National Cycle EX to Dart Flyscreen

[Gumby 1100_imp]

Has anyone gone from a large windscreen like the National Cycle EX to a small Flyscreen like the Dart?

I like the protection the large shield provides, but I'm considering going to a Dart Flyscreen, primarily for the looks. But, if it is also quieter, that would be appreciated as well. I know that many have cut down their EX screens to reduce wind noise, and saving money must have factored into the equation.

If I'm going to reduce screen size, it might as well look good on the CB, which the Dart certainly does. I rode my CB for a full season without any windscreen, and apart from being very tiring after a day in the saddle, I didn't mind it that much.

After treating myself to a Staintune and a Remington 700 CDL "Lefty", my annual budget for fun is spent. Both cost about the same in Canada, so it is tough to decide which provides the most "bang" for the buck

Based on your impressions of the Dart Standard Flyscreen, I may add it to next season's wish list. How is it for noise and buffeting with a relatively tall rider?

Thanks in advance...

 

[clearviewx]

Here's an article from Rider on the EX on a CB DLX from last year.

http://www.nationalcycle.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/documents/StreetShieldEX_Review_Rider.pdf

 

[Gumby 1100_imp]

Here's an article from Rider on the EX on a CB DLX from last year.

http://www.nationalcycle.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/documents/StreetShieldEX_Review_Rider.pdf

Sorry, I should have made it more clear that I already have the NS EX. And most reviewers must be deaf or wear ear plugs, 'cause they are definitely noisy. Mine is a little quieter with the addition of the MRA X-creen, but now my "barn door" is even larger...

 

[the Ferret]

Gumby I am one that did the cut down thing on my NC Street Shield EX. I am suprised how much protection it gives the body (not the head). In summer I run it naked, but in the spring and fall and on long trips I will throw the cut shield on for the protection. It really takes a ton of pressure off the torso. I have not tried a Dart Screen so I am not familiar with how much protection they give, but I am very happy with my cut down ex. If you have a full ex and are not happy with it, what have you got to lose? Cut it down and give it a try.

 

[Gumby 1100_imp]

Thanks Ferret, but the NS EX is a universal shield and I would be much more likely to sell it in original condition or be able to use it on another bike.

I may just leave the NS clamps on the bars and fork tubes and give the Dart a try next year. That way, I might be able to remove the Dart and replace the NS for longer tours...hopefully there is a practical way to do so...

 

[Randy B]

You definitely have more protection with the EX, but I have more than enough my Road Comet faring to be comfortable at speed. I rode without a screen for a couple of months after I bought the bike and it was brutal on my arms. I was commuting 115 miles a day, mostly freeway miles, and I just wanted to pass out when I got home.

 

[kennyw]

I run a fairly large screen in the winter and just recently switched to the Emgo fairing for the summer months.

The Emgo is enough to keep the pressure off your chest so you are not exhausted after a couple hours of riding. There is also far less noise than the large screen.

 

[Krupator_imp]

Hey Gumby. I put a Dart Flyscreen on my CB and while I love the look of it, installing it created unpleasant noise and buffeting at speeds above 60mph.

I'm 6'-0" tall, I ride relatively upright when cruising and I have the stock handlebars. If I lean forward a little or just arch my back a little to lower myself (lower bars might be enough) I can get my full face helmet in a position where the deflected air doesn't cause the aforementioned issues. That leads me to assume a rider with a shorter upper body than myself may not experience the same problems.

I notice a significant decrease in pressure on my abdomen and chest with the flyscreen at speeds above 50mph. If I lean forward and get low I can get completely out of the wind.

 

[Gumby 1100_imp]

Thanks Krupator,

I'm 6'-1" so I definitely don't want to go from the frying pan into the fire by dumping the EX in favor of the Dart.

Have any taller riders found the Dart Marlin any better for noise and buffeting than the smaller Dart Classic?

 

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Funny, I found the Dart to be a perfect little fairing for the bike (I'm 6', and have a taller seat). It certainly wasn't complete coverage like a touring bike, but it created a very nice little "pocket" of calm air in the cockpit area, and the looks blend in really nicely to the lines of the bike. Yes, your head was still in the air stream, but I got no buffeting or turbulence with mine. I have heard almost completely positive feedback both here and the Triumph forum on them as well (a search here will turn up those discussions). I can only guess that some adjustment in the rake might be in order for some folks for the best results. If I hadn't fallen in love with the look of the Road Comet fairing, I'd still have mine on for sure.
Having said all that (not meaning to sound like a sales pitch, honest! ), I'd be willing to sell mine if you decide to go that direction. Just PM me if you're ever interested.