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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: aviationfred on December 12, 2018, 04:59:37 AM

Title: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: aviationfred on December 12, 2018, 04:59:37 AM
We have not had a good Windshield discussion in a few years. Recently a few newer members have inquired about windshields that are good for Touring, or create less helmet noise, or less helmet buffeting.

There is no easy and definitive answer.

Some factors to consider are... A riders height, Stock seat, Corbin seat or modified seat, RPM handle bar risers, stock handle bars, LSL solid handle bar conversion, and all combinations thereof.

Then there is the generation of FJ that you have. Each generation of the 1200, the main fairing got wider and taller.

As an example, I am 5' 7" tall. The only windscreen that has caused me issues is the OEM windscreen on the 1989 model (3CV). At 70mph the wind catches me right at chin level and tries to lift my helmet.

Manufacturers and models in photographic order

1. Zero Gravity, 4" longer
2. MRA Vario-Touring
3. Ermax Tall
4. Honda CBR1100xx double bubble custom
5. MRA Touring
6. MRA Touring
7. Honda CBR1100xx Large double bubble
8. Power Bronze Tall Flip.

Unfortunately finding a windscreen that you like and performs the best under the riding conditions that you prefer is trial and error and can be quite expensive. The MRA Vario-Touring is in the $180.00 range.

For my 1989 FJ, my personal favorite windscreen that gave the best over all performance in all types of riding and weather conditions was the Ermax tall. I will be ordering one for my 1995 later this winter.


Fred
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: ribbert on December 12, 2018, 05:55:49 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on December 12, 2018, 04:59:37 AM

Manufacturers and models in order

1. Zero Gravity, 4" longer
2. MRA Vario-Touring
3. Ermax Tall
4. Honda CBR1100xx double bubble custom
5. MRA Touring
6. MRA Touring
7. Honda CBR1100xx Large double bubble
8. Power Bronze Tall Flip.
9. Eagle

Fred
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: aviationfred on December 12, 2018, 05:58:32 AM
Quote from: ribbert on December 12, 2018, 05:55:49 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on December 12, 2018, 04:59:37 AM

Manufacturers and models in order

1. Zero Gravity, 4" longer
2. MRA Vario-Touring
3. Ermax Tall
4. Honda CBR1100xx double bubble custom
5. MRA Touring
6. MRA Touring
7. Honda CBR1100xx Large double bubble
8. Power Bronze Tall Flip.
9. Eagle

Fred


Noel,

Good catch, I forgot about Eagle in Australia.

Do you have any photos of the Eagle windscreens on the FJ?


Fred
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Ribz0 on December 12, 2018, 09:02:55 AM
Hi ya Fred... good timing with this thread as Im one of those who have no idea....  :biggrin:

Here in Oz... from my limited knowledge and recent digging around.... the 2 screens I am considering are Eagle and Powerbronze... Both do a variety of sizes from standard to touring flip.

Here in Perth, Eagle make sense cause they are local and Powerbronze have an agent in Victoria who will match Eagles price including delivery so great to have 2 choices!! (im sure there may be more here in Oz)

I recently purchased my bike and it still has the standard screen on it. I can relate to your issue Fred cause it seems to do that to me also... and as for noise... well i dont have anything to compare it to...

I will try to clean my standard one up a bit for now and will buy one of these screens in the new year. It will be interesting to see if there is, or how much noise difference between them...

Cheers

Eric



Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: racerrad8 on December 12, 2018, 10:00:49 AM
Don't forget Gustafsson windshields as well. They offer a variety of different windshields for the FJ. I am not sure if the discount code still works, but it might be worth asking of you are ordering from them.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=93.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=93.0)

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Zwartie on December 12, 2018, 10:59:26 AM
...and let's not forget Laminar Lip. You'll still need your stock wind screen but the laminar lip will help deflect air upward and reduce buffeting. I had a Laminar Lip on my '92 for years before I got the Vario Touring Screen. The main reason I "upgraded" was because the old wind screen was looking pretty weathered. I had no complaints with the Laminar Lip but overall I like the Vario Touring Screen better.

https://www.laminarlip.com/fj12.php (https://www.laminarlip.com/fj12.php)

The image of the '92 is actually my bike. I sent that picture to them 10+ years ago.

Zwartie
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Paul.1478 on December 12, 2018, 12:55:23 PM
Very good info. I am also looking for some upgrade.
I like the idea of the Laminar lip, 89,00 is not bad. the others are around 180. Also not bad and I really like the input and photos above. Helps me make an informed decision. I don't see many FJs on the streets I can check out there windscreens...
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Pat Conlon on December 12, 2018, 01:09:38 PM
I'm 6'3" and I gave up. My solution today is the stock windscreen with a quiet helmet in clean air and custom ear plugs .

My last +4" windscreen made wind buffeting intolerable. God that was a long trip.
I was temped to take it off and throw it away in the middle on my 2k mile tour.

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0456/3513/products/Yamaha_FJ_1100_84-_85_4_large.jpg?v=1506309699)

Shorter riders would be fine, but alas, not for me....
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Troyskie on December 13, 2018, 12:15:33 AM
I'm 5'8" and have stock style screens (Eagle) or original.

I follow Pats method of helmet and ear plugs.

If I rode regularly in the rain I think a big screen would be a major advantage.

With the larger screens has anyone any feedback about riding in cross winds? I feel the long nose of the FJ adds to the windage (is that a word?) and buffeting in cross winds.
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: aviationfred on December 13, 2018, 01:56:00 AM
Quote from: Troyskie on December 13, 2018, 12:15:33 AM

With the larger screens has anyone any feedback about riding in cross winds? I feel the long nose of the FJ adds to the windage (is that a word?) and buffeting in cross winds.

The state that I live in, Kansas generates 29.6% of the state's electricity from wind turbines. We have a lot of wind pretty consistently. The FJ does tend to be affected by crosswinds. I have not noticed any difference in windscreen size while riding in heavy crosswinds. Many riders choose not to ride when the winds kick up. Others, like myself have learned to live with it and adjust how we ride accordingly. Riding 80mph with a 20mph tail wind sure does increase your fuel mileage  :sarcastic: Riding with a head wind obviously has the opposite effect.  :negative:


Fred
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: ribbert on December 13, 2018, 03:00:53 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on December 12, 2018, 05:58:32 AM

Do you have any photos of the Eagle windscreens on the FJ?

Fred

Fred, you know I have photos of everything.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5452/7158673172_3df8784309_c.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5195/7158664868_2084dfba6e_c.jpg)

Noel
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: ZOA NOM on December 13, 2018, 07:25:39 AM
(http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18300.0;attach=11627;image)


I hate those goddamned things. We have one of the windiest places in the country covered with those things, and half of them are always off.
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Pat Conlon on December 13, 2018, 10:24:53 AM
Quote from: ZOA NOM on December 13, 2018, 07:25:39 AM
I hate those goddamned things. 

Yea...Just burn more "Beautiful Clean Coal" :crazy:
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Paul.1478 on December 13, 2018, 10:28:11 AM
Quote from: ZOA NOM on December 13, 2018, 07:25:39 AM
(http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18300.0;attach=11627;image)


I hate those goddamned things. We have one of the windiest places in the country covered with those things, and half of them are always off.
Altamont pass! Yes, I saw that back in the late 70s and when it was "re-built". I was born in Pacifica and moved to Manteca for a year, drove past that everyday 2x a day.
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: ZOA NOM on December 13, 2018, 11:16:10 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on December 13, 2018, 10:24:53 AM
Quote from: ZOA NOM on December 13, 2018, 07:25:39 AM
I hate those goddamned things. 

Yea...Just burn more "Beautiful Clean Coal" :crazy:

Works fine, lasts long time. In fact, that's what they don't tell you about all these electric cars. They are powered by coal.
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Zwartie on December 13, 2018, 04:15:35 PM
Why does this thread make me think of Ozzy Ozbourne?
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Pat Conlon on December 13, 2018, 04:46:28 PM
I hear you Ben, let's talk about windscreens, and don't feed the misinformed troll.
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: ZOA NOM on December 13, 2018, 06:40:00 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on December 13, 2018, 04:46:28 PM
I hear you Ben, let's talk about windscreens, and don't feed the misinformed troll.

ouch...

here's a quick google for ya:

The fallacy at the core of wind power  

America uses 4,047,765,000 megawatt hours of electricity ... 4.047 billion megawatt hours

The latest wind turbines produce a maximum of 2.5 megawatts when the wind speed is perfect.

Wind turbines start operating at wind speeds of 4 to 5 meters per second and reach maximum power at 15 meters per second. At very high wind speeds, around 25 meters per second, wind turbines shut down. Over the course of a year a wind turbine placed in an optimal location generates 30 percent of theoretical maximum output. So it takes approximately three times as many turbines as one would predict based on their 2.5 megawatt rating.

That works out to 4.86 billion turbines.

At $4 million each the cost would be $19.43 thousand trillion. To put that in perspective our national debt is a mere $17 trillion.



back to your regular programming...
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Millietant on December 13, 2018, 07:02:26 PM
I'm barely 5'8" and yet, on my 89 3CV I have no issues with buffeting or wind blast with the normal "sports" screen.

BUT, when I bought the bike new, it came with 2 screens - the lower (sports) screen and a high (touring) screen. Although I prefer to ride day to day with the sports screen, the higher screen gives me an almost wind free, cosseting, bubble to ride I when I'm touring, but I just prefer the sportier impression of the view from the saddle with the sports screen. Somehow, the bike just "feels" more like a tourer with the higher screen in place - all psychological I'm sure  :yes:
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: ZOA NOM on December 13, 2018, 07:24:38 PM
I like the extended touring screen for my commute, as I'm on the phone a lot, and it makes it much quieter. I kept the sport version for the rallies.
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: aviationfred on December 13, 2018, 11:49:55 PM
I currently have 3 windscreens for my 95. A North American OEM screen, A European/Australian OEM 'Finn' style screen and a MRA Touring screen. I ride all year unless I have a major winter project. The Regular OEM windscreen (the smallest) is used in the summer for everyday riding and weekend rides. The Finn style windscreen is usually installed for touring duty during the summer. The MRA windscreen is by far the largest and is mainly used during the colder winter months as it blocks almost all of the wind from my head and torso.

Photos in order are the

OEM North American screen
OEM Finned screen
MRA touring screen

Fred
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Millietant on December 14, 2018, 05:12:51 AM
Your MRA screen looks very similar to my OE "touring" screen for the '89 Fred  :good2: - brilliant for cool weather and long distances
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Paul.1478 on December 14, 2018, 07:03:00 AM
Just placed an order for the MRA Vario Touring Screen Windshield. Most liked them and it seems to give you a little flexibility being able to move the "fin" up or down. I will see in a few weeks when it arrived (and warms up a little). 
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: ribbert on December 16, 2018, 05:11:23 AM
Quote from: Millietant on December 13, 2018, 07:02:26 PM

..... but I just prefer the sportier impression of the view from the saddle with the sports screen. Somehow, the bike just "feels" more like a tourer with the higher screen in place - all psychological I'm sure  :yes:

Interesting observation. I have an FJ with no fairing at all and it feels a 100kgs lighter and can be thrown around like a 250.

Noel
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: TexasDave on December 16, 2018, 06:24:03 AM
Quote from: ribbert on December 16, 2018, 05:11:23 AM
Quote from: Millietant on December 13, 2018, 07:02:26 PM

..... but I just prefer the sportier impression of the view from the saddle with the sports screen. Somehow, the bike just "feels" more like a tourer with the higher screen in place - all psychological I'm sure  :yes:

Interesting observation. I have an FJ with no fairing at all and it feels a 100kgs lighter and can be thrown around like a 250.

Noel
I had a chance to purchase a FJ locally that had been down and destroyed its fairing. It was too high priced to be a parts bike but maybe I should have reconsidered. Might had been fun naked with a small windshield but would still have been ugly. Not that I would be embarrassed to ride an ugly bike. I have dated ugly women and they were more fun also.

Dave

Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: Pat Conlon on December 16, 2018, 11:57:43 AM
Dave, clean her up and hang a different front end on her. Cash used a 2009 R-1 front end on his.

(http://fjowners.com/gallery/9/4428_04_07_15_8_07_09.jpeg)

RIP Cash

(http://fjowners.com/gallery/9/4428_04_07_15_7_54_22.jpeg)
Title: Re: Windshield types vs Helmet buffeting
Post by: TexasDave on December 16, 2018, 12:43:52 PM
Thanks for reposting that. Cash did an great job on that. I commented when he first posted that it was the best looking naked FJ I have ever seen.

Dave