To screen or not to screen

[Capo]

So, yesterday was 'wake up the fleet' day...60 degrees, sunny with moderate winds. Lots of chain tightening and lubing, tires filled, gas and oil topped off, this and that. I rode three bikes back to back to back over the same basic loop. The CB1100, Kaw ZRX1200R, and Triumph Daytona 650 (for sale soon, btw, if anyone is interested.

Cutting to the chase, the CB with the Dart flyscreen was by far the noisiest with the most helmet buffeting. The modest nose fairing on the ZRX provided silent, smooth air...a far more comfortable riding experience, at least for my noggin, which took me by surprise. The Daytona, fully faired and committed riding position, was smooth as well. But the diff between the ZRX and CB was marked and led me to the conclusion that the Dart is a detriment.

I'm going to ride it again without the Dart to see what a difference it makes. But now I'm thinking a nose fairing would be the answer for the CB. Or just go naked.

[redbirds_imp]

Everyone perceives buffeting differently, a lot to do with height, arm length, etc. The Puig + seems, to me anyway, to offer a good compromise between buffeting and getting the wind pressure off the chest. Takes less than a minute to remove also and leaves no brackets.

A "bikini" style fairing might be better.

Love that Kawasaki. One of my favorites.

[CIP57_imp]

Capo,

Read through this thread.

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1256

The EX is a nice 4 point shield with good side protection. Easy on off. It does need to be cut down to about the height of the ZRX. Last year after having it on for a few weeks i took it off for a ride. After about 20mi I turned around to put it back on, much better wind protection and no loss of handling when cut down.

[Capo]

CIp, thanks for that, good solution. I'm going to try it all out in the weeks ahead and report back. I don't expect a bubble of solitude, just reduced head butting. I wear a Schuberth and earplugs, so I'm good on the minimization in that regard.

[Aussie_imp]

Capo, a timely and interesting post, since I've finally decided the Dart has to go after the ride home tonight. Just too much turbulence and it's really annoying me. Even with earplugs in it's too noisy for my tastes. Hate to say it as I really like the look. I'll be back to fully naked, maybe a Comet screen...

If you have a dart screen and it works for you then all good. I might just be at the wrong height for it (5'8'').

[CB4ME_imp]

My 2 cents - I'm 6'1". I had the Dart on a Bonneville. No wind noise. Looked good. I had the Puig Plus on the CB. Above 50 mph I experience wind noise (like a flag whipping in the breeze) especially with a cheap HJC helmet, not so bad with a better helmet. However the Puig did provide a decent degree of wind protection and looked really good on the CB. Then I went off the "Red is good, more red is better" deep end and upgraded to a Chic Design Road Comet with standard screen. No wind noise but limited wind protection.

[scott will_imp]

i have a national dx windscreen. it has taken alot of wind of my body but i still am bothered with the amount of wind at helmet level. im considering either a bigger wind deflector or a different helmet. i now ride with one of those half helmets and ear buds that seal into ear.
or possibly the addition of some nose fairing.
interested to see what others have to say

[Capo]

Capo, a timely and interesting post, since I've finally decided the Dart has to go after the ride home tonight. Just too much turbulence and it's really annoying me. Even with earplugs in it's too noisy for my tastes. Hate to say it as I really like the look. I'll be back to fully naked, maybe a Comet screen...

If you have a dart screen and it works for you then all good. I might just be at the wrong height for it (5'8'').

Aussie, I'm 5'8" as well. Likely a factor. Also why I didn't make the High School Basketball team.

[the Ferret]

I really really prefer a naked bike.... But on long trips with lots of freeway work, a shield of some kind, although nosier than a naked, gives some relief to the body. I can do 65 all day on a naked, when it goes up to 70 for more than a short period I find myself wanting a wind break.

[Gingersdaddy_imp]

I agree with Ferret, 65 is good, 70 for a long period is a little rough. I have the National Ex that I cut down a bit. I took it off this weekend, but I never got to ride due to honey-do projects. It helps keep the cold off your chest. I will probably put it back on in the fall. I only have a 10 mile stretch of 70mph on my commute to work so its not to bad when the weather cooperates.