BMW 380 Windscreen vs Sports Bubble

[sloopy_farklehump]

It's time to breakdown and buy a windshield. I have a couple of longer trips coming up and highway speeds (65 mph+) are just too tough on my neck.

After reading oodles of posts, I've narrowed my choices down to the 380 and sport shields (perhaps with a lip). Which one is least likely to cause helmet buffeting?

Thanks

[klrstix]

I am 6' tall and had the BMW touring screen. Did not like it at all!! After much research I ended up buying a screen from the following website:

aeroflowscreens.com

I have been extremely pleased with the decision and money spent.

[gregor]

Not seen either of those screens. Even the sports one looks pretty chunky.
I've got an MRA screen for Naked Bikes. It's a two piece but a bit narrower than the ones a bove. All buffeting and wind pressure has gone with careful adjustment. BUT the wind noise is still bad , even with ear plugs.

[johno]

I had the speedster screen on mine, and just fitted a Givi screen.
Went for a 200klm ride on the weekend, and definitely better than the speedster. Less pressure on your neck at above legal speeds.
I was uncomfortable above 115kph(70-75mph), and now can run at 80-90mph no worries.

[darcym]

I'd like to get the High Windshield, but it's really comparatively expensive to all the other shields I've looked at (thank you BMW). The high windshield has had a really rave review here for it's stability and looks, and from someone close to my height (I'm 5' 7"), which makes it very tempting. I just contacted the folks at Laminar Lip, and they do not yet have a LIP accessory for it, so if you need another 3 " of height you're SOL - unless there's something from another vendor.

I'm also looking at the Cee Bailey, available in a 14 " and 19.5" height. It's economical and I've heard some good comments on it.

Of the smaller shields, the Givi looks pretty good and comparabe to the BMW sport shield and reasonably priced. Actually I think it looks better than the sport shield if you have a bike that matches it in color (black or silver). You can get a LIP for the sport shield, not sure about the GIVI yet though. I like this option for versatility, and the LIP ones seem to integrate better with the windscreens than the SAENG or other models I've seen.

I currently have the speedster screen and it's pretty worthless if you're looking for comfort at highway speeds or for the long haul. It's ok for toodling around town.

[munchmeister]

I am getting the BMW Sport Screen next week sometime, replacing the small fly screen which is essentially no wind protection at all. Once installed, I'll be giving it the test on my 50 mile commute to work on I-25. Stay tuned !!

[queenpdog]

I generally use the sport screen with the laminar lip. This is the setup that I like the most. I also have the speedster screen that I got here used. It didn't stay on the bike long. I had to work way too hard in the wind. Here's my setup.

[johno]

Darcym, I am 5'11", and find the Givi good, so at your height you should find it OK.
It all depends on how much protection you want-buy an RT if you want cosy comfort.
On another subject, Queenpdog, how much hassle to fit the GS hand guards? I am keen to fit a set.

[Biff's R]

I have the sport shield, and had the touring shieeld. The Sport has less buffeting, and has been an improvement over the touring.

I hav eheard good things about the 380 mm shield, but I have never used it. It seems to have a more solid mounting system.

I am 5'10".

[queenpdog]

On another subject, Queenpdog, how much hassle to fit the GS hand guards? I am keen to fit a set.

The install is pretty straight forward. I had to shave a little off of the left guard with a dremel tool to keep it from interfering with the ....... thingy. I'm drawing a blank on what it is called. The lever for cold starting to inclrease idle speed.
One note, be careful about loosening the cables to move things around (typical activity for folks who have installed these). I ended up getting air in my clutch line and had to bleed the clutch. For many, the install has been much easier, for some much harder. Depends on how bike was assembled, I think.

[jfbarron]

Okay....maybe not the reply that you were hoping for but here goes!

I actually have the 380mm tall screen, BMW p/n 71 60 7 686 761. It came with my bike and the bike also has the low seat.

I am 5'-11" tall. Here is the results...

Most of the wind pressure on your chest is alleviated compared to a bare bike. The buffetting when you are sitting completely upright is pretty bad.
The turbulence is noisy in that position. I don't think that it is just the helmet.

It has very little effect on the steering in windy conditions. A strong crosswind will beat the crap out of you at high sppeds.

However, if you can get into a floating, leaning crouch behind it there is a sweet spot that works well. Even rain is not an issue. Great protection from bugs and other stuff at 160 KPH.

There is a nice iridescent blue glow from the windshield edges when the lights are on at night. It seems fairly scratch proof also-must be a very tough yet flexible plastic.

There is a lot to be said for genuine BMW parts. Remember, these guys have their own wind tunnel and those are not cheap.

Overall I am glad it is on the bike.

[Biff's R]

jfbarron thanks for the report.

That makes me think that the only other 2 options for a more quiet ride are the flyscreen, or the Cee Bailey's.

The plastic will scratch if you wreck, and the shield slides in limestone but it did not break.

[frbank6]

I also have the 380mm shield. I have enjoyed it; it is really well made and mounts much more securely than the others I've tried. I've also had the Touring Screen(terrible), and the Parabellum Tall shield. I have to say the Parabellum was hands down the quietest, but it developed a crack at the mounting hole on one side and you can't say it adds much to the looks of the bike. But if you gauge performance in terms of sound and lack of turbulence, it was the best. For me, the 380 has been the best comprimise.(6'1") One bit of wisdom I remember from the Parabellum site might be of help. They said the most common mistake in getting a shield was ordering one too short. I think mine was 23".

[mcollect]

I tried the sport, all the wind on my shoulders. Then I found a demo Cee Bailey and went with that. It is perfect for me 5'9". the wind is on my nose, shoulders are protected, very little noise and no buffetting. By the way I tried various washers to adjust the angle,2 small rubber washers under the top mounting screws was just right. I haven't had it above 95 yet so I'll let you know how it is there, maybe.

[12bar1]

I tried several setups and found the sport screen with the laminar lip and a pair of aeroflow tank wings is perfect for me (5'11"). I think the tank wings were the single biggest improvement in air management. The next major improvement was when I went to an Arai RX7 Corsair helmet it just feels like it is more aerodynamic than my Shoei RF1000 or Scorpion EXO 700.

[mnnden]

I generally use the sport screen with the laminar lip. This is the setup that I like the most. I also have the speedster screen that I got here used. It didn't stay on the bike long. I had to work way too hard in the wind. Here's my setup.

queenpdog, great looking bike, I also like the GS hand guards, did you have to order them or go through one of the local dealers? Den

[frozennorth]

I have the 380 and am 5' 10" I went from the sport screen. Takes the pressure off your chest but there is some helmet buffeting. I tried a Parabellum and liked it a little better, but didn't like the look of it as much as the 380. The mounting hardware is bulletproof, but don't try to install it without a set of ball-end hex wrenches. One last comment, the mounting hardware puts pressure on the wiring, so it's a good idea to wrap some conduit around the wires going to the instrument cluster to protect them. Screen is solid, but doesn't do everything . . . then again . . . what does

[ASQTec]

During the winter of 2003 and spring of 2004, I purchased many a windshield only to end up selling them on eBay for way less than I paid. I wasn't looking to turn my R into an RT. I just wanted a windshield that worked. Thanks to this site, and some R owners who have seemingly disappeared into motorcycle anonymity, I was directed to Parabellum and Laminar Lip.

After 2 1/2 years and 15000 miles, I finally busted my 23" Parabellum Super Tour shield due to a spill on a dirt / gravel road that I should never have been on. The Laminar Lip was unscathed.

Althought the Aeroflow R1150R Half Fairing looks interesting at twice the price, I'll be on the phone with Parabellum Monday morning with credit card in hand to order another 23" Super Tour shield.

[NHighCotton]

Just curious since we be talking shields,

Does the BMW touring shield use the same brackets as the Sport shield??

I'm 5'7" and recently installed the sport shield/bubble, I didn't notice that much difference with it. It knocks off some pressure from my chest and the wind hits me about eyebrow level. I like to ride with my faceshield up in this heat but, this shield still causes too much wind pressure at 70 than I like.

I'll be looking for something else by winter for sure.

[darcym]

I think I'm going to get the MRA Vario windshield. I like the fact that it uses the same mounting hardware as the flyscreen that I already have. That means I can keep the flyscreen if I want to have it just for tooling around town, and use the MRA for touring/freeway riding. I also like that the Vario has adjustability with the laminar flow type lip.

(I did a longish stint on the freeway today in light rain, and the flyscreen was pretty useless, and I didn't like the head buffeting and wind noise)

I had an MRA Windscreen on a sport faired bike, so I'm confident of the quality. Plus the cost is less than half of what it cost for the 380 mm high screen.