Ride Review - Laminar Lip on Parabellum Windshield

[snelson200]

tt

[chibbert]

Steve - I find this very informative and helpful - KEEP POSTING!!!

[tlwood28]

First Steve, I am delighted you found a solution that works so well for you. Hopefully this will put an end to you talking about other bike purchases. K1200LT?

Now to clarify, I think in your many posts on this forum, or in our off forum discussions, I thought you said you like to look through, as opposed to over, the windscreen. If so, your experience may be different from those of us who prefer to look over the screen.

You have me wondering whether I should re-install the touring screen with this laminar lip, and also add the Aeroflow tank wings. Trouble is I'm kind of worn out throwing money at this issue.


Tom W.

[snelson200]

tt

[tlwood28]

Thanks Steve.

FWIW, I have found that for short rides, the absolute, no question best approach is no shield at all. No buffeting, no turbulence, no noise. Unfortunately BMW didn't think to make and easy on and off windscreen option (although it can be removed at the shield relatively easily, leaving the support braces in place).

On a longer ride, the full blast of the wind can be wearing, hence, back at the windscreen issue. Also the gauges are chrome plated plastic, and I would think that would start to wear over time. So I guess I'm back to the shield...

Searching on hear, the lip gets mixed reviews; some love it, some don't. Looks like Laminar will give me 30 days to try it out. Might just have to do that.

Thanks as always Steve.

Tom W.

[nonskid]

I had some bad buffeting with my BMW Touring Screen too. I wear an Arai Quantum II helmit. It drove me crazy. I tried to change the angle of the screen with spacers but that didn't work out. I installed a Laminar Lip and it made a difference I can live with. There is still a bit of buffeting but not bad.

[tlwood28]

Well I just took the "Nelson Challenge" and bought the Laminar Lip for the touring screen. I received it Thursday night, right before taking off for a 750 mile run to the Hill Country. The instructions say to tape the shield in place and drive around with it in various heights to see what works best for you before installing the shield with the dual locks. I didn't have time for that so picked a level and went with it. Worrying about my decision took about 30 minutes. Installation took about 30 seconds.

The Lip is well made, well finished, and becomes one with the shield when installed (no separate vibration, etc.). It can be removed and reinstalled apparently, although I haven't paid much attention to that possibility at this point (and frankly, don't see the need). Aesthetically, I wasn't too happy with the touring screen, and I would say the Laminar Lip neither hurts or improves the look. In use, all buffeting was gone up to speeds of 80 mph (I didn't go beyond 80 on the trip). Plenty of "clean" wind noise, but none of the "battering back and forth" feel I use to have. I always use ear plugs, but forget them one short trip. The noise was tolerable, if not quite comfortable without the plugs. With plugs, I was very happy. I run with an Engage tank bag always installed and didn't have a chance to try the shield without it. If it changes anything I will let everyone know. Steve mentions in his first post that the air is routed above the helmet. I don't know about that. I can say I had plenty of bug hits in my visor (unlike Steve, I look over the shield).

In sum, the Laminar Lip has worked out very well for me (better for me than nonskid apparently). I would say it is definitely a good purchase, and I highly recommend it for people dissatisfied with the BMW touring screen due to buffeting.

Tom W.