Wind Roar

[Bandit Greg]

Thanks guys!
I recognize that wearing earplugs is the sensible thing to do, and that many of you guys swear this is a necessity. I can appreciate that logic, but my "goal" is to decrease the wind noise so that earplugs are not so.. critical.
Most of the time I ride using Klipsch "noise cancelling" ear-buds .. wired into an Mp3 attached to my bars. I've been doing this for a number of years and prefer it; so I'm not psyched to just go Sound Dead...even though I recognize that it's more, like, medically safe.

I have two other bikes at the moment, (a crisp, old Bandit 1200 and a modded SV1000S)... and both those guys don't produce enough wind noise to make me concerned. This FJR is the first bike I can recall owning that has such a roar.

I generally like more of a Sporty configuration, and so don't really prefer a tall screen...

Sacramento Mike: Maybe you're correct and should just mount-up the Calsci shield and try it. I mean, if worst-comes-to-worst, I'd be out $150.. certainly not the biggest money I've ever dumped on Experimentation!
A bit cold out here in New York State right now... about 25 degrees.. So this all may have to wait until Spring.
But: I'm determined! That wind noise is the only thing keeping me from taking the bike Cross Country in the Spring.

CURRENT SHIELD:

 

[Sunnyorlando]

For my '18, I chose a Vstream +4” (first time with this brand) and it works OK for me at 5'10”. I have not experimented with other brands/styles on this this bike - yet. I also made a 'pillow' (stuffer) I can shove into the center passthrough vent above the instruments, and that made difference as well. Mostly it makes a huge difference in the colder riding days to keep that tunnel of cold wind out of the chest and chin area.

I will add this about the VStream windshield - It's not 'firm', it shakes at high speeds when up.
- Also, in comparison to other brands I've had on other bikes, for some reason it seems the material is not at hard as others and 'pitting' has started very early on. At this rate, this windscreen will not be usable in about 2~3 yrs.

 

[BlakeCG]

I’m 6 ft, ride a 07 FJR, seat set on the lower setting and purchased a Yamaha touring windshield. When the screen is up there is no noise. I could talk on a phone without issue it’s that quiet.

 

[KenRob]

5'9 I use both a short stock shield and v-stream, both wiht rifle block. Short stock has what I would expect for noise because my head is always in the air. V-Stream has some very specific variations depending on it's set. Full down with the rifle block I still get full wind. 1/3 up is a sweet spot with less noise, but what I've been most surprised with is at full up on the v-stream is get a huge amount of buffeting. Until that is I crack or raise my helmet shield some. With the vstream full up and my helmet shield crack open or evne full open I get almost zero noise and can easily hear the engine running at highway speeds.

My 2 cents, your helmet and shield position on your helmet have as much affect on noise as your bike shield does. You need to adjust both to find out where it best works for you.

I'd like to add an extra sun visor like you see on dirt bike helmets to see what kind of effect that has.

This has been exactly my experience also. 5'10", 32 inseam, 07 w standard V-Stream.

 

[Bandit Greg]

yeeeaahhh... I probably won't be going much taller, at least than the CalSci "shorty" shield I bought recently (and will have to wait until Spring, most likely). I'm set on a more low-slung Sporty approach.

Mark at California Science saw photos of my current screen (some UK-produced "Slipscreen" shorty); he recommended that I either go UP or DOWN in height, as the one I have is right in the Bad Zone, he says. I think I'm going to cut this Slipscreen down and try it lower; I'm an old Sport rider and I won't mind having the wind in my helmet, as long as the ROAR is diminished.

Here's a good video of a guy showing his method of cutting-down a windshield:

 

[FJR1300OfIndia]

I am pro earplugs but never really got comfortable with them. Got ear pain after 60-90 mins ride. Tried few foam kinds. Maybe some other high end will help but before that I got the biggest barn door Rifle windshield. It is +5 "inches on top and +4" on sides (+2" each side). https://rifle.com/Motorcycle-Windshields/Yamaha/Yamaha-FJR-1300-Replacement-Windshield-System-2006-2012-.aspx
I do not use earplugs anymore. Adds protection from weather elements too. When at highest, there is some airflow from bottom that helps with cooling. Mine is usually on highest position unless I am below 50 mph.

I know Rifle is not available on Gen 3 so for those people that may not be an option.

 

[Bandit Greg]

My sister kindly gave me a pair of Bluetooth ear-buds for Christmas. She happily mentioned that the salesperson swore THESE were the best for motorcyclists! (Soundcore brand).

When I tried them on.. pulled my HJC over them, I thought... HM! Not too bad in there! A little bit tight, but not bad... maybe these things will be great!
But when I started to pull the helmet off is when the agony began. I could NOT get the helmet off without rolling those buds out of place, and ripping down across my ears! Double OW!!!

So... with that in mind... ARE THERE bluetooth earbuds out there that actually fit under a helmet.. and won't kill me when a helmet is removed?

 

[RiderJoe]

@Bandit Greg , I have been riding my FJR since it came out in 2003, and two other bikes since 1986. I tried a number of windshields (high and low), earplugs (foam and custom mold), laminar lip, etc. on the FJR. I am only 5'9", so I may not have the issues taller rider experience, but riding a bike at speeds is noisy no matter how one looks at it. All mods I made so far have made a difference, some worked better than others. I think that the solution comes down to how one can reduce the ambient noise from your ears. Reducing air turbulence is only one part of it. Earplug solutions cam also help, but using earplugs did not work out for me. All of them became uncomfortable after a few hours, not to mention the heat build up on summer days and the inconvenience of not being able to hear things I wanted to. Having the right windshield for my height helped a lot. (My favorite was the Givi shield with a slight curve on top on my 2003 FJR).
I would say though, that the biggest noise reduction I experienced was due to a good fitting helmet. I was able to use an Arai for a short wile, and that by far was the quietest of all helmets I used before on and the same bike. But, I am not in a position to part with $700+ for a lid, and I prefer the convenience of a modular helmet anyway, even though they are noisier. Now I use a budget HJC i90 because I it fits my head shape well, and accommodates my eyeglasses that I also need to wear with reasonable comfort. Last summer I got a Bluetooth communicator (I chose the Cardo PTB) that came with two pads as spacers to place behind the ear pucks that are velcro-ed into the helmet. After I installed the headset into the helmet with the help of a few choice words, I was surprised how much that setup cut down on the ambient noise. Of course, the speakers are sitting under the helmet liner right against my ear so there are no issues with them falling out, or moving while taking the helmet on or off. Now I can actually comfortably listen to music, GPS directions, make and receive calls at any (legal) speed, all without removing my hands from the grips. This is my experience. I know that others' results may not be the same, but this setup worked the best for me so far.

 

[CCook82]

@Bandit Greg , I have been riding my FJR since it came out in 2003, and two other bikes since 1986. I tried a number of windshields (high and low), earplugs (foam and custom mold), laminar lip, etc. on the FJR. I am only 5'9", so I may not have the issues taller rider experience, but riding a bike at speeds is noisy no matter how one looks at it. All mods I made so far have made a difference, some worked better than others. I think that the solution comes down to how one can reduce the ambient noise from your ears. Reducing air turbulence is only one part of it. Earplug solutions cam also help, but using earplugs did not work out for me. All of them became uncomfortable after a few hours, not to mention the heat build up on summer days and the inconvenience of not being able to hear things I wanted to. Having the right windshield for my height helped a lot. (My favorite was the Givi shield with a slight curve on top on my 2003 FJR).
I would say though, that the biggest noise reduction I experienced was due to a good fitting helmet. I was able to use an Arai for a short wile, and that by far was the quietest of all helmets I used before on and the same bike. But, I am not in a position to part with $700+ for a lid, and I prefer the convenience of a modular helmet anyway, even though they are noisier. Now I use a budget HJC i90 because I it fits my head shape well, and accommodates my eyeglasses that I also need to wear with reasonable comfort. Last summer I got a Bluetooth communicator (I chose the Cardo PTB) that came with two pads as spacers to place behind the ear pucks that are velcro-ed into the helmet. After I installed the headset into the helmet with the help of a few choice words, I was surprised how much that setup cut down on the ambient noise. Of course, the speakers are sitting under the helmet liner right against my ear so there are no issues with them falling out, or moving while taking the helmet on or off. Now I can actually comfortably listen to music, GPS directions, make and receive calls at any (legal) speed, all without removing my hands from the grips. This is my experience. I know that others' results may not be the same, but this setup worked the best for me so far.

I Agee with above. Experienced observations here in.my opinion.

 

[jackwhite184]

My sister kindly gave me a pair of Bluetooth ear-buds for Christmas. She happily mentioned that the salesperson swore THESE were the best for motorcyclists! (Soundcore brand).

When I tried them on.. pulled my HJC over them, I thought... HM! Not too bad in there! A little bit tight, but not bad... maybe these things will be great!
But when I started to pull the helmet off is when the agony began. I could NOT get the helmet off without rolling those buds out of place, and ripping down across my ears! Double OW!!!

So... with that in mind... ARE THERE bluetooth earbuds out there that actually fit under a helmet.. and won't kill me when a helmet is rI

My sister kindly gave me a pair of Bluetooth ear-buds for Christmas. She happily mentioned that the salesperson swore THESE were the best for motorcyclists! (Soundcore brand).

When I tried them on.. pulled my HJC over them, I thought... HM! Not too bad in there! A little bit tight, but not bad... maybe these things will be great!
But when I started to pull the helmet off is when the agony began. I could NOT get the helmet off without rolling those buds out of place, and ripping down across my ears! Double OW!!!

So... with that in mind... ARE THERE bluetooth earbuds out there that actually fit under a helmet.. and won't kill me when a helmet is removed?

I tried the ear buds too. Kept falling out. Got these from Amazon and I love them.

YOVDA Bluetooth for Motorcycle Helmets Headset, Outdoor Helmet Earphone Ultra-Thin Helmet Bluetooth Speakers Hands Free Music Call Control, High Sound Quality Helmet Communication System​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B3SLNT9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

[PapaUtah]

I cannot speak to the post Gen 3 bikes, but your resident aero management pioneer suggests you try and secure a set of these or repurpose a similar unit from Baker Air Wings and take control of both the temperature and turbulence in your cockpit. I remember the day after I created the mounts and installed the first set on my Gen 1. "That looks like crap!" "What the hell are you thinking!!!" I took it all in stride as I was riding in a nice cool cockpit on the old Cobalt Cooker as everyone else was having their mid-section and testicles roasted to a nice "well done" status. When I got my '13 I spent the first couple of weeks riding around with duct tape and cardboard trying to figure out best place to size and mount these to solve the cockpit pressure problem as well as the warm lower leg issue I created with my OEM footguards I installed. When adjusted properly I get a nice calm pocket to ride in because the redirection of the air from the Air Wings pressurizes the cockpit behind the screen and helps keep the airstream from collapsing into the low pressure zone created behind the screen. I added a Laminar Lip to my screen for the cross country trips. I arrive refreshed. YMMV, but there are solutions out there.