Advice on double bubble screens

[Pwalo]

Just wondered what the collective view is on replacement double bubble screens. I'm looking at one for the SV and was after a bit of feedback on anyone's experiences.

Cheers.

[onearmedbandit]

I've had one on my GSXR, was good for long distance rides as it kept the wind well off my head. I didn't experience this myself but I've heard and seen one example of them melting dashboards on bikes. Apparently the shape of some of them concentrates sunlight enough to melt the plastic.

[Karma]

Well for some people they're an absolute necessity. I wouldn't be able to see the dials on mine if I didn't have a double bubble, and anyone over about 6'2" ish will have similar problems.

[Cajun]

I've had one on my GSXR, was good for long distance rides as it kept the wind well off my head. I didn't experience this myself but I've heard and seen one example of them melting dashboards on bikes. Apparently the shape of some of them concentrates sunlight enough to melt the plastic.


This is a well known problem on the k4-k5 600/750 that melts the dash, not to sure on the sv tho

[Freakshow]

I upgraded to the double bubble as I was getting vibrations in the helmet at about 100k now there is no problem and the noises in helmet are a lot quieter because of the airflow

[The Pastor]

What are the costs for a dub bub?

[Blackbird]

I upgraded to a double bubble on the Blackbird. Gives me better protection at the expense of a bit more load on the wrists. The "melting dash" syndrome was a problem with the Blackbird too. Apparently the Iridium and clear screens caused the biggest problem with the transition point between the two curves acting as a lens. I have a dark smoke tint and it's fine.

[onearmedbandit]

This is a well known problem on the k4-k5 600/750 that melts the dash, not to sure on the sv tho

Seen it on an R1 as well.

[Disco Dan]

I have a dark smoke tint and it's fine.

so the dark tint solves the problem then? I was thinking of getting a new screen for my GSXF, I was quoted about $200 :gob: it's only a bit of plastic!

[onearmedbandit]

It's not the colour that does the distorting of the dash, it's the shape.

[Squeak the Rat]

What's the pros/cons of a double bubble versus a spoiler screen?

[miSTa]

I had a orange double bubble screen on my ZZR (on when I bought it), loved it, looked good, worked well at all speeds. I would buy one if the need came up.

[desmo dave]

I've had one on my GSXR, was good for long distance rides as it kept the wind well off my head. I didn't experience this myself but I've heard and seen one example of them melting dashboards on bikes. Apparently the shape of some of them concentrates sunlight enough to melt the plastic. to leave Jap bikes out in the sun if you have a dubble bubble screen fitted then aye.:dodge:

[Blackbird]

It's not the colour that does the distorting of the dash, it's the shape.

It's both. the transition line acts as a lens, but the effect is negated because the sun can't get through with a dark tint. Mine has been on for just over 2 years and I've had no problem at all. It's made by Pyramid and I got it direct from the UK. Perfect fit.

As a matter of interest, UK manufacturer Powerbronze, who make a lot of iridium screens in addition to other types, made financial settlements to a number of UK Blackbird riders who had their instrument consoles fried.

[SPman]

Had a tinted double bubble on the ZX9R - it was great, but didn't look as good as the original. No trouble with heat affecting instruments or anything
Eagle screens here in Perth do a massive range - an SV would probably be around A$145, depending on tint, etc.
http://www.eaglescreens.com.au/

[imdying]

to leave Jap bikes out in the sun if you have a dubble bubble screen fitted then aye.:dodge:Not just Japanese bikes, there have been reports of Ducatis doing it too. The Australians have had a problem with stanadard screens on some models also. In the sunnier states of America, some people resort to leaving rags or there gloves on the dash.

[onearmedbandit]

Yeah, a few of the guys I know from American forums leave a towel over the dash to avoid the problem.

[imdying]

Rumour has it if your SV suffers from it, they supply a new (revised) screen with the new dash... although as many people have indicated that isn't true as have said it is... NFI myself, NZs sun is harsh, but other than a single R1, I don't know of any other cases here in NZ.

[98tls]

Ive a double Bubble and yea a great investment........the other cause of buffeting is your helmet........read an interesting article explaining the ins and outs of it all..has alot to do with the back of the helmet.....ie shape etc.

[Shaun]

I have a NEW Dark one for a K3 GSXR1000 for $ 150 PM if any one interested

[gixermike]

Had a DB screen on the SP when I got it. have taken it off, as being a short arse I found that there wasn't enough wind blast to take any weight off my wrists at the slowish Nz highway / open road speeds....now have the standard one and much comfier.
still give me enough protection when things are moving along nicely...

[Pwalo]

Thanks guys. I'll probably stick with the standard screen for a wee bit as I'm not the tallest bloke and I'm not getting a lot of helmet buffeting.

Interesting to see the comment about helmet shape influencing buffeting. I've got an HJC CL-SP, and it's noticeably 'smoother' than my older HJC, or X-Speed. A bit noisier perhaps, but much steadier.

[Gremlin]

another point to consider is airflow, which comes down solely to brand/shape of screen, and your own height. While it can allow you more protection, it may shift the wind flow directly onto the lower section of the helmet, which can cause a roaring sound, more buffeting etc.

As weasel points out, depending on model of bike, for taller people they are almost needed, if you want to see the whole of the display. Also a neat way to continue the colour scheme of your bike, as screens can also come in colours.

[hsvboy06]

Rumour has it if your SV suffers from it, they supply a new (revised) screen with the new dash...
My SV dash melted with the original screen and Suzuki replaced the dash and the screen, although I couldn't tell the difference between the old and the new screens. Now the dash is melting again, albeit in a different place! :cry:

[Pwalo]

My SV dash melted with the original screen and Suzuki replaced the dash and the screen, although I couldn't tell the difference between the old and the new screens. Now the dash is melting again, albeit in a different place! :cry:


Would putting a towel over your dash when it was parked in the sun help?

[Karma]

Would putting a towel over your dash when it was parked in the sun help?

I would imagine so, but why compensate for something? Fix the root of the problem, i.e. get a different screen.

[Ralph]

Just got a dubble bubble screen a few weeks back for my gxsr and wished I'd done it sooner.
It's a much better ride with one as the wind used to catch my helmet and wistle.
Not to mention at speed the helmet would pull back on my head as I couldn't get low enough with the standard one, even though I think the standard looked better. Functionally fantastic!

[hsvboy06]

Would putting a towel over your dash when it was parked in the sun help?
Since reading this thread yesterday, and realising this may be a common problem rather than a fault with my bike, I've acquired a towel for exactly that purpose. It'll be a bit of a nuisance, though, I imagine. (First problem will be remembering to put the towel on!)


I would imagine so, but why compensate for something? Fix the root of the problem, i.e. get a different screen.
WMCC asked Suzuki if they'd replace my molten dash a second time and they said no. I'm going to write to Suzuki and ask again because it seems to me that if a screen that they fitted melts the dash then that's a design fault and something that they should fix. Or are they saying their bikes should not be parked outside?! (Curiously it was fine all through summer, but has started melting in autumn, so maybe it's something to do with the lower sun angle - I dunno.)
I'm keen to get a double bubble screen but my concern then is that if the dash melts then Suzuki will just say it's the screen and not their problem.
Oh, and btw, WMCC guessed the cost of replacing the dash would be about $1000!

[m99dws]

I put a black DB screen on a 2000 SV650s and it made a noticeable difference. I'm not tall but still got blasted at 70mph+. Once the DB was in place I could get to about 100mph without having to duck. Not that I ever did that on the road :shutup:

[Grahameeboy]

I have a Fabio tinted on my SV. Looks cool and works.

[sinned]

I have a Fabio tinted on my SV. Looks cool and works.

Not wanting to be too personal! - How tall are you and is the lack of wind loading your wrists at 120kph (my preferred cruising speed)

[FROSTY]

Hmm--we are talking DOUBLE bubble on sv650's not extra deep single bubble??
I ran a extra high bubble on my sv and the difference was huge

[Grahameeboy]

Not wanting to be too personal! - How tall are you and is the lack of wind loading your wrists at 120kph (my preferred cruising speed)

6ft and no to lack of wind resistance. I think it is just the bar position that is the issue with wrists. With the old screen wind hit low part of helmet so still plenty of wind protection

[Dafe]

I'm running a Puig double bubble on my SV thou. (See profile pic)

Instantly I noticed a way less buffeted ride. The air passes over me alot more smoother. Riding at 100-120kph, I don't get the buffeting effect anymore.
There is still a small degree of wind resistance, but it impacts the body more smoothly and evenly. Enough to counter my body weight and take the leaning pressure of of my wrists.

The other screen I've tried is the Ermax Aeromax double bubble.

http://www.ermaxuk.co.uk/pages3/dbc.php?bikecode=108&product=234

The Ermax screen has the best air deflection. There is virtually no air affecting you even when you're riding at 130kph. The screen deflects it all.

Personally, I like a small degree of wind resistance, hence, I prefer the slightly lower Puig screen. Available on ebay.

[imdying]

I'm running a Puig double bubble on my SV thou. (See profile pic)DBSs I hate... but that I like :yes:

[BigG]

I had trouble with my head been buffeted by the wind so changed my screen to a sports screen thats the only one Godiva Bike Blades hadto fit my bike, no double buble which I wanted was not available. I got a blue screen and now I cant read ma dials, so I fitted blue dash lights and that helps only at night, Ye I'm 6 two:bye: