Choosing a Gen II Rifle windshield size (vs Gen I)

[torch]

I have had the Rifle +5 ("Touring" version) with tuning block on my Gen I and have been quite happy with it for the +/-20 years of ownership, so I think I'll stick with Rifle for this new-to-me Gen II even though they are more expensive than most alternatives. I'm just trying to figure out which size -- they offer +1, +3 and +5. The height has been perfect, leaving me looking just over the top and well-protected from foul weather when fully raised -- in fact, I lower it slightly in rain so the wind keeps my visor clear. I'm 5'-10 with a 30" inseam,

I gather the Rifle mounting system is analagous to the tuning block in tipping the screen back slightly from the OEM angle? The Gen II screen is already about 2" taller (17" vs 15") than the OEM Gen I. Measuring the height above the frame, the Gen II stock screen is about 2-1/2" shorter than the Gen I/Rifle. The top edge of the Gen II seems to rise more vertically, pivoting somewhere around the middle of the screen compared to the Gen I mechanism, which looks to pivot more at the bottom. The Gen II screen ends up about an inch closer to my chest fully raised than the Gen I/Rifle.

So I'm leaning towards the +3, but I'm interested in any comments by those that have gone before.

 

[Goodman4]

I put a Rifle medium on my 07 back in 2012. I love it. I don't remember whether they sold it as a +3 or what it was other than a "Medium". It is 15 inches from the top mounting bolt, if that helps.

I found my review here back on Nov 11, 2012 and it only says medium too. The review is "Passenger experience with Rifle Medium". I am also 5'10"

All the way up is a barn door and I find myself riding that way most of the time as it cuts SO much noise.

​

 

[torch]

From what Rifle says on their website, they rearranged the bolt holes so I don't think that measurement necessarily translates. I was measuring up the centre from the bottom of the screen. Or at least, what I think is the bottom of the screen -- it's not quite as clear cut with the trim as it is on the Gen I.

They don't seem to offer Small, Medium and Large on the website any more, but logically those terms could equate to the +1, +3 and +5. Or I'm suffering from confirmation bias. Maybe I should just e-mail them and ask.

Your comments in your review mirror what I found with the Gen I way back when. With the stock screen up, the rider was pushed forward and the passenger got beaten up in the turbulence. The Rifle cured it.

 

[Brodie]

I’ve had a Rifle +8 tall +4 wide since 2009. It’s a great barn door to ride behind. I get no direct wind noise on my helmet, except for stiff cross winds. I run it about 30% up, which tips it back a bit from a shorter one placed up above mid stroke. I’m 6’4” with a 40” inseam, and look just above it.
Yes, the mounting blocks are like the Gen.1 tuning blocks, except you cannot mount it without them; the curve of the windshield is different from stock. They will make this thing, but it will be a made on order purchase.

Something to think about before you buy.

Brodie

 

[torch]

I’ve had a Rifle +8 tall +4 wide since 2009. It’s a great barn door to ride behind. I get no direct wind noise on my helmet, except for stiff cross winds. I run it about 30% up, which tips it back a bit from a shorter one placed up above mid stroke. I’m 6’4” with a 40” inseam, and look just above it.

Ok, so you have 6" of height on me, which would suggest +2. But 10" of that is additional inseam, which would suggest 0 or less. Unless those long legs mean you have the seat in the higher position, which would then mean my butt is lower, so +1?

I'm so confused...<lol>


Rifle's response to my query:

The system is similar in that the angle is changed. We place our Optimizers between the frame and our windshield. This allowed us to also change to a deeper curve, making it even more aerodynamic.

We recommend raising the stock windshield about halfway. Determine how much taller the shield needs to be for the top edge to be just below your line of sight. For example, if the stock windshield is 4" below your line of sight order the plus 3". If the windshield is at your line of sight or higher, order the +1".

So, with the seat in the lowest position (to accommodate my stubby legs) and the stock screen exactly 1/2 way up (as measured with a ruler) my line of sight is at 7" above the top of the screen looking at the horizon, or about 6" looking at the road 60' ahead. From Rifle's advice, that would work out to a +5" height. Fully raised would bring it to 7-1/2", so I'd be looking through the top edge, not accounting for the change in angle due to the "Optimizers".

That just seems a bit tall, however it's easier to cut them shorter than it is to stretch them, so I guess I'm best off buying the +5.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Goodman4]

I had to pull out my OEM windshield for a guy that may want it and the invoice for the Rifle was in the box. It is an FJR1300 '06 Tour +3" tall +4 wide

 

[torch]

Thanks for the update!

I did end up ordering the +5" based on Rifle's recommendation. It does sound a bit high, but then I do have a shortish inseam for 5'10".

If it's too tall, I'll trim it down.

 

[torch]

After ordering, I heard nothing back other than an automated receipt. They did charge my credit card, but the order status page remained stuck on "shipment pending".

So after a week, I inquired by e-mail. Rifle replied that they build to order, and it takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. It would be nice if they mentioned that somewhere on the website or during the order process. (In fact, the website states that they are more expensive than competitors because they build and inventory multiple options for each model.)

 

[graytaz]

It's another case of confusing sell with install.

 

[torch]

Update: As told in another thread, it took forever to get the windshield. But for the sake of completeness for the next guy, the +3 would have been ample. Fully raised, I'm looking through the screen instead of over it. About 1/2 way up is roughly equivalent to the +5 on my Gen 1. Wind hits the top of my helmet with very little buffeting and noise. Far, far less than the stock screen. All the way up and the wind is thrown completely over my head. I may as well be sitting in a car.

Interestingly, it has little effect on gas mileage at speeds up to 110-115 kph (by GPS). In fact contrary to my expectations, early results seem to show a slight improvement in mileage over the stock screen -- but very slight and may be due to other factors like winter vs summer gas formulation. Perhaps because the Rifle mounting system tilts the barn door back at a shallower angle and closer to the rider?

Over 120 and over 1/2 way up the story is different and mileage plummets as expected. At those speeds, the shield is decidedly sluggish going up. At 140, the motor does not have sufficient torque to raise the shield above 1/2 way or so. I never saw the 03 motor hesitate much less stall at any speed.

 

[RossKean]

I had trouble raising the aftermarket shield at speed on my 2007. Not sure if it was insufficient motor torque or if the drive wires were slipping. You might want to check for slack in the mechanism if you have the nose off. Could be some dirt in the channels as well. Less problem with the 2011.

 

[Lawrence]

On my '08 with tinted Rifle, I don't recall having any issues of fully raising the windshield at 100mph (done only as a brief test, mind you, regarding windflow, buffeting, passenger impact, etc).