[b94me]

Hello everyone,

Being a new rider, I finally gathered enough courage couple weekends ago, to get on the Los Angeles Freeways. All went well yet I was a little uncomfortable with wind resistance without a shield on my new C50. So last weekend I dished out the 300 some $s and got the C50 OEM windshield, in the hope it will make future freeway riding somewhat more comfortable.

After trying it out I noticed that there is more wind turbulence around my helmet area which seemed bothersome. The windshield adjusts up/down by about an inch, and I tried both positions. In the low position, I am looking over the windshield but with more helmet air turbulence. In the high position, I am looking mostly through it with less turbulence (turbulence not completely gone) but have to slouch a little.

I read a couple threads on this forum that seemed to suggest that the proper rider position is to look over the screen, not through it. Also, that having "lowers" installed may help reduce helmet turbulence.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on:
- what is the proper riding position with respect to the windshield (look over it or through it)?
- is more turbulence expected or did I get the wrong windshield for my height (I am 6'1)?
- Do lowers (or anything else for that matter) really help with the helmet air turbulence?

One final thought, I don't mind the air itself since most of the time it's hot here and you get more of a cooling effect that way, but I cant stand the noise and the vibrations.

 

[cah6002]

C50 Windshield

Hello!

I'm 5' 10" and have a 21" Memphis Shades on my C50. I want my shield to provide maximum wind protection. With the 21" shield, in a relaxed, normal riding position, I look through the shield and get very little wind. You want to be able to see over the shield in bad weather or if your vision becomes impaired through the shield. In a straight-up riding posture, I can see over the top of the shield.

Lowers make a big difference. You get almost no head tubulence and a much smoother riding experience. If you are going to log alot of highway miles, I would definetly recommend the lowers.

I've found the absolute lowest prices at www.mawonline.com.

Hope this helps!

 

[St0nkingByte]

The general rule of thumb is to have the top of the windshield about even with the rider's nose as he sits in his normal position on the bike. However I've found with my cheap 17" aftermarket windshield that if I get the right angle on it I can get the wind to go basically over my head completely even though it is very short. When I had it perfectly parallel to the forks the buffeting was terrible.

 

[c50tiger]

'Byte calls it right... you should be able to see over the top, not look through (although I tend to slouch a bit and end up looking through quite a lot). Lowers should help, although I've never bothered with them.

One thing you didn't ask about but mentioned... invest in some good ear plugs. Especially if your riding the highways quite a bit. Even if you get your windshield and lowers set up to cut down the turbulence, you're still gonna be subjecting your ears to a lot of engine and wind noise - enough to cause damage over the long haul. A good set will not impede your hearing so as to block out all noise (you do want to hear those horns, sirens, and approaching 18-wheelers, but will mitigate the constant drone noises.

 

[Pinhy]

oooooh...he used a fancy word "mitigate"

:lol:

 

[c50tiger]

;-) Sorry... I had to use big words for work today and can't seem to stop

 

[md2lgyk]

Aah, a fellow sesquipedalian.

 

[bat4255]

I look over to top as well.
Can you adjust the angle a bit?
As StOnkinByte Noted: Tilting it forward or back (changing the angle) may make a difference.

 

[Pinhy]

how about a Corbin deflector? supposed to stay low out of visual range and still push the air over your head...but look svery different than a standard shield

 

[c50tiger]

I look over to top as well.
Can you adjust the angle a bit?
As StOnkinByte Noted: Tilting it forward or back (changing the angle) may make a difference.

Downside to the OEM windshield - no rake adjustment. :-|

 

[bat4255]

Downside to the OEM windshield - no rake adjustment. :-|

There isn't any on the Burgman either. However I did manage to shim under the the top mounting bracket, and, under the top holes under the windshield, (to push it out a bit) using rubber hose washers. You may be able to use some stainless steel washers to do the same. It may only take an 1/8" - 1/4" to do the job.

 

[b94me]

There isn't any on the Burgman either. However I did manage to shim under the the top mounting bracket, and, under the top holes under the windshield, (to push it out a bit) using rubber hose washers. You may be able to use some stainless steel washers to do the same. It may only take an 1/8" - 1/4" to do the job.

Thanks for the suggestion. Definetly worth a try. Although getting to the bracket on the OEM installation is such a pain. Have to remove the turn signals and headlight cover. Having installed it myself, at least now I know how. I will try it.

If that doesn't work, do you think I should even consider shortening the windshield by cutting it? How does one cut a windshield?

 

[bat4255]

Yes you can cut a windshield down using a jig saw. Handle it like any other plexiglass product, and mask off the area to reduce chipping and scratching. Do this only as a last resort. You can't put it back.
I would try sloping it back farther 1st, to lower it.