Windshields?

Anyone seen any threads on do-it-yourself windshields for R²? Or maybe you've made one yourself. All the bar mounted commercial ones I've seen so far look somewhat tacked, and since money is tight I was thinking about making my own and am not adverse to borrowing ideas. A windshield would make dealing with Chicago winters easier.

Thanks

There was someone one ADV or TT who used one that was meant for a KLR650. It didn't look bad for something not meant for the bike.

These guys carry screens for DS bikes. Bolts to the handlebars.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/349/

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/

Fabricated mine from a sheet of .093" acrylic... I kept it small so the bike will still fit in my van.

That's the sort of thing I was think about, but a bit higher. How much does yours reduce windblast and do you think the stock headlight shroud would flex too much with a bit higher windshield?

Keep in mind this is an early prototype. I have refined the design a couple of times since. The latest version is almost an inch taller and about two inches wider. I have yet to bolt it on, but the smaller windscreen shown doesn't flex the headlight shroud a bit. I don't expect a slightly larger one would either, but if I make it any bigger than that it will probably need bracing.

The design shown reduces the wind considerably up to about 60-65 mph indicated. After that the effect is negligible. I expect the larger design will be better, and better still with handguards on the bike. I'll still get plenty of wind, but it should reduce wind fatigue enough to make 2-3 hour runs to the trails at highway speeds much more manageable.

Goggles Pisano wrote:

..., but it should reduce wind fatigue enough to make 2-3 hour runs to the trails at highway speeds much more manageable.

Dude that sucks. I complain about my 45 min to an hour ride to the trails. If I have to go any further then that this summer, I'll be borrowing a trailer. (i complain because it just eats up the tires.)

I just fitted my roomie's Slipstreamer Spitfire to mine, only took a few minutes to get the whole she-bang configured and tightened up. From here on out, it will only take seconds to remove or replace - now that the bar mounts are "semi-permanently" attached.

Took some messy garage pics, will try to get out and ride tomorrow to fine-tune the height and angle, then give a review and post some pics.

Got out to take some pics of a Slipstream Spitfire (sometimes called "Model S-06") on my WRR:















It's VERY windy here today, but I took it for an interstate ride anyway. Compared to no screen, wind blast to my chest was significantly reduced; highway speeds were much more enjoyable. Usually I cruise at 70, not for the bike's sake but for mine! With the shield, I found myself creeping up to 75-80 more than once (stock gearing and flapper mod).

I didn't see much need to move it around/tweak it that much; leaned back as is worked really well. I might even drop it a bit to see how that feels. The best part about it is that it removes or installs in a few seconds - put it on for backroads exploring, commuting or long trips; and pop it right off for serious dirt!

Definitely a worthwhile and relatively inexpensive mod, these pop up on ebay, discount and close-outs for well under the $85 retail.

Nice option for those early spring and late autumn days. Do you have a link where to buy?

Nice Rumble wrote:

Nice option for those early spring and late autumn days. Do you have a link where to buy?

Just GOOGLE it- should come up with zillions of options...

FWIW, based on my experience w/ my room-mate's Slipstreamer Spitfire, I'm going to try the similarly sized National Cycle Deflector DX. The difference is that the NC shield has what appears to be an easier to use tool-less quick-release and adjust system, and you can tilt the shield right where the support arms attach to the shield itself (also w/ tools).

I just scored one on ebay for $58 shipped

BPG - any pics of the Slipstramer on your WR?

rcniss wrote:

BPG - any pics of the Slipstramer on your WR?

Unless you meant to type "National Cycle Deflector"; I posted 7 pics of the Slipstreamer a few posts back...

Im hoping I can find a sweet windshield like this one I saw at Lowe's on a Suzuki.

while your at it, try and get the part numbers for those 2% hand guards

I always knew those 4L milk jugs would come in handy for stuff besides flotation devices....

Any review on the National Cycle Deflector yet?

Unless you meant to type "National Cycle Deflector"; I posted 7 pics of the Slipstreamer a few posts back...

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sendkcone wrote:

Any review on the National Cycle Deflector yet?

I never used it - the hardware for attaching to the bar was too bulky. Might end up just getting a Slipstreamer for myself (the one I had pictured was actually my roommate's Slipstreamer); or making a custom quick-detach jobbie out of a piece of acrylic.

I put a Turbo City windshield on my XR650L after trying a National Cycle Spit Fire windshield first. I never could get the Spit Fire to work. It was very noisy to ride behind and caused a lot of buffeting. I shortened it two inches and angled it every way possible, no dice!

The Turbo City on the XRL, although expensive at $200.00, worked as advertised. You could cruise right along in reletive comfort.

I have the XRL up for sale now but will keep the Turbo City windshield from it and plan to buy WRR brackets ($59.00) to install it on my WRR for longer distances on slab. The Turbo City windshield can be taken off in about two minutes for more serious dirt riding.

http://www.turbocity.com/popup_image.php?pID=756

AK

Just got a Laminar Lip for my R² (the older KLR model)--too lazy to bend and cut my own lexan. I'll post up some pics when I get it installed.

Please do, I'm seriously considering one for my X.

-Skip

malibu_dan wrote:

Just got a Laminar Lip for my R² (the older KLR model)--too lazy to bend and cut my own lexan. I'll post up some pics when I get it installed.

Just wanted to post up a "Thank You" to BPG for the Harbor Freight windshield. Had mine for about 1500 miles now, can't believe how well it works. Thanks again!!

Sarah

not bad for under $10, is it?

I ran a few conventional "universal shields" (National Cycle Deflector and Slipstreamer Spitfire) before this. They only blocked the wind a little better, and were a hassle to take off an re-mount based on riding conditions. This rig rocks because it's ALWAYS there, which is great on cold days when you go from trail to road to trail to road, etc.. And, it's almost un-killable...