After-market windshields

[Richard230]

I thought I would start a thread just about after-market windshields for the RS, since that is likely to be a continuing topic in the future. About two weeks ago I ordered a Power Bronze (located in the UK) windshield. The cost was $180, including shipping, but there was no 9% CA sales tax I would say that is about 1/3rd the cost of a BMW "touring" windshield - if they offered one, which they don't. The windshield arrived last night, sent from the PB distributor (I assume) in Michigan, via UPS.

Attached are photos of the Power Bronze windshield overlaid on top of the stock windshield in both the higher and lower positions to show the difference in sizes and coverage compared with stock. The stock shield is mounted in the higher position. The black rubber edging does a good job of outlining the edge of the shield. (While it was time-consuming installing the edging, if I don't like it while riding I am sure that it will take a lot less time to remove. ) Also attached are photos of the Power Bronze shield installed in both its upper and lower positions. In order to install the new windshield, you will need to remove the rubber grommets and metal inserts and install them on the PB windshield. That is pretty easy to do, however when removing the rubber grommets from the stock windshield watch out for the metal inserts, they can drop out and fall onto the floor where they will hide from you as long as possible.

[notacop]

Interesting, do you always leave your trash receptacle in the middle of the drive way?
With a Vario lip or a Laminar lip, you may get real protection on the bike.
I've had good luck with both for making the ride more comfortable on a a few bikes.

[Richard230]

Interesting, do you always leave your trash receptacle in the middle of the drive way?
With a Vario lip or a Laminar lip, you may get real protection on the bike.
I've had good luck with both for making the ride more comfortable on a a few bikes.

I leave my trash can in the middle of the driveway to keep drivers from using my driveway approach as a turn-around area. Since most residents on my street have their garages filled up with boxes of stuff that they never use they park their cars in their driveways and that means that my driveway gets a lot of use when people want to turn around on my street as it is one of the few that is open. Many of these drivers drive all of the way up my driveway and almost hit my garage door before backing out into the street. So the garbage can makes them find some other place to turn around, at least for a day each week.

[Alfa13]

Thanks Richard.

I would be interested in your comments once you've ridden with it. Also, would a side on photo be possible?

[Richard230]

Thanks Richard.

I would be interested in your comments once you've ridden with it. Also, would a side on photo be possible?

Here are a couple of photos, with the windshield down and then up. The riding impressions of the windshield and my handlebar risers will have to wait for a day or two when I can get out for a couple of hours.

[Richard230]

I gave the Power Bronze windshield a tryout today. I am 5' 10"' tall (with a 30" inseam) and was using 1" bar risers. In the up position the wind hit the top of my helmet at forehead level. With the windshield down the wind hit my throat. The PB windshield is quieter and creates less buffeting than the stock shield, but it still makes noise even in the up position as you can easily see over it. And any windshield that you can see over is not going to be completely quiet - but it sure will be safer in fog and rain. Anyway, the PB windshield is a definite improvement over the stock (fairly decent) shield.

[Alfa13]

Thanks Richard. As usual, good photos and review.

[Scorch]

I have the standard height tinted PowerBronze screen. It looks nicer than the stock screen, but the only real difference is that it doesn't have the little 'lip' at the top of the screen.
It still doesn't do the trick, and this is the first bike I've ridden where I can actually feel that the wind noise is affecting my ears. It's even worse when I have my helmet camera mounted for my daily commute.

I definitely need to do something, but I don't really like the much larger flip screen. I'm seriously considering getting the MRA Vario screen that is now available:
http://www.bs-motoparts.com/en/wind-...74-58317-0.htm

I've had good experiences with the MRA Vario I bought for my F800, so hopefully this will be the solution to the wind issues I've been suffering from on the new bike.

[roger44]

I have a Flip PB on order, comes Monday
Fitted PB Flip today, took it for a ride, result--its better but not that much.
Because its higher I dont have so far to duck down into quiet air.
Fitted a little vario type screen and that has pretty much fixed it for me. Bit more buffeting through, not sure how bad until I can do an extended high speed run behind traffic.

[Richard230]

I agree that MRA makes some good screens. But the problem with motorcycle windshields is that you have to buy the darn things to find out if they work for you. Some do and some don't. I just depends on the design of the motorcycle and the screen and your height above the seat. Right now I am happy with the Power Bronze flip screen. When it is up it does a good job of blocking the wind from my chest and face and when it is down my entire head is in the wind-stream. But every windscreen that doesn't make you look through it will be noisy. When riding a motorcycle at most any speed, earplugs are a must.

[Scorch]

But the problem with motorcycle windshields is that you have to buy the darn things to find out if they work for you.

Agreed. This is why I have about 8 different screens for my F800S (and later ST). I should really get around to selling the ones that didn't work for me...