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new owner, need help with windscreen (it's too tall)


Chromedome

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Awesome! I'll be on the lookout for that. 

 

Okay, one more update. Finally got to ride the bike again after new tires and installing new fork seals. I also added the trim I had left-over to the cowling. Two other possible factors include a brand new (but same model) Shoei GT-Air helmet and for the first time ever, not using a head sock/helmet sock.

 

But, I have to say there are again improvements. I mean, it's so much better and it was maybe as good as any of my bikes. Like, at least for this trip I'm absolutely ecstatic. I have a new Dainese D-Air jacket, I've lost weight so everything is more comfortable, my horrible hand-tingling and pain is GONE. My goodness, what a difference from where I was just two months ago.

 

Here's a pictures of what I've done (testing this) with the edging. If I have time I may try to fit this defector that Andy shared since the edging on the fairing looks a little tacky. Plus one more... just feeling so much better about this bike now. 🙂

IMG_20190509_174003.jpg

IMG_20190509_163939.jpg

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IMHO, wind turbulence depends on so many variables, variables that can interact as well.

 

If one doesnot like this as part of mc'ing, may I suggest a car? :goofy:

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Or, I could do what I did and make a huge difference. Not everyone's wired the same way; some people just accept that things are crappy and others, like me, make an effort to improve them. 

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11 hours ago, Chromedome said:

Awesome! I'll be on the lookout for that. 

 

Okay, one more update. Finally got to ride the bike again after new tires and installing new fork seals. I also added the trim I had left-over to the cowling. Two other possible factors include a brand new (but same model) Shoei GT-Air helmet and for the first time ever, not using a head sock/helmet sock.

 

But, I have to say there are again improvements. I mean, it's so much better and it was maybe as good as any of my bikes. Like, at least for this trip I'm absolutely ecstatic. I have a new Dainese D-Air jacket, I've lost weight so everything is more comfortable, my horrible hand-tingling and pain is GONE. My goodness, what a difference from where I was just two months ago.

 

Here's a pictures of what I've done (testing this) with the edging. If I have time I may try to fit this defector that Andy shared since the edging on the fairing looks a little tacky. Plus one more... just feeling so much better about this bike now. 🙂

IMG_20190509_174003.jpg

IMG_20190509_163939.jpg

I wonder if there's anyone on this site, or others, who has the skills/workshop to consider manufacturing these under-headlamp deflectors as a marketable accessory? Or is it worth going to an existing accessory manufacturer to consider producing? Anyone in a position of knowledge?

 

I'd certainly consider buying one.

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3 hours ago, Skids said:

I wonder if there's anyone on this site, or others, who has the skills/workshop to consider manufacturing these under-headlamp deflectors as a marketable accessory? Or is it worth going to an existing accessory manufacturer to consider producing? Anyone in a position of knowledge?

 

I'd certainly consider buying one.

I think we'd need at least one more person to do this under headlamp mod to confirm it helps because, as was mentioned, peoples interpretation of wind effect vary.

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FWIW, the edging doesn't look like it does much from that side view but from the front you can see it would make a difference. Yes, for sure we would need someone else to try this and see how it works with whatever screen they're using. I can say for sure that I already ran my shortened screen (before the spoiler) and it wasn't nearly good enough. The spoiler and maybe the edging had made a difference for me, for sure. Confirmed again with another 20 miles ride this morning. Hopefully I'll have time this weekend to increase the angle and Sunday take a test/mock ride for next weekend's trip. This will be my first ride of any length with the factory bags on too.

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6 hours ago, Dutchy said:

No :goofy:?

Didn't you used to hang out on www.cbrxx.com? Or am I thinking of www.rc51forums.com . Either way, both my former RC51 and current Blackbird has WAY less turbulence than this bike when I got it stock.

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1 hour ago, swimmer said:

I think we'd need at least one more person to do this under headlamp mod to confirm it helps because, as was mentioned, peoples interpretation of wind effect vary.

Agreed! 

 

But the principle seems already set if the Africa Twin and HD have them as accessories.

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I've gotta say... I'm a 6th gen owner, but this is a pretty interesting conversation as far as I'm concerned. The helmet turbulence isn't terrible on my bike, especially with my current helmet, but I have noticed that if I pick myself up off the seat about an inch, it is just blessed silence. Like, might not even need earplugs silence... probably not quite that good, but it seems that way by comparison.

 

I'm going to have to fab up a quick prototype tunnel deflector and see what happens...

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1 hour ago, Marvelicious said:

I've gotta say... I'm a 6th gen owner, but this is a pretty interesting conversation as far as I'm concerned. The helmet turbulence isn't terrible on my bike, especially with my current helmet, but I have noticed that if I pick myself up off the seat about an inch, it is just blessed silence. Like, might not even need earplugs silence... probably not quite that good, but it seems that way by comparison.

 

I'm going to have to fab up a quick prototype tunnel deflector and see what happens...

Well, getting much more quiet when sitting taller is what lead me to replicate all my other bikes (they needed nothing, just sportbikes running OE screens) and try to lower the airstream. Not sure if you saw it yet but I shortened a Zero Gravity screen a lot. Just rode another 40 plus miles (spent my lunchtime testing and trying to fix my Shoei GT-Air whistle, I did BTW) and I'm again very happy, but I also find it's still quieter if I sit very straight up. Still plan to trim the screen another inch. 

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Yep, I read the whole thread... I think the big takeaway for me was that the problem might be coming from below in the fork tunnel rather than above the windscreen. I guess I'm thinking of something akin to the Swegotech product.

 

I probably sit in a different airspace than the average 6th gen owner anyway. I'm somewhat tall and I've got a long torso, plus I've converted to conventional bars and I have a custom seat. Basically, I've got a VFR standard...

 

Anyone have a wind tunnel I can borrow?

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Unfortunately this is an interesting thread.  Shame you have to work so hard to solve the buffeting  problem.

 

I can not really understand the shape and location of the fork windscreen you have fabricated.  I would gladly experiment/test if I had a better understanding.

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On 5/10/2019 at 11:12 PM, Chromedome said:

Well, getting much more quiet when sitting taller is what lead me to replicate all my other bikes (they needed nothing, just sportbikes running OE screens) and try to lower the airstream. Not sure if you saw it yet but I shortened a Zero Gravity screen a lot. Just rode another 40 plus miles (spent my lunchtime testing and trying to fix my Shoei GT-Air whistle, I did BTW) and I'm again very happy, but I also find it's still quieter if I sit very straight up. Still plan to trim the screen another inch. 

M8, I read a review recently of the Shoei Neotec 2; the interesting bit is - The secret of reducing noise in a helmet is getting the fit as tight around the neck as possible. And indeed, this is why flip-lid helmets are quieter than full-face helmets. Because you slide you head into a flip-lid, the neck-roll sits very close to the neck. If air can’t get in, noise stays out.

 

I think you've mentioned previously that you've tried lots of helmets, but maybe a decent flip-lid will make enough of a difference on top of your mods?

 

Just a thought.

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2 hours ago, Skids said:

M8, I read a review recently of the Shoei Neotec 2; the interesting bit is - The secret of reducing noise in a helmet is getting the fit as tight around the neck as possible. And indeed, this is why flip-lid helmets are quieter than full-face helmets. Because you slide you head into a flip-lid, the neck-roll sits very close to the neck. If air can’t get in, noise stays out.

 

I think you've mentioned previously that you've tried lots of helmets, but maybe a decent flip-lid will make enough of a difference on top of your mods?

 

Just a thought.

I agree 100%. Controling the air stream around the neck area is what makes my Schuberth C3 Pro seem so quiet to me.

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3 hours ago, Skids said:

M8, I read a review recently of the Shoei Neotec 2; the interesting bit is - The secret of reducing noise in a helmet is getting the fit as tight around the neck as possible. And indeed, this is why flip-lid helmets are quieter than full-face helmets. Because you slide you head into a flip-lid, the neck-roll sits very close to the neck. If air can’t get in, noise stays out.

 

I think you've mentioned previously that you've tried lots of helmets, but maybe a decent flip-lid will make enough of a difference on top of your mods?

 

Just a thought.

I totally agree with the neck roll theory. The GT-Air's neck roll is insane and the helmet is by far the hardest to get on of any full-face I've ever worn. I've tried many modular helmets, the quieter ones worth mentioning starting with the Shoei Multitec, but of course the Schuberth C3 Pro and new C4. Yes, the Schuberth's were quieter than most but they simply didn't move enough air and my head would bake (Phoenix is hot). Might have been mitigated with a dark smoke visor but it wasn't worth the risk of spending another $100 (total cost of helmet and visor then $940 by then) to find out it's still too hot.

 

Like I've said though, the GT-Air is 2nd to no helmet in terms of quietness. After this morning's ride into work, I am now 100% sure that the changes I've made have transformed the bike for me. It's now hardly louder than me standing up on the pegs and putting the helmet in clean air. I still want to trim the screen another 1". I'm so glad I put this effort in*. Even got my radar detector mount setup with the audio running through a Sena SR10 into my Sena 10U. I also have a phone mount and run Escort Live. I'm all set for this epic trip (AZRide Devil's Run). 

 

I'll say this, this morning I set the cruise at 70 mph (GPS speed) and the whole experience feels strangely slow, like I'm barely moving. As if I'm going 40 mph or something. Setting the cruise at 80 mph is almost the sweet spot in terms of going fast but still quiet and comfy enough and a nice relaxed pace. That's an incredible change from the day I got the bike. 

 

*I've already spent much time and money on other mods having assumed I'd keep the bike. The Veefour cruise ($550?), Dam exhaust ($630), 3 aftermarket windscreens (ouch), a Speedohealer ($115?), a Healtech brake light flasher, a new set of tires, two different phone mounts, radar detector mount, replaced fork seals, Kisan's headlight flasher ($170?), R&G sliders and frame plugs ($220), tire hugger ($100?) and more. OMG, is that over $2,600 in two months? So much money if I ended up just selling it.

 

PS: sorry that my responses all seem so long but I'm just excited about all this and have lots to say about it.

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5 hours ago, gloryracing said:

Unfortunately this is an interesting thread.  Shame you have to work so hard to solve the buffeting  problem.

 

I can not really understand the shape and location of the fork windscreen you have fabricated.  I would gladly experiment/test if I had a better understanding.

Um, so, I had already installed the edging I mentioned earlier. Just think of it as a 5/8" tall piece of wood against what you'll make a ramp out of (like a bicycle ramp?). I then cut some cardboard and duct taped it. It's not even that tall a spoiler. Would love to try a 1" or so wedge. Maybe I didn't share the right picture? 

 

Here's two more. The edging on the fairing might be helping too (if I have time at lunch today I'm going to remove it and compare). All this is temporary, just want to get through the road trip. Also, I've cut the screen a lot. Maybe 5" total?

 

 

 

IMG_20190418_100744.jpg

 

IMG_20190513_103146.thumb.jpg.3bd51fc53a31f55e9258d0c510fa320d.jpg

 

 

IMG_20190513_103118.thumb.jpg.76ddb62d26cac9a66586544d1216056a.jpg

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Oh boy! I'm done with this shite... 3 day ride and wow, what a difference. I shortened my screen another inch or so before I left. Didn't change the spoiler. Didn't run with the edging on the fairing. At one point, in calm (ambient?) winds I was doing about 75 MPH (GPS) and all I heard was such a quiet, amazing, soul enriching whoosh from my Shoei GT-Air. 

 

Veefour's cruise control was awesome and the VFR grew on me. I just might keep this bad boy. I hope this thread ends up helping someone!

 

One last set of pics with the R&G parts on it after polishing and waxing it.

IMG_20190516_174930.jpg

IMG_20190516_174848.jpg

IMG_20190516_174759.jpg

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Haven't done anything yet. I was looking at my 6th gen... Your location won't work for a deflector because of the oil cooler and I couldn't really come up with anything around the top of the forks that would deflect enough wind to be worth the effort.

 

I'm still kicking ideas around... I'm so close to being out of the turbulence that I may just solve the problem by changing my bar mounts.

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A little post-script to this for my part... I got inspired the other day and cut my windscreen down to a nice gentle curve right even with the top of the frame. Probably took about 3" off. Problem solved for me. All that turbulent air is now at about neck level. Not only is the noise gone, but I feel like I'm getting more fresh air into my helmet. 

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