Screens on Cruisers - Yay or Nay?

[Badger8]

This is a debate that still rages in my mind...

Personally, i'm not so sure i like the the look of screens on a cruiser. i love the whole open front end thing cruisers without them have got going on, but i can appreciate they no doubt have their up sides as well.

So my question to those who have screens (or even better, those who have ridden both with and without) how much difference do they really make?

Personally, i'm quite happy doing 110 on the GN out in the open air, and she's a very upright ride for me (at 6'2", i'm sittin well back and upright, i ride her like a cruiser). I dont find the wind noise too bad (my helmet and collar seem to block out most of it), but might consider plugs for real long drags on the open rd. I dont find the wind buffets me too much, but i am aware it's there.
There's a guy at my old work who had an S83, and he reckoned he just couldn't get over about 135, coz he was being physically ripped off the bars (then again, he was a scrawny little fulla :shifty: ). Is this sort of thing a real problem, or does he just need to eat some more pies and hit the gym?

The other thing people rave about them for is rain. I can understand it'd stop a lot of the rain gettin ya while you're movin at a fair pace, but how does it affect visibility? I'm guessing it would just be like another visor between your eyes and the road, or do you actually tend to see over the top of them?

Sorry if these sound like the dumbest question since "Which way is up again?" :stupid: Still learning about those wonderful things we call cruisers :yes:
Hopefully wont be too much longer till i can get my baby! :love:

[Nasty]

Wouldn't think you need a screen on a GN ... I had a 500 and the screen made a huge difference .... I did not get buffeted nearly as much ... which meant less pain in the shoulders from holding on :) looks wise . my cruiser looked awesome ..ask Sunhuntin .. she bought it!

[Waylander]

Just don't go overboard and get one of those huge things that block all wind from head to toe.

A small one usually works fine and doesn't look half bad.

[Badger8]

:Oops: nooooonono... NOT planning on putting a screen on the ginny. :lol:
Looking around for my next big shiny cruiser babe, and trying to decide if a screen is something i wont to go for or not.
Never ridden a bike with a screen, nor upward of about 110kph (the ol ginny cries when i make her try), so not sure how advantageous they are is all :)

[HTFU]

A small givi type screen that comes up as high (an on an angle) as your chest will work well on the GN (not that you are putting one on it of course). I looked at getting one but never made the trip up to Silverdale where a shop has a few ($100-150). Works well on the GPX, with its small screen. A lot warmer in winter but not a lot of difference for noise.

[Badger8]

A small givi type screen that comes up as high (an on an angle) as your chest will work well on the GN. I looked at getting one but never made the trip up to Silverdale where a shop has a few ($100-150). Works well on the GPX, with its small screen. A lot warmer in winter but not a lot of difference for noise.

Thanks, but not lookin to add one to the ginny. Probly should've made that clearer :stupid: Have seen a few GN's around with them on, and i struggle not to fall over laughin. My ginny is mainly used round town anyways, not doing a heapload of touring til i get me a bigger bike :soon:

[Hitcher]

Look? Schmook.

There are cruiser owners and cruiser riders. Cruiser owners are big on looks and shit-loads of shiny chrome. They don't own wet-weather gear and wear fingerless-gloves and Johnnie Rebs because they never take their bikes out in the rain or in seasons other than summer.

Cruiser riders, on the other hand, go riding. They understand the benefits of weather protection and comfort for rides longer than a half-hour blat with the missus for a latte and fag.

[Badger8]

Look? Schmook.

There are cruiser owners and cruiser riders. Cruiser owners are big on looks and shit-loads of shiny chrome. They don't own wet-weather gear and wear fingerless-gloves and Johnnie Rebs because they never take their bikes out in the rain or in seasons other than summer.

Cruiser riders, on the other hand, go riding. They understand the benefits of weather protection and comfort for rides longer than a half-hour blat with the missus for a latte and fag.

Indeed, but hard men ride in the rain with no screen, no gloves, white singlet, and black stubbies :Punk: Did someone say something about tassles? :shifty:

I ride in the pissing rain on a ginny (even when she still had the plastic tires), so weather aint gonna stop me. And yes, looks are a part of it. Hell, if i didnt care what my bike looked like, i'd go ride a gixxer :dodge:

In my (very limited) riding experience, i just havent found the real need for a screen. There's been times where it might've been nice to have one, but i'm a big boy, i can handle a little moistness... oops, well, you know what i mean... :D

[rainman]

I vote nay. 'Cos I think they usually look shite. Don't have any comparative experience to back this up with though, so feel free to discount me completely... Also I don't find the need to go over 135 much, haven't been ripped off the bars by the howling gales yet. Rain is no problem - ya get wet. Duh!

And despite basing this on looks, I'm a cruiser rider, not just an owner.

[Nagash]

I say nay because they slow my wee 250 down bugger loads.. you yourself are not so affected by the end but going into head on wind is bloody painful.

Admittedly they are pretty good for the rain because you don't need the thing covering your entire body, the pushing force pushes the rain up and around you. But yeah.. still say nay.. maybe on a bigger cruiser in the winter.

[heyjoe]

Nope. No screen on my bike. Don't want one either.

[Big Dave]

screens suck. all they do is add noise and buffeting and detract from the handling and looks of the bike.

the weather protection lasts 5 minutes in NZ rain and you cant go fast enough on the open road to make them worthwhile any more.

Fine if you are going to do 140 everywhere. How long does that last?

HTFU and get some aerodynamic gear and enjoy 110.

BTW - I wear johnny rebs and I've ridden through more shitholes than most of you.:girlfight:

[Usarka]

Do doo de de do do

[Headbanger]

Speeds of 140 are fine without a screen.

160 is getting right up there, 200Km/h at short bursts.

Though a real man would have a big set up apes and neck muscles made of steel.

In a strong head wind any speed can be hard work.

It maybe different for girly men.

[Rockbuddy]

no i dont like screens i wont put one on my cruiser i think they make the bike look like my nana owns it, i think part of riding a cruiser is the feeling of the wind and the noise from the throbbing beat of the Vtwin

[turtleman]

I have a small Givi screen on my VT750 C2 - keeps a bit of the wind off, but does slow ya down a little. Still get wet in the pissing rain, but that's why I have the wet weather gear :yes:
Doesn't look too bad, imho, but whatever floats your boat I guess - they're not for everyone. I like mine :love:

A few pics here:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/photopost/showgallery.php/ppuser/14186/cat/500

[Big Dave]

It maybe different for girly men.

my new kit & screen for adventure riding

[onearmedbandit]

my new kit & screen for adventure riding

You look, um, a lot different than I expected. Guess you shouldn't read too much into user names.

[Big Dave]

I have a small Givi screen on my VT750 C2 -

Yeah - my bike has a small screen that I keep on for the looks. But i painted it to look like the bodywork.

Small is the operative word. There is an optimum height - but it is infinitely variable - and when they are bad they are very bad.

I had the Triumph tiger with the tall screen recently - the turbulence hit exactly under my helmet and made it a dead-set miserable ride at touring speeds on a brilliant bike. Standard plastic and it's superb.

C90T - couldn't open my visor at 110kph - Ed thought it was great.

My Triumph Trophy was the noisiest bike I've ever ridden till I changed the screen.

I can cite a dozen more examples.

I just think they are false economy.

I do Akl - Wgtn in a day on the Buell and it's just as easy as on the Trophy
Small is good.

[johnnyflash]

Depends on whether you are a real cruising/tourer or just a short blat cruiser to the dairy cruiser, Personally I love the screen when doing longish cruise or tour, I get where Im going as fresh and relaxed as I was when I left, Take the screen off and after 500-800kms of solid riding into winds or at speed and my arms have stretched 3 inches and knuckles now hit the ground. Behind the screen I can cruise at any speed I like with no weight on my chest or arms. I do on rare occassion remove it when doing a decent clean and will gfo for a short blat without, Once you have it, it looks odd without it actually..

[Big Dave]

You look, um, a lot different than I expected. Guess you shouldn't read too much into user names.

Kiwi rider out tomorrow has some of my 'other' looks. :rockon:

Road Warrior! aka - Mad Dave.

[mudthug]

:niceone: Very nice streetbob there !!!!!!!!!!! but do ya like it with the windshield. :blink:

Yeah never had a windscreen on any of the bikes. Long trips I guess they be a good idea specially traveling in a group help keep the stones and bugs off ya as well as protect you a bit from the elements. Like ya said they just look a tad off !! :sick:

[spookytooth]

been thinking about a small screen on mine under 80 mph its fine over and i need to hunch a bit to get under the wind off the speedo/revcounter.

[P38]

I've always had bikes without screens untill I bought the C50T.

I used to love not having a screen but now I probally wouldn't go back.

I guess it comes down to personal choice.

[Horse]

I don't have a problem with people not liking them, personally I love that big touring look. HD Ultra Classic = sex on a stick, personally. :)

I also like the look of Goldwings. Perhaps it's a form of sickness? :yes:

[Badger8]

I also like the look of Goldwings. Perhaps it's a form of sickness? :yes:

Definitely... Seek professional help... :bleh:

[lemure]

I don't have a problem with people not liking them, personally I love that big touring look.

I've got one and I remove it in hot dry weather to keep cooool. I put it back on today 'cause it was raining, and it stops most of the rain. Likewise, I don't care what anyone else thinks - it's my bike and me riding.

[lemure]

Depends on whether you are a real cruising/tourer or just a short blat cruiser to the dairy cruiser, Personally I love the screen when doing longish cruise or tour, I get where Im going as fresh and relaxed as I was when I left, Take the screen off and after 500-800kms of solid riding into winds or at speed and my arms have stretched 3 inches and knuckles now hit the ground. Behind the screen I can cruise at any speed I like with no weight on my chest or arms. I do on rare occassion remove it when doing a decent clean and will gfo for a short blat without, Once you have it, it looks odd without it actually..

Well put JF - but didn't know you could ride that beast for 500-800 kms without the screen on one tankful.
:bleh:

[Usarka]

I don't have a problem with people not liking them, personally I love that big touring look. HD Ultra Classic = sex on a stick, personally. :)

I also like the look of Goldwings. Perhaps it's a form of sickness? :yes:

Yep very sick.

But seriously people have their own taste and preference. If anyone has a problem with *your* ride then it is just that, their problem. :niceone:

[crashe]

I ride my virago without a screen...... I don't mind the wind hitting me full force. I am just used to it.

Now I did borrow a screen off scorpygirl's virago for about 3 weeks about 18 months ago. It is one of those screens that you attach onto the bike.
I tried it at different heights over those weeks, in the rain, the wind out on the open roads and in the city.

What did I find: yes I didn't get wet on my front, but my arms still did get wet.
It did keep the wind off my front, BUT my head took the full force and it caused my helmet to get shaken around a lot more (no matter what height I had the screen at).
Open road: Going around the bends it seemed to catch the bike a heck of a lot more on the side of the bike than normal and it pushed the bike all over the road. I found that I wasn't comfortable with that.

So after the 3 weeks I took it back to scorpygirl and it went back onto her bike. She has ridden with a screen since day one and likes it.

It was a good experiment for me....... as I had always wanted to try one out, but wasn't prepared to spend a heap of dollars and then find out it wasn't for me.

Maybe its because I had never ridden any bikes from the start with a screen.
I'm thinking if its all you know then you wont change. I tried..... and yep I feel that trying a screen out for those weeks was a good go.


Some screens are in-built on the bike so maybe they handle different than one that is attached to it by clips etc. Maybe the way the wind travels up and over the bike on in-built screens make a better difference.... I don't know.


If you are thinking of attaching a screen to your bike.... find someone who will let you borrow theirs, from their bike for a few weeks before spending out big $$$$ on one.

[johnnyflash]

Well put JF - but didn't know you could ride that beast for 500-800 kms without the screen on one tankful.
:bleh:

:) around 2-3 refills for that sort of distance, but I can fill up in 3-4 minutes and on the road again, infact one trip to Wgtn was exactly that, didint even have a coffee, but then it was a rush trip :-) and No way would I ride those distances without a screen.. I want to arrive in a reasonable state, not aching and stuffed :laugh:

[johnnyflash]

I ride my virago without a screen...... I don't mind the wind hitting me full force. I am just used to it.

Now I did borrow a screen off scorpygirl's virago for about 3 weeks about 18 months ago. It is one of those screens that you attach onto the bike.
I tried it at different heights over those weeks, in the rain, the wind out on the open roads and in the city.

What did I find: yes I didn't get wet on my front, but my arms still did get wet.
It did keep the wind off my front, BUT my head took the full force and it caused my helmet to get shaken around a lot more (no matter what height I had the screen at).
Open road: Going around the bends it seemed to catch the bike a heck of a lot more on the side of the bike than normal and it pushed the bike all over the road. I found that I wasn't comfortable with that.

.

That is a very true statement, unless the screen is fitted and adjusted correctly its not worth a pich of poo.. needs to be the right shape, height and angle, and that varies from rider to rider as well. and until you ride one with a proper setup to suit your height you will never know the comfort, believe me sitting behind it at 80kph or 160kph is like cruising at 50kph on a non screened bike as far as pressure on body is concerned.. (err, yes ofcourse the test at over the limit was on a private track with airbags, foam at the end of the runway, parachutes & ambulances standing by :laugh: )

[Badger8]

err, yes ofcourse the test at over the limit was on a private track with airbags, foam at the end of the runway, parachutes & ambulances standing by :laugh:

Aren't all the backroads like that? :shifty:
Perhaps i have been misled by all you naughty biker types :spanking: :lol:

[KoroJ]

The Intruder was OK up to about 500Km but after that, without a screen, it got a bit uncomfortable between the shoulder blades.

I put a Spitfire screen on and it didn't detract from the looks but made riding alot more comfortable, especially punching into a headwind on the likes of the Napier-Taupo road.

I shudder to think what it would have been like to do a Grand Challenge without a screen.

[McJim]

I put a screen on a VTR250 (okay, it ain't a cruiser but it is a 250) and saved a whole lotta fuel and went a bit quicker. Wouldn't have a 250 without some sort of nod in the direction of aerodynamics. You need a bigger engine to punch an ugly lump (rider) through the air.

[scumdog]

Indeed, but hard men ride in the rain with no screen, no gloves, white singlet, and black stubbies :Punk: Did someone say something about tassles? :shifty:

Hell, thought you were talking about me until I saw the 'white singlet' comment.

But yeah, in rain it's Warehouse overtrousers and parka (lightweight nylon ones), bread-bags over my fingerless mittens and a bandana over my neck-muff if the weather is chilly.

[Jiminy]

My 250 Eliminator had a bikini fairing that I sometimes miss in heavy Wellington wind.

I wouldn't like the look of a screen on my M50. I 'enjoy' the wind blast, and it keeps me at reasonable speed (100-120). I've found that the air pressure really becomes uncomfortable around 135+ on my bike, which is way more than I usually ride.

However, I'm wondering if a mini-deflector on the speed block would reduce the pressure on the helmet so I could keep the visor open at 100kph? Currently, I usually close the visor at about 90-100kph.

[Badger8]

Hell, thought you were talking about me until I saw the 'white singlet' comment.

But yeah, in rain it's Warehouse overtrousers and parka (lightweight nylon ones), bread-bags over my fingerless mittens and a bandana over my neck-muff if the weather is chilly.

Oops, sorry Scumdog, what colour singlets do they wear down there in toothless country? :dodge:

And surely it'd be better to invest in some handgrip warmers to preserve that fingerless glove look without having icicles for fingers at the destination? Bread bags and tassles clash like anything... :bleh:

[caseye]

Well having ridden big bikes for many years in rain and shine. Now that I have a good old fashioned big bike with a screen I'm waiting to find some rain to see if it's true that a screen protects enough to be an advantage.
Back in the saddle for just two months and ridden most weekends and midweek and still no rain, beginning to think I live elsewhere than Auckland.
Will try it tomoorw and report back, if I get half a chance and it does rain like they say it's going to.
Definitely helps with wind buffetting at speed.

[johnnyflash]

My 250 Eliminator had a bikini fairing that I sometimes miss in heavy Wellington wind.

I wouldn't like the look of a screen on my M50. I 'enjoy' the wind blast, and it keeps me at reasonable speed (100-120). I've found that the air pressure really becomes uncomfortable around 135+ on my bike, which is way more than I usually ride.

However, I'm wondering if a mini-deflector on the speed block would reduce the pressure on the helmet so I could keep the visor open at 100kph? Currently, I usually close the visor at about 90-100kph.

Ah but a raked back short screen as per the m109r looks sweet :-)

[johnnyflash]

Well having ridden big bikes for many years in rain and shine. Now that I have a good old fashioned big bike with a screen I'm waiting to find some rain to see if it's true that a screen protects enough to be an advantage.
Back in the saddle for just two months and ridden most weekends and midweek and still no rain, beginning to think I live elsewhere than Auckland.
Will try it tomoorw and report back, if I get half a chance and it does rain like they say it's going to.
Definitely helps with wind buffetting at speed.


Dont knock the weather :-) if it pisses down now, we are blaming you :argue: and then, why aint you been out on a cruiser run then huh :-)

[Badger8]

Rode to work this mornin and of course, as i live in dorklund, got caught out.
Was fine when i rolled her out of the garage and turned her over. overcast, but not too threatening. Sure enough, throw on basic gear and jump on, make it to the end of my street and the heavens open.
Get pissed on from a great height through herrendous traffic on what is usuallly quiet side roads. Pants absolutely soaked, even boxers were saturated (left cordura over-pants hangin in the garage, wasnt raining when i left!). And of course, it stops raining as soon as i pull in the gate at work! *&@$!!!!! :angry2:

Point being, it wasnt so much the rain on my chest that bothered me (although open rd it may have been more of a problem). Twas more the satched pants (guess who spent the day in overalls once he got to work? :laugh:) and the rain on the arms running down inside the gloves that bothered me. Also, being a tall sod, i fear the screen may just cause more helmet buffering for me (and if i'm real unlucky, a concentrated spray of rain in the face)
Seems the main protection offered by the screen aint my real concern. Think i'll live without a screen at this stage, but a test drive could yet change my mind :yes: Plus i'm a pretty buff fulla, those little girls with sore shoulders dont scare me *tries to look tough, and falls over laughing* :lol:

Thanks for all your thoughts and comments, greatly appreciated. Hope to see you all on a ride somewhere soon! :niceone:

[Badger8]

Well having ridden big bikes for many years in rain and shine. Now that I have a good old fashioned big bike with a screen I'm waiting to find some rain to see if it's true that a screen protects enough to be an advantage.
Back in the saddle for just two months and ridden most weekends and midweek and still no rain, beginning to think I live elsewhere than Auckland.
Will try it tomoorw and report back, if I get half a chance and it does rain like they say it's going to.
Definitely helps with wind buffetting at speed.

Dude, she peeeeeessssssed down on the pay to work this mornin. Did you catch it per chance? How'd she fare?

[woodboats]

Yep, use a Spitfire screen also. Love it.
For any that are having problems getting their screen adjustment right I find it helps to tape a strand of wool vertically in the center of the screen.
Have the length just about reaching your helmet when in riding position.
Try this a different speeds to see what screen adjustment is needed to correct the air flow.

[Skyryder]

I've done a couple of 800+ a day rides and without the windscreen I'd have never gone the distance. I'm way past the stage of being worried about biker looks poofy or other wise. Anything that reduces stress is a plus for me. I've ridden with the screen off and on.................I prefer it on.:banana:

Skyryder

[Waylander]

I gotta say, could have used one today. Damn headwind for most of the day combined with 100-130kmh ride and my back and shoulders are sore as.

[ukusa]

i think they make the bike look like my nana owns it

I would have said Grandad, but my thoughts exactly :clap:

[sunhuntin]

Look? Schmook.

There are cruiser owners and cruiser riders. Cruiser owners are big on looks and shit-loads of shiny chrome. They don't own wet-weather gear and wear fingerless-gloves and Johnnie Rebs because they never take their bikes out in the rain or in seasons other than summer.

Cruiser riders, on the other hand, go riding. They understand the benefits of weather protection and comfort for rides longer than a half-hour blat with the missus for a latte and fag.

im a cruiser rider... i ride in all weathers [except snow, which i havent encountered yet...] but i wear fingerless gloves if its warm enough. my riding is not affected by weather.

nasty... my boss fell in love with the 500, so now shes parked in his shed. i can borrow her whenever i like. he took two weeks and now she looks brand new, all nice n shiny. course, the first day he rode to work, it pissed down, and he ended up bitching about rain spots. :eek5: tossed him the keys when i first bought her, and he came back looking like a 3 year old on xmas day. lol.

having ridden both with and without a sheild, they both were good. i dont think it can be compared unless you try both with THE SAME BIKE. i found the shield would direct wind at my head, leaving me looking like a balloon at 100k, but that meant i would duck down behind it, which was great for overtaking. i like both screened and not.

[MotoKuzzi]

I gotta say, could have used one today. Damn headwind for most of the day combined with 100-130kmh ride and my back and shoulders are sore as.

Trying to hold yourself upright at 120-130 into a headwind puts a lot of pressure on the low back.

[johnnyflash]

Trying to hold yourself upright at 120-130 into a headwind puts a lot of pressure on the low back.

And not just the back MK, my knuckles scrape the deck if I try that without a screen, not that you would EVER expect to do that speed ofcourse :scooter:

[MotoKuzzi]

And not just the back MK, my knuckles scrape the deck if I try that without a screen, not that you would EVER expect to do that speed ofcourse :scooter:
I'm seriously thinking about a screen but wondering about the buffeting effect on the helmet and whether thats going to cause other problems. Interesting I can chuck my big brick of a Nissan Safari into neutral at the top of the Bombays ( sth side ) and she'll build up to about 130. Pull the clutch in on the bike and it just keeps slowing down, wind resistance on a Human body is fairly substantial.:gob:

[Thunder 8]

Love the wind protection from a screen but hate the buffeting so not for me altho theres been the odd time on a long trip in the cold when i've wished i had one.Anyway have done many thousands of k's without one so have got used to it. Mate with a Valkyrie wont ride his without one.(wimp:laugh:)

[Waylander]

Trying to hold yourself upright at 120-130 into a headwind puts a lot of pressure on the low back.
Lower back was fine. Was using my arms to hold myself upright so shoulders and forearms were sore the most.

To used to the slightly leaned forward position of the Vmax and the Buells I've been testing recently. Could use legs to hold myself up aswell as leaning on the wind sorta thing.

[johnnyflash]

I'm seriously thinking about a screen but wondering about the buffeting effect on the helmet and whether thats going to cause other problems. Interesting I can chuck my big brick of a Nissan Safari into neutral at the top of the Bombays ( sth side ) and she'll build up to about 130. Pull the clutch in on the bike and it just keeps slowing down, wind resistance on a Human body is fairly substantial.:gob:

Firstly, if you get the right screen, that 'fits' your body, ie correct height/width, adjustable up/down and preferrably forward/back tilt.. you can adjust it to suit your height and have NO buffeting, Helmets shape has some influence also.. Hell I can cruise at any speed and NO load on the body at all, hence why those of us with screens arrive at our destinations relaxed and comfy :-) It would be worth trying one for sure,

[Waylander]

Firstly, if you get the right screen, that 'fits' your body, ie correct height/width, adjustable up/down and preferrably forward/back tilt.. you can adjust it to suit your height and have NO buffeting, Helmets shape has some influence also.. Hell I can cruise at any speed and NO load on the body at all, hence why those of us with screens arrive at our destinations relaxed and comfy :-) It would be worth trying one for sure,

Yea but yours is huge and a bit gay looking. (CHiPs...)
I'de rather be a little tired than look like this.
<IMG SRC=http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/resources/2006/12/chips.jpg>

[Thunder 8]

Firstly, if you get the right screen, that 'fits' your body, ie correct height/width, adjustable up/down and preferrably forward/back tilt.. you can adjust it to suit your height and have NO buffeting, Helmets shape has some influence also.. Hell I can cruise at any speed and NO load on the body at all, hence why those of us with screens arrive at our destinations relaxed and comfy :-) It would be worth trying one for sure,
The only screen i've ridden with that did'nt cause buffeting was bigger than Texas and resonated like mad.:shutup:

[Thunder 8]

Yea but yours is huge and a bit gay looking. (CHiPs...)
I'de rather be a little tired than look like this...
:laugh:Hahahaahaha.....

[johnnyflash]

Yea but yours is huge and a bit gay looking. (CHiPs...)
I'de rather be a little tired than look like this...

Ah, my hero Ponch, :-) hell I dont give a hoot about looks, (mind you whilst I thought it looked a bit odd to start with, now if I take it off it looks orrible) I like comfort when I ride, the days of hooning around on a fizz bike, bum in the air, head in the tank, are well and truly past,
Actually now you mention it, Ive just added a lightbar on the front so it looks even more like chips. except its big and black and performs 100% better than those old beggars did :-)

[Waylander]

The only screen i've ridden with that did'nt cause buffeting was bigger than Texas and resonated like mad.:shutup:
Yea but on a bike that's bigger then the contenintal US, would a screen as big as Texas look that far out of place?

[Thunder 8]

Yea but on a bike that's bigger then the contenintal US, would a screen as big as Texas look that far out of place?
:doh:Hahaha yea you got me there but im not about to stick one on it.
Cheers.AJ.

[Waylander]

:doh:Hahaha yea you got me there but im not about to stick one on it.
Cheers.AJ.
Yea same. would be nice to have one but to be honest I don't ride that fast that often to make it worth it.

[Thunder 8]

Yea same. would be nice to have one but to be honest I don't ride that fast that often to make it worth it.
Tried heaps of those little clipon screens.They work but the buffetting drove me bugshit and i hate the look. Oh well.

[johnnyflash]

Tried heaps of those little clipon screens.They work but the buffetting drove me bugshit and i hate the look. Oh well.

Ive never had any success with clipons, always ended up in the bin :-(

[Thunder 8]

Ive never had any success with clipons, always ended up in the bin :-(
Yep me to.

[caseye]

Well Johnnyflash, I've had an hour or so in the rain and I've got to say I arrived at my destination dry as a bone. thanks to my cordura trou and jacket. Was coming onthe Westpac ride today but my dad was arriving at 9am and didn't till 10am , then left after 11 am , too late by then.
Badger8 I'd ride rain hail or snow but on work days i get to take the co vehicle. Though to his credit my boss has allowed that on particular days i'm allowed to ride to work.
Overall so far I'd keep the screen, not worried what it looks like to others it works for me.
Don't worry as soon as me an the bike can get outa the garage we'll be on the next available run.:devil2:

[Biggles2000]

Well I almost never take the barn door off the road king. Only on the hottest days and only if the ride is shorter than 1 hour in total (which is almost never). I recon the bike looks better without it but the screen improves the rider comfort of the bike by at least 250%.

[jafar]

Every time I have tried a screen on a bike it has come off.
They have made the steering different & caught the crosswinds, the buffeting experienced with them has put me off. I have found I can go further faster on a naked than with a screen.

[Holy Roller]

Though with a decent screen (size) it does make a huge difference in the wet. After having almost total weather protection it will be hard going back. Especially when one gets off their bike relatively dry and ones mate is totally drenched.

[pritch]

I don't ride a cruiser, but the only two guys I can think of who do both ride Honda 1300s with screens. The screens don't make the bike look silly.
(Or "any sillier", for those who really don't like cruisers.)

Having a handlebar mounted screen can create a hazard in tricky wind conditions. The bigger the screen the bigger the potential problem I guess.

The Transport Dept stopped using them after a series of accidents, mostly involving handlebar mounted screens on Yamahas from memory. They then went to BMWs with frame mounted fairings and screens until someone figured out that it cost as much to run the bikes as it did to run the cars...

[Zookey]

For what its worth have just done a thousand miler across the Naki ;mate on a new Shadow had a small Givi screen and i mean small.the whole trip he never cleaned his visor once i had too clean off the white butterflies in every towns service station.::whocares:

[outlawtorn]

I'm defintely going to get a screen, a big mutha of a screen too, I commute from Stanmore bay to Arch Hill every day (80km round trip) and would love to arrive at work in winter, warmer and dryer. I do prefer my bike without a screen, however I must give way to practicality on this occassion.

[duckonin]

Every time I have tried a screen on a bike it has come off.
They have made the steering different & caught the crosswinds, the buffeting experienced with them has put me off. I have found I can go further faster on a naked than with a screen.On An 1800, further and faster than with a screen ha ha don't think so, a bike mounted screen is hard to beat set it right and it is all happy miles..

Took a M109 for three hundred k's after toughing the wind I really didn't want to ride it back home ave 105-110k's going but on the return 90max was pleased to get back on my bike...

[Radar]

I've done a couple of 800+ a day rides and without the windscreen I'd have never gone the distance. I'm way past the stage of being worried about biker looks poofy or other wise. Anything that reduces stress is a plus for me. I've ridden with the screen off and on.................I prefer it on.:banana:

Skyryder

I'm with Skyryder - I don't give a toss about what others may think of screen or no screen. My last bike was a BMW that I bought at the Munich factory. I toured Europe during one of the coldest wettest summers in a long time and so I promised myself if I ever got another bike it would have a screen. So my now my temporary 250 bike has a small GIVI screen and I am sure glad I had it when riding it back home 3+ hours after the purchase. My next bike will probably be a cruiser and the larger the screen the better - and I may get a look-like-a-cop fluoro vest so cagers might show :D some respect. Young tough guys may not mind hours of 100+ kph wind blast but anything to cut fatigue so I can be safe and enjoy the ride is where I am at.

[outlawtorn]

I'm with Skyryder - I don't give a toss about what others may think of screen or no screen. My last bike was a BMW that I bought at the Munich factory. I toured Europe during one of the coldest wettest summers in a long time and so I promised myself if I ever got another bike it would have a screen. So my now my temporary 250 bike has a small GIVI screen and I am sure glad I had it when riding it back home 3+ hours after the purchase. My next bike will probably be a cruiser and the larger the screen the better - and I may get a look-like-a-cop fluoro vest so cagers might show :D some respect. Young tough guys may not mind hours of 100+ kph wind blast but anything to cut fatigue so I can be safe and enjoy the ride is where I am at.

what this bloke said! Couldn't agree more!

[jafar]

On An 1800, further and faster than with a screen ha ha don't think so, a bike mounted screen is hard to beat set it right and it is all happy miles..

Took a M109 for three hundred k's after toughing the wind I really didn't want to ride it back home ave 105-110k's going but on the return 90max was pleased to get back on my bike...

Well mabey I had the screen set wrong, but it was a royal pain & it was off @ the first opportunity. I havn't bothered with another handlebar one since.

I brought my VTX in Christchurch & rode it home in a weekend 1,000k's with NO SCREEN :2thumbsup
Wind wasn't an issue ........ was my bloody arse that was on fire :angry2:

[Radar]

Well mabey I had the screen set wrong, but it was a royal pain & it was off @ the first opportunity. I havn't bothered with another handlebar one since.

I brought my VTX in Christchurch & rode it home in a weekend 1,000k's with NO SCREEN :2thumbsup
Wind wasn't an issue ........ was my bloody arse that was on fire :angry2:

I have a friend who nearly threw his screen away, but decided to adjust it upwards 1 more cm - and that made all the difference.

Hey jafar, how does wind affect your :moon: arse? :killingme

[Big Dave]

Though with a decent screen (size) it does make a huge difference in the wet.

Mate - I had a Trophy 1200 and touring in serious arse NZ rain it didn't make any difference after 10 minutes.

[jafar]

I have a friend who nearly threw his screen away, but decided to adjust it upwards 1 more cm - and that made all the difference.

Hey jafar, how does wind affect your :moon: arse? :killingme

I've tried a few screens over the years , ( yeah ok i'm old ) The handlebar mounted ones have been a pain for a variety of reasons, mainly for catching cross wind & the un-nerving feeling of flicking the wind into the back of my head.Looking through them when it is wet & wild makes seeing the road & whats going on harder than when riding a naked. On a cold wet night when the rain is coming in sideways & your miles from anywhere the last thing you need is 2 perspex screens to look through & one of those screens acting as a sail .:shit:
The full fairings as found on touring bikes have been ok. Best one so far was the Kawasaki Concours 14 , man they have that bike sorted well :love:. ST1300 Honda was excellent as well.

I can clear a room with that wind on a good night :shutup::shake::p

[Strider]

I have been looking at the switchblade windscreen . Once its all set up it pops of /on in seconds. good for taking of when going to work or putting on for them longer trips on the open road. Looking at the demo on this site "http://www.metrictv.com" they are one strong shield.

[lemure]

my new kit & screen for adventure riding

Looks like the Cone of Silence from "Get Smart" ... :woohoo:

[gunrunner]

Have a screen on my Vmax and its gonna come off when i get it .

[alley cat]

Say no to drugs.... and screens on bikes.:niceone:

[Hitcher]

Say no to drugs.... and screens on bikes.

Obviously you haven't taken the right drugs.

[Biggles2000]

I almost never take the "bar mounted barn door" screen off my Road King. Works fine, keeps me dryish and sends most of the bugs over the top. Its biggest advantage is it slows down the wind and keeps me warmer than I would be without it. It sounds like I am a minority here but I actually like the thing. OK so its ugly but it works.

[Skyryder]

Obviously you haven't taken the right drugs.

And not yet an old mama.

Skyryder

[Waylander]

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/images/rocketshields_canopy.jpg

[Horse]

OK so its ugly but it works.

Heh, I actually think the screen on the RK is one of the defining characteristics of its "look". I really like it.

[xknuts]

I wouldn't be without it. I have a small profiler screen and I am staggered by the deflection from such a small screen

[Metalor]

Look? Schmook.

There are cruiser owners and cruiser riders. Cruiser owners are big on looks and shit-loads of shiny chrome. They don't own wet-weather gear and wear fingerless-gloves and Johnnie Rebs because they never take their bikes out in the rain or in seasons other than summer.

Cruiser riders, on the other hand, go riding. They understand the benefits of weather protection and comfort for rides longer than a half-hour blat with the missus for a latte and fag.

Hahahaha! Gold!

[skidz]

No to screens. I took the screen of the bike before I left the bike shop. The screen has hung up on the wall out of reach.

[scumdog]

Look? Schmook.

There are cruiser owners and cruiser riders. Cruiser owners are big on looks and shit-loads of shiny chrome. They don't own wet-weather gear and wear fingerless-gloves and Johnnie Rebs because they never take their bikes out in the rain or in seasons other than summer.

Cruiser riders, on the other hand, go riding. They understand the benefits of weather protection and comfort for rides longer than a half-hour blat with the missus for a latte and fag.


I guess I got it wrong - no screen, got fingerless gloves, wet-weather gear, a bit of chrome and ride in the rain...:confused:

[Hitcher]

I guess I got it wrong - no screen, got fingerless gloves, wet-weather gear, a bit of chrome and ride in the rain...:confused:

Perhaps you're a Harley Rowner. Or bi-curious...

[breakaway]

You don't need a huge screen as shown on some bikes. A small strategically positioned one will make a world of difference.

[firefighter]

Perhaps you're a Harley Rowner. Or bi-curious...

:lol:

IMO it depends on the bike, some look shitty with one some look good.

[Morcs]

Is the GN actually a cruiser?

[Griffin]

My C50T is the first bike Ive owned with a screen and I love it. Dont care what anyone else thinks - I like the protection and the look...

[chubby]

Mr Griffin sar, Can you fill me in with a few point about your screen. I am interested as i find a moderate length (ie two to three hours) ride in buffeting winds leaves me tired so:

How do you find the screen in the tiredness stakes ie is it easier to ride with on longer rides.
How does it react to side winds, head winds, back winds. Does it affect handling esp on cornering.
How big is your screen ie small, normal, as large as toasters back wheel.
Do you have yours at regulation height ie about the level of your chin?

Just curious.

[Blossom]

I guess I got it wrong - no screen, got fingerless gloves, wet-weather gear, a bit of chrome and ride in the rain...:confused:


Perhaps you're a Harley Rowner. Or bi-curious...

now now... not all us cruiser riders are like that... some of us are just kinky.:Police: :spanking: thats not bi-curious... is it???

[Griffin]

Mr Griffin sar, Can you fill me in with a few point about your screen. I am interested as i find a moderate length (ie two to three hours) ride in buffeting winds leaves me tired so:

How do you find the screen in the tiredness stakes ie is it easier to ride with on longer rides.
How does it react to side winds, head winds, back winds. Does it affect handling esp on cornering.
How big is your screen ie small, normal, as large as toasters back wheel.
Do you have yours at regulation height ie about the level of your chin?

Just curious.

Hi Chubby - thanks for all the questions - thou maketh me feel knowledgeable... unfortunately I am not :( I have only owned the C50T for just under 2 weeks but I can answer a couple of your questions.

The longest ride I have been on is just under 2 hours... the lack of buffeting from the wind was noticeable for every minute of that 2 hours with the exception of waiting at traffic lights. My last bike (screenless) I found I got quite tired from the buffeting and often felt like I was holding on to the handle bars purely to not get blown away. I have also noticed from the first ride that I dont automatically reach to pull down my visor once I get over 30kms/hr - the fear of some random bug or wasp flying into my helmet has dissappeared :2thumbsup

My screen is large (standard C50T screen) see my profile pic to get an idea, however prob not as large as Toasters back wheel... Is anything on a stock standard day to day Cruiser as big as Toasters back wheel???

I havent ridden in any gusty winds yet so cant answer the sail question but so far no issues... I have been warned of that being a possible problem tho.

And yes it is around abouts the level of my chin in height tho it can be adjusted higher but I havent found that to be necessary ;)

[Imbray]

Must confess that I've put a screen on my little baby, found after riding for a hr, esp if windy my shoulders where dying:weep: with screen have been out for 4hrs at a time & feel good, could keep going longer:2thumbsup, hubby tells me to go up to the gym & lift weight's :crybaby: am wanting to trade up to ?Suz M50 which he says will look like shit with a screen :bash:

[Blossom]

Must confess that I've put a screen on my little baby, found after riding for a hr, esp if windy my shoulders where dying:weep: with screen have been out for 4hrs at a time & feel good, could keep going longer:2thumbsup, hubby tells me to go up to the gym & lift weight's :crybaby: am wanting to trade up to ?Suz M50 which he says will look like shit with a screen :bash:

It actually looks ok with a screen... well I'll be. I have a vl250 also and have been thinking about getting one. Also how much did it cost ya and did you fit it yourself? oh and welcome to the site...:niceone:

[chubby]

Hi Chubby - thanks for all the questions - thou maketh me feel knowledgeable... unfortunately I am not

'Oh but if we give you a couple of weeks can you let us poor buggers know. I understand about the hanging on... get that in a good nor wester' :laugh:

And yes it is around abouts the level of my chin in height tho it can be adjusted higher but I havent found that to be necessary

'From what i've heard, you have it at the right height. You don't want it covering your eye line'.



Thanks for your comments, I do appreciate them. I'd imagine that it is the sort of thing that would be great on a run of a couple of hours. Just thinking you know especially with removable screens. then again i also read a lot about wind streams that come up from under the screen and can cause turbulence around the helmet area.

I am looking forward to seeing Toasters remodeled bike. I'd like to see comparisons of that back wheel with standard bikes. By the sounds of it, if it gets any wider he may be able to put the pillion beside him.

[Imbray]

It actually looks ok with a screen... well I'll be. I have a vl250 also and have been thinking about getting one. Also how much did it cost ya and did you fit it yourself? oh and welcome to the site...:niceone:

I think it was around $100 mark & as it's just 2 clamps to hold it on Hubby :Punk:did it 4 me, had some prob with 1 clamp not wanting to tighten up enough & so was lose, rattled, :2guns:drove me nut's - superglue was my friend:love:

[Biggles2000]

Thanks for your comments, I do appreciate them. I'd imagine that it is the sort of thing that would be great on a run of a couple of hours. Just thinking you know especially with removable screens. then again i also read a lot about wind streams that come up from under the screen and can cause turbulence around the helmet area.

I am looking forward to seeing Toasters remodeled bike. I'd like to see comparisons of that back wheel with standard bikes. By the sounds of it, if it gets any wider he may be able to put the pillion beside him.

Chubby. I have one of those big cop style removable HD screens on my road king and I love it. I have never had a problem with noise or turbulence at all, in fact my last bike was a Triumph Trophy 1200 and the HD is on a par if not better for turbulance and wind noise. The kings screen is removable which is somthing I rarely do as the bike is 100% better to ride with the screen on.
I have never given a thought that the screen might act like a sail in cross winds, from the side it seems to be mounted vertically in line with the steering head axis so probably has little to no effect on the dynamics.

[skidz]

I supose on my trip around the south a while back it would have been a little easier, but I'm not old enough yet. I sometimes think about putting it on when it's pissing down but it looks better hanging up on the wall where I can't get at so easy. One day I might ride like a grand-dad.:nono:

[richhogg]

Screens without doubt keep the elements off, but they look gay. Screens on cruisers should not be allowed!!

[caseye]

I rode a GS 850 G for years, when I first got it, it had been converted into a Cafe racer, big everything, had the full fairing from a Ducatti and the Z bars off a Quacka, steering damper, full screen the works.
Dropeed it three times at the lights before I took the fairing and screen off and gave them to my little broinlaw for his Honda 250 CB.Never got used to taking my feet out from behind the fairing to put em down when I stopped, you know stop, sit, look both ways,FALL DOWN, damn, done it again.Cost me three sets of L/H indicators and one screen.
Once off I wondered why i'd ever left em on.
That was over 20 years ago now.now i've got a good old Yamaha XV, she has panniers, a pack rack and yes a givi bikinni fairing.
man I've ridden in some shiet weather these last few months since getting her and I got to say "I Love that little thing"( the givi bikinni faring that is) Riding Ak to Rotorua/Taupo in pouring rain, wearing only the ordinary cordura wet weather gear and boots, i didnt get wet once in 4 days and I was on board for at least 2 of those days travelling.
It stops alot of the wind buffetting, it stops most of the rain hitting me and my upper body and generally prevents most of the insects hitting me dead centre of the visor as they usually do without one.
Now I wouldnt be without one on a cruiser, roll on the 28th and the Blast to the Past ride this month.Rained all day last time too, not a drop inside the gear then either.
Definitely a screen.

[savagetony]

Have ridden me fairly new (LOL) um 3days old, 2007 Honda Shadow 750 C4 without a screen and can tell you that i am getting Givi screen as soon as i can, i do fairly big mileages, like 60thou a year
My last bike gave up it was a honda gl400 wing, with screen
lately been riding partner's suzuki savage LS650 without screen, and feel like me arms being pulled outa their sockets.

[Zookey]

[QUOTE=savagetony;1655641]Have ridden me fairly new (LOL) um 3days old, 2007 Honda Shadow 750 C4 without a screen and can tell you that i am getting Givi screen as soon as i can, i do fairly big mileages, like 60thou a year

My mate has just bought a Shadow and he put on a small bikini Givi,we just finished a thousand miler and he didn't clean his visor once i had to strip mine at every gas station,and for the Harley riders if you have ever been to Sturgis you would have been outnumbered by the screens,as the ones without were mostly retro bikes and would have looked Gay just like dumb arse ape hangers, :calm:NOW. I bent mine. :weep:

[scumdog]

[QUOTE=savagetony;1655641]
My mate has just bought a Shadow and he put on a small bikini Givi,we just finished a thousand miler and he didn't clean his visor once i had to strip mine at every gas station,and for the Harley riders if you have ever been to Sturgis you would have been outnumbered by the screens,as the ones without were mostly retro bikes and would have looked Gay just like dumb arse ape hangers, :calm:NOW. I bent mine. :weep:

If you saw the sparrow-sized grass-hoppers in some of the States you would see why a screen was necessary...

[Biggles2000]

I supose on my trip around the south a while back it would have been a little easier, but I'm not old enough yet. I sometimes think about putting it on when it's pissing down but it looks better hanging up on the wall where I can't get at so easy. One day I might ride like a grand-dad.:nono:

The screen lets me ride faster for longer. I can ride in much worse weather, I have just done my 4th Brass Monkey :cold: on the Road King and I get where I am going in much better state of mind and body. Ok the thing looks a bit like a barn door but to me the benefit outweighs the disadvantage. When I got the Road King I was thinking about cutting the top off the screen, but now that I am used to it I am glad I didnt. I do take the screen off for "thunder runs" and when I want a real in the wind experience but it lives on the bike 98% of the time.

[Big Dave]

I hate windscreens. All of them. The only ones I cop are the ones small enough not to make a difference.

Harden up ya poofs.

[Zookey]

[QUOTE=Zookey;1656951]

If you saw the sparrow-sized grass-hoppers in some of the States you would see why a screen was necessary...

Picked up a loner Fat Boy when in Dakota so rode the black hills and the dragon on the way across it had a small custom screen which was in bad shape after a bl### squirrel came off the bank,have a mixed idea of screens now :gob:

[Toaster]

I hate windscreens. All of them. The only ones I cop are the ones small enough not to make a difference.

Harden up ya poofs.

Agreed.

No screen on my M109R, the C109RT looks soft. Got hit in the face by a bird a few rides back, felt like a punch in the face, so no different to arguing with the Mrs anyway.

[Big Dave]

Aye - smacked into a Dove at 110kph in an open face once. Just like an elbow from a power forward.

[Big Dave]

, the C109RT

I rode back from the Boulevard Rally with Paul from BRM and in the fine mist coming into Taupo he was having a hard time with visibility on the RT.

Look I'm only kidding with the harden up bit, whatever works for you, but personally - pass. Far more overhead than advantage.

If we could still ride mostly at 140kph maybe.

[duckonin]

I rode back from the Boulevard Rally with Paul from BRM and in the fine mist coming into Taupo he was having a hard time with visibility on the RT.

Look I'm only kidding with the harden up bit, whatever works for you, but personally - pass. Far more overhead than advantage.

If we could still ride mostly at 140kph maybe.
Can see over my screen so visibiity has never been an issue would hate to be getting along trying to see through it in bad weather, other than that mine is there to stay, love the long trips...

[Rob Taylor]

The screen lets me ride faster for longer. I can ride in much worse weather, I have just done my 4th Brass Monkey :cold: on the Road King and I get where I am going in much better state of mind and body. Ok the thing looks a bit like a barn door but to me the benefit outweighs the disadvantage. When I got the Road King I was thinking about cutting the top off the screen, but now that I am used to it I am glad I didnt. I do take the screen off for "thunder runs" and when I want a real in the wind experience but it lives on the bike 98% of the time.

My Heritage has its standard screen.First time (only time)i rode with it was on a 3 day trip.The screen was about 100mm higher than my vision line.It drove me fucken crazy:crazy:,the buffiting took awhile to get over but riding into the sun was diabolicle :yes:, when it rained "FAAARRRRK":gob: ,i ended up looking around it,over it & considered chucking it on the side of the road:bash:( it did keep me dry But)...The problem is that i like to see the condition of the road im on & the screen stopped that.... Alright , yes, its done 20000kms and needs to be polished,:Oops:,,,,,but shit,looking through it ,,,,, So hence this question,does anybody know where you can get these screens polished

[MotoKuzzi]

Is Pledge no good ?

[duckonin]

Took my bike to Tauranga today, (has a screen) left it there untill tomorrow so it is cold for it's service, bought home M109 arrived home three hours back and I am still cold, chilled to the bone and missed my screen badley, would hate to ride to Welly on it with no screen, good god my arms would fall off..Maybe I'm just soft...:cold:

[savagetony]

[QUOTE=savagetony;1655641]Have ridden me fairly new (LOL) um 3days old, 2007 Honda Shadow 750 C4 without a screen and can tell you that i am getting Givi screen as soon as i can, i do fairly big mileages, like 60thou a year

My mate has just bought a Shadow and he put on a small bikini Givi,we just finished a thousand miler and he didn't clean his visor once i had to strip mine at every gas station,and for the Harley riders if you have ever been to Sturgis you would have been outnumbered by the screens,as the ones without were mostly retro bikes and would have looked Gay just like dumb arse ape hangers, :calm:NOW. I bent mine. :weep:
Yep wonder what you call a givi bikini, anyway have put givi A660 on, looks ok, though am playing around with it trying to get optimum height and zero turbluence. read somewhere that have screen so you can see road at 50 feet, above the screen.
had heaps lower than that and found great for not getting chest knocked around but helmet noise and turblence is very annoying.
will post pics later

[duckonin]

Took the M109 back to Tauranga today, dressed for the occasion, all thick leather full face helmet,pumped my arms up with some weights then hit the road..

When a man is on a mission and riding a M109 look out they are a serious machine, didn;t get so cold had the head down into the wind and glided to the city, great bike, power wise,now if it had a screen Hmmmmm!!;)

[Solly]

No such thing as a silly question, just silly answers. My first baby was a Virago 750.....no screen. Not too bad I must say, although I didnt ride long distances either.

Now I have a Bully C90......bought it without a screen and again it wasn't too bad but would feel nakered after a decient ride. Put a screen on it after about 4 months and "bloody hell!!", what a difference it made. I was still fighting fit even after going to the rally's around our area.

Still it's a personal thing, as you would have already read.......what ever you do.....or not...........enjoy your ride;)

[Griffin]

I would rather be soft, warm and refreshed with my screen than hard, tired and freezing without it.

Like stated above - each to their own but dont dis it till you've tried it.

[sandmart]

Hi, Have read through a few comments and as a goldwing rider for the last 7 years, sports bikes before that i enjoy the screen due to I can just cruise along not get buffeted listen to my sounds and this is not a good one but talk to my pillion when needed. Personsal preference at the end of the day. Cheers Martin.:innocent:

[buellbabe]

I have never ridden with a full-on screen...with ya Big Dave RE: the Buell fairing...700km ride ain't a prob.

I have a mate who rides an Ultra ( and he ain't no nana on it! ) and he reckons the screen is fantastic for keeping the weather out! This guy rides the desert road all year round in fingerless gloves, a t-shirt and open face helmet! I can't remember the last time I saw him in a full leather jacket...

Scummie, you would like this fulla!

[ratusratus]

:argh:no screens!!!naked

[Gizzit]

My C50T is the first bike Ive owned with a screen and I love it. Dont care what anyone else thinks - I like the protection and the look...

I agree with you. I think the C50T is a good looking bike. I think they look balanced .... having the screen, and with the "sissy bar" on the back. I haven't seen a cruiser that "I" think looks balanced, if it has a screen, but doesn't have a sissy bar. In my view, a cruiser is either "naked" or has both a screen and sissy bar..... IMHO.

It's also encouraging to hear from the guys that have got a good result from their screen setup .... It means it is achievable, to get good wind/rain protection, with the right screen adjusted to the individual rider. :niceone:

[Lord Derosso]

The Kawie VN Classic800 is my first bike with a full windscreen and I wasnt really sure if it was my scene frankly. However I have to report that I have found it to make the ride very pleasant though because I am more a owner than a rider at present, I haven't had a chance to test it in heavy weather conditions though I am actually looking forward to doing so . I have had several other road bikes with semi and full fairings and have ridden in cloud bursts many times so I am interested in seeing how it copes. As for the look etc, I think it actually adds to this models looks and besides I have a pack carrier on the back anyway which I reckon helps 'balance' the bike as people have being saying. At the end of the day, the bike is meant for comfortable long distance riding with a pack on the back and at open road speeds, it is very pleasant indeed. I also believe that the windscreen helps neutralise the side effect of Wellingtons harbour winds and makes the Vn much more stable than other bikes I have ridden here. Than again, wire spoked wheels, naked engine, low centre of gravity, heavy bike, and low rding might also have a little to do with it too.

[Winston001]

Have messed about with screens quite a bit on my BMW and the Duke. The BMW screen literally leaves you dry in the rain. The Duke has a bikini fairing like most sprots bikes.

Faffed about extending the height and then the angle on the BMW because of annoying buffeting. Similar problem with the Duke but not as bad.

In the end my conclusion is that the angle of the screen is the most critical element. Sloping back towards you is best and its just a matter of how far. Rode the BMW without the screen for comparison and felt like I was being pushed off the bike. Very noisy on the helmet too.

The Duke would benefit with a sloped 150mm extension and the later ST3 comes with that design.

The best screened bike I've ever ridden is a 650 VStrom with a high Givi. 120k was really quiet and felt like 50k.

[slowpoke]

Nay! I ride a bike for the agility, power to weight and sense of freedom. I liken it to flying, with the sense of speed you get being close to the ground making up for the fact you don't actually leave it.

What's this got to do with a screen? On a cruiser the agility isn't too flash, neither is the power to weight ratio and to add a screen removes some of the sense of freedom by meaning you have to actually look through something. When it gets to that stage you might as well take the car and just wind the window down.

[Lord Derosso]

I dont look through my screen at all.

Its mounted to deflect air and birds and whatever over my head but I dont look through it at all. As someone said in an earlier post here, I am also actually looking ahead about 50-100' to the road approaching and besides I have a technically advanced windscreen - its completely see through. IN all fairness though, I agree that they do work well with a certain sized bike and properly a certain type of rider. Like all things, its personal choice though I recommend you do try riding a decent cruiser with one attached just for the different ride. The first time I took the VN for a ride I was amazed at the comfort the screen helped provide and I am lucky enough to have one thats well mounted and have experienced no buffeting or like, though 110 kph is my usual open road speed now a days anyway. I wish I had one up in Northland as it would have saved me from many bee stings over the years.

[Horse]

My bike has one of the biggest fairing/screen combos available on production bikes. And I love it! But I don't look through the windscreen, the top of the screen is a few inches below my eyeline and at normal open road speeds the airflow from the screen just hits the top of my helmet.