Hitchcocks Forum

Hi,

Last week I've made my first long trip, 645 awesome miles in Patagonia. I've ordered the Windshield (Part No. 200312) supplied by our Hosts to relief my chest from wind and get some protection from stones that sometimes are projected from trucks. Never tested before, I installed this prior to travel.

Past 60-65 in calm days it was fine, i could stand the conditions. But I noted, in 50-55 mph range, facing the wind or with side winds, a constant turbulence moving my head up & down, shaking my ideas and feelings. I'm 5.53 ft tall, the upper edge of windshield was at the level of my mouth. My helmet is a Biltwell Gringo with bubble shield. Lovely helmet but kind of noisy in this conditions.

Also I noted using the windshield in the city, that it feels like wind is moderate when actually there's no wind, in the range of 40's mph. I am the wrong guy for this windshield, or do I have the wrong helmet, or I made a wrong install / placement of the windshield?. Can you give me some advice on how to use this (very looking) windshield? I share a couple of pics, one shows windshield placement. Cheers! Luis.

Another photobucket noob :¬|

Hi Lucho, some great riding there, fantastic! My experience of screens tells me yours is too low. What I find ideal is just being able to see over the top of it. This way a "still air pocket" is created behind the screen which protects your head and face. You may need to fine tune the position for best results and also personal taste may vary but I'd say at the moment it's definitely too low.
REgards, Mark

I had the same problem with the BMW. I cured it making a 7 inch tall extension out of Perspex and attaching it to the top of the screen with 5 plastic number plate bolts and nuts. Now as long as I can maintain 60 mph it can be pouring with rain and the visor on my crash helmet stays clear.
(If you have not drilled holes in Perspex or cut it to shape before I would suggest getting someone who has to do it. I can be "character building.")

Over the years I've found that screens cause more problems than solve.

I've had this problem, too, with a commercial windscreen supposedly made specifically for my bike (a Suzuki DL1000 at that time).



The buffeting was so bad I told the dealer the product ought to be banned. Above about 40mph I got these odd "slaps" on each side of my head, and much above 60 the buffeting to my head was literally so bad I was seeing double and became disorientated. I had to stop at the road side to recover.



Like an idiot I dropped my Suzuki on its side in the garage. The screen smashed against my Enfield so I couldn't take it back for a refund.



I'm only telling you this so that you build up your speed slowly and carefully after you've modified your windscreen.



By the way, I assume the windscreens fitted as original equipment are wind-tunnel tested, specifically to avoid such serious problems. I doubt very much whether after-market screens enjoy that level of testing.

As with anything that is described as "universal" when it comes to motorcycle aftermarket bit and pieces, I usually find it means drill your own 19 holes. If a universal screen is not faired it all it will be useful for is keeping the bugs off of your visor.

Looking at the screen (200312) you bought in the Accessory Shop, I can't help thinking it's just too small and you would have been better off with the larger version, 200315. I had one just like your current screen on a Honda 500 single which I had tuned up (quite a lot!) and it worked fine with low handlebars which meant I rode it at a crouch (but not as low as clip ons would have been,) staying right behind it. And that's what it would be best at, fitted to a semi cafe racer I think. REgards, Mark

Not sure if those arms ar adjustable but lifting it 50mm should solve the problem. If the arnt'e adjustable they may need extending somehow

Guys, thank's for all the feedback. @Mark M yeah, was a great ride, the Bullet caught attention of other bikers on the road, this roads are in my province and I'm kind of familiar with it, but for many of you sound as exotic as a ride across the Pamir.

Think I have a lot to try this weekend. I was reading about aerodynamics, I'll try repositioning, although I'm affraid there's no much to improve. As far as I see, there's no way to lift 50 mm, but I'll tell you in a few days. If I can't find any solution, I'll have to make this ride again with no windscreen to test my muscles To be continued!