V7 II windshields: Dart Standard, Dart Marlin, MG Touring

[rob-mg]

Hi,

I'm in the process of buying a V7 II and would greatly appreciate comments from people who have used these windscreens on their utility and pros/cons when riding at speeds from about 40mph/70kmh through 70mph/120kmh.

Thanks.

[Kev m]

We've had some pretty extensive discussions about V7 windshields.

I've used the Dart Classic, and Dart Marlin and wrote up some impressions comparing/contrasting them.

Currently I use the Marlin, predominantly with an open face helmet.

It's good for that, and eliminates any pressure on my chest, though maybe channels wind (buffeting free) to my face at highway speeds.

I imagine it's perfect with a FF helmet, and it's still quite good with an open face.

If I wanted more protection I'd have to consider a touring shield of some sort. But I have no need for that

[rob-mg]

Currently I use the Marlin, predominantly with an open face helmet.

It's good for that, and eliminates any pressure on my chest, though maybe channels wind (buffeting free) to my face at highway speeds.

I imagine it's perfect with a FF helmet, and it's still quite good with an open face.

Thanks very much. I use a full face helmet. Sounds like you are basically suggesting the Dart Marlin rather than the Dart Classic.

[Kev m]

Thanks very much. I use a full face helmet. Sounds like you are basically suggesting the Dart Marlin rather than the Dart Classic.

Having used both extensively I'd pick the Marlin again if starting from scratch, but there is nothing wrong with the classic.

The Marlin just provides a little more protection, raising and moving any points of turbulence or pressure further up/back.

It might also be that the shape of the Marlin concentrates airflow eliminating buffeting at the cost of a quicker transition to full blast air. Whichever it is, I like it.

[kingoffleece]

I use the Marlin with a FF helmet.  Works a treat.

[Bradkap]

I use the Moto Guzzi touring wind screen. It is 13" above the top of the headlamp. Looks great. Keeps air off my chest.

[rob-mg]

I use the Moto Guzzi touring wind screen. It is 13" above the top of the headlamp. Looks great. Keeps air off my chest.

Thanks, especially for info on the height.

[rss29]

I had the Dart Classic and I felt it increased buffeting at highway speeds and offered very little wind protection. I found it less tiring to be sitting in the clean air behind no windscreen so I ended up taking it off. I haven't tried the Marlin, but that's what I'd go with out of the three choices you listed. I don't like the look of the tall touring screen and I don't feel the Dart Classic serves any functional purpose.

[rocker59]

Classic Dart Flyscreen for me, on my V7 Special.

Works great with very little noise or buffeting.

Not a lot of protection, but it does knock some of the wind off my chest, and keeps the gauge cluster clean, which were my two main goals.

I used a Givi A620 on my previous V7 Classic.  Lots of protection, but I don't like tall touring screens, so removed it.

[rob-mg]

Thanks all. Just sent an e-mail to my dealer that I'm going with the Marlin.

Re my other thread, also told him that I'm going with Hepco & Becker for luggage racks/luggage.

These may or may prove to be the right decisions, but at least they are decisions :)

Much obliged for all the help here.

[kingoffleece]

You'll be fine.

[jas67]

....
I imagine it's perfect with a FF helmet, and it's still quite good with an open face.

If I wanted more protection I'd have to consider a touring shield of some sort. But I have no need for that

THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^

Though, if I were going to ride it in freezing temps, I'd want more protection.   I have a National Cycle Plexistar 2 that I can put on it if I need to ride in freezing temps.   I use another bike for that though.

[jas67]

Re my other thread, also told him that I'm going with Hepco & Becker for luggage racks/luggage.

Get the (Hecpo & Becker) "Junior" luggage, not the Journey.
The Juniors can be latched closed without the need to lock with the key.
The Journeys MUST be locked with the key to be latched closed -- I hate that about them -- so much so that I sold my Journey top case and bought the Junior.    I also have the Junior side cases, and love 'em.   I've had them on 5 different bikes.

[sturgeon]

The Dart is great for around town, lower speeds, shorter distances. I used it for a couple of multi-week tours a couple of years back, and the constant wind blast on my shoulders was much more tiring than what I experience on my other bikes that have bigger windshields. I typically do 600-900 km days, in all weather conditions. I've been known to ride fast  I don't need a huge shield (nor do I like them) but I bought the OEM 'touring' shield and it works great. I expect the Marlin would be better for touring purposes than the Dart, and would probably have bought it had it been available at the time. For 100-200 km per day, in nice weather, the Dart would probably be fine, regardless of speed.

But windshields are highly personal, and what works for one person could be horrible for another.