In Search Of: The Perfect Windscreen

[JT Pedersen]

Windscreens.

They're the sole bane of the FJR's existence. The stock windscreen, for many of us, is worse, far worse, than no windscreen at all. Why did Yamaha design such an incredible machine, only to cap it off with the most turbulent, ineffective windscreen imaginable?

I have experimented with a number of windscreens now. In addition to forming a personal view of the OEM screen, I have also tried screens from California Scientific; the Yamaha Touring screen; and, now Cee Bailey.

Initially, I viewed the Cal-Sci windscreen very favorably. Compared to the OEM, it had a smoother airflow and was better than stock. After more use, I found it was still simply not good enough. One key gripe I have with the Cal-Sci screens, is that (Lexan, IIRC) the plastic they use has a slight milkiness to it.

My next purchase was the Yamaha Touring screen for the FJR. This was a definite improvement over the other two. +4" height compared to stock, it was narrower than the Cal-Sci. This provided clear improvement in turbulence while remaining narrow enough I didn't bake in warm weather (e.g. anything over 60F).

I found the Touring screen an acceptable alternative--really liked Yamaha's harder crystal-clear plastic)--but still more turbulence than I care for. I liked everything about the Touring screen...save for a 'tad' smoother airflow.

So, this weekend I installed the Cee Bailey I'd just received. It's also at +4 (trying to stay with the Touring screen's height). I will say, I wish I had gone with (for them) a +1 or +1.5" wider screen. It seems a tad narrow at top.

Yesterday was a very windy day as the latest cold front was approaching. A wider screen would've helped a bit more with the strong wind from the sides.

Regardless, I am excited now to do a longer evaluation of this screen. I 'think' I've found my last screen. Going into the wind at 60 MPH, I could comfortably leave my visor open 1/2" and it was pretty calm. On less windy days, it'll be very interesting to see just how effective the screen is. And, given a couple planned Iron Butts this season, looks like stress levels are going to be lower.

Thought I'd share. YMMV.

 

[MrM0t0]

Rifle. It's about the angle change as much as it is the size and shape.

 

[FJRay]

There is no perfect screen cause everybody has their own standards. That being said for me it's the factory shield with the laminar lip and a version of the rifle block. Not perfect but plenty good for who it's for. In a cross wind I don't think there is an answer.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Nice write-up JT.

Too many variables, what works for one rider is terrible for another...mine -- winter shield CB +4/+3 flip, summer shield CB +2/+2 flip. YMMV

--G

 

[Fairlaner]

Rifle is the ONLY way to go on a gen2...

R

 

[kamal]

Good choice!

My Gen1 came with a Cee Bailey reverse contour 21" + 2" which was too tall for me. I added a Laminar Lip from a Suzuki Burgman (Laminar's idea) and ran it fully down most of the year. Last Fall I took it off and sold it to a Texalaskan forum member.

I'm replacing it with a new 19" + 2" + the Lip.

Al

 

[bgross]

The one that I haven't seen mentioned yet (and, of course, I'm curious) is the V-Stream. I have one on my Hondapotamus and like everything about it, from the strength and clarity of the polycarbonate to he airflow. Anyone have feedback with the V-Stream on the FJR?

Lucille has the Touring screen, which may be a bit small for me. But I had so much fun on the ride home that I hardly noticed.

Hope the OP get the input he needs!

 

[Myke Ramsey]

I use a V-strem and love it. I never had a CB or a CalSci but a V-Steam is worth the look. I keep mine up just a bit (about where my nose is) get no turbulence or back pressure.

 

[johnny80s]

V-stream was good but the rifle is better.

 

[leedavis]

I'm in the camp that says there is probably no single answer. I purchased my bike used with a stock windshield installed. The deal also included a Cee Bailey 21 + 2 that original owner said was terrible. I tried it, love it and have used it ever since. Go figure.

 

[odot]

Um, I hear the fiat 500 has a pretty good windshield. Maybe try that out.

 

[beemerdons]

Um, I hear the fiat 500 has a pretty good windshield. Maybe try that out.

You're a fecking genius odot, that's what I'm using on my Gen III!

 

[Burnspot]

I have the V-Stream; it's the only one I've ever had as the bike came with it when I bought it a few years ago. It's a great screen and flows the air nicely (I'm 5'11") without turbulence. I get a very slight push in the back when it's fully raised...gets very quiet too, allowing me to raise my helmet visor and scratch my nose, put on/remove sunglasses, etc. without trouble. Does an excellent job of pushing the rain out of the way at speed and, in the winter, keeping the arctic blast away. That said, it's not a great screen for the summers down here as it blocks too much air. Looking to add a shorty screen for use this next summer.

 

[Spud]

While we're on topic--my bike's sitting now waiting for winter to end w/no screen. I sold the Yamaha touring to put money towards a rifle. Sizes Rifle lists are: +3" tall, +4" wide; or +5" tall, + 4" wide.

Which size are you guys using? I'm about 6' 1". I don't want the giant one if I don't need it.

 

[Confederado]

I just bought a 2003 and it had the Yamaha touring shield with bar risers. I’m 5’10” w/32” inseam and at highway speeds I could duck down about an inch and have smooth air without any buffeting. Maybe if I didn’t have the bar risers it wouldn’t have been an issue with buffeting that was hitting right at the top of the helmet. Some post said change the helmet; I did, with slight improvement, but still buffeting, just a little quieter. After reading all the forums and post I could find on aftermarket shields I settled on the Rifle with tuning block. It arrived today and after putting it on, very easy, and taking a test ride I must say that I am very pleased. I bought the +2 and with the shield fully raised I do have to look through it. I can adjust it down to below eye level and it still provides clean air with no buffeting. Since I ride with a passenger, I’m sure she will appreciate the added shield height. Even with the shield all the way down, the air is much smoother and doesn’t seem the be as turbulent to my face shield, but is more evenly distributed across my upper chest to the top of my helmet. Some complained of the shields look, but I really didn’t see much difference, and the added comfort outweighs the aesthetics. I’ m new to the forum and find it helpful with making decisions like this, Maybe I'll be able to make the SFO ride in AR this year, I’m loving the bike.

 

[user 8909]

V-Stream with the tuning block from Rifle. I've tried most of them and keep coming back to this setup.

Just depends on you.

Actually got a Cee B. and the Rifle in boxes above the garage door.

 

[Lawrence]

V-stream was good but the rifle is better.

Exactly

One key factor is whether you ride with a passenger (pillion). Lip type screens work okay for driver, but tend to cause a lot of buffetting for passenger. Personally I don't like the back pressure of a back-flip type screen (had one on the Concours). I tried the v-stream, but I have a Aerostitch Roadcrafter that is just a little large in the chest area (couldn't beat the used price), and the side buffetting was very distracting (vs no issue with Rifle).

Also, what is your preference for looking over / thru the screen? My preference is looking over the screen with my visor up, sunglasses on (ridden that way for over 150K mi). I've recently started riding with my Rifle a little lower, face shield down, and getting better gas mileage (~2+ mpg better, though downside of more wind noise).

 

[Excaleng]

Being 6' 4" and wanting a screen to deliver that calm quiet place for riding without ear protection I've experimented with quite a few screen options. I currently have a CeeBailies +6h +4w no flip which is the best I've tried to date. For me it could be a little higher and I'd like to avoid the slight back pressure I get with the screen fully raised. So after reading the Rifle recommendations here and reading their web page info I'm currently awaiting delivery of a +6.5"h +4"w no flip replacement. Their tilted mounting arrangement seems to cure the back pressure issue whilst still providing that calm bubble of air I want.

Hear's hoping.

 

[tesla]

V-stream was good but the rifle is better.

Ditto. There was a member here that crashed his bike and loaned his V-Stream shield to whomever wanted to try it. I got on the list, tried it and liked it a lot and was a big improvement over stock. But the Rifle testimonials were hard to ignore so I took the chance and bought one. Pleased to say it was even better than the V-Stream. I'm 6'1 with a 34 inch inseam and got the +5 and +4 and look over the wiindshield on the lowest setting and look through it on the highest setting.