Kawasaki Versys Forum banner

Windscreen hits and misses

43K views 75 replies 30 participants last post by  Krons  
#1 ·
Folks, please bear with me on my journey to find a better windscreen for my 2016 Versys 650 LT. The stock, Givi 4114ST and Puig touring didn't work for me at all. I'm 6'2" and 34" inseam. I managed to sell the Puig already and probably soon you'll see my Givi for sales here (stay tuned!).

I understand finding the best wind/buffeting protection is mostly experimentation and depends on several variables such as helmet, riding position/style, etc...but the business of buying for $100 and selling it almost new for $70 is not working for me. To be honest, stock is the one that gives me the least amount of buffeting. Noise is a no issue with my Shoei Qwest helmet and earplugs.

Next on the list: Vstream, Madstad and Givi Airflow --- I'm open to recommendations from others that tried several windscreens. :|

Thanks a bunch and keep riding safe out there!
 
#2 ·
#9 ·
Yes, I'm torn between the Vstream and Givi Airflow next. I'm sure the Airflow works better with its double-layer screen but I'm still debating the looks of it on this bike. I may buy both windscreens from CycleGear and test them out for couple days (before my credit card kicks in) and return the one I don't like to the store since there is a CycleGear store 10 miles from me.
 
#11 ·
This windshield thing will drive you nuts-I bought a mid size National Cycle thought I didn't like sold it-bought a shorter National Cycle thought I didn't like it sold it bought another mid size thinking I missed something nope still have it but don't care for it each time putting the stock one back on---and a drum roll I bought back the short National cycle-so how nuts is that-are we having fun yet
 
#12 ·
A bike without an adjustable windshield (like the madstad) is like a bike without a seat; your in for an uncomfortable ride.

It's 2018. Seriously. The tech is there, use it. It's that simple. It's high when you want it, it's low when you don't. Changes angle too when you need to find the right laminar flow of air according to the speed. No compromise, it's like having 9 windshields in 1 (assuming coarsely low medium high for both position and tilt, although the madstad is not limited to discrete steps).
 
#13 ·
I am with you on trying to find the right windshield. I now have the MRA Vara Touring shield and love it. NO buffeting, the ride is so smooth. The top deflector / wing is set to "maximum" deflection and the wind hits my helmet at the very tippy top with the windshield in the top position. I think the secret to no buffeting is the screen is shorter at the bottom, so it allows just the right amount of air to enter the bottom. For me, at 5' 8", it is heaven. I really love the highway crusing ability of the bike now. I had my original screen on for 5K miles, and moving it up above the top stop made it survivable. I had a Cal Scientific before and need to list that for sale. Best!
 
#14 · (Edited)
I recently took possession of a mid-height V-Stream, and so far I like it on my V650 (Weljo's review video really helped me decide on the V-Stream). I'm 6' tall, but ride a little hunched over. On the lowest setting, the V-Stream is just about as tall as the stock screen on it's highest setting. My initial test was wonderful. At speeds below 70 mph, I could hear the airbox "growl" instead of wind noise and turbulence. I did set it a bit higher and try a little highway riding, but I think that it was a little better in the lowest position. More experimentation ahead. So far, I like it a lot! I think if I can get the optimal height figured out, I may not need ear plugs anymore...NOTE:
Read the instructions and warnings! The V-Stream may melt your dash if parked facing away from the sun, due to the shape of the screen acting like a magnifying glass. I found an old dirt bike helmet bag that fits very well over the screen, and so plan to carry that to cover the screen when parked in hopes of allieviating the issue.

I considered the MadStad, but don't like the looks, nor the additional bracketry required for all the adjustment. I prefer to keep things simple. That said, it is impossible to argue the adjustability that is available with the MadStad for sure.
 
#15 ·
.....NOTE:
Read the instructions and warnings! The V-Stream may melt your dash if parked facing away from the sun, due to the shape of the screen acting like a magnifying glass. I found an old dirt bike helmet bag that fits very well over the screen, and so plan to carry that to cover the screen when parked in hopes of allieviating the issue.

.
:surprise: Ops! Thanks for the warning. I heard it somewhere but thought it was urban legend.
 
#18 ·
Folks, please bear with me on my journey to find a better windscreen for my 2016 Versys 650 LT....
I have a PUIG 5999 which I used going to D2D 2016, but I wasn't totally happy w/ it, so last summer I tried IT, and then the OEM windscreen, EACH for a few weeks, then rode cross-Canada and back w/ the OEM (on a '15 V650) thru MAJOR rain, major wind, and I'll get rid of the PUIG when I get off my butt to do so.

VERY happy w/ the 'stocker'.

:thumb: - :thumb:
 

Attachments

#20 ·
I tried it all the way up today, definitely better. Overall, I think it's a decent windscreen for the price, and as I said, knowing ahead of time about the "melting dash issue" I planned for it. I still think it works ok at the lowest position, but is better in the upper position. Somehow the middle just seems "meh." Sorry about your damaged dash, motorboy. Going back to the OP: after riding with mine a bit more, if I were your height, I would likely order the "tall" screen.
 
#21 ·
Here's a thought - IF you have one of these 'shields, put a piece of that metallic duct-tape [looks like chrome] on the part under the shield (called a "Meter Cover" in my 2015 650 SERVICE MANUAL) so it will reflect the sun, thus NOT melting or burning it.

:goodidea:

MIGHT even give you "points" w/ the 'Cruiser set'....:wink2:
 
#24 ·
I really like my MRA touring screen. Very little buffeting and great protection. Plus it looks great too.

Problem is just about any windscreen will produce some turbulence/buffeting. If you are not sure then take off the screen entirely and go for a ride. You will be amazed what smooth/laminar actually feels like. Then put the screen back on and ride again to compare.

Here is a link to a post I made last year on the MRA screen.

http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forum...m/forums/178-modifications-performance-v-650/205273-mra-touring-windscreen.html
 
#25 ·
Wind management can drive one crazy. I've had bikes that were perfect for me, and others that were never quite right despite trying many windshields. Plus, it's so personalized due to differing rider dimensions and preferences. I'm 5'9" and prefer to look over, not thru, a windshield. With my 3rd gen Versys, the OEM wasn't bad, but I wanted a bigger air pocket in winter. The Puig "sport touring" provided great coverage, but induced a moderate amount of buffeting between 45-65 MPH (smoothed out above 65). Now I'm running the mid-sized Nat'l Cycle, which for me is a pretty good (but not 100% perfect) compromise, though, as pointed out above, one has to be cognizant of the potential dash-melting scenario. I try to remember, but will probably forget at the wrong time some day. I may try a Madstad some day if I finally get up the gumption for an Iron Butt SS1000 ride.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jay_Chicago
#26 ·
I am 5'10" and have a 22" Madstad on my gen 2. As you said, this is a very personal thing, but your comment about a bigger air pocket (do you mean quieter?) leads me to comment. I am generally satisfied with the Madstad because the adjust-ability allows one to adapt to changing situations, but there is so much airflow beneath it you will never find a quiet spot. You may not, but I choose to use my Sena communicator to call home and my riding buddies, but the wind noise is such that I have to slow down to make the darn thing understand. For me, ear plugs are a necessity. Yes, you should use them anyway but it makes the point about wind noise. The quietest position for me is all the way down and leaning back so I get clean air and a buggy face shield. Just like the factory wind shield. The factory windshield didn't cost 269.00.
 
#29 ·
I find the best solution is the stock screen plus a larger touring screen for cooler weather and extended highway riding. I put the stock screen back on for hot summertime riding. I find the touring screens I have worked well but blocked the cooling vents on my jacket. VStream make excellent quality and designed screens. I had one on my 2008 Versys and it worked great. I am now riding a MK2 model Versys. VStream I believe only make one for the Mk1 and Mk3 Versys.
 
#32 ·
Here is something I tried today that helped reduce buffeting. I've added a spacer under the windscreen bracket front bolts (white spacers, see picture). It tilted the Givi windscreen few notches towards me reducing the turbulence at the top my helmet...20% better, but still there. I could have tried longer spacers to tilt it a tad more towards me and then it would be perfect. But if I did that, the bolts would be misaligned to the threads. I think I need a Madstad badly :|
 

Attachments

#43 ·
Took a 450 mile (round trip) ride last weekend, half in on and off pouring rain, the other half in nice weather. Did the whole ride with NO earplugs (definitely not my modus operandi). I listened to music through my communicator (Interphone F-4), and could hear it the whole time. I get just a touch of wind noise at the top of my helmet, regardless of windscreen height (seems like more a helmet issue than a windscreen issue). I couldn't be more pleased with the V-Stream, and I hope (and think) you will too.