R 1200R Newbie - Windshield Question

[KYRider]

After selling my '05 RT this weekend I am about ready to pull the trigger on a black R 1200 R. My goal is to move to something lighter (with less tupperware) that is as versitle as a commuter as it on trips. I know I will be losing some of the creature comforts of the RT (coverage/cruise etc) but shedding the weight is the trade off.

Here is my question: Seems that BMW offers a short flyscreen and a taller windshield. Should I opt for the taller windshied or go with an aftermarket VStream configuration. Any experiences with the taller BMW shield of VStream?

Thanks in Advance for the reply! I am sure I will have more if I pull the trigger and add nore to the bike.

[bobelliot]

I had the OEM Sport Shield, the OEM Touring Shield and a 20" Cee Baileys. They were all great for different purposes. Around town, highway, and longer trips in that order. Now that I've traded the bike on an '08 GS the Sport Shield is available and listed in the Buy, Sell, Trade section of the forum if you're interested in starting your collection.
Bob

[famousperson]

I have the BMW tall screen and like it fine. The air hits me at chest height. There is no buffeting.

[LeonardoNYC]

this has been discussed often on here. If you do a search for wind screens, C bailey, etc etc you will find a plethora of information..most by Don Eilenberger who's also got some good pics on his site too at http://www.eilenberger.net/R1200R_Roads ... Rindex.htm

I'd stay away from the sport shield though.most reviews are not so positive.

[NCGS]

I have BMW's "tall" screen that I'm going to sell. It has less than 50 miles on it.

You'd have to buy the mount (which you have to buy separately anyway) - let me check and see what I paid for it. I'll make you (or anyone else for that matter) a deal. I have no use for it since I picked up my 20" Cee Bailey's screen.

[deilenberger]

And ANY advice on a screen is basically flawed if it doesn't include the riders height AND inseam (which gives us a clue where your body/head are in relation to the screen) - also on the R12R - the seat you have (low, normal, abnormally tall.)

It really IS a case of YMMV, depending on the above factors.

[PhilSB]

I have the OEM touring screen, which I thinkis quite small. I find it fine and can cruise 90-100mph in reasonable comfort. I'ma 5ft6in shorta**e with the factory low seat option.

Phil

[ErikM]

PM'ed you on the factory screen

I have BMW's "tall" screen that I'm going to sell. It has less than 50 miles on it.

You'd have to buy the mount (which you have to buy separately anyway) - let me check and see what I paid for it. I'll make you
(or anyone else for that matter) a deal. I have no use for it since I picked up my 20" Cee Bailey's screen.

[famousperson]

As I said, I have the BMW tall screen, the air hits me at chest level and there is no buffeting. I am 6' and have the normal seat. It may or may not make a difference that I have barbacks (thus sitting a tad more upright).

[Caroanbill]

I'm 5'8", short-ish legs (29" sounds about right), have low seat and use BMW Systems 5 helmet (flip-up)

Bracket: Bmw touring
Screens tried: Cee Bailey 16" (about 5,000km), BMW touring (about 2500km), Parabellum 22" (about 4000 km)
Keeping: BMW Touring, Parabellum 22"

The Cee Bailey is the best made screen - thick and well finished. Just too noisy with my System 5. Quiet enough with my System 4 Evo (a larger, smoother helmet). Lacks shoulder protection (narrow at top). Initially, it was my only screen.

BWM Touring is great on short days and around town, when noise is less a factor and I want unobstructed vision. I need to look through the Parabellum 22" at times, which can be disconcerting around town (hi-script spectacles + visor + screen makes for some distortion).

The Parabellum is a large, smooth screen. It seems 'thin' compared to the Cee Bailey or BMW - but it doesn't suffer from that. The smoother, simple curve is very effective - bike accelerates more quickly above 160kmh with this screen than either of the others. It is also wider and keeps more weather off me. I think of it as a good substitute for a fairing - which applies to neither the BMW touring screen nor the Cee Bailey (in any height, I suspect). I also have the Wunderlich "clear protect" foot shields, which work a treat - so I have an 'almost' full fairing (except the gap between the tank and the cylinder).

Using the single bracket makes switching a breeze. Tour? On goes Parabellum. Day ride? BMW touring. If you go with the Vstream, switching is a bigger job.

[celticus]

http://www.fairingscreens.com/Motorcycle_Wix.htm
Check this site out. I have a friend who loves his F-1 screen on his Moto Guzzi. I have talked to the owner on the phone but have not pulled the trigger.
I am one of the few who like their sport screen. I am not much into the looks of a lexan sail on my bike. I'm 5'8" 30 " inseam and riding alot in the summer in the south (Tennessee) I like the wind flow. I have a Givi sceen I will sell at a good price.
Mark

[deilenberger]

http://www.fairingscreens.com/Motorcycle_Wix.htm
Check this site out. I have a friend who loves his F-1 screen on his Moto Guzzi. I have talked to the owner on the phone but have not pulled the trigger.
I am one of the few who like their sport screen. I am not much into the looks of a lexan sail on my bike. I'm 5'8" 30 " inseam and riding alot in the summer in the south (Tennessee) I like the wind flow. I have a Givi sceen I will sell at a good price.
Mark

Mark,

Please pull the trigger.. We need a firsthand report..

[AllanCook]

http://www.fairingscreens.com/Motorcycle_Wix.htm
Check this site out. I have a friend who loves his F-1 screen on his Moto Guzzi. I have talked to the owner on the phone but have not pulled the trigger.
I am one of the few who like their sport screen. I am not much into the looks of a lexan sail on my bike. I'm 5'8" 30 " inseam and riding alot in the summer in the south (Tennessee) I like the wind flow. I have a Givi sceen I will sell at a good price.
Mark

I don't want to sound churlish, but I was put off by their claim that they can "proof" the effectiveness of their windshields. If they can't spell, what else can't they do?

[deilenberger]

I sent an email asking about it - and the reply made me think that English isn't the owner's first language:

Strangely - it came from "Frank Miller"

Hi and Hello Don,

thank you very much for your interest on our F1 Windshields.

All Windshields we manufacture are CUSTOM MADE and available

in the size what will give the best possible performance to the rider.

We do not "stock" any inventory.

Of course I can manufacture you a Windshield.

To do so, I need some more information's about you such as body size,

prefer speed etc.

If you like, you can give me a call at: 941-743-3271

at any time.

Also, you can get much information about us and our Windshield-Designs (Pat.-pending) at: http://www.SpyderWindshields.com or

http://www.FairingScreens.com

Thanks a lot and talk to you soon,

Marcel July

F1- Windshields

If the boss ducks out at lunch tomorrow, I might just give him a call. The shape of the windshield reminds me a lot of a French "fairing-shield" I lusted after back in the '70's for my Norton 850 Commando.. a "Hugon Fairing".. had much the same shape to it.

[celticus]

Frank Miller? I loved "Sin City". No I don't think English is Marcel's first language. I do know that my buddy with the F-1 windshield loves his and recommends it.
Mark

[deilenberger]

Frank Miller? I loved "Sin City". No I don't think English is Marcel's first language. I do know that my buddy with the F-1 windshield loves his and recommends it.
Mark

Mark, any photos of your friends (since the website is a bit short on decent photos..)?

[Lost Rider]

The ZTechnik Z-Screen works very well for me - I'm 5'11"
It puts the air stream about mid-face-shield, no bugs on my shoulders and looks good too...
A nice compromise offering protection from the air pressure on the body for long (500+ mile) days, and still looking OVER the screen and getting plenty of air to keep you cool on hot days.
Oh yeah, and keeping snow off you in the winter.




Personally, I like the looks of the Z mount much more now that I powder-coated it black....

[celticus]

Frank Miller? I loved "Sin City". No I don't think English is Marcel's first language. I do know that my buddy with the F-1 windshield loves his and recommends it.
Mark

Mark, any photos of your friends (since the website is a bit short on decent photos..)?

The only one I've got does not show up well. I have emailed my friend for more.
Mark

[Bill Stevenson]

I have the BMW Tall screen on my bike. I am 5'11" tall, 30" inseam. Also, I am sitting on a Bill Mayer saddle that is higher than standard by an inch or more. Air hits me at mid chest and is clean. No buffeting. I live in South Florida and it is HOT down here, so more air is good as far as I am concerned. If I were riding up north or going on a long trip with lots of daily mileage, I would probably want more protection. As you can see from other posts, there are plenty of options.

Bill

[celticus]

I like my sport screen pretty well but I never in all of my years of riding come home with so many stunned yellow jackets and small bumble bees in my helmet. It is a wonder I have not been stung yet. After the last rally I took my helmet off and found a small bumble bee behind my ear.
Mark