A whole lotta shakin' goin on!

[Rhodan]

Warning!  A windshield question...

I've got a 2013 V7 Special.  Lovely motorcycle and a lot of fun.
My problem (which may be my windscreen, my helmet, or my expectations) is the buffeting when going over about 55 (not talking about the wind from large passing trucks:  just the shear impact of wind).  It's affecting my enjoyment of rides that involve freeway.

I did a search on V7 windshield on the site and got several links but I'm curious how people like whatever screen they have on their bike; I'm hoping that can point me in a different direction.  I've especially been interested in the Dart screens but they're so small I have doubts about them doing what I'm looking for.

I haven't ridden a bunch of bikes so I don't have a lot to compare to.  I do have a scooter with a Puig on it that's great, but it's about the size of a Roman Scutum and not what I want for the bike.  (the scooter can go 80+ so I have tested it out at speed)

I'm about 5' 8" and I can get the buffeting to go away by leaning forward and getting my helmet much closer to the existing windshield but that position is a non-starter for rides longer than about 5 minutes.

Existing Windshield:  A Givi (I think...need to double check).  http://www.giviusa.com/givi-products/windshields/universal-windshields/a660-universal-airstar-windscreen-detail    The dealer wasn't able to get the OEM at the time I was looking for one so I opted for this.
Helmet:  Scorpion Modular

I'm also open to trying to modify my existing screen.  I have heard people recommend putting in washers to change the angle but have no idea if that really works.  If anyone has done this:  are nylon or rubber washers best?  I'm assuming "not metal" to protect the screen material.

Please & thanks.

[rocker59]

Dart flyscreem works for me, but I'm a minimalist.

Very smooth air on the helmet. Good protection for the torso.

[davedel44]

OEM windscreen on my 2013 Stone.  Very happy.  Had the Givi  on my 750 Breva, was fine but breva was more of sit-in bike as opposed to Stone.  OEM better for more more upright riding position of Stone.

Dave
Galveston

[pebra]

I use small Puig screens.
They give me the wind protection I need for speeds way higher than I care to go.
I also use ear plugs......

[mjptexas]

I learned a lot more about windscreens than I wanted to when I was trying to find a decent small screen for my Cali Custom.  Every windscreen creates turbulence.  The trick is to get the turbulence to either go over your helmet or hit you mid chest so your don't get the buffeting. 

Small screens like the Dart will bring the buffeting down to chest level.  The turbulence usually creates more noise but it won't shake your head.  the small screens like the Dart are amazingly effective. 

Only way to get away from the buffeting and the noise is to put a screen on that is big enough send the air over your helmet.

Here is an interesting read on the subject:

http://www.nationalcycle.com/bible-history-windshield

[guzzipete]

Wunderlich and Tourtech both make bolt on wind deflectors. They attach to the top of the windshield and can be adjusted to change the air flow. They are expensive, but might be worth a try.

[fatbob]

H&H fairing!  Love it! Most consider it Butt Ugly though.

[fotoguzzi]

google Laminar lip

[Rhodan]

Thanks guys for the feedback on what's working for you.  I'll probably look at mods to the current screen first (laminar lip, etc.) and then go from there if I'm still not satisfied.  Thanks mjptexas for that link; I'll definitely have a read.

Yeah, I haven't been doing the earplug routine and need to start.  Hearing is a wonderful thing.

[Lannis]

Thanks guys for the feedback on what's working for you.  I'll probably look at mods to the current screen first (laminar lip, etc.) and then go from there if I'm still not satisfied.  Thanks mjptexas for that link; I'll definitely have a read.

Yeah, I haven't been doing the earplug routine and need to start.  Hearing is a wonderful thing.

Not only wonderful, but "one-way".   Once you lose hearing capability in some frequency range, current medicine and science can't get it back for you.    Got to keep from losing it in the first place.

Foam plugs always hurt my ears and made me feel like I was isolated inside a diving helmet, very disorienting.   Had my audiologist make me a custom-molded set, with a little "waveguide" molded in that lets speech come through but cuts out wind noise.   I don't ride without them any more.

Lannis

[canuguzzi]

You might be amazed at the difference helmets can make with buffeting. Try a few different ones. When I went to a Kabuto what minor buffeting was present at certain speed disappeared.

Do yourself that favor, test some other helmets and you might find that the windscreen is fine, noise and buffeting are gone and life is good.

All too often we give up wind protection because of buffeting when the problem is the helmet, not the windscreen.

[Yukonica]

I'm about the same height and ride the same bike.
Norge Pilot has brought up a great point that you didn't mention: helmets make a huge difference in how you perceive 'buffeting'. What kind/brand do you use?
I bought a Shark Evo3 modular when I bought the bike. That helmet 'just doesn't work' for me: it is loud, grabs air, weighs too much and I wouldn't consider leaving the yard without ear plugs. So I bought a Shoei GT Air (on sale). I know I fit Shoei helmets. My very first Shoei was an RF ??? ~ had little divot ports on the brow.
The windshield part: a couple weeks back my ignition switch tanked. I ordered the parts and pulled the fairing off to be ready to install pieces over winter. But... parts arrived early (thank you Curtis Harper) so I got out for a couple of extra days ~ without a fairing. The faring I have had on the bike since new is a Valpolini  bikini fairing. I bought it from Harpers too. Until this week I had never ridden a 'fairing-less' street bike since my Suzuki GS550 in the late seventies. What I found, in a hypothetical setting, is my V7s feels the same (ish) until around 140km. After that, even tucked in (I'm fat), the wind puts a stop to progress around 170km. With the fairing on I have hypothetically seen a bit over 190 on the speedometer. So; not to say be an ass and ride crazy. Assume my speedometer is entirely inaccurate. Think about a deflector that can save fuel at much more rational speeds.  Also, look into the helmet part of the quotient too.



 

[Rhodan]

Lannis, thanks for the additional info on ear protection.  Last night, I ended up looking at different options on-line and reading up on it.

Norge Pilot and Yukonica:  yeah, it could partially be the helmet.  I just hate to lay out $$$ and find out that's not the problem.  My current helmet is a Scorpion EXO...something modular.  Love the modular but I know they have a rep for being a bit noisier.  There are other, quieter modulars I've seen reviewed but the price made me gulp.  (Schuberth)

Logically, noisy=more buffeting in my mind but that might not be true.

[sib]

OEM windscreen on my 2013 Stone.  Very happy.  Had the Givi  on my 750 Breva, was fine but breva was more of sit-in bike as opposed to Stone.  OEM better for more more upright riding position of Stone.

Dave
Galveston

My mileage varies.  I had an OEM screen on my '13 Stone for about 100 mi, until I removed it and the dealer graciously took it back. Too much wind and turbulence at eyeball level.  I do use a helmet with visor.  I now have a Dart, it doesn't really deflect very much wind, but at least my head stays on while riding.

[Rhodan]

Sib, how tall are you?  (if you don't mind me asking)  I'm trying to gauge about where that airflow is coming in.

I didn't think about the dealer taking it back...hmmm... just assumed I'd have to eat the cost if a new one doesn't work out.  Might be worth talking to them.

[sib]

Sib, how tall are you?  (if you don't mind me asking)  I'm trying to gauge about where that airflow is coming in.

I didn't think about the dealer taking it back...hmmm... just assumed I'd have to eat the cost if a new one doesn't work out.  Might be worth talking to them.

I'm about 5'10", or I was before I got so old.  I'm neither long- nor short-legged or -torsoed.  Even though you didn't ask, I'll say my weight is about 188 lb. starkers.

My dealer happened to have another customer who was waiting for an OEM screen, so taking mine back and selling it to him was a no-risk deal.

[Yukonica]

My current helmet is a Scorpion EXO...something modular.  Love the modular but I know they have a rep for being a bit noisier.  There are other, quieter modulars I've seen reviewed but the price made me gulp.  (Schuberth)

Logically, noisy=more buffeting in my mind but that might not be true.

Noise and buffeting are related but separate issues. Buffeting is the result of turbulent air flowing around the helmet. Noise is a factor of the seal between you and the helmet (neck, visor, vents etc.).
I shouldn't comment about $$$ and helmets. The Shark is the only non-Shoei street helmet I've owned in many many years: wasted $500. If a Neotec had been available I'd never have bought the Shark... probably not the GTair either. Sooner or later I'll end up with a Neotech simply because modular's are great day to day helmets.

[not-fishing]

You might be amazed at the difference helmets can make with buffeting. Try a few different ones. When I went to a Kabuto what minor buffeting was present at certain speed disappeared.

Do yourself that favor, test some other helmets and you might find that the windscreen is fine, noise and buffeting are gone and life is good.

All too often we give up wind protection because of buffeting when the problem is the helmet, not the windscreen.

I have a Scorpion 500 that is fine as a commuter but nasty on any real distance at speed.

For that my Bell Bullitt (bubbled) works great and it strange how a sideways glace really doesn't cause much more air drag.

[Rhodan]

In a D'Oh! moment... I was fiddling around with the bike last night and figured out the windscreen IS at least slightly adjustable (I wasn't the one that installed it:  should have checked sooner).  So I've moved it a bit higher, straighter, and closer to the instrument cluster (closer to me).  It's probably only by an inch or two in each direction but here's hoping. 

Will get it out on the freeway this weekend and see what I see.

[sign216]

In a D'Oh! moment... I was fiddling around with the bike last night and figured out the windscreen IS at least slightly adjustable (I wasn't the one that installed it:  should have checked sooner).  So I've moved it a bit higher, straighter, and closer to the instrument cluster (closer to me).  It's probably only by an inch or two in each direction but here's hoping. 

Will get it out on the freeway this weekend and see what I see.

I found that even slight adjustments can really change a screen buffeting.  You could even try some washers etc, to adjust up or down.

[Rhodan]

Alas, adjustments haven't proven useful.  I did see good reviews for the MRA X-creen and might give it a try:  easier/cheaper than buying a new windscreen and looks very adjustable.  Anyone tried this particular lip?

http://www.farklemyride.com/mra-x-creen-review

The video of the VStrom with the X-creen sounded promising.

[LowRyter]

I just replaced the Plexifairing 3 on my EV.  It's been battered and cracked by a bird, cut down, and finally broke in two when it fell of the work bench.  Since the PF3 is no longer available for Moto Guzzi, I purchased a Plexifairing 2.  The PF2 is slightly smaller than the PF3 but it seems to buffet more.  I've adjusting the angle and oddly, it seems to buffer more laid back rather than straight up. 

I haven't ridden it enough to make a firm conclusion.  It was a very windy when I was test riding.  Perhaps it's better than I think. 

Any experience greatly appreciated. 

[malik]

My V7C came with the OEM screen, but at 5'11" the wind lipped over the screen to hit me at visor level, so was noisy with either the Arai RXQ, the Shark Vision R or the Aldi. Removing the screen put most of the wind about chest level, so it was significantly better. Another V7C rider of a similar height cut his screen down much closer to the instruments and reported a substantial improvement. I haven't yet tried that. The V7S came with the Racer cowl which just lips the instruments. There does not seem to be any noticeable difference between the cowl & screen-less, but it does look neater.

Mal

[rocker59]

DART Flyscreen works amazingly well for a small screen.

[Rhodan]

Thanks Rocker:  I'd seen your thumbs-up earlier and I may still go that route.  Appreciate people's real-life experience:  having only ridden behind a few myself I'm still trying to figure out what "normal" noise/buffeting is.

Based on what you said and other reviews I've seen, the Dart primarily reduces the wind pressure on the torso.  Yes?  Without adding buffeting.  So from a sound perspective, does that mean a naked bike and one with a dart should sound/feel about the same at the helmet level?

[Rhodan]

Two things I've done so far:

Took the windshield totally off:  indeed, some (not all) of the buffeting is because of how the redirected wind is hitting me.  The buffeting really decreased and I got a much steadier "push" from the wind instead with the screen off. 

When I put it back on and rode it at speed, I tried to tell where the wind was coming from by putting my hand in different spots.  It seems like it's primarily over the top instead of around the side or under from the fork area.  Will try some sort of lip.  If raising the flow doesn't work, I'll go with a Dart or similar windscreen to try to drop the spot the wind is coming over the top.

Riding without a windscreen at 65-70 reminded me why I got a screen in the first place:  just don't like all that pressure.  So I'll be putting something on.

I also changed helmets:  got a $chuberth C3 Pro.  I saw great write-ups on its weight and aerodynamic properties. The Scorpion Exo 900 served me well but I can definitely tell the difference in both categories.  The only negative I see is the C3 Pro fogs up easier.  I think it's due to the features that also make it quieter.  Great helmet though:  good peripheral vision, light weight, at speed the wind mostly glides over the helmet rather than grabbing it.  Even turning my head at speed didn't create a lot of grab.  I didn't get any lift either which I did on the Scorpion.

The improvement may/may not be worth it to other people.  It IS pricy.  I gulped. (I think that would qualify as Guzzi content ;) ) But it's significantly increased my enjoyment of the bike at higher speeds.

I'd love to take it out for a multi-day tour of some kind and I'm trying to sort out issues I'm finding so I enjoy it.

[Rhodan]

I went ahead and got an X-Creen.  The sport version, not the tour version due to the size of my existing windscreen.  Not the prettiest thing in the world but not bad.  The install was pretty straightforward; just had to switch things around a couple times when the instructions weren't specific.  No more than 30 minutes tops to get everything assembled.  I decided to use the clamp option rather than the bolt-on. 

Put it on last night and had a whirl.  Also got some highway riding in this morning.  I think it's going to work for me.  Last night I was able to go 40 with my visor up; just got a pleasant breeze.  Today on the freeway, there was a small amount of buffeting but fairly negligible.  I will play with the adjustments some but I'm pretty happy where it is right now. 

The one negative is the extra lines across my vision if I'm looking down through the screen.

Seems to be sturdy.  We'll see what it does to my existing windscreen because it baaaarely fits.  I have it clamped at the far outside of the screen.  Overall two thumbs up.

[fossil]

I have a OEM windscreen on my 2013 Stone. I mounted it as steep as possible and earned a lot of buffeting. Then I adjusted it as flat as possible (pulled the upper edge back) and now I have nearly no buffeting, but a steady airflow around my helmet. As I drive a Nexx X70 with visor (a jet helmet) this is not quiet but bearable. Not to compare to my test ride of a V-Strom 1000 where I simply gave up because of hammer-blow-like buffeting at very low speeds.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I bought a Shark Evo3 modular when I bought the bike. That helmet 'just doesn't work' for me: it is loud, grabs air, weighs too much and I wouldn't consider leaving the yard without ear plugs. So I bought a Shoei GT Air (on sale). I know I fit Shoei helmets.

I had the same experience. Bought a non modular Shark..don't remember what it was.. loved the fit and finish, very nice helmet.
But.
On the Lario, it was a little loud. On Rosie (Rosso Corsa) it was unbelievably loud. I always wear earplugs and it was totally unacceptable. Returned it, and got a Shoei GT air. I *don't* fit Shoeis, and had to change out the cheek pads on an already expensive helmet, but it's quiet.
I had another experience in SoCal. Wanted to replace my aging Scorpion, and ordered a Bell Vortex. Nicely made, fit well, price was right, even a killer bag. Put it on and rode the PCH to the mountains. Noticed the excellent ventilation immediately and thought I'd done well. After a day riding the the Santa Monicas, I jumped out on the 10 to head back to the beach. That helmet actually shrieked as soon as I got over 60. (!) Nothing helped. Closing vents, turning my head different directions, nothing. I could hardly wait to get off the interstate and send that sucker back.
So.. helmets / windscreen combinations make more difference than you think. You almost have to ride with one to find out.