Cut Down Stock Windshield

[GaryZ]

I cut 5 inches off of my stock windshield. It looks really good and I can see over it at night (big improvement). My problem is now there is quite a bit of wind turbulence (noise) on the top of my helmet. I am 6'2" with a 35 inch inseam.

 

I have a double-bubble on my ZX11D7 and it really reduced wind noise.

Does anyone make a double-bubble style windshield for the Gen I VR?

[ablumny]

I did the same, cut down stock shield so I can see over it but now the wind buffeting is awful. Ive been reading about the Clearview Shields and others but still no decision.

[Venturous Randy]

I am one of those people that Like looking thru my windshield. When working on my bike the other day, before I put it all back together, I took it around the block without the windshield and at 40mph, it was terrible.

When I got my bike 13 years ago, it was very difficult to ride at night due to the scratches. After polishing it and routinely using Plexus, it is just about good as new. I like the protection of the windsheld, especially for things other than wind.

RandyA

[camos]

My VR is not roadworthy yet so I've only ridden it around a parking lot a few times. My xv1100 has a rather large windshield/fairing on it which should be just as relevant. The top of the windshield is even with my lips so I can see over it just fine and there is no buffeting experienced. While adjusting the height, when the top was closer to the level of my chin there was some buffeting. Seems there is a small window of opportunity available to look over without getting battered.

 

Oh yes, I should add that I usually ride with my face shield up and only need to put it down when it's raining.

Edited August 5, 2009 by camos

[GaryZ]

My VR is not roadworthy yet so I've only ridden it around a parking lot a few times. My xv1100 has a rather large windshield/fairing on it which should be just as relevant. The top of the windshield is even with my lips so I can see over it just fine and there is no buffeting experienced. While adjusting the height, when the top was closer to the level of my chin there was some buffeting. Seems there is a small window of opportunity available to look over without getting battered.

 

Oh yes, I should add that I usually ride with my face shield up and only need to put it down when it's raining.

 

That's good info. My cut-down windshield is at my chin. The next windshield will be a little taller . . .

[dr_bar]

there is always this solution...

 

http://www.laminarlip.com/cruisers.php

[GaryZ]

Maybe I can make a "lip" out of the 5" piece that I cut off . . .

[timgray]

I am one of those people that Like looking thru my windshield. When working on my bike the other day, before I put it all back together, I took it around the block without the windshield and at 40mph, it was terrible.

When I got my bike 13 years ago, it was very difficult to ride at night due to the scratches. After polishing it and routinely using Plexus, it is just about good as new. I like the protection of the windsheld, especially for things other than wind.

RandyA

 

 

Is there a coating on the stock windshield or can I wet-sand it and then polish it out like normal plastic?

[Props]

Have a good used windshield off my 89VR available... if interested send me a PM...

[camos]

I came across this method of determining the correct height of a windshield and thought it might be useful.

 

 

1. If your stock shield is mechanically adjustable, put it in the lowest position. If your windshield is electrically adjustable, put it about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way up.

 

2. Get a yard (meter) stick.

 

3. Park your bike on level ground. Measure 30' (9 meters) from your front wheel contact patch. Drop something on the pavement, keys, a rock, whatever.

 

4. Measure 30' (nine meters) more, you're now 60' (18 meters) in front of your bike. Drop something else.

 

5. Tape the yardstick along the center of the windshield with masking tape or something, with the 20" mark aligned with the top of the windshield and the stick pointing up.

 

6. Sit on your bike and look at the two things you dropped on the pavement. Try to sit with your normal riding posture. Don't cheat - if you slouch a bit when riding, slouch a bit now.

 

7. You can sight along the yard stick and see how many inches up from the top of the shield you see the 30' and 60' marks. This tells you how many inches taller/shorter you would like your windshield.

 

8. Your optimum windshield height is somewhere between these two heights. Lower for warmer climates, sportier feel and more air flow. Higher for colder climates / quieter riding / more wind protection. Our shields are typically made in 1.5" (4cm) increments to help you get the best height for you.

[91nwl]

When I put in progressive fork springs, it raised my front-end a lot. I had to cut about 3 - 3 1/2 inches off my wind screen. I set it up so if I kind of slump down, I look thru it and if I sit up straight, I can look over it. No turbulence.

[spear]

I too have the stock screen on my '04 RSV.

I'm 6' 4" tall and find the screen a terrific height to avoid wind buffeting. I ride with an open-faced helmet.

At night, in the rain or when riding into the sun - the screen is dangerous.

As an experiment to find the ideal screen height, I have tried riding the bike on the highway and standing up slowly on the boards until I get hit in the face by the wind. I find that happens after my eye sight clears the top of the screen.

I plan on cutting enough from the top of the screen so when I sit normally on the bike, the top will be about 1" above eyebrow height.

That will mean no wind buffeting, however - if I need to see clearly all I have to do is sit up straight and poke my head up enough to clear the top of the screen.

My gauge will be to sit normally on the bike, look straight ahead, pick a point on the screen, then cut it down to that point.

Sound simple enough? Let's hope so!

[91nwl]

I sat on an 09 2nd gen at the dealer a couple of days ago and the first thing I noticed is that the screen seems too high.