slip in around the neckline and down the chest. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by PerrydaSavage on 09/04/08 at 06:11:49 Paladin is bang-on in his assesment of the 2 windshields he owns ... I have exact same 2 and concur. Currently have the Flyscreen mounted and leave the handlebar mounts for the Streetshield in place so I can quickly install or remove it ... can actually leave the Flyscreen in place with the Streetshield on (S.S. installs behind the F.S.!), so there's no hassle with having to remove the Flyscreen! BTW, I'm 5'-5" on a good day! LOL!! |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Chris has a Savage on 09/04/08 at 06:36:55 Well, height is such a fussy thing... My doc told me I was 5' 7" but measuring myself (and against my 6' brother) tell me I'm more like 5' 9" or 10"... Go figure! I don't have one of the huge shields though. I still get wind to the face and it's nice. I just don't get the wind knocked out of me going fast. ;D |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Chris has a Savage on 09/04/08 at 06:37:46 604B514A5050704255424446230 wrote:
|
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by DJM on 09/04/08 at 08:40:18 I have a National cycle Dakota windshield. At 17.5" high, I can still see over it, but it really cuts the wind. I am 5'8" tall. I wanted to install the suzuki factory screen, but they were back ordered and I got tired of waiting for it. I wear a full face helmet, and the air over the top of the screen hits the face shield of the helmet, which enhances the airflow through the vents. I no longer feel like I am about to be blown off the bike over 50 mph. Installation was quick and easy. Height can be adjusted about 1" up or down. The angle is not adjustable, but it seems to be fine as is. http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/NC125A?mv_session_id=229mtRAn&search_model=su%2d085%22 |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by 07S40rider on 09/04/08 at 09:00:24 I am 5'10" and have the National Cycle Streetshield as well. It was more of a pain to install than I like, but now that I have it on I really like it. Prior to installing the streetshield, anything over 60mph for more than a few minutes caused serious shoulder cramps from hanging on. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by sjaskow on 09/04/08 at 11:17:43 I'm barely 5' 7" and I have an OEM windscreen on an '06: http://www.jaskowiak.cc/S40/S40%20One%20Year%20Old%20-%200004.JPG It's much nicer than not having one since I don't need a death-grip to go highway speeds. My only complaint is the screen push the wind stream just high enough it makes the top vent on my helmet whistle a lot more. That being said, I'm much rather have it. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by nhgader on 09/04/08 at 16:28:38 I have the Suzuki windshield and like it a lot. It keeps the wind and pressure off my body but still lets in enough that I feel like I'm "outdoors". It was easy to install and I like the fact that it mounts to the forks for good stability. I am only 5'5" and understand that some taller riders might not think it has enough coverage. I rode for a while with no shield and now that I have one, I don't know why I waited. Good luck! |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by T Mack 1 on 09/04/08 at 18:31:08 I have a very old Slipstreamer that I got from my old bike. It's formed plexiglass. It covers the hands which allows my to ride to work when it's cool out (50 deg F). |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by buttgoat1 on 09/04/08 at 20:09:55 I have a medium sized slipstreamer, 14-1/2" wide x 18" tall with a headlight cutout. It has universal mounts and I have the top 19" above the headlight at about the same rake as the forks. I get just a bit more wind in the face than I like at that height (I am 5'-8"). I had it adjusted more vertical and it deflected more air but did not like the look. The top of the shield has a more pointy shape rather than blunt or round, I like that. I plan on cutting a piece of lexan or plexiglass 2" taller (approximately 1" taller and 1" lower) with a similar blade shape and using the same mounts. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by EssForty on 09/05/08 at 04:20:19 I've got the Memphis Shades Classic Deuce. 19" above headlight. I'm 6'2 and I have no issues with wind buffeting and the top of the windshield is aligned with the base of my nose. The angle is tipped a few degrees more perpendicular than the rake angle of the forks. In the first pic you can see how simple it is to install to the handlebars. Took less than 15 minutes total. In the second pic you can see the vertical height and angle,. This is a critical and personal adjustment to suit each rider. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2NU0p82vl5Y/SMETDVJe91I/AAAAAAAAACA/FRQ0n2M3Hm0/s320/Suzuki+005.JPG http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2NU0p82vl5Y/SMEUr0flnYI/AAAAAAAAACI/dLCLf-iOe7w/s320/Suzuki+006.JPG |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Sandy Koocanusa on 09/05/08 at 04:44:29 I'm using the Slipstreamer Sportshield. As I recall, it's 21 inches tall. Beats the dickens out of my head and thumps my eardrums. Now that it's 40 degrees farenheit in the mornings, I'm glad I have it. But it will likely come off next summer. I'm 6'3". |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by up4fishin on 09/06/08 at 03:10:11 Follow up from original poster: From what I've been able to tell the OEM screen is 15", tinted, and works well for 5-5" to 5-7" riders. [Some] people slightly taller complain of head buffetting. Others like the wind on their heads. since I'm 5-9" (on a "bad" day--see, I can learn) I figured a shield a couple inches taller would work best. I ordered the NC Dakota NC125A (17.5") for $100 including shipping. Hopefully it will be here next week. I'll update this thread with the verdict and hopefully a pic. Thanks! [smiley=thumbsup.gif] --up4fishin |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by troglobil on 09/17/08 at 13:56:20 Hey up4fishin, I,m looking at the same windshield. Can you post a picture and your thoughts on this one. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by DJM on 09/17/08 at 14:10:44 http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/NC125A?mv_session_id=229mtRAn&search_model=su-085%22 Here it is. I am very happy with it, although it does make a slight whistle at about 50mph. I ordered mine through "cycle gear" and they had it within 3 days. Install was a snap, and quality was reasonable for $100. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by up4fishin on 09/17/08 at 16:37:53 I'd love to post a pic, but the darn thing has not arrived yet. :'( Two problems--I'm on the east coast and the company I bought it from is on the west coast AND they had an "unexpected delay" in shipping. The latest expected date to my door is next Tuesday. I'll be shopping at a different website next time--the $25 or so savings was not worth a two week wait! Looks like DJM posted a pic above, though. Hopefully I'll have one soon! ;D |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by troglobil on 09/18/08 at 08:38:35 I would still like to see a picture of in on our bike, so I can see the angle that it sits. Also it would be good to see where it hits the rider, I'm 5'8" . I have the OEM shield and want one that is taller and wider. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by DJM on 09/18/08 at 08:59:46 I plan on posting a picture of my S40 "One of these days". Until then, the angle of the shield is directly in line with the forks. I am 5'7", and can easily see over the top. It probably hits me about chin level. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Jack_650 on 09/18/08 at 09:50:36 Let's see - I'm 6' 0" tall. Turn ons are . . . . Wait, that's a different topic. I have the big NationalCycle fairing type windscreen on mine. Well, I did until a big rig blew the bike over and broke one of the bottom sections off while I was parked by the side of the road making a phone call. I like it so much that I took my band saw and cut/melted the other bottom leg off and still have it on the bike. Eventually it'll get replaced, but for now it blocks the wind from the waist or so up. In it's original form it pretty much keeps you dry from the knees up as long as you keep moving. My only complaint with their product is that they ship with 3/4" clamps so you have to pay an ungodly amount for 1" clamps (they don't substitute) AND they're plastic. http://bikepics.com/members/jazzcarter/00savage/ Jack |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by firetruckredbike on 09/18/08 at 09:56:28 Here is my Thumpster with his Memphis Shades Pop Top, fade-to-red to match his merry fire engine self. :-* (My husband and I are volunteer firefighters / EMT's, so Thump *had* to be red.) http://vtwinmama.com/message_board/phpBB3/download/file.php?id=196&t=1 The Pop Top is 16" tall and this one has a 7" diameter hole cutout for the headlight. This fits me very well. I am 5'7" and have a 32" inseam. The shield causes a bit of head buffetting at high speeds but frankly I have gotten used to it and like the fresh air entering my ff helmet. Before the windshield, I used to fear being ripped from the bike by the wind. ;D We ride a lot on wide open country roads and there is a lot of wind from any direction. The shield has made a HUGE difference in the comfort of my ride and in my ability to relax. Ride safe, Amy |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Birdmove on 09/22/08 at 19:04:13 I don't own a Savage/S40 yet, but have three other thumpers. Recently, when I was at the Vashon TT, I saw a nice Sportster with a great looking fairing on it.I had to do some research to find out what the heck it was, and had never seen one like it before. It was a small windscreen, very compact and unobtrusive, that looked great to me. I am convinced it was the Slipstreamer Tombstone clear wind shield. I think I may get one for my Royal Enfield Bullet, and could use it on my XT225. jon |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by up4fishin on 09/28/08 at 11:10:44 Ok, I've finally got the windshield installed. As a reminder, I'm 5-9 and it's a National cycle Dakota windshield (17.5" high). It was a bit of a challenge to install and center, but I finally got there. HINT: don't try to center the screen based on the distance between the screen edges and the outside of the handles. After several tries at centering, I finally figured that out and went off the bolts at the top of the fork. It's rained 3 straight days here, so I've only managed a quick 10 minute ride. It definitely cuts the wind, so I'm happy. This screen is as tall as I would want. I'm glad I did not go with a bigger one. Here are the pics, as promised! http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp206/up4fishin/100_1149-1.jpg http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp206/up4fishin/100_1147-1.jpg http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp206/up4fishin/100_1148.jpg |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by troglobil on 09/29/08 at 04:59:13 Thanks, those are the shots I've been looking for. How far up on you is the top of the screen? I think this is the one I want. Bil |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by up4fishin on 09/29/08 at 11:49:19 I can easily see over it when sitting up straight--it hits about chin (or maybe mouth) high. I have 3/4" upward play left, and about 1/2" down. I will probably move it down just a bit to let more wind hit my helmet for max ventilation. I'll try to get somebody to take a pic with me sitting on it within the next day or two. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by troglobil on 09/29/08 at 15:30:43 I orderred one today, should have it in about a week. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Paladin. on 09/29/08 at 18:02:18 For those wanting more coverage, the National Cycle PlexiFairing will fit. A picture of one on my buddy's 500 Shadow: http://www.savageriders.com/paladin/images/PlexFair.jpg It looks like he may have dropped the bike, as the broken windscreen mounts are still there while the shield is firmly attached with Lacing Twine.http://www.savageriders.com/paladin/images/PlexFair1.jpg |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by Trippah on 09/29/08 at 20:37:55 I have and like the Enterprise ii fairing by( Slipstreamer?) I like that it covers my hands which get cold in the N.E. fall and spring. enjoy your fairing and ride safe. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by troglobil on 10/02/08 at 12:04:13 Well, my 3mm Dakota came in. I put it on and went for a ride, to my suprise, I felt a lot more wind and head buffeting than I do with the Suzuki OEM windscreen. Adjusted up and down a little. Took it off and returned it. oh well, it was 47° this morning and I was warm enough. I guess I'll leave well enough alone. |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by up4fishin on 10/02/08 at 14:15:58 wow--that is hard to believe. it's over 2" taller and I believe just as wide. i've not tried the OEM screen, so I'll have to take your word for it! hope the return was issue-free! :-/ |
|
Title: Re: Windshield preferences? Post by troglobil on 10/02/08 at 14:51:22 The only thing I can figure is that the angle is different so it affects the air flow. I moved my hand around to feel airflow. It seems that more is coming up from the bottom of the wind screen. I did several swaps and test rides with both windscreens to be sure I wasn't imagining things or just getting odd cross winds today. I guess the hight and angle combined to but the wind at just the wrong spot on my helmet. The only other time I have had buffetting like this is when I was behind a Semi and getting all his turbulance. Oh well instead I spent the money on a verslavy cam-tensioner. |
|
SuzukiSavage.com » Powered by YaBB 2.2! YaBB © 2000-2007. All Rights Reserved. |