NC Street Shield EX review

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Since there seems to be so much debate/opinion/pluses/minuses over fairings for these bikes, I thought I'd toss my two cents in here, being that I just got this fairing and put some miles in with it over the weekend.
I have to say that I'm not really a fairing fan on "naked" bikes, but I think I'm going to be putting more long-ish rides in on this bike, and I figured that putting something on it to break the wind could be a really good idea. Being detachable/quick release was a necessity, because I really have no interest in leaving it on full time, especially since 90% of my riding is through local canyon and mountain roads.
I looked at all of them mentioned on the forum - thanks to all of you guys for your write-ups and recommendations - and as much as I dislike big clunky aftermarket pieces, I thought that if I was going to do this, I might as well "go big" and make it worthwhile...hence my choice.
The Street Shield EX is pretty big, and is, in fact, even larger than the standard Street Shield. It's also VERY easily removable, like in literally less than 60 seconds. It took a while to do the first install, but that's mostly just doing fine adjustments to make sure it's on straight, not rubbing anywhere, at the right rake, etc. If you've ever had an aftermarket fairing before, you know the drill.
From the moment I pulled away on the first ride, I was amazed at the coverage it gives. It only gets better as you move faster - and I rode city streets, some canyon roads, and spent some time on the freeway. It's definitely the best coverage fairing of its kind I've ever used. In fact, it's almost like being in a vacuum - being as warm as it's been here lately, it got uncomfortably warm fast; there was literally no cooling wind hitting me anywhere. Surprisingly air-efficient - great feature if it's cold, or you're moving along at freeway+ speeds obviously, but being an ATTGATT guy, it made my run like being wrapped in Saran Wrap.
At 75 or so on the freeway, I felt a little buffeting; I'm guessing the air was only hitting the top of my head, because it wasn't bad at all, but I thought I'd mention it.
The really weird thing is the noise. If you've ever surfed, and gone "over the falls", where you're being churned around under water like you're in a washing machine, that's about what it sounds like. At almost all speeds. It was probably even more noticeable because my Shoei helmet is nearly whisper quiet, which is what I'm used to when riding - quiet. But I couldn't hear either the engine or exhaust, which is a really odd effect. After years of shifting "by ear", instead of having to watch the tach, I was really thrown off. I finally used the vibes coming through the grips, rather than continually monitoring the tach, but it made for a bizarre experience, at least for me. Since I felt no air buffeting on me anywhere, it shouldn't have been from air hitting my helmet. I can only assume that it was caused by airflow around the fairing and over me? I don't know if adjusting the rake will help, but I'll have to play around with it a little and see if any improvements can be made. Anyway, I'll have to decide if I can live with it. YMMV...
If you missed my other thread about my recent mods, here's some pics:
[url=http://s157.photobucket.com/user/mustangfeverrr/media/022_zpsaf79a670.jpg.html]
[url=http://s157.photobucket.com/user/mustangfeverrr/media/028_zpsdaaf995d.jpg.html]
[url=http://s157.photobucket.com/user/mustangfeverrr/media/031_zps5e1c7bea.jpg.html]

[CB4ME_imp]

Thanks for the great review. It is a big windshield. I take it you looking through the shield instead of over it? I wonder if dirty wind is cascading over the shield and hitting the top of your helmet to produce the noise you're describing?

Add a pair of gauntlets and you'll be set for cold weather riding!

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Thanks - I thought I'd help add to the font of info here!
No, I'm looking over the top, actually (I'm about 6').
If anything is hitting my helmet, it's got to be very slight because I really can't feel anything. I just wonder, because it's so upright, if it's dirty air curling around the entire outline of the fairing, but the fairing is just large enough that I'm not feeling any of it (i.e., it's breaking just behind me), but I can still hear it.

[the Ferret]

Good report PW

I also ran one on my 13. Not sure it will fit the 14 but should I would think.

Here's my report.

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....+shield+ex

With links to Randy B's mounting tute

And Cip57's report and results of his alteration with pics

[MFGUSA_imp]

Looks right on your CB PW. Very nice.

Can you tell me about your frame sliders?

[CIP57_imp]

Papa,

Great side covers, you just cost me 212.00 ordered a pair after seeing you other thread.

The noise you hear is coming up from the bottom along with additional mechanical noise from the motor. The shield has created a sweet spot of calm air but is allowing it to come from underneath. I noticed more noise before i cut mine down. Some put lowers to combat that effect.

I cut down my shield so it gets all the wind off my chest ( hits right below the shoulders) but allows the wind to flow through my helmet therefore eliminates that noise your hearing. Below is my thread for your review.

Also, with it cut down it has not effect on handling, I find it to be even better than naked. Mine never comes off since i cut it down.

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

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Looks right on your CB PW. Very nice.

Can you tell me about your frame sliders?

Yes sir - the Moriwaki set from Mr. T (Samurider) in black. They're pretty hefty, appear to be turned metal of some sort. I like they way they blend in and aren't very noticeable. Here's a better shot for you:

Good report PW

I also ran one on my 13. Not sure it will fit the 14 but should I would think.

Here's my report.

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1413&highlight=Street+shield+ex]http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1413&highlight=Street+shield+ex

With links to Randy B's mounting tute

And Cip57's report and results of his alteration with pics

Yes, I saw that - thanks. That was a great help in picturing how it would look on my bike!
BTW - did you notice that noise when riding with it?

Papa,

Great side covers, you just cost me 212.00 ordered a pair after seeing you other thread.

The noise you hear is coming up from the bottom along with additional mechanical noise from the motor. The shield has created a sweet spot of calm air but is allowing it to come from underneath. I noticed more noise before i cut mine down. Some put lowers to combat that effect.

I cut down my shield so it gets all the wind off my chest ( hits right below the shoulders) but allows the wind to flow through my helmet therefore eliminates that noise your hearing. Below is my thread for your review.

Also, with it cut down it has not effect on handling, I find it to be even better than naked. Mine never comes off since i cut it down.

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

Thanks, CIP57, I really appreciate that.
Glad I could help you spend a few bucks, too!
Reading through that whole thread, I noticed that gingersdaddy and I are close to the same height, and he had what sounds like the same noise problem I did - AND the angle of his in that first pic is just about identical to what mine is. I think I'm going to play around with the rake a bit before choppin' 'er off and see if that helps at all. Besides, I don't play well with sharp objects...

[CIP57_imp]

Looks right on your CB PW. Very nice.

Can you tell me about your frame sliders?

Yes sir - the Moriwaki set from Mr. T (Samurider) in black. They're pretty hefty, appear to be turned metal of some sort. I like they way they blend in and aren't very noticeable. Here's a better shot for you:

Good report PW

I also ran one on my 13. Not sure it will fit the 14 but should I would think.

Here's my report.

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1413&highlight=Street+shield+ex]http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1413&highlight=Street+shield+ex

With links to Randy B's mounting tute

And Cip57's report and results of his alteration with pics

Yes, I saw that - thanks. That was a great help in picturing how it would look on my bike!
BTW - did you notice that noise when riding with it?

Papa,

Great side covers, you just cost me 212.00 ordered a pair after seeing you other thread.

The noise you hear is coming up from the bottom along with additional mechanical noise from the motor. The shield has created a sweet spot of calm air but is allowing it to come from underneath. I noticed more noise before i cut mine down. Some put lowers to combat that effect.

I cut down my shield so it gets all the wind off my chest ( hits right below the shoulders) but allows the wind to flow through my helmet therefore eliminates that noise your hearing. Below is my thread for your review.

Also, with it cut down it has not effect on handling, I find it to be even better than naked. Mine never comes off since i cut it down.

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

Thanks, CIP57, I really appreciate that.
Glad I could help you spend a few bucks, too!
Reading through that whole thread, I noticed that gingersdaddy and I are close to the same height, and he had what sounds like the same noise problem I did - AND the angle of his in that first pic is just about identical to what mine is. I think I'm going to play around with the rake a bit before choppin' 'er off and see if that helps at all. Besides, I don't play well with sharp objects...

Yes sir - the Moriwaki set from Mr. T (Samurider) in black. They're pretty hefty, appear to be turned metal of some sort. I like they way they blend in and aren't very noticeable. Here's a better shot for you:

Good report PW

I also ran one on my 13. Not sure it will fit the 14 but should I would think.

Here's my report.

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1413&highlight=Street+shield+ex]http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1413&highlight=Street+shield+ex

With links to Randy B's mounting tute

And Cip57's report and results of his alteration with pics

Yes, I saw that - thanks. That was a great help in picturing how it would look on my bike!
BTW - did you notice that noise when riding with it?

Papa,

Great side covers, you just cost me 212.00 ordered a pair after seeing you other thread.

The noise you hear is coming up from the bottom along with additional mechanical noise from the motor. The shield has created a sweet spot of calm air but is allowing it to come from underneath. I noticed more noise before i cut mine down. Some put lowers to combat that effect.

I cut down my shield so it gets all the wind off my chest ( hits right below the shoulders) but allows the wind to flow through my helmet therefore eliminates that noise your hearing. Below is my thread for your review.

Also, with it cut down it has not effect on handling, I find it to be even better than naked. Mine never comes off since i cut it down.

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

Thanks, CIP57, I really appreciate that.
Glad I could help you spend a few bucks, too!
Reading through that whole thread, I noticed that gingersdaddy and I are close to the same height, and he had what sounds like the same noise problem I did - AND the angle of his in that first pic is just about identical to what mine is. I think I'm going to play around with the rake a bit before choppin' 'er off and see if that helps at all. Besides, I don't play well with sharp objects...
Try adjusting it, If you feel you can't live with it ship it to me, I will cut it down and ship it back. PM me if your interested.

[Ridem32_imp]

Very nice of you CIP !! I got the comet on its way!! I hope it's here by Friday he shipped it today. But I think I'm getting another deluxe this week and I like the NC STREET SHIELD EX. I might send mine to you if I get one Also did you take your bike to Don for dyno?

[CIP57_imp]

Very nice of you CIP !! I got the comet on its way!! I hope it's here by Friday he shipped it today. But I think I'm getting another deluxe this week and I like the NC STREET SHIELD EX. I might send mine to you if I get one Also did you take your bike to Don for dyno?

Sure Michael, more than happy to help you out too. Not sure when I'll get down to see Don, busy time of the year right now.