This is a review from one of my prototype testers. Ken lives in Colorado, where it's currently kinda cold a lot of the time.
California Scientific "Wide" windshield ride report By Ken M*****y, March 6, 2012
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Well, it is March 6 and the temperature has topped 60 and heading for 70. And even, more importantly, no wind. Finally time to ride
a bit with the new California Scientific Wide windshield on my 2011 Kawasaki Concours. Installation takes only a few minutes and it
fits perfectly. The wider wings curve nicely over the mirror housings and extend below the airstream. I tested the clearance in the
lowest and highest position of the shield with the brake and clutch levers in the maximum grip position and found no interference
with the shield.
I am 6’2" and 195 and generally like some airflow even in cold conditions. On the road, with the shield in the lowest position, the
airflow over the top of the shield strikes my face shield near the upper half. For me this is perfect at slower speeds and in warm
weather. The airstream hitting my face shield is quite smooth with little turbulence. In this position, there is no spillage
between the shield and the mirror housings. The outer edge of my shoulders and forearms feel a little airflow while my hands on the
grips are completely shielded. I note that from the cockpit, the outer edges of the windshield line up closely with the outer edges
of the lower fairing. The appearance is a continuous outside line from windshield down the fairing. At the highest position of the
shield, the airflow over the top is completely above my helmet, very quiet. The top of the windshield is still several inches below
my line of sight.
The airflow on the outer edge of my shoulders and forearms is about the same as before. There is spillage between the lower edge of
the outer wings and the mirror housings. With the bars in the stock position (without risers), this airflow strikes the hands near
the top. With risers of 1 inch, this airflow strikes the hands near the bottom and with risers of 2 inches; it mostly goes under
the hands. Lowering the shield about an inch or more pushes this airflow below the hands.
I tried the Wide windshield at a variety of speeds including several miles on the Interstate above 75 MPH. My preferred position
for the shield at speed was 1 to 2 inches below the top position. This produces the top airflow brushing the top of my helmet, the
slight airflow on the other edges of my shoulders and forearms, and my hands completely out of the airstream. I could ride this way
for hours in most weather, properly suited.
In summary, the California Scientific "Wide" Windshield is a winner for me, giving good coverage for a wide variety of conditions
while not taking the wind completely out of my ride. As usual, the quality of the shield is top notch with a clean straight
profile.
