V-Stream Windshield

[RossKean]

I recently purchased a used '07. It came with the stock windshield, a Cee Baily and a Vstream windshield. I am tall (6'3") and ride long distances in all kinds of weather so I was hoping that the barn door Vstream would offer good protection and a relatively quiet ride. While protection from rain isn't too bad, I seem to get a fair amount of turbulent air over the top and quite a bit of wind noise. (I have the seat in the upper position) Buffeting isn't too bad.

I have done a bit of reading on the forum about using spacers to change the tilt of the shield but could not find a concensus on the best combination for the V-stream on a ('07) Gen II. Lots of posts on interferences with the bodywork and breaking screws etc.

For hot weather riding, I'll probably continue to use the stock or Cee Baily but would like to have the Vstream for cooler temperatures if I can get rid of the turbulent air and quiet it down. Would love to have a quiet pocket of still air without having to duck down behind the shield.

Ross

 

[Fred W]

Ross,

I've been down the identical same path a few years ago, albeit on my 1st gen, and I am of a similar body size to you. The conclusion I reached after much trial and error (and $$ expense) is that there is no one windshield that will do it all for me on an FJR, even with the electrically adjustable shield mechanism. The range of adjustment is just not large enough.

In the summer months it is imperative to use a very low shield, either smaller than stock or somehow tilted back to a lower angle. You need to get the edge of the air blast down on your torso. This allows good cooling airflow and it keeps your head out of the inevitably turbulent wind. The least turbulent bikes to ride are the ones with no windshields.

In the colder months any of the really big shields will work for weather protection. You'll need to find one that either just barely allows you to see over the top, or better yet (from a turbulence standpoint) you look through.

The rifle tuning block and their large touring windshield achieve both for me as I just slap the stock shield onto the block for the summer months. It tilts the stock shield very low and out of the way. However, that is not an option for you unfortunate 2nd genners. Still, having multiple windshields for seasonal use seems the only way to go IMO.

I am going to try a laminar lip (on a few different size shields I already own) as a last ditch attempt to "tame the turbulence". The used one I scored on the forum is in the mail as we speak. But to be honest I don't hold out much hope that this will be the windshield nirvana we seek. I'll be sure to let you know how that goes.

 

[sgoat]

You might try Saeng edging. I've had pretty good luck with it. Have a look at-

https://www.saeng.com/product.php?id=581&category=80

 

[Grumpy]

Rifle vent

Fred I added this vent to my windshield and like it better than the rifle "tuning block" or washers under the front edge of the windshield. Try it, you might like it.

 

[RossKean]

Ross,
I've been down the identical same path a few years ago, albeit on my 1st gen, and I am of a similar body size to you. The conclusion I reached after much trial and error (and $$ expense) is that there is no one windshield that will do it all for me on an FJR, even with the electrically adjustable shield mechanism. The range of adjustment is just not large enough.

In the summer months it is imperative to use a very low shield, either smaller than stock or somehow tilted back to a lower angle. You need to get the edge of the air blast down on your torso. This allows good cooling airflow and it keeps your head out of the inevitably turbulent wind. The least turbulent bikes to ride are the ones with no windshields.

In the colder months any of the really big shields will work for weather protection. You'll need to find one that either just barely allows you to see over the top, or better yet (from a turbulence standpoint) you look through.

The rifle tuning block and their large touring windshield achieve both for me as I just slap the stock shield onto the block for the summer months. It tilts the stock shield very low and out of the way. However, that is not an option for you unfortunate 2nd genners. Still, having multiple windshields for seasonal use seems the only way to go IMO.

I am going to try a laminar lip (on a few different size shields I already own) as a last ditch attempt to "tame the turbulence". The used one I scored on the forum is in the mail as we speak. But to be honest I don't hold out much hope that this will be the windshield nirvana we seek. I'll be sure to let you know how that goes.

Let me know how it works for you. I know the Gen I aerodynamics are different from the Gen II's but I can hope for at least some improvement. By the way, I have not had an issue with the "back pressure" that some have mentioned as a problem with larger shields.

Ross

 

[RossKean]

You might try Saeng edging. I've had pretty good luck with it. Have a look at-
https://www.saeng.com/product.php?id=581&category=80

Not sure I want to spent $50 or more on a product that looks THAT bad. However, if it works, it might be the only solution. I'll file it for future reference.

Ross

 

[Fred W]

Rifle vent
Fred I added this vent to my windshield and like it better than the rifle "tuning block" or washers under the front edge of the windshield. Try it, you might like it.

Grumpy,

Which shield did you vent-i-late? And I assume that you do not tilt the shield with spacers any more?

I've played with venting on other bike's shields. I even designed and cut some NACA ducts into my 2001 Concourse's big home brewed lexan touring shield. It worked, but not magnificently. Still, might be worth playing with again...

(also fixed the link)

 

[sgoat]

You might try Saeng edging. I've had pretty good luck with it. Have a look at-
https://www.saeng.com/product.php?id=581&category=80

Not sure I want to spent $50 or more on a product that looks THAT bad. However, if it works, it might be the only solution. I'll file it for future reference.

Ross

Money back guarantee if it doesn't work for you. They used to offer a "grade II" version for quite a bit less. It's probably the returned edging that didn't perform as hoped, or for those who thought it looked THAT bad. It's not for everyone.

 

[RossKean]

Just for fun, I thought I might ask National Cycle if they had any thoughts or possible solutions. I received a response within a couple of hours, but nothing of value. I would have liked to hear that they were aware of a possible issue and were working on a solution or re-design:

Hello, The only adjustments we recommend are those that are possible stock on the bike. For example, the adjustment of the windshield and seat. With all of the adjustment this windshield has, there should be a "perfect" position for you. I'm sorry but that is our only recommendation/suggestion.

Thank You

National Cycle, Inc.

www.nationalcycle.com

877-972-7336

708-343-0400

 

[Fred W]

In other words, just get shorter!

Then it you would fit it perfectly!!

 

[RossKean]

In other words, just get shorter!
Then it you would fit it perfectly!!

Ha!

I was actually thinking about trying the seat in the lower position to see if it helped. Don't think my knees or hips would like it very much. I don't find that buffeting is too bad with the Vstream but there is a lot of wind noise. The shield moves around quite a bit as well; especially when following a transport truck or with a side wind. I wish the windshield mechanism was a little sturdier on the '07s. I understand they beefed up the mechanism on later models - wonder if it would retrofit to an '07? (Also wonder how much it would cost).

Ross

 

[Fred W]

The shield moves around quite a bit as well; especially when following a transport truck or with a side wind. I wish the windshield mechanism was a little sturdier on the '07s. I understand they beefed up the mechanism on later models.

I've never heard that. I think the shield moving is what you can expect with a monsterous big shield.

 

[RossKean]

The shield moves around quite a bit as well; especially when following a transport truck or with a side wind. I wish the windshield mechanism was a little sturdier on the '07s. I understand they beefed up the mechanism on later models.

I've never heard that. I think the shield moving is what you can expect with a monsterous big shield.

From the FAQ (dont know if the change is significant or not...):

The following changes apply to the 2008 FJR from 2006/2007. The 2008 is still a Gen II, it just has a few changes from previous.

7. The windshield has been revised. A new hard coating on the windshield surface helps to prevent scratching. The internal screen holder or base has been revised from a 2 piece to a 1 piece design to reduce weight. The external cover for the activation arms is changed to rubber to reduce noise. And finally, the internal mounting system for the windshield has been revised to reduce the vibration of the windshield at speed.

 

[VanHarlan]

I'm 6'3" . . or maybe 6'4" . . . and like many went through the windshield wars . . . . cold weather and long disatnce I ended up with a xtra tall Calsci . . . for summer and around town I cut 4" off a stock shield, it's still a little noisy about 65mph . . . but the airflow is phenomenal

 

[johnny80s]

Try the rifle. They have a money back guarantee. That giant mofo Big D has one and loves it.

I am 6'2" and love the stream but hated the rifle.

Good luck

 

[gazza]

I think what we need here is a wind tunnel. Let's sort this out once and for all.

gazza

 

[Andyfjr]

I have a Cee Bailey +4 high +2 wide.

I found that with the screen in its lowest position, there is as much noise as the standard screen, but once raised to nearly its full height I can ride in a pocket of non turbulent air, upto 80mph.

This wasn't possible with the standard screen which just changed the tone of noise with buffeting.

If I ride faster then the wind noise builds and some buffeting can occur. On steady riding days I don't use earplugs and can hear the engine clearly over any other noise.

Andy

 

[RossKean]

I may have to try some alternatives to see if I can find something to work for me. Unfortunately, unless there is someone nearby who has a candidate windshield to try, the investigation gets a bit expensive. I think I'll tough it out this year and perhaps try some stuff in the spring.

Ross

 

[KYRider]

Have gone down the same path. The answer.....Rifle. It is the only windshield that truly made a difference and really worked. :yes: