Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting

[aviationfred]

We have not had a good Windshield discussion in a few years. Recently a few newer members have inquired about windshields that are good for Touring, or create less helmet noise, or less helmet buffeting.

There is no easy and definitive answer.

Some factors to consider are... A riders height, Stock seat, Corbin seat or modified seat, RPM handle bar risers, stock handle bars, LSL solid handle bar conversion, and all combinations thereof.

Then there is the generation of FJ that you have. Each generation of the 1200, the main fairing got wider and taller.

As an example, I am 5' 7" tall. The only windscreen that has caused me issues is the OEM windscreen on the 1989 model (3CV). At 70mph the wind catches me right at chin level and tries to lift my helmet.

Manufacturers and models in photographic order

1. Zero Gravity, 4" longer
2. MRA Vario-Touring
3. Ermax Tall
4. Honda CBR1100xx double bubble custom
5. MRA Touring
6. MRA Touring
7. Honda CBR1100xx Large double bubble
8. Power Bronze Tall Flip.

Unfortunately finding a windscreen that you like and performs the best under the riding conditions that you prefer is trial and error and can be quite expensive. The MRA Vario-Touring is in the $180.00 range.

For my 1989 FJ, my personal favorite windscreen that gave the best over all performance in all types of riding and weather conditions was the Ermax tall. I will be ordering one for my 1995 later this winter.


Fred

[ribbert]

Manufacturers and models in order

1. Zero Gravity, 4" longer
2. MRA Vario-Touring
3. Ermax Tall
4. Honda CBR1100xx double bubble custom
5. MRA Touring
6. MRA Touring
7. Honda CBR1100xx Large double bubble
8. Power Bronze Tall Flip.
9. Eagle

Fred

[aviationfred]

Manufacturers and models in order

1. Zero Gravity, 4" longer
2. MRA Vario-Touring
3. Ermax Tall
4. Honda CBR1100xx double bubble custom
5. MRA Touring
6. MRA Touring
7. Honda CBR1100xx Large double bubble
8. Power Bronze Tall Flip.
9. Eagle

Fred

Noel,

Good catch, I forgot about Eagle in Australia.

Do you have any photos of the Eagle windscreens on the FJ?


Fred

[Ribz0]

Hi ya Fred... good timing with this thread as Im one of those who have no idea.... 

Here in Oz... from my limited knowledge and recent digging around.... the 2 screens I am considering are Eagle and Powerbronze... Both do a variety of sizes from standard to touring flip.

Here in Perth, Eagle make sense cause they are local and Powerbronze have an agent in Victoria who will match Eagles price including delivery so great to have 2 choices!! (im sure there may be more here in Oz)

I recently purchased my bike and it still has the standard screen on it. I can relate to your issue Fred cause it seems to do that to me also... and as for noise... well i dont have anything to compare it to...

I will try to clean my standard one up a bit for now and will buy one of these screens in the new year. It will be interesting to see if there is, or how much noise difference between them...

Cheers

Eric

[racerrad8]

Don't forget Gustafsson windshields as well. They offer a variety of different windshields for the FJ. I am not sure if the discount code still works, but it might be worth asking of you are ordering from them.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=93.0

Randy - RPM

[Zwartie]

...and let's not forget Laminar Lip. You'll still need your stock wind screen but the laminar lip will help deflect air upward and reduce buffeting. I had a Laminar Lip on my '92 for years before I got the Vario Touring Screen. The main reason I "upgraded" was because the old wind screen was looking pretty weathered. I had no complaints with the Laminar Lip but overall I like the Vario Touring Screen better.

https://www.laminarlip.com/fj12.php

The image of the '92 is actually my bike. I sent that picture to them 10+ years ago.

Zwartie

[Paul.1478]

Very good info. I am also looking for some upgrade.
I like the idea of the Laminar lip, 89,00 is not bad. the others are around 180. Also not bad and I really like the input and photos above. Helps me make an informed decision. I don't see many FJs on the streets I can check out there windscreens...

[Pat Conlon]

I'm 6'3" and I gave up. My solution today is the stock windscreen with a quiet helmet in clean air and custom ear plugs .

My last +4" windscreen made wind buffeting intolerable. God that was a long trip.
I was temped to take it off and throw it away in the middle on my 2k mile tour.



Shorter riders would be fine, but alas, not for me....

[Troyskie]

I'm 5'8" and have stock style screens (Eagle) or original.

I follow Pats method of helmet and ear plugs.

If I rode regularly in the rain I think a big screen would be a major advantage.

With the larger screens has anyone any feedback about riding in cross winds? I feel the long nose of the FJ adds to the windage (is that a word?) and buffeting in cross winds.

[aviationfred]

With the larger screens has anyone any feedback about riding in cross winds? I feel the long nose of the FJ adds to the windage (is that a word?) and buffeting in cross winds.

The state that I live in, Kansas generates 29.6% of the state's electricity from wind turbines. We have a lot of wind pretty consistently. The FJ does tend to be affected by crosswinds. I have not noticed any difference in windscreen size while riding in heavy crosswinds. Many riders choose not to ride when the winds kick up. Others, like myself have learned to live with it and adjust how we ride accordingly. Riding 80mph with a 20mph tail wind sure does increase your fuel mileage  Riding with a head wind obviously has the opposite effect. 


Fred

[ribbert]

Do you have any photos of the Eagle windscreens on the FJ?

Fred

Fred, you know I have photos of everything.





Noel

[ZOA NOM]

I hate those goddamned things. We have one of the windiest places in the country covered with those things, and half of them are always off.

[Pat Conlon]

I hate those goddamned things. 

Yea...Just burn more "Beautiful Clean Coal"

[Paul.1478]

I hate those goddamned things. We have one of the windiest places in the country covered with those things, and half of them are always off.

Altamont pass! Yes, I saw that back in the late 70s and when it was "re-built". I was born in Pacifica and moved to Manteca for a year, drove past that everyday 2x a day.

[ZOA NOM]

I hate those goddamned things. 

Yea...Just burn more "Beautiful Clean Coal"

Works fine, lasts long time. In fact, that's what they don't tell you about all these electric cars. They are powered by coal.