The general
consensus is this helps quite a lot and being cheap and reversible is even
better. See Buffeting Opinions,
below for what works for some.
Solution 2.: Add
an Aftermarket Screen
The second
solution is to purchase an aftermarket screen. Available for the F are the
Aeroflow, Parabellum +2 and +4,
the Ermax and the
National Cycle Cheetah. Here
are some Photos of it.
National Cycle photos courtesy of Scott
#345.
or Z2201, is the best
aftermarket-shield protection against buffeting.
See
Buffeting Opinions, below for what works for some. National Cycle Screen
Supplier is now ZTechnik ( www.ztechnik.com
).
See also Custom Screens
below
Solution 3.:
Modify your mirrors
The third solution
is to purchase an aftermarket set of mirrors:
Refer to the Mirrors FAQ for
what works for some.
The general
consensus seems to be that the
R11GS or the Ducati Mirrors work Well but the
F650GS ones take too much work to make them fit.
Solution 4.:
Helmet Modifications
Another thing you
could try is
Rumble-Strips stuck on top of your helmet. The general consensus is they
work to a greater or lesser extent, but not so well as to eliminate buffeting
altogether.
See
Buffeting Opinions, below for
what works for some.
Solution 5.: Minor
Surgery
There are a number of alternative solutions
proposed by CG Members and Visitors
These range from
Winglets to Saeng Edging to
Custom-Made Deflectors.
See
Buffeting Opinions, below for what works for some.
Solution 6.: Major
Surgery
Here is a
Generic Solution proposed by a German Motorcycle magazine, with some nifty
diagrams. It is a little more complicated and much more permanent.
Btw, I’m don’t
endorsing any of these products, just letting you know what’s out there and
what the GENERAL opinion on each of these products has been. I’m sorry I didn’t
add any names, there were just too many and I didn’t have them all anyway. You
might recognise one of your quotes and if you like I can add your name to the
FAQ.
-
Novus
makes plastic polish in various degrees of abrasiveness, depending on how deep
the scratches are. Most cycle shops carry it. I used it to remove some
scratches from my screen, and it worked pretty well. I think it’s about 5 or 6
dollars per bottle. TomY
-
For
minor scratches, use Novus 2. For more substantial scratches, you gotta use
Novus 3 AND Novus 2.
http://www.tapplastics.com/plastics/cleaners/index.html Anon.
-
An old
favourite for the old style sports car rear screens was clear varnish brushed,
NOT sprayed, on. It worked for many of my old friends. Keith #914
-
Someone
recommended to me to go by your local auto dealer and ask what they use to fix
chips in glass. Docc
-
Meguiar’s plastic polish comes in a couple of grades. Finish up with
toothpaste. Flash #412
-
I used
toothpaste too, but the result was a bit foggy. Fortunately at a small airport
I found a promotional bottle of "Flight Jacket Plexicoat" distributed by
AeroShell, and the result was really impressive. They use it on aircraft
windows to protect and keep them more transparent. The accompanying flyer
says: contact
www.aeroshell.com or 1-800-64-LUBE. I have not done that yet, since the
4oz. bottle seems plenty for a while. You might visit a supply shop in a
general aviation airport, or try the mail-order supplier:
www.sportys.com or
1-800-LIFTOFF Jeno
-
My tall
Ermax is pretty old and is a little scratched, I use household polish (like I
do on my tank) as it cleans it and coats it well too. I had two very deep
scratches across the top of the screen which were annoying – must have been
done deliberately by a key or knife or something – but they have almost
disappeared now . . . Wanna know how? . . . Duraglit or Brasso in the little
tubs with the impregnated wadding – I guess it is available everywhere (???) –
using a nice new bit rub over the scratches and it takes them off . . .
amazing!! With deep scratches it takes more elbow grease and patience but it
does work. This is an old trick my brother used to use on his watch face many
years ago when he worked off shore on the oil rigs and was always getting his
watch glass scratched. Nicola #1061
-
Windscreen renewer: sold by BMW in their convertible maintenance kit to renew
plastic windows. BMW part # 81 22 9 407 665. I have all kinds of plastic
polishes and stuff for my windscreens but never saw any product bring a screen
back to new condition like this item. Crystal! After washing . . . you use
this stuff like waxing a fender. Polish on . . . polish off. Perfect! Art #884
-
I saw a
review for Sprayway glass cleaner, and thought I'd pass this info on, in the
spirit of mutual help.
Here's the review,
from Web Bike World. I'd probably agree with most of what he says there. I've
been using this stuff for a while now. My brother, a ceramic engineer, gave me
a can that he had brought home from work. He said it's the only stuff they
ever used to clean the lenses on the high-tech coating equipment and lasers in
their plant, because it worked so well and didn't leave any residue behind.
I've found that it works great for face shields, windscreens, headlights,
fairings, etc. Great for cleaning the car, too! Josh #581
-
Finally
got a chance to put several hundred miles on the handlebar windshield. Bottom
line...I think I'm going back to the Parabellum +6 for now. If I decide that
MPG are not an issue, and go back to a 16-tooth sprocket, I may change my mind
again.
Good news:
Definite increase in wind protection, no buffeting Tall enough to ride with
faceshield up Tankbag much more stable (no more "updraft")
Bad news:
Gas mileage down to 35 MPG @ 75 MPH Bike struggling (almost lugging) in 5th
gear (4500 @ 75 mph, 17-tooth sprocket + added wind resistance)
Turbulence from truck slip-stream is as bad or slightly worse than with
Parabellum +6 Handlebar oscillation starts at 75-80 MPH
-
The
windshield basically solves the turbulence problem. Unfortunately, the bike's
limited HP is struggling to push it though the air (as I said, maybe 16 or 15
tooth sprocket would be better). The steering is also "too fast" for my
tastes, and the windshield doesn't help that at all. I'm concerned that a
serious crosswind could make it a handful (or worse). Maybe cutting it down a
bit in size? Or making it even shorter to "extend" the Parabellum?
-
Finished installing a handlebar windshield (swap meet $15) on my F650.
Definitely looks goofy, but faceshield open at 85 MPH. We'll see how it works
long term (I'm rotating the mirror stalks slightly to act as more support)
Rough looking, but if it keeps working I'll make version II with more emphasis
on "pretty". Had to saw a bit off the bottom of this one for clearance, didn't
want to cut off the fancy "flip top".
Front View
Handlebars can be turned lock to lock without hitting.
Side View
The level of the bottom of the windshield is just about even with the top of
the black fairing shield.
View from Seat
You can see the bottom of the shield just above the instrument faces...it
doesn't block the view to them.
-
The
point of the exercise was to try a new approach. I don't want to get into the
business (too risky)...if you want to make your own, it's your skin.
-
The BMW
fairing/well nuts are not (IMHO) up to supporting the shield I want (not to
mention handguard/mirror interference). Saw a similar setup on an R-GS a year
or two ago at the Dells rally, decided since I'm now keeping the bike, time to
make it work better. Yes, the shield bounces around a bit. But not any more
than the Parabellum+6. And I've got more confidence in the metal mounting
system than the plastic fairing and wimpy well nuts (I know I'd change my mind
if going over the bars, though!). Off road / gravel? Probably not a good idea.
However, two Allen bolts, and the mounting rods slip out of the handlebar
clamps. Ride to the dirt, then leave it at your camp?
-
Camera:
Relisys Dimera 3500 ($29 cheapie digital) Not recommended, as memory chips are
proprietary and expensive and small (16 pics), resolution is poor, flash too
bright, etc. But it's paid for itself in film/developing. The pictures were
also seriously "tweaked" using Photoshop (of necessity).
-
Windshield: best guess is that it is a Slipstreamer "universal", before they
went to plastic mounts at the windshield. I was only buying it for the
"mounting hardware", as it is all metal bits; a lucky thing that the shield
was about right (I've got several used R-RT windshields to try for version
II). Current dimensions (straight line, max) are: height 20", width 22". I
actually cut two inches off the bottom, so it COULD have been taller.
-
Top
speed? Don't know, but expect it's lower (MPG as well?). 85 MPH is enough to
get a ticket anywhere in the US that I've been. Haven't been in any cross
winds yet, expect it'll be similar to any other bike with handlebar windshield
(i.e. more work in the wind, hopefully not turning into a wrestling match).
Other issues...if you do a lot of standing on the pegs, it's pretty close to
your chest/neck face (depending on height). Other issues will have to wait for
some serious road testing (maybe a month?).
-
I have the tall
Parabellum shield. I really like it! Only complaint is that the top of the
shield is in my line of vision. (Short person thing, I believe.) Sandee #964
-
I have both the standard size Parabellum shield
and the National Cycle Cheetah shield on my 1997 bike. I much prefer the
National Cycle Shield. It looks better, fits better, has much less buffeting
and noise, is thicker and more stable and costs less. Of course, you will have
to find one. I find buffeting to be acceptable when using my National Cycle
(now Technik - or something) Cheetah windshield and have used the windshield
in comfort for 12 hour day rides, when sitting on a 1 inch higher Corbin seat.
I am 5' 10" in height. If your concern is buffeting, I would recommend the
stock Funduro windshield and perhaps different mirrors. I don't think you will
find a windshield that will provide smooth air off of the shield, once the
airstream gets above your shoulders. Richard #230
-
I'm six foot tall
and have a tall Aeroflow that works fine for me, along with rumble strips on
my helmet
.
-
I got and installed my National Cycle screen
yesterday and tried it riding to work this morning. Chest/arms protection is
much improved compared to the OEM screen that was on my ST when I bought it
but buffeting is really loud above 40 mp/h. The other minus is that I cannot
lock the steering anymore because the mirrors touch the screen edge. I think
this is a specific problem with the ST handlebars but does anyone has a tip ?”
Jean #636
-
The Ermax only measures 14 bottom to top, but it
mounts into the turn signal mountings.....so it sits up straighter....thusly
looks and acts taller. Would still offer that as the best, first, option
unless you reject it because of the look.
-
The Ermax screen offers more protection
than the BMW tall or the GIVI, but didn't try the Dakar. Depending upon
height, the Ermax may bother you.
-
I have a National Cycle shield on my
F650ST, which I slapped on over top of the stock black plastic ST shield.
Because of the curve of the ST shield there is a nice sized gap between the
National Cycle and the ST shield across the front, and no grommet/spacers were
required. I took my baby up to 85 today and noticed some minor buffeting, but
nothing really troublesome. Totally smooth at 70 or less.
-
I agree with you 100% !!! The tall AeroFlow shield for the
f was horrendous !
-
I've seen it mentioned before that people mount the shield
with grommets to make a space behind the shield, and thereby smooth out the
airflow. When I mounted the National Cycle over the ST shield thingy, no
grommets were needed to make a gap, the airflow was quite smooth and the
shield stayed solidly mounted. I've been told that the ST black plastic shield
is thicker than the stock Funduro black plastic thingy (I've never seen a
Funduro, only my ST). For those who wish to experiment, my suggestion was to
put on an ST stock black shield thingy and mount the National cycle shield
over it. The screws were long enough. What I did was attach the screws, rubber
nut thingies and two shields together, put a little spit/lube on the rubber
thingies and then popped it into the fairing. It didn't budge at 85 yesterday,
and still feels solid. Longer screws, however, certainly couldn't hurt. Mason
#631
-
On my 00 F, I just removed the stock and installed the National, just four
screws..., works great. The 01 GS was much more involved. I chose the Dakar
shield and had to use 2 extra brackets and 2 longer screws in order to install
it correctly. Any time we install things ourselves we need know how, ingenuity
and just a sense for what makes it right. Art #884.
-
In my continuing effort to find the perfect buffeting free combination I did a
little experiment over the weekend. I had installed my new National Cycle
Cheetah screen and found it to be noisier than my stock windshield with some
modifications. I loosened the nuts that hold the mirrors and while at speed I
flipped them back toward me, out of the wind stream. Made no difference at
all. I conclude the mirrors are not my problem. While riding you can feel the
edge of the zone of still air behind the screen very clearly. You can raise
your left hand slowly from just in front of your belly (still air) to over
your head (high speed air) and see where the transition is. It seems to me
that the transition zone is very sharp, an inch or so. There is a zone of hard
buffeting just above the transition which is only 2 or 3 inches thick, and it
is this turbulence that causes the discomfort. With no shield, that is only
the black shield on my ST, the transition is about mid-chest, and my head is
in smooth but high speed wind, very comfortable. With the modified F shield
the transition is about throat level and there is little effect from the
turbulence since it is hitting low on my helmet, still pretty comfortable.
With other higher shields the turbulence band hits high on the helmet and can
really slap me around. At this point of maximum buffeting at high speed the
noise level is very high, vision is blurred, and it will cause a headache in 5
minutes.
The lesson here is to adjust things so that your head is in the smooth air
flow above the turbulence. Claude #312
-
I've tried this several times, gone
back and forth, with the spacers, no spacers, under the National.
IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE, at least
to me. And I don't like the stress placed on the
wellnuts due to the change in geometry when adding
spacers. Shoot, Randy cut
a big ol' vent into his National and said he
couldn't tell any difference
either. That little shield just isn't big enough to cause a vacuum problem
behind it.
-
I called National today and they claim
the new shield product code is z2201. They've farmed it out
to a different manufacturer. They would not sell it to me over the phone, only
available through a dealer. National Cycle seems to
have set up a separate division to market BMW accessories called ZTechnik. You
can access it from
www.nationalcycle.com, or you can go directly to
www.ztechnik.com or call toll free at
(866) 983-2465. They show Z2201 as the shield for the Funduro at $69.95, they
seem to have a mechanism for ordering it, and it is listed as available. I
cant really tell if its different from the Cheetah model I got last spring,
and it may be produced by a different manufacturer. But according to the
website, you should be able to get one. I would be curious if you got a
different response contacting ZTechnik instead of National Cycle.
James #523
-
No
windscreen - I've not experimented much with the windscreen on because of the
opinion here at this board that the windscreen creates more problems.
This
said, there is a fix listed in the new FAQs that lifts the windscreen off
and reduces buffeting, I'll probably be giving that a try when I get the
parts. Chace #1044
-
I live in
a (hot) tropical country, and took my windscreen off on my second ride, about
2.5 years ago, and have never reinstalled it. Works fine, much cooler,
probably less (or different) buffeting. (The buffeting seems to be very
subjective between riders/heights/speeds/helmets.) The only time I miss it is
in the rain, and during mosquito season. It's easy to remove and replace if
you want to try, just be gentle with the rubber well nuts. Todd #389
-
ST versus High screen: I alternate between an ST short screen and the BMW
screen on my F. With the short screen there is wind buffeting that hits at
chest level and of course a lot more bug guts. Personally, for short trips the
ST fairing is more comfortable because of the lack of helmet noise through
buffeting. However, the short fairing increases fatigue on longer trips
because of wind buffeting on the body and increases fatigue in the upper
arms.” David #577
-
I have
ridden my bike with the windscreen off. Doing so results in less buffeting and
noise, but is tiring at high speeds because of the pressure on your chest and
the effort to hold yourself against the wind with the bike's relatively high
and wide bars and short reach between the bars and the seat. I can ride at
freeway speeds about 4 times as far with the windshield on than I can with it
off, before my body gives out. Richard #230.
-
I have
actually tried three combinations on my ST. No windscreen at all (stock):
Great in the summer, less buffeting but too much strain above 60 miles an hour
and no protection against rain/cold. F windscreen: Good, but bad reflection at
night and my helmet was right smack in the air-stream at highway speeds.
National Cycle: Bad buffeting with OEM mirrors but good protection against
rain/cold and I can keep my visor opened when riding in the woods and near
freshly harvested fields. If you decide to take your windscreen on and off
regularly, you'd better buy several extra sets of well-nuts because they don't
survive long. I got and installed my National Cycle screen yesterday
and tried it riding to work this morning. Chest/arms protection is much
improved compared to the OEM screen that was on my ST when I bought it but
buffeting is really loud above 40 mp/h. The other minus is that I cannot lock
the steering anymore because the mirrors touch the screen edge. I think this
is a specific problem with the ST handlebars. I've just installed the National
Cycle on my F650ST. Looks very good, very sturdy and offers much better
chest/arm protection than the OEM that I had before. But because of the ST
handlebars shape, the mirrors come against it before full lock. I've changed
them for smaller round ones and not only the problem is gone but the buffeting
is considerably reduced. Jean #636
-
I'm a bit
taller at 6' 2 and use the National Cycle screen with Ducati Monster mirrors.
I've also played around with rubber washers under the screen to get some
airflow behind it. For me, all these things have reduced buffeting. Wind noise
is still there, but I've concluded that's just the price for a higher
windscreen, and increased wind protection. I always use earplugs.
I'm also trying the Rumble-Strip on my Shoei RF800, but the jury's still out
on its
effectiveness (although my initial impression is
that it does help some). The F650 will never be as
relaxing to ride at higher speeds (above 60 mph) as a touring bike like the
R1150RT -- and I'm sure BMW doesn't want it to be. Why
I'm keeping my F is
that it's just so damn much fun to ride.
-
The Parabellum people told
me that the +6 was real ugly and that they didn't recommend them (too many
came back) Joeg #1102
-
That would be the Plus 4 at
21 inches. I bought a Plus 6 about 3 weeks ago. It is the second time I tried
the Plus 6 Parabellum on my 2000 Funduro (carbs). The first time I sent it
back because of the buffeting. I also got considerable buffeting with the
stock shield. Then I read in the FAQ that replacing the mirrors with the
R1150GS mirrors would lessen the buffeting/turbulence. So I replaced the
mirrors per the FAQ and the buffeting was gone with the stock shield. But you
still get wind pressure at high speeds. So I tried the new mirrors with an
Aeroflow tall. Got buffeting. Then I ordered the Parabellum Plus 6. I'm six
foot tall and have a Corbin so I sit high. With the Parabellum I still got
some buffeting. Then I put washers under the Parabellum per the FAQ and tried
again. The buffeting is gone. As a matter of fact the faster I go the better
it seems. Also, it is quieter. I can ride without ear plugs. Although I still
use them when going a long distances. After normally seeing the bike with the
stock shield, the Plus 6 will look tall. But odd enough I received several
positive comments on the way the bike looks since I put the Plus 6 on. I got
the tinted shield. This one is not going back. Give it a try, Parabellum will
let you send it back in the first 30 days if you don't like it. Unknown
-
If you buy the black "dash" for the Funduro, then
could you use a Funduro shield? I can't imagine that the front fairing and
holes for the well nuts are different between the ST and Funduro. If you can
buy the dash, then buy the National Cycle screen. It's by far the best, in my
opinion, and I've tried them all. CalBMW can order the National Cycle from
ZTechnik. Only, make sure they don't ding you for $85, like they did me. Even
National Cycle says retail should be $70 (I even have an email from them
saying so...) Best upgrade for the money. Of all the shields I've tried, I
can't decide which is worse, the AeroFlow or the Parabellum. The AeroFlow was
uglier and wobblier, the Parabellum achieved total headache about 2 minutes
faster (i.e. in about 3 minutes). With the Parabellum, the buffeting wasn't
the slow sort of head bobbing I was used to from the stock shield, it was like
a high-pitched vibration that makes one's vision blurry. I paid ~$190 with pop
vents, couldn't stand it, and began modifying it. Nothing worked, and I
eventually just threw it out. Mark #403
-
I'm guessing you mean the Funduro's
shield. I just checked mine in the garage, and other than the right handguard
being loose, there is no danger of anything touching. This is with a Funduro,
and I was under the impression that the ST bars were more swept back. As far
as alternates go, I had a Parabellum +6. Fairly calm behind it. At 5' 6" or
7", I also felt that I had to really actively look over it. Not such a big
deal most of the time, but it did manage to bother me at times. It did have to
be cut to allow for the handlebars. I currently own an AeroFlow tall screen,
which is good for me as long as I lean a little forward. Straight up, and it
causes a bit of buffeting, at least with my HJC helmet. It is very quiet
directly behind the shield, and makes forgetting the earplugs on the highway
much less bothersome. However, I find I prefer the stock for anything less
than a 2 or 300 mile trip, one way. Sadly, I no longer have the Parabellum.
Jeremy #1087
-
While MOST of the bike is the same,
a Funduro does not have the same fairing (nor windshield) as the ST. Flash
#412
-
If you can get hold of it locally,
have a look at the MRA screens. They are made in Germany, and fit supremely
well – and are of course designed to fit around handlebars (with or without
hand guards). See them at http://www.mra.de
They have a selection of different types too (touring, sport etc). I can vouch
that these products are very well made, and the fit for mine was 100% accurate
(as one would expect). I find the buffeting one of the downsides of the f650 –
or most large trailies for that matter. I'm 6', and rapidly replaced my stock
shield with an MRA unit, which turned out to be only marginally taller than
the original. It did make a difference though, as it comes with a silicone
strip that sticks to the edge of the shield – enough to disturb the airflow.
I'm not too worried about buffeting at the moment, as it only really occurs at
wind speeds above 130-140kph (about 80+) My handguards (stock, for the
Classic) made a huge difference to riding comfort at speed, as they deflect
quite a bit of wind off my arms and shoulders. I've also positioned my mirrors
to further deflect the air from the handguards. So riding is fairly
comfortable now, unless I ride in a very strong headwind. Touratech makes a
detachable wind deflector that fits onto the windshield (will fit almost any
bike's windshield) that looks interesting... sorry, can't remember what they
call it! Bernard
-
I saw in the Wunderlich catalogue
that they make one for the ST (which is the same as for the f650 year 97-00).
It is about €100. I have no idea how good or bad it is. Spakur #1117
-
I did two things to get rid of the
turbulence.
1. I replaced the stock mirrors with the R1150GS mirrors. That eliminated all
turbulence when riding with the stock windshield.
2. To get rid of the wind blast at speed, I replaced the stock shield with the
Parabellum + 6. I got some buffeting, so I cut out a section above the
headlight to eliminate the low-pressure area behind the shield. I cut out
about 2 inches. This is similar to the cut-out on the tall AeroFlow. With the
cut-out, no buffeting and great wind protection.
I still get about 50 miles a gallon and have not noticed any reduced power at
high speeds (80+). Riding in the wake of trucks on the NYS Thruway is about
the same. You just have to power through as fast as possible. I also tried the
tall AeroFlow with the R1150GS mirrors. Not as good as the Parabellum. Leo
#699
-
I have just put a new, higher screen on my F650
Funduro/classic; too much wind resistance, tall rider (6'1"), so that's what
my local dealer suggested. Waited for 3 weeks for the GIVI screen to arrive.
When I collected the Screen I was told that when I brought the F650 in for MOT
(this is in the UK, by the way), I would have to swap it with the low original
one, otherwise they'd have to fail me!!! Reason? When you turn the handlebar
to its maximum, it makes contact with the screen about 1 cm before the end!!!
Setting aside this massive problem (!!!), I find it still bizarre that a)
'illegal' stuff is being sold and b) that my dealer informs me about it after
they fitted it. However, the screen makes all the difference for riding where
I live (near coast) and on motorway. Martin
-
Until I bought a GS in September 2002 I had a 1998
f650ST complete with BMW touring screen and BMW handguards. That screen fouled
the handguards and at its first test I was advised by the non BMW dealer
doing the MOT that officially it was a failure because of this BMW 'feature'.
However, I smiled nicely and they agreed to turn a blind eye. My GS with BMW
touring screen does not foul the handguards. Sue # 704
-
I have a classic 97 and at 5'6" tried everything
to reduce the buffeting with the stock screen and several others. Did the
washers, the AeroFlow, the GIVI, the Nat’l Cycle. Of those, the Nat’l Cycle
worked best and offered good protection. Still experienced buffeting though. I
then tried to get above the buffeting by getting a built-up seat from Mr. Ed's
(awesome) and raked the shield all the way back instead of standing it up. I
removed the black plastic cowling above the headlight, retained the front
mounting holes, then squished the back of the windscreen down until it was
laid back against the dash. Marked how much of the bottom of the shield I
would need to trim off, relocated the rear holes in the shield, and then
trimmed off the bottom excess with a Dremel tool. Next I painted the back side
of the shield from the dash down to the headlight with flat black to hide all
the wires that you could now see through the shield. When bolted down it looks
like a stock item, provides a smooth air flow, and I believe looks better than
stock as it gives the bike a sleek appearance. There is less wind protection
but then I have done thousand-mile days on it and felt great so it is not that
bad. Since you will probably look for something besides the stock screen to
use anyway, why not experiment? It doesn't cost anything. Kent #114
-
I have a Parabellum +6 shield with pop-vents. I
took the pop vents out (leaving just the open holes for them) and use nylon
spacers under the shield. This height is already a compromise (flexes a lot in
a quartering crosswind) and width is at a max due to hand-protector clearance
(a thicker shield may be an improvement). The stock mounting points are
inadequate for a heavier or more protective shield. That said...I think this
solution is much improved, compared to stock. Earplugs are still a necessity,
but the helmet is not rattled around except under certain strong crosswind
conditions (and the shield can't help there). But this protection is still
NOWHERE NEAR comparable to an R80RT, for example.
Possible Solutions:
1. Remove the stock shield and replace it with a handlebar mounted windshield.
This entails finding the right sized shield, and mounting/modifying it to
clear the stock fairing when turning. By moving the shield back toward the
rider, the turbulence is lower (IMHO) and the air significantly quieter.
+++ Can go wider, no more interference with handguards, can bring up close to
stock mirrors to smooth turbulence there, can be quickly removed (two set
screws) and left at a campsite for exploring off-road.
- - - Looks? The bike seems underpowered to push this massive sail through
the air, crosswinds can really affect steering (tiny movements of the bars
really move the F650 around due to the "quick steering").
Conclusion...I really liked the wind protection, but the other factors
convinced me to take it off. I have since rebuilt the carbs, and may give it
another try.
2. I talked with Jerry Heil of Hannigan Fairings at the BMW MOA National this
year. He wanted to look into fitting one of his fairings to an F650 (anyone
near Paris, AR want to talk with him about this?). I think this would be a
great solution...get the weight more forward on the bike, a better headlight,
a sturdier fairing, etc. But I also see a lot of difficulties...all the
instruments in the current fairing would need to be relocated somewhere, and
how to "integrate" the fairing into the gas tank as it is now. You would also
reduce the off-road capabilities of the bike. That said, there is a picture on
the site of the one he built for a KLR650. Just have a hard time justifying a
$1000 fairing on a $4000 bike. Marty #436
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Clearview has a new +5" windshield for the Classic
F650. I gave it a test ride at the shop 2 weekends ago. It's at
www.clearviewshields.com if you want to check it out. I'm pretty sure that
they ship all over the world. They sold 2 already and I'm buying the 3rd one.
This is the BEST shield I have ever used on an F. I've tried the stock ST,
stock Funduro, Parabellum +4, Cheetah, and AeroFlow. None of them came close
to stopping wind turbulence like this one does. It costs about $124.00 which
includes Colorado sales tax and shipping. If it is shipped outside of Colorado
then you won't have to pay sales tax. Part #BMW-F605 (that's the correct #,
not a typo). The F6 stands for F650. The 0 stands for Clear (as opposed to
tinted). And the 5 stands for +5". I am 5'10" and I was on a Corbin saddle.
Actually, Craig custom fits the shield to your overall height, minus your
inseam, and whether you are on a stock seat or a custom seat. At least that is
how he came up with the shield I tested. I rode it mostly between 40 and 60
miles per hour, with a few short bursts at 70 and maybe 75. I just kept riding
hoping to find a faster area to ride in, but by then I was about 15 or 20
miles down the road. When I got back to the shop, a couple of guys that were
there when I left and were getting shields fitted for sport bikes, laughed and
said that they thought I wasn't coming back. I said, "Yeah, if somebody comes
back right away from a test run, then you know the shield is not working. The
longer a person is gone, you know he likes it and is searching for a defect".
For me, there were no defects. I still got SOME of the normal wind turbulence
from the lower sides of the gas tank that hit me on the lower sides of my
chest, but that was very minor. There was no wind noise; it was kind of eerie.
That's the first time I have ever experienced no noise or turbulence on an F
(mine is a Funduro, but I used to have an ST). I felt like I was in a fantasy
world (or on any other bike besides the F). And before the question comes up,
no, I am not getting paid for this report, I don't own any interest in the
business, and I didn't even get a discount for testing the shield. I like the
F a lot, but have always hated the turbulence A LOT. So, hopefully it has
ended. There are quite a few F650 people visiting this site that live in the
Denver, Colorado area. If you haven't been to Clearview to try this shield
yet, don't take my word for it, ride up there and test one out. I have a Funduro; not sure how it acts on an ST. If you live in Colorado or are passing
through, call Craig in Bailey, Colorado at 1-800-798-6089. Make sure you get
detailed directions from Craig. His place is right on the highway, but that
doesn't mean you will find it on your own. Bob #1297
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Here's the photo of Colorado Bob's "Clearview"
screen on his F650. I asked him to post a photo showing the screen and the
'whole bike' to look at the overall proportions, to make sure the screen
doesn't overwhelm the bike. It looks ok to my eyes, especially with the
touring gear fitted. Trevor #999
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Looks very much like the National N3840 Cheetah
which, up to now, was considered the best for the classic. Looks good and like
it WILL do the job. Art #884
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I bought a tall Aeroflow for my '95 F650 recently
and have been testing it for the last couple of weeks. I am 5’ 10” and I have
been getting a lot of turbulence on the helmet level which causes serious
blurring (I wear glasses which makes it worse). I bought 3 feet of Saeng
edging from my BMW dealer ($37) and tried it on. No difference!! Ramzi #1243
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I pulled the cover off my 97 F650 last week, to
discover that the Tall Parabellum shield had cracked through one of the screw
holes on the bottom. It didn't do this while under regular use, but while
parked! I wrote to Parabellum asking for assistance, and information on how to
glue the pieces together. I was advised that gluing would be a "dangerous
proposition". So, I asked for a discount on a replacement shield. This is
their response, "Bike covers tug on windshields especially on a windy day. We
warn people not to use them and they cancel their warranty if still
applicable. I will however extend to you a 20% discount on a new shield if you
call and order this week." I like the Parabellum better than the alternatives,
and I've tried them all. But 20% off a $149 shield is still $120. That's a lot
of green for that ugly shield. As a wise person once said, there are many
subjective variables on shield choice. I put on the tall Parabellum AFTER
using a National Cycle Cheetah. (Currently own two, in fact.) The Cheetah was
much better than the stock or tall Aeroflow, but for my needs, the Parabellum
was the best of them all. I even put a Saeng wing and winglets on the Cheetah,
but the Parabellum was still better. I'm 6'2". ScottS
