Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: mikeb2411 on November 13, 2014, 09:56:35 AM
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What's the best windscreen for the Connie? I am looking for something that reduces the noise and turbulence I get on the highway. I currently have the VStream but have changed some other things (raised the bars and my seat has changed) so the VStream is "shorter" than it was when I first bought it (if that makes sense)??? I am 6'1 and sit pretty tall when riding so I need something that will calm and quiet things down for me. I know a lot of you have tested different windscreens and configurations of windscreens so I want to hear what you think is the best setup for a rider of my height.
I was looking at Cee Baileys and their "Extra Tall Ultra Tour Dome" looks like it may be what I'm looking for but I was hoping to hear from you guys before buying it.
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IMHO you need to take part in this: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=914.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=914.0)
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I just took a chance on a medium Aeroflow...and I'll tell you something..I was left speechless relative to the difference this screen made to turbulence and wind. I too installed 2" risers and needed better than a stocker. Riding behind the Aeroflow has COMPLETELY changed my driving experience at any speed. I highly recommend it.
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I just took a chance on a medium Aeroflow...and I'll tell you something..I was left speechless relative to the difference this screen made to turbulence and wind. I too installed 2" risers and needed better than a stocker. Riding behind the Aeroflow has COMPLETELY changed my driving experience at any speed. I highly recommend it.
How tall are you?
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I am pretty happy with the Cal Sci I bought a few years ago. at the time it was their 'Large' but I think they changed their sizing. I'll measure it when I get home this afternoon and tell you. I'm 6'2" and had a V stream as well. It felt like some one was pushing my head forward. As a matter of fact I think it's my old V Stream that's making the rounds in the try a windshield for free thread.
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I'm 5'7". Screen full down I get all the wind I want....about 3" up and no more wind. At that height, I have a large, FULL oversight to the road above the windshield line. I too was hesitant because the Aeroflow is a bit pricey...but I'm glad I did..its worth every penny. They offer a short, medium, and a tall
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I'm 5'7". Screen full down I get all the wind I want....about 3" up and no more wind. At that height, I have a large, FULL oversight to the road above the windshield line. I too was hesitant because the Aeroflow is a bit pricey...but I'm glad I did..its worth every penny. They offer a short, medium, and a tall
So if you put it all the way up are you looking through the windscreen?
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Yes....But there is no advantage really to do that...all deflection occurs at a much lower position. I think what this screen accomplishes is a testament to aerodynamics.
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Best?
Very subjective. Best for me is the stock shield off an '08 that a generous member gave me.
Would this be best for you? Probably not. Just have to try some, and see what you like. But I like the shorter stock shield from '08-'09. YMMV
FWIW, I'm 6' even, 32" inseam, 200 lbs.
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The shape and style of helmet has much to do with how the air treats you, as well.
I use both sizes of the stock screens and have no problems while wearing full face helmets.
Have had issues with other types of helmets.
Your mileage may vary 8)
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I have tried the Cal Sci (second favorite), Cee Bailys, MRA, stock, VStream, but the best is defiantly the Aeroflow. As Robindanner said, put it up a few inches and you are good. No need to go all the way up.
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How tall are you?
Standing height has little to do with windshield airflow and where air hits the driver. It is about torso length, arm length, sitting position, seat type and height, and grip position (type of risers).
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I agree...Maxtog and I share very similar physical dimensions as we sit on this bike...In addition, I wear an HJC IS-17 Helmet...With 2" Heli-risers and a stock seat...the stocker shield did not provide nearly enough vertical deflection for my taste on any long road trip. Way too much rumble. I will say again, I was amazed and damn near speechless once I rode behind the Aeroflow. Silence on Demand if that's what I wished. For those transitioning from a pure sport bike to the Concours or for those with different tastes...a more constant airflow may be desired in which case the stocker may work just fine. I think that's the beauty of making the bike you ride something that is unique to you. I probably won't look back from the Aeroflow...
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The best windscreen for me is the one that keeps my helmet in the clean air above the screen. The wind hits at just about my chest and I get no buffeting. Just clean air flow.
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I have tried the Cal Sci (second favorite), Cee Bailys, MRA, stock, VStream, but the best is defiantly the Aeroflow. As Robindanner said, put it up a few inches and you are good. No need to go all the way up.
Did you go with standard, medium or tall?
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Cal-Sci without a doubt. The low profile provides excellent wind protection
and looks the best out of all the other shields.
I also went with the tint
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Did you go with standard, medium or tall?
Not sure - I bought it from a member. I could measure. I don't know how much difference it would make as I only put it up a few inches and it works. Never have it more than halfway up.
Just measured. It's a medium.
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Not sure - I bought it from a member. I could measure. I don't know how much difference it would make as I only put it up a few inches and it works. Never have it more than halfway up.
Just measured. It's a medium.
Thanks :finger_fing11: :chugbeer:
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Thanks for all the input guys! I've made my decision and went with the Aeroflow Tall...placed the order to day!
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Thanks for all the input guys! I've made my decision and went with the Aeroflow Tall...placed the order to day!
Give us a report with your impressions once you've put a few miles on that screen.
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Give us a report with your impressions once you've put a few miles on that screen.
I will :thumbs:
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Good choice Mike.. I'm sure you'll feel a real difference behind it. Let us know..
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I have both OEM shields , Calsci XL Wide & National Cycle Vstream and my favorite is the Vstream. Calsci makes a weird airflow combo with my Shoei RF1200 helmet at 6'1. I have to run it max height to reduce the turbulence noise. Could be more of the helmet though sense webbikeworld did state the RF1200 helmet was noisy with windshields, maybe I should of bought the GT-air. Calsci is great for winter time though, covers my hands really well. Thinking I might sell it if my SSD performance hand guards work well with my Vstream. I also like what I saw in the demo video showing the strength of the National Cycle windshields. And looks wise my preference still is the Vstream over Calsci, being in my mid 30's the Calsci gives it almost a grandpa(no offense to the "wiser" members ;D ) look. But sense I care more about function this was never an issue when I ran the Calsci all winter and really enjoyed it. Like the OP I don't have a perfect wind reduction with it but it works the best out of the 4. I think an ultra tall would be my only option for silent air pocket riding.
VStream gets my vote followed by the OEM small for summer. Crazy how much quieter it is with free air flow of the lowered OEM on my helmet.. and cooler.
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Thanks for all the input guys! I've made my decision and went with the Aeroflow Tall...placed the order to day!
Good choice....that's what I've got. Best screen I've had out of stock 1st gen, stock 2nd gen, Cee Bailey ultra tour, v-stream, Cal-sci large. I thought the Cal-sci was great, but it had to be fully up to get the quiet pocket. This AeroFlow large lets tons of air through and I don't have to raise it very far to be in the bubble.
I will say though that the Aeroflow is cracking at the upper right mounting hole. Not sure why it's cracking there, since most mounting pressure is on the center screw. I plan on drilling a small hole at the end of the crack so it does not continue.
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Excellent choice! I have the tall Aeroflow, and it is absolutely spectacular. People complain about the looks, but it works so good...who cares!! I don't think it looks bad and the flow characteristics make up for any aesthetic issues.
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Excellent choice! I have the tall Aeroflow, and it is absolutely spectacular. People complain about the looks, but it works so good...who cares!! I don't think it looks bad and the flow characteristics make up for any aesthetic issues.
Good to know...thanks!
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Installed the new "Large" Aeroflow windscreen last night and rode to work today...AMAZING :banana
I was amazed at how quiet highway speeds have become...80mph doesn't sound like 80 anymore! I can ride with my visor up :finger_fing11:!
I was skeptical about the windscreen when purchasing it, about its looks and functionality, but I'm a believer now! It looks fine...not ugly at all IMO. The looks are one thing but the windscreen's functionality is amazing! Great wind protection and REALLY QUIET! The VStream doesn't come close to what the Aeroflow does. Now, I haven't tried a Cee Baileys and hear they are really goo too but I'm sold...it will be Aeroflow from now on!
Thank you everyone for chiming in and giving your opinion...I appreciate the support!
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:chugbeer:... Next time you're out riding with your screen in it's best position and the circumstance is right, place your hand forward toward the middle of the screen. You will feel a strong laminar "pipe" of vertical airflow being held in the recess of the screen from bottom to top. This is the key and success to the design of the shield. The enlarged opening at the bottom feels "counter-intuitive" when you first look at it and try to think about how it works....but dang....it DOES work well..
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Glad you like it! Before the Aeroflow, I had the biggest Calsci....the only way it was usable for me, was all the way up. Everything else was extremely noisy and turbulent. The Aeroflow was like night and day...I can ride comfortably with it in any position.
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:chugbeer:... Next time you're out riding with your screen in it's best position and the circumstance is right, place your hand forward toward the middle of the screen. You will feel a strong laminar "pipe" of vertical airflow being held in the recess of the screen from bottom to top. This is the key and success to the design of the shield. The enlarged opening at the bottom feels "counter-intuitive" when you first look at it and try to think about how it works....but dang....it DOES work well..
Did that this morning on my way to work. It's pretty awesome how it works... and it works well. Thanks again :chugbeer:!
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Guess I did differently than others. Got a national Cycles VStream and added a laminar Lip, I had laying around. Now I can go from total wind, to total protection, by pressing the windshield button up or down. I am very happy with this set up... tp
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I will say though that the Aeroflow is cracking at the upper right mounting hole. Not sure why it's cracking there, since most mounting pressure is on the center screw. I plan on drilling a small hole at the end of the crack so it does not continue.
I have the large aeoflow and mine developed cracks on the top left mounting hole .
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I have the large aeoflow and mine developed cracks on the top left mounting hole .
Did you use "Loctite" on the screws when you installed the windscreen...just asking?
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I was warned if I tightened mine past "snug" it would eventually crack up. I was told to trust the loctite, and 90,000 miles no issues yet
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I was warned if I tightened mine past "snug" it would eventually crack up. I was told to trust the loctite, and 90,000 miles no issues yet
When I installed mine the instructions said "DO NOT USE LOCTITE". The Loctite supposedly makes the plastic brittle and it will crack. This is according to Aeroflow.
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Sounds like I did OK not using any adhesive when I installed my V-Stream. It's still secure, even witha Laminar Lip at the top, too. . .
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When I installed mine the instructions said "DO NOT USE LOCTITE". The Loctite supposedly makes the plastic brittle and it will crack. This is according to Aeroflow.
I used the loctite on the end of the bolts so I wouldn't have to over tighten them, not on the plastic. if you noticed when removing, Kawasaki had those mounting bolts full of crap too.
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I used the loctite on the end of the bolts so I wouldn't have to over tighten them, not on the plastic. if you noticed when removing, Kawasaki had those mounting bolts full of crap too.
Loctite "out-gasses" and that can have an adverse affect on certain plastics...Aeroflows windscreen being one of those plastics.
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right on, again I used it where kawasaki had it between the thread and the bolt, not touching any plastic :)
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right on, again I used it where kawasaki had it between the thread and the bolt, not touching any plastic :)
Cool...I thought about it because they say not to "over tighten" but give no torque specs so when is it "too tight"?
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Cool...I thought about it because they say not to "over tighten" but give no torque specs so when is it "too tight"?
Probably 1/2 to 1 turn less that than it was tightened. At least in my case, it normally is. ;D
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Probably 1/2 to 1 turn less that than it was tightened. At least in my case, it normally is. ;D
TOMP, if you can, post a pic of your windscreen...I want to see what you did. I still have my VStream and if I ever have to go back to it I want to see what can be done to make it quieter.
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TOMP, if you can, post a pic of your windscreen...I want to see what you did. I still have my VStream and if I ever have to go back to it I want to see what can be done to make it quieter.
Unsure which Laminar Lip # this is, as I have purchased many. You can call them and if the V-Stream isn't listed in their files, you can take measurements and give them to them and they can match what they have that will work. They have done it for me before. Mine works well, but a wider one may work better.
(http://i.imgur.com/HA8LHDT.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/w734PlU.jpg)
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Did you use "Loctite" on the screws when you installed the windscreen...just asking?
No I did not . I emailed Page at aerflow with pictures never got a reply . I put the stock shield with a laminar lip and am happy with it . The aeroflow was great but it decreased my mpg a few and at its tallest height in flexed alot in headwinds and at speed .
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No I did not . I emailed Page at aerflow with pictures never got a reply . I put the stock shield with a laminar lip and am happy with it . The aeroflow was great but it decreased my mpg a few and at its tallest height in flexed alot in headwinds and at speed .
Mine flexes a lot as well but I did ask them about that and they said it's normal and that the windscreen can withstand all the flexing.
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My V-Stream and Lip combo flexes in cross winds. I'm not as concerned about the screen coming apart as I am the flexing causing damage to the supports, especially the attaching bars on the top of the screen. One is cracked at the top screw hole, but was that way when I bought the bike, with a stock screen on it. Unsure how it cracked, but I do keep an eye on it, and so far hasn't gotten worse.
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My V-Stream and Lip combo flexes in cross winds. I'm not as concerned about the screen coming apart as I am the flexing causing damage to the supports, especially the attaching bars on the top of the screen. One is cracked at the top screw hole, but was that way when I bought the bike, with a stock screen on it. Unsure how it cracked, but I do keep an eye on it, and so far hasn't gotten worse.
That is something that was mentioned by Aeroflow...the mechanical supports on the bike that hold/raise/lower the windscreen could fail because of the stress put on them while riding. Aeroflow told me to lower the windscreen to its lowest position if riding at speeds of 100mph or more.
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Do be careful if your screen has cracks at the mount holes. Even if drilled at the end of the crack, this is a weak spot. I had an Aroflow windshield on a BMW k1200rs wad on me at 130mph. It did not upset the apple cart but it was a bit exciting.
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I've ended up going back to the V-Stream. The Aeroflow is quieter than the V-Stream but the V-Stream is much more "aerodynamic". I get better fuel economy with the V-Stream and confirmed that by testing the 2 over a period of time riding the same route, same conditions (I'm in SO Cal so conditions are usually warm and sunny and they don't change), with the same amount of fuel in the tank each time. I'd ride with one windshield for a couple of tanks of fuel and run until I was just about empty then I would switch the windscreens and do it again. I could get to 200 miles on a tank with the Aeroflow but not much over that (maybe 210). I was able to stretch out 235 miles with the V-Stream and could have gone to 245 but it would have been close.
The Aeroflow flexes A LOT MORE than the V-Stream and I can feel the bike "surging" (as if something were pushing against the bike and slowing it down then releasing the bike so it can go) through the wind with the Aeroflow but the V-Stream feels as if it cuts through the wind much better and the V-Stream is affected much less by gusts of wind (which translates into a more stable ride).
They're both good windscreens and though I don't like how much louder the V-Stream is over the Aeroflow I prefer the V-Stream because of all the other advantages over the Aeroflow...plus, the V-Stream looks a lot better on the bike!
I know helmets can make a difference as far as noise is concerned. I ride with a Shark Evoline 2 modular helmet and wonder if a Shoei or Schuberth helmet would make a difference in reducing the wind noise while riding highway speeds. Anyway, I've got the V-Stream on the bike and it will stay there until something better comes along and the Aeroflow will stay in the garage and be there in case something happens to the V-Stream.
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I've ended up going back to the V-Stream. The Aeroflow is quieter than the V-Stream but the V-Stream is much more "aerodynamic". I get better fuel economy with the V-Stream and confirmed that by testing the 2 over a period of time riding the same route, same conditions (I'm in SO Cal so conditions are usually warm and sunny and they don't change), with the same amount of fuel in the tank each time. I'd ride with one windshield for a couple of tanks of fuel and run until I was just about empty then I would switch the windscreens and do it again. I could get to 200 miles on a tank with the Aeroflow but not much over that (maybe 210). I was able to stretch out 235 miles with the V-Stream and could have gone to 245 but it would have been close.
:goodpost:
Thanks. Good info with actual testing. Nice!
I have been undecided between those same 2 windshields, I'm going to try the V-Stream.
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For info, I'm 6'2 with a long torso so I sit tall on the bike. Someone that sits lower will enjoy the benefits of less noise and the better fuel economy of the V-Stream!
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Since I'm 5-10 with long legs, this is getting better all the time. :banana
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Haha...the V-Stream should fit you perfectly! It's a really well made windscreen...you should be really happy with it!
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I always ride with ear plugs, as my hearing is totally shot (pun intended). I've found the relationship between screen height, and visor opening on my modular FF helmets make the biggest difference in wind noise. Less noise with helmet visor open, than partially/completely closed.
Isn't the C14 designed to travel faster than the sound of the wind, or is that the ZX14R, and it's double bubble?????
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I'm looking to buy a windshield and would like to hear comments from people who have different makes. I'm 6'-0" and am leaning towards the V-Screen. Any comments would be useful?
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I'm 6' even also and love my C Baileys Ultra Tour Domed.
And BTW: WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!
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did the "try the shields for free" and definitely liked the Cee Bailey Ultra domed Tour as well. I am 5'11" and it works very well. Cuts down the roar of the stock shield.
Forgot to say that I liked it so I bought one from CB.
Jim
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I'm 6'1 with a 34" inseam. I sit tall on the bike so here's my "take" on windscreens so far;
1. Stock Windscreen - Hated it...might as well ride without it!
2. VStream - Loved it! Loved the look, it's solid, least amount of drag from a windscreen, but as my seating position changed to a more "upright" position the windscreen became too noisy for my liking.
3. Aeroflow - I like the coverage and the quietness of the Aeroflow BUT it moves ALL OVER the place (I can best describe it as "flopping around" on the mounts) while riding and I don't like that at all! Plus, too much backpressure when the windscreen was raised all the way into the "up" position.
4. CalSci - Bought the CalSci XL Standard and rode with it. It was "okay" but it was too narrow and didn't look right to me and was a little on the noisy side. I switched it out for the CalSci XL Wide and that's what I am currently riding with. It is very close to the Aeroflow in how it protects, handles wind noise very well and it's solid like the VStream (doesn't flop around while riding like the Aeroflow did). Also, the CalSci windscreens have "vents" cut into them eliminating backpressure...nice feature!
So, for me it's the CalSci XL Wide. It's a nice windscreen and the customer service for the windscreen is great!
That's my "2 cents worth"!