BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

First of all I want to thank everybody for the great discussion forum on the 1150R. It was very helpful in my decision to get my beautiful 2002 R (black, not my ultra favorite color but that's a different topic)
Two questions and the first two major issues for a new (but not young) rider: 1) Wind noise and buffeting. I wear an Arai helmet and the the R came with a Givi screen. Would a bigger screen cure both noise and buffeting? What would be your ideas. I did read very carefully the very recent thread and like the combination of a screen with some kind of moveable lip.
Also, on the noise issue, I was told that the Arai's are not the quitest helmets. If correct which one would you suggest.

Many thanks

I have the Givi screen as well, and not overly excited about it.
I am 5ft11", so depends on your height too.
I wear a Shoe helmet, RF900. not too bad for noise.
Some people say going back to the BMW fly screen lowers the noise, but I think it is hard to get 2 people the same with the noise issue.

Agreed - it's massively subjective, and can be an expensive pastime finding a combination that works for you.

I've tried a huge Kappa touring screen, the tiny BMW speedster screen, but have now settled on the MRA Vario as being the best all-round compromise for me.

Helmets are equally problematic, but a long-running thread on the UK owners club site suggested Schuberth as the quietest brand - Arais seem to have quite a few more vents in them than other brands. YMMV.

A good fitting helmet & good earplugs are probably the best investments.

If you want to get rid of the buffeting, get rid of the screen all together, or buy an RT. I wore an Arai helmet for years and finally bought another brand - they were both noisey - wear earplugs, they make a HUGE difference!

I have a 2004 1150R and I am 6' tall. I bought the bike with the BMW touring screen. I did not like the results of the BMW screen so after some research I ended up buying the Aeroflow Touring screen with the tank wings. This set up is a little more expensive the some of the other options but for my style of riding (I do not ride too aggressively!!) I am very happy with the choice I made (and money I spent). The website is:

http://www.aeroflowscreens.com

FYI, I have yet to install the Tank Wings but will probably do so in the next month due to winter weather around the corner...

I found the quietest ride was with NO screen and the BMW Integral helmet.

Earplugs are mandatory to preserve what little hearing remains (before you can be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid!).

Currently, I have Givi A750 fitted - I find this provides sufficient protection (for a naked bike!) and don't notice any buffeting.

Oh, 5'11".

Vyzas..............before you remove the Givi screen change the angle of attack to a slightly more vertical position. Regarding then Arai helmet I can't help you, since I have never worn one, but before you put out for a new helmet I would consider trying, as sugested in one of the posts above, a good set of earplugs. Cruising above 75 mph without a screen is not a very pleasant experience......

It would be nice if you can solve both yoiur complaints for under $10...

boxermania wrote:Cruising above 75 mph without a screen is not a very pleasant experience......

Yeah, but you'll build some strong neck and shoulder muscles!

Wind noise from screens has too many variables for anyone to give you a definitive answer. Height would be the single biggest variable but your seat height, whether or not you have bar-backs enter into the equation also.

Try to see if anyone about your height and bike set up replys.

I use Arai helmets because of the fit. As everyone said, try earplugs first. Any helmet will seem noisier without them! I use the little Speedster screen in warmer weather and the Sport Sheild when it turns cold. Speedster is quieter.

What woeked for Boxermanai worked for me. Ear plugs and raising the screen angle. You may not need to raise the screen angle by very much, 1/4 inch did it for me. No more buffitting! Ride safe and welcome.

Thanks to all. Will try playing with the Givi screen before getting rid of it and have ordered ear plugs already!
Riding in SW CT has been spectacular the last few days!
Plus, no surging anymore!!! I decided that after 600 miles ar so I became a smooth rider rather than the other way around: 3,xxx miles going to 5,000 fast and safe!

IMHO the only cure for wind noise and buffeting on the 1150R is to get a Hannigan Fairing or another bike. The Hannigan is very ugly so I wouldn't really consider that an option. I rode my 1150r for two years and never found the right combo of screen and seat. I now ride a K1200RS with the GT screen. Perfect.

I have a Schuberth and while it has some nice features I have been very disappointed with its noise levels bearing in mind it is supposed to be the quietest around. I have to say I didn't notice much difference from my Shoei. Still need to wear earplugs on any longish journey where speeds are above 50mph.

GJBushman wrote:IMHO the only cure for wind noise and buffeting on the 1150R is to get a Hannigan Fairing or another bike. The Hannigan is very ugly so I wouldn't really consider that an option. I rode my 1150r for two years and never found the right combo of screen and seat. I now ride a K1200RS with the GT screen. Perfect.

Jamie, I disagree with you On my bike with the Parabellum Scout wind noise is reasonable and most important, there is NO buffeting! It took me a bit to play with fairing angles, but long distances are not more tiring, may be even less, than they were on my R1100RT!

After much research I went with the Aeroflow full touring.
It's getting cold here in Boston and as I ride year round
I need something for the winter. I will take this off for
the summer though, I really like the full blast of wind.

Jamie, I disagree with you On my bike with the Parabellum Scout wind noise is reasonable and most important, there is NO buffeting! It took me a bit to play with fairing angles, but long distances are not more tiring, may be even less, than they were on my R1100RT!

Paul - The Scout does offer a lot of protection. I think the best looking fairing on the Roadster that I have seen is the Fallert. I'm not sure what kind of wind protection is offers, though. I think the Roadster looks best naked. However, it can be made into decent touring machine as you have done.

I believe that the Arai tends to be (a tad) noisy cos' of the many vents. The usual thing, advantage of more airflow v disadvantage of wind noise trade off.

Cheers

Cat

Short of an RT or LT the Aeroflow Touring screen and wings is the way to go. I love Nolan flipup helmets, but my Vega is a lot quieter and cheaper. I held off installing the wings for a while, mainly for aestetic reasons, but once installed they provide a quiet air zone from your waist to your shoulders

I have a Cee Bailey. I did not choose it but was on the bike when I purchased it just a few days shy of a year ago. So I have little to compare to. I am short, 5'5 but my head and vision is well above the screen. I really don't think I have any trouble with buffeting.

As for helmet, yep, they are all loud. I have a Shoei and it is better than the others I've had, but the custom ear plugs were the best investment for quiet as well as pure pleasure. Mine go directly to my I-pod or autocom. I don't think about noise any longer with music in my head.

Years ago when I had little ones in the house I said the two things that I could not do with our were a VCR and a microwave

...now it is heated gear and custom ear plugs.

enjoy your new bike and don't worry about the color....black is well documented as a fast color!

I started with BMW Sport Screen but did not like it at all.
BMW Touring Screen gave me better protection but the wind noise was too much to handle.
Aeroflow Touring Screen with the tank wings did the job for me.
No more buffering and no more ear plugs. Now I can smoke behind that Screen
I think that Aeroflow Screen is double the price of BMW Touring Screen.
But at the end, you get what you paid for