<snipped the exciting box story>
The Shields
I found all three to be at least slightly better than my medium size CalSci shield for my biggest problem which is back pressure
pushing my head forward and down when the shield is up. However all three inhibit airflow too much when down for me to want one
for riding here in Texas. When raised all the way up (I'm looking through not over the screens) the Aeroflow was the
best. The Aeroflow also was the one that wobbled the most at speed (75mph). When I lowered all to about the height that
I liked (I could just see over the top and down the road about 100 ft.) only the Aeroflow had a significant improvement
over my current CalSci medium. Slight back pressure was still there but maybe only about 25% of what mine currently produces.
Overall the CalSci looked the best on the bike (good lines IMHO). The Cee Bailey looks the best made by itself, nice thick polished edges. The Aeroflow performed the best, but looked the goofiest. My conclusion is that right now if I were to lay out the money and try a new shield I'd try an Aeroflow medium. Seeing how the Aeroflow performed and how it is shaped (it's curved at the lower front like an air scoop) I'm thinking of trying some more modification to my stock '10 shield before I outlay any more money.
The AeroFlow had etched or scratch lines (center lines crossed) at each hole and a few up the center of the screen> Is that the way they come from AeroFlow or has someone along the line (perhaps the original donor) made these marks???
AeroFlows aren't cheap and I would not be happy if I bought one new and it had these lines in it.
I'm 5' 6.5" with a 32" inseam (that's the size jeans I wear anyway), and you may wonder why I wanted to try the large shields.
I was happy with both my stock shield and my CalSci medium in the lowered position but in the raised position both had too much
back force on my head. I thought I could try the large screens in the partially raised position to simulate a medium shield. I wanted
to try an AeroFlow more than a VStream so I went with the large group. I hope that made sense, it obviously did to me.
The AeroFlow had etched or scratch lines (center lines crossed) at each hole and a few up the center of the screen> Is that the way they come from AeroFlow or has someone along the line (perhaps the original donor) made these marks???
AeroFlows aren't cheap and I would not be happy if I bought one new and it had these lines in it.
The Aeroflow you got was the final prototype. It is hand formed so the registration marks won't be there on a production screen.
Jose Soriano
Looking forward to trying out the mediums. Depending on how that goes I might remove myself from the large list.
You can cure the backpressure issue by drilling holes in the shield of your choice. You could also get creative and cut notches, an inverted 'T' shape, whatever. Blkbird (Dave) has done this successfully and he may chime in here.
Brian
The picture attached was taken after my first 1000 mile trip with the bike to Fl. back in Spring of 09', you can see the holes drilled in the shield, made with a 1" forstner bit, I later connected two of the holes on each side to give me just a little more air in front. The shield is now entirely neutral but without the holes would have been useless to me as it was putting too much pressure on my hands.
Dave
Thanks Dave (and Brian). I've already cut a CalSci type hole in my stock shield and it helped, but not as much as I'd hoped.
After seeing a big improvement with back pressure using the AeroFlow I may put some holes like yours lower on
the shield and maybe even put an air scoop over them to increase flow. Still one has to wonder where this ends.
I mean how many holes am I going to need to get rid of back pressure before it's like having no windshield at all.
I haven't given up yet, but I may end having a removable chin rest installed for when I need the screen in the full up position.
edit: By the way Dave, nice job on the holes, looks pro.
I am really surprised because I am using a rather tall windshield combination (approaching 10+ over stock) and suffer no back pressure. The vent or relief hole is the stock 'T' shape that CalSci cuts into their 'shields. I can give it a quick measure (easy boys!) and let you know roughly what the opening area is. I would think 3 or more 1" or larger holes on each side of the windshield would go a long, if not all, the way to stopping that vacuum on the backside of the 'shield.
Maybe this is really a KiPass problem? What side do you carry your fob on....
Brian
Sent off the medium set to firehawk this morning, sorry it took so long. I really liked the Cee Bailey and didn't want to take it off!
Great opportunity to try some different screens! I currently have the largest Cee Bailey that they make which is way to big for me. It is about 4 inches talker than the medium. I plan to cut about 3 inches off and see how that goes, Maybe cut off another inch?? If I screw it up I will definitely buy the Cee Bailey medium.
Hi Fiirehawk - I also live in Marysville, WA... and I just picked my 2012 up last week from our local Smokey Point dealer. I'd be happy to share sipping costs or whatever with you.
Thanks!
-Eric
Cant wait to to give them a try!