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Discussion starter · #61 ·
Alright, alright, alright....borrowed a Givi Airflow AF4105 because I just had to see it for myself. I just have one word to describe its performance: SPECTACULAR!
The wind protection is better than the Vstream and all others I've tested. Zero buffeting and I got less tired riding behind it than on the Vstream (at least for 220 miles). The Vstream is great but I still feel wind pressure on my arms and shoulders, not with the Givi Airflow. There are plenty ways to set it up since you have the base height adjustment and the top deflector adjustment separately. This way you can let more flow to come from underneath, from the top or compressed between the two layers so you can pick whatever works for you based on your height, riding position, helmet, wind conditions, etc...There are few adjustment combinations that will make the air flow literally whistle but with a little tweak you can get rid of that. Overall, I found the Vstream quieter but the Givi Airflow more comfortable to ride longer distances. If you wear earplugs, there will be no difference in noise level between both and my pick would go to the Givi Airflow. I was not sold by the looks of it when watching pictures, but when installed on the bike it doesn't look that bad at all. Also found that with the airflow the bike struggles to go after 95 mph.

...does anybody have a madstad to spare? 0:)
 

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I just got this one.. MRA VarioTouringScreen Windshield for Kawasaki Versys 650 '15, Versys 1000 '15 (Light Smoke Grey)... Buzzed it up and down the interstate and was pleased.. No buffeting but a bit more wind in the shoulder and arm... It was a bit pricey though
 
Alright, alright, alright....borrowed a Givi Airflow AF4105 because I just had to see it for myself. I just have one word to describe its performance: SPECTACULAR!
The wind protection is better than the Vstream and all others I've tested. Zero buffeting and I got less tired riding behind it than on the Vstream (at least for 220 miles). The Vstream is great but I still feel wind pressure on my arms and shoulders, not with the Givi Airflow. There are plenty ways to set it up since you have the base height adjustment and the top deflector adjustment separately. This way you can let more flow to come from underneath, from the top or compressed between the two layers so you can pick whatever works for you based on your height, riding position, helmet, wind conditions, etc...There are few adjustment combinations that will make the air flow literally whistle but with a little tweak you can get rid of that. Overall, I found the Vstream quieter but the Givi Airflow more comfortable to ride longer distances. If you wear earplugs, there will be no difference in noise level between both and my pick would go to the Givi Airflow. I was not sold by the looks of it when watching pictures, but when installed on the bike it doesn't look that bad at all. Also found that with the airflow the bike struggles to go after 95 mph.

...does anybody have a madstad to spare? 0:)
A little couch time may help with your windshield fedish:grin2:
 
I installed my N20120 Tall VStream today.

On the 2015 I needed 4x 92152-0092 collars and 4x 92161-1938 dampers to fit the slightly bigger holes of the 2017+. Everything else was re-used.

It's raining today so a test ride will have to wait. I mainly just want to keep the wind fully off my head at highway speeds while still having some air come around the sides as this is mostly for commuting.
 
Let me join in on this.

I'm on the verge of selling my 16' Versys 650 LT due to unbearable buffeting.

Being 6'3", with broad shoulders, and 34 inseam, and around 240lbs, I did NOT expect 100% comfort (and yes, seat and its angle are garbage however you mod it - so local guy is/was willing to do it for me for 350), but wind noise is utterly killing me.

I commute daily, 15miles highway (65-90mph avg) and 5 miles to the home/work off the freeway.

It is unforgiving how bad the wind noise and buffeting are.

I tried stock low and high positions (and many in between) -> at highest - air hits me in the top of my chest, just under the neck line and shoulders take a beating to the point I don't like going over 70 at all.

Then, GIVI D4114ST Touring Screen was installed - and that moved the air higher - but at highest point - hits me square in the visor (so if open my visor - I get air, dust, rocks, and ICBM-like flies right in my face/eyes) while at the same time - rocks my head in all directions like a bobble-head.

Yes, I tried one of those cheap 25bux clip ons -> did nothing but made swirling even worse .

As it stands - I am parting ways with this bike for a design that will allow me to sit more IN THE BIKE, then ON the bike (as is the case here). I've sat on FJ-09, but that bike is too short overall, squishes me knees too much.
Tried Tiger 1050 (older, I know) and loved it - guy had a taller PUIG on it and I like that a LOT. Much better ergos for taller/larger guy.
Then there was a V-Strom and Multistrada (2015 and 2011 respectively). Strom felt much longer, and that's where I'm leaning atm, but MS just FEELS nice to the rider, and screen is apparently VERY nice. (didn't ride that).

If there is SOMETHING you *can recommend* for really a 6'4+ guy -> please do tell, because I really LIKE how my versys drives - it's all I was looking for -> light enough, more nimble then stroms and Tigers, more reliable then Multistradas, and no, I did not want GS or F series BMW...

I have decided to put the bike for sale - so it sits on CL at the moment.
 
(and yes, seat and its angle are garbage however you mod it
It's likely just you. I have no problem with comfort; angle remains unnoticeable even after I read about it.

Then, GIVI D4114ST Touring Screen was installed - ...
I tried one of those cheap 25bux clip ons
So you gave up money (GIVIt up) to the overpriced givi sh*t, and a cheap clip on, and you want to give up?

I finally settled on "madstad". This brand is to other brands like a clamshell 10$ phone is to a smartphone. Not only you can choose height and tilt but when you order, you can choose the shield size too. Shield yourself up. Have fun.
 
It's likely just you. I have no problem with comfort; angle remains unnoticeable even after I read about it.
Yeah, that is true. I have an old back injury that forces me to be upright.

So you gave up money (GIVIt up) to the overpriced givi sh*t, and a cheap clip on, and you want to give up?
GIVI (and stock) came with the bike.

I finally settled on "madstad". This brand is to other brands like a clamshell 10$ phone is to a smartphone. Not only you can choose height and tilt but when you order, you can choose the shield size too. Shield yourself up. Have fun.
Now THIS is valuable - I assume not many people buy those due to their higher price, but MOST reviewers say it's an absolute dream to have!

How tall are you? Think 6'4" is my target height, and compare to your windshield height... I AM willing to spend $280 for it, just not many Versys reviews on them!!

Thank you for the quick response though!
 

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Now THIS is valuable - I assume not many people buy those due to their higher price, but MOST reviewers say it's an absolute dream to have!

How tall are you? Think 6'4" is my target height, and compare to your windshield height... I AM willing to spend $280 for it, just not many Versys reviews on them!!

Thank you for the quick response though!
I'm 5'10., but I'm rather upright too.
To be clear, I ported my ninja 650 madstad (with a bit of hack) to the versys (2015).
The shield is likely shorter than what available and poorly shaped. Yet it does well. The trick to fight buffeting is to let some air from under.

To give you an idea:

-when tucked low and flat, I can see well and close in front of me for offroad.

-when raised and sharp, my eyes are just over the top. It is actually annoying in hills because I'd to see lower. So I tilt or lower it a bit in hill (when I care).

-I bought it to be tall on purpose so I can get fog well over the visor.

-About flies, gone are the days where I need to clean the visor. My visor is clean all day. I'm so used to it that it pisses me offf when partners ask to do a wipe stop (watching them scratch the heck of theirs, replacing it every year. I think you will save on visors enough to pay for the windshield in maybe 5-10 years depending on which scheme your helmet brand caught you in.)


I don't have the real versys 650 madstad. But I see these guys have ported similar easy fat knobs (adjust from inside even while riding) & brackets and that you will have help for choosing the shield size if you explain what you want. They list you would need the 22" but they do have the 24" in the choices. Fortunately, if 24" is too tall, you can lower it (or recut?!). If 22" is too short, you can drill new holes, but that's kinda extreme...

https://madstad.com/collections/kawasaki/products/versys-650-2015-up

I can't choose the tint for you (I have medium grey) but just think of the future: if will wear and get dirty and obviously wet. Don't expect to see through for long. Meaning, too tall can get embarrassing, especially in rain.
 
...partners ask to do a wipe stop (watching them scratch the heck of theirs, replacing it every year. I think you will save on visors enough to pay for the windshield in maybe 5-10 years depending on which scheme your helmet brand caught you in.)....
I use LEMON PLEDGE to clean and polish my visors, and I've NEVER had to replace one since I started using it. Here's a pic of the visor on my BELL helmet when I got home from riding across Canada w/out cleaning it except for the rain I rode in, over 25 days and 8,668 miles, w/ my OEM windshield at it's highest setting!

Image
 
I use LEMON PLEDGE to clean and polish my visors, and I've NEVER had to replace one since I started using it. Here's a pic of the visor on my BELL helmet when I got home from riding across Canada w/out cleaning it except for the rain I rode in, over 25 days and 8,668 miles, w/ my OEM windshield at it's highest setting!
Yep, tall windshield does the trick.
(but no cleaning agent will ever protect for impacts or from wiping bugs across; the only safe way is first to rinse them off.)
 
Yep, tall windshield does the trick.
(but no cleaning agent will ever protect for impacts or from wiping bugs across; the only safe way is first to rinse them off.)
I spray the windshield w/ PLEDGE, let it 'sit' for a few minutes BEFORE I wipe it off, then "BUFF" the screen.

I NEVER 'wipe bugs across it'.
 
i took the puig plunge. very nice compared to the stocker. on high i get no buffeting and the engine is clearly audible. i moved it down about 1/4 the way and not a great idea. i mostly ride freeway commuting which means 35 miles at 70+ and the return 42 splitting lanes. we'll see how it is blocking so much wind at 90°F+ tomorrow. so far though it's nice.
 
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!
I’ve had access to ride a Road Star Silverado with windshield the past several months and decided to become a motorcycle owner again. Picked up low mileage 2012 Vulcan 900 classic and intended to add the windshield, saddle bags and passenger back rest like the lt. On the Road Star, everything over 50 mph vibrates my helmet due to buffeting. Riding the Vulcan without the windshield has been much more comfortable, no buffeting and the wind on my face and chest is less than I expected I did learn the open face “temp” helmet I am wearing allows every bit of debris and bugs to splat on my face with the Vulcan. Going past a log truck on its way to the paper mill is even more exciting with bark and twigs flying off. Now that I’ve committed to riding again, the helmet is being upgraded to HJC i30 slight with a face shield with an inner drop down sun shield. My riding will be mostly back roads cruising and no long road trips or interstates. What are your thoughts on windshields? Have any of you removed them from your lt?
 
My riding will be mostly back roads cruising and no long road trips or interstates. What are your thoughts on windshields? Have any of you removed them from your lt?
You either need your helmet fully in the undisturbed ‘clean’ air or out of the turbulent ‘dirty’ air. With no road trips a low or no windscreen is likely a good option.

I’m 6’2” and 33” inseam so often have to play with taller screens or add a deflector to get my head out of the ‘dirty’ air. Deflectors that straighten the air do help. It is a bit of trial and error based on the bike and how tall your torso is.
 
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