Windshields

[masterguns]

FNG here both on the forum but on FJRs. I have only one question......what does the majority of long time FJR riders consider the best windshield to eliminate buffeting. I've had three different windshields; stock the upgraded touring windshield from Yamaha and another off brand (can't remember the manufacturer of that one) but to put is blunting; none of these three are worth a crap. I want to replace the windshield one more time but this time with what you experienced riders of the FJR think performs best. Thank you.

 

[radiummadman]

Big *** can 'o worms just opened up and no way to put the lid back on !!

Fred W seems to know ALOT about this deal, check his posts about rifle tuning block, etc.

 

[Fly Bye]

There is a ton of after market windshields available for the FJR.

What works for some does not work for others.

Some guys have a winter windshield they take off and replace with another for the summer months.

In deciding some factors have to be taken into consideration, your height, inseam, seat height, etc.

Do you want to look over or through the windshield?

IMHO there is no perfect windshield.

Good luck with your quest.

 

[Richouse]

I know what you mean. I tried to get a thread started a couple of months ago about this very topic. I wanted people to post up with a pic and what they liked or disliked about their windshield. That way if you wanted info about a specific item i.e. windshield you could go to that one thread and read all the comments posted and see a pic of it installed. It didn't work out though. Sorry...

 

[ABQFJR]

FNG here both on the forum but on FJRs. I have only one question......what does the majority of long time FJR riders consider the best windshield to eliminate buffeting. I've had three different windshields; stock the upgraded touring windshield from Yamaha and another off brand (can't remember the manufacturer of that one) but to put is blunting; none of these three are worth a crap. I want to replace the windshield one more time but this time with what you experienced riders of the FJR think performs best. Thank you.

Get a Rifle.

It's the only one that will keep the air smooth when it's all the way up (due to the tuning block / angle optimizers). At least, that was my experience.

I've got the +3 on my '08, and it was the only shield that did what I wanted, after trying several others. Good thing, too, because my wife was getting pretty tired of seeing a new shield show up at the house every few weeks.

Google "site:fjrforum.com rifle" and you'll see what I'm talking about... there's lots of reading there. The Rifle is damn-near universally loved.

 

[Auron]

I'm curious about the Givi. It seems like one of the better looking ones but also not that much different than stock, are they any better?

 

[ABQFJR]

I'm curious about the Givi. It seems like one of the better looking ones but also not that much different than stock, are they any better?

I never tried the Givi... ended up with the Rifle before I could get that far. I'm sure it's a decent shield... Givi makes good stuff. The Givi is well-loved by the V-Strom crowd. Totally different bike, I know, but it says something, nonetheless. You'll find there are lovers and haters of every shield out there. You have to find the one YOU love. Unfortunately, it takes some trial-and-error more often than not. Fortunately, you won't have any trouble reselling a shield here on the forum.

That said, sometimes it depends on how important looks are to you. Personally, I find my Rifle to be rather fugly when down, due to the angle it's mounted at, and that's the main reason I didn't buy it FIRST. That, and the cost. In the end, I would have saved a lot of money by just getting it first. I just love that thing.

Yes, I'm a fan. They put a lot of thought into their designs.

Search, and you'll find more than a few NEPRTs on the subject. In fact, shame on me for contributing to it. Sucks to be bored at work.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

I think I can safely say I have had more than a fair share of winshield expierence. Here is my thread on the subject: As close to winshield nirvana...

 

[FJR Bill]

Masterguns,

I'm glad to see you are getting some useful responses. The Cali sci mid size works for me but its not perfect. Way better than OEM, however. Standby for a flurry of less useful responses, the typical experts are about to descend...Forget a rifle...buy a shotgun, you may need it.

Bill

 

[bikerjim]

I didn't care for the stock windshield, so I tried a V-Stream. No good for me, too much buffeting. A Cee Bailey +6 works well for me. I'm 6 feet 4 inches tall, big torso, so I have a smooth airflow in the lower position, and a good protective bubble that I can see over when in the highest position. Light tint looks great, too. Fine workmanship.

As many have said, it really depends on you. Many here have tried 4 or more shields before finding a favorite. Good luck!

 

[blueman]

I have a CEE BAILEY 2+. Night and day over the original. Size matters. Be sure to get the right size windshield for you if you order an after market one. I am still amazed with all that research and development that went into such a great bike, that aftermarket windshields work much better.

 

[Auron]

I'm not a very big guy so I'm going with the Givi. What I'd really like to know is if the MRA vario can be fitted to any screen and the pros and cons of drilling vs clamping.

I'm hoping to get it right the first time with this combo

 

[ABQFJR]

I'm not a very big guy so I'm going with the Givi. What I'd really like to know is if the MRA vario can be fitted to any screen and the pros and cons of drilling vs clamping.

I'm hoping to get it right the first time with this combo

Auron,

The MRA screen is a complete two-piece windshield system... you don't fit it to another windscreen through clamping or drilling. That is what you were asking, right?

I just had another thought. The Givi windshield is very similar to a Cee Bailey in shape. If you're considering the Givi because of the way it looks, you might want to go with a Cee Bailey instead, especially if you're interested in buying "Made in USA." You would also not be limited to one size, as you would be with the Givi, and you'd have the benefit of having manufacturer support right here in country. I haven't purchased from Cee Bailey, but I know they will work with you to get you a windshield that is just the right height/width for you. They also offer a reverse contour option.

Cee Bailey Standard Windscreen 06+

Cee Bailey Reverse Contour "Flip" Windscreen 06+

 

[Blind Squirrel]

I'm not a very big guy so I'm going with the Givi. What I'd really like to know is if the MRA vario can be fitted to any screen and the pros and cons of drilling vs clamping.

I'm hoping to get it right the first time with this combo

Auron,

The MRA screen is a complete two-piece windshield system... you don't fit it to another windscreen through clamping or drilling. That is what you were asking, right?

I just had another thought. The Givi windshield is very similar to a Cee Bailey in shape. If you're considering the Givi because of the way it looks, you might want to go with a Cee Bailey instead, especially if you're interested in buying "Made in USA." You would also not be limited to one size, as you would be with the Givi, and you'd have the benefit of having manufacturer support right here in country. I haven't purchased from Cee Bailey, but I know they will work with you to get you a windshield that is just the right height/width for you. They also offer a reverse contour option.

Cee Bailey Standard Windscreen 06+

Cee Bailey Reverse Contour "Flip" Windscreen 06+

The MRA Vario is a two piece shield, but they also have clamp-on and a drill-to-install lips. If I had a stock shield I would consider going with one of the lips (I would do the drill option myself).

 

[ABQFJR]

I'm not a very big guy so I'm going with the Givi. What I'd really like to know is if the MRA vario can be fitted to any screen and the pros and cons of drilling vs clamping.

I'm hoping to get it right the first time with this combo

Auron,

The MRA screen is a complete two-piece windshield system... you don't fit it to another windscreen through clamping or drilling. That is what you were asking, right?

I just had another thought. The Givi windshield is very similar to a Cee Bailey in shape. If you're considering the Givi because of the way it looks, you might want to go with a Cee Bailey instead, especially if you're interested in buying "Made in USA." You would also not be limited to one size, as you would be with the Givi, and you'd have the benefit of having manufacturer support right here in country. I haven't purchased from Cee Bailey, but I know they will work with you to get you a windshield that is just the right height/width for you. They also offer a reverse contour option.

Cee Bailey Standard Windscreen 06+

Cee Bailey Reverse Contour "Flip" Windscreen 06+

The MRA Vario is a two piece shield, but they also have clamp-on and a drill-to-install lips. If I had a stock shield I would consider going with one of the lips (I would do the drill option myself).

Oh... whoops... I was under the impression their only option for the FJR was the complete system. I assume you're referring to this?

If so, that's actually pretty darn cool... almost like a laminar lip, but adjustable. Me likey.

 

[Concourier]

Looks like Masterguns hasn't replied in a bit?

Anyway - Blind Squirrel has a great review, so make sure you check that out.

But really too many variables to decide what "best" is, only best for you.

My own search is outlined here:

https://shutterpilot.blogspot.com/2012/09/calsci-fjr-windscreen-review.html

Hope it helps...

 

[Road_Runner]

I have tried the stocker, Yamaha Touring Screen, CalSci, and Cee Bailey. Cee Bailey reverse contour works best for me. I am in agreement that there is no perfect solution, especially for a tall guy.

Although I have not tried it, results may be similar to the Rifle with the tuning block as it pushes the air up and over.

 

[ABQFJR]

After spending hours and hours reading threads, and after my own experiences, I think I have the windshield thing mostly figured out. Here is my OPINION:

The Rifle is like the Russel Day-Long of windshields... it's ugly, but it's the best. It's also the most expensive. The ugliness and the expense will keep a lot of people from ever trying one, but those who eventually do, will quickly forget about the looks and wonder why they didn't buy it first.

Like I said, that's just my opinion, and we all know what they say about opinions...

P.S. OP, you reading this NEPRT you started?

 

[FJR Bill]

Looks like Masterguns hasn't replied in a bit?

Anyway - Blind Squirrel has a great review, so make sure you check that out.

But really too many variables to decide what "best" is, only best for you.

My own search is outlined here:

https://shutterpilot.blogspot.com/2012/09/calsci-fjr-windscreen-review.html

Hope it helps...

Shutter Pilot- Loved your review of the Cali Sci mid sized screen and agree with all that you wrote. Excellent photo's too. I kept my OEM screen and use it in Florida Summer for short rides. But for long rides or cool temps the Cali Sci works for me and is a huge improvement. I typically ride with it about 2/3 up where there is no airflow on my face and things are quietest. I ride with sunglasses and his allows me to ride with face shield up which I prefer. I only go to the highest position in rain. I lean over a bit and it becomes look thru and I'm better rain protected. Thanks for the link to your review. Bill