Any GS850L windshield solutions out there

[tirebiter]

New-to-me bike and I went on an extended trip to a vintage Japanese bike show (Rice-O-Rama) today.

After the first half hour at steady highway speeds (55 -75), I realized how much I have to work just to keep my head upright. After another half hour I was getting tired. My neck is still feeling it. Arriving at my destination 90 minutes after leaving home, I realized how much the wind noise bothers me. Felt half deaf in one ear as I parked. I need a windshield !

I have a Vetter IV that came stripped - disassembled/all apart - with the bike, when I bought it. It's missing the windshield and probably several other pieces. Is there a better way than to add all that weight and width ? Is there a windshield for this bike that will push the wind out of the way significantly, so I am not deafened by wind noise so much ?

Would rather not use the full-face helmet all the time. It's is much quieter but still the neck strain, just pushing air out of the way, is significant, at speed.

Suggestions ? Considering trying to make one but wondering about legalities for use on public roadways, here in New England. Did Suzuki offer an optional or stock windshield for this bike ?

 

[Steve]

Did Suzuki offer an optional or stock windshield for this bike ?

Some Suzukis were offered with the Calafia STX fairing, which is basically a competitor's version of your Windjammer.


Other options are handlebar-mounted windshields. Click on the links in my sig, you will see a National Cycle Plexifairing 3 on my wife's 850L and a National Cycle Deflector Screen on my son's 650L.

Both of them see regular use on the highway and for several hours at a time, no complaints with either one.

.

 

[eil]

After the first half hour at steady highway speeds (55 -75), I realized how much I have to work just to keep my head upright. After another half hour I was getting tired. My neck is still feeling it.

Are you running the stock handlebars? If so, they'll have you sitting very upright at speed. Go for some that give you a bit of forward lean to counter the wind, like Daytonas.

What kind of helmet? A 3/4 helmet will "capture" a whole bunch more air than a full-face will.

Arriving at my destination 90 minutes after leaving home, I realized how much the wind noise bothers me. Felt half deaf in one ear as I parked. I need a windshield !

And ear plugs.

 

[Grimly]

How about one of these?

But seriously; I've been using a commuter-style windshield for years, after becoming disenchanted with a distinctly inferior Vetter clone.
The windshield provides all the upper body protection I need and for winter I put on a set of legshields.
This works well, but I plan on fitting BMW RT bodywork for a longer term solution.
This is very similar to what I've got, but mine has shorter side portions.

The wedge shape on the nose/bar ends really helps at speed, I find.

 

[Wingsconsin]

1983 GS850 GL - Approx 42-44 MPG always - I look over this windscreen - I am about 5'11" -
Slightly tinted but still see through.

 

[wymple]

I rode a Virago all over hell last year with a Streetfighter type windshield. I still have one lying around I could part with if you want to go that route. Don't know where you are located, tho. You'll catch more air than a Windjammer, but it does kill almost all the air pressure.

 

[Guest]

Windjammers are old school and they will do the job very well but they are not beneficial to the bikes handling and they are heavy and will cost you MPG. Also they are not that easy on the eye, lets face it, the 70s/80s are over.

If you do use a Windjammer type make positively sure they have not been compromised (cracked) , mainly at the bottom four mounting bolts. Broken one's are dangerous. I have given away /thrown in the dumpster dozens of old Vetter and other big fairings.

I started using a Maier this year mainly for the same reasons you stated and I like it very much. It does seem to clip about 2 MPG off but I can live with it

 

[sinkankan]

This little fairing on the GS850G seems to punch holes in the wind just right, when I jump on my Z9 without a fairing I realy get buffeted around the 100 kph range, amazing what a bit of fibreglass will do.

 

[tirebiter]

Checking around to see about finding a mounting bracket for the Vetter, Windjammer 4. I like the idea of mounting the windhsield to the frame even if via a heavy fiberglass fairing. Would be a no-brainer if I did not already have the complete and in good shape (no cracks) -sans windshield - Vetter with lights, trim and and harness.

Comfort matters more to me than speed and agility but with a very close eye on fuel economy at the same time. Considering doing some coast-down testing if/when I get the Vetter and windshield mounted. Compare it too no windshield. See if the aerodynamics are worse, with the Vetter. Could not find anything online in that direction.

 

[ShadowFocus603]

Wingsconsin what model is that National Cycle windscreen you are running? I'm looking to put something along those lines on the fiance's 750L for fall riding.

 

[ShadowFocus603]

Wingsconsin what model is that National Cycle windscreen you are running? I'm looking to put something along those lines on the fiance's 750L for fall riding. It looks like the Plexistar 2 but hard to tell.

 

[Steve]

Wingsconsin what model is that National Cycle windscreen you are running? I'm looking to put something along those lines on the fiance's 750L for fall riding. It looks like the Plexistar 2 but hard to tell.

Look back in post #2, I gave links to the two screens that we are using here.

.

 

[argonsagas]

I have posted this a few times:

If you like the Windjammer...and I do.....just make a new windshield to suit your riding position.


1/8 Plexiglass works VERY well.


The stock Vetter windshield is thicker, but I have used 1/8 on the GK at 120MPH, and on the Bandit at 150mph, without any problem so I am pretty sure it will hold up. Temperature was also not a problem as I rode the GK in a temperature range of 15F to 100F. The Vetter is actually less likely to flex because the fairing body sits higher, so there will be less plexiglass used.

It IS important to use plexiglass, or another of similar quality, as lucite is more likely to discolour and may become brittle

 

[Wingsconsin]

Wingsconsin what model is that National Cycle windscreen you are running? I'm looking to put something along those lines on the fiance's 750L for fall riding. It looks like the Plexistar 2 but hard to tell.

The classic Plexistar 2™ is the sporty version of the Plexifairing. The cut of the Plexistar 2 is a bit larger around the headlight opening and the extended lowers are shorter. It's a favorite fairing for year-round riding and for many riders who require good upper chest and hand protection.
A wide range of fitments are available for specific models to assure a superior fit. Available for most motorcycles.

http://www.nationalcycle.com/catalogue/Classic.shtml

 

[Steve]

I have posted this a few times:

If you like the Windjammer...and I do.....just make a new windshield to suit your riding position.

1/8 Plexiglass works VERY well.
...
It IS important to use plexiglass, or another of similar quality, as lucite is more likely to discolour and may become brittle

I have seen 1/8" Lexan used with good results, too.

.

 

[tirebiter]

For now I need to come up with a mount for the Windjammer. I am liking the fact that I sit upright and tall on "Little Suzy". Able to see over the roofs of most cars. Eye-to-eye with many pickup-truck and SUV drivers too.

Not sure a streetfigther type screen/faring would fill-the-bill but thanks for the offer Wymple.

 

[gustovh]

drop me a line and I will try and send you the mounting instructions on the Vetter.

V

 

[wymple]

The Plexifairing is what my son runs on his 650 Guzzi, and it works very well.

 

[tirebiter]

WHAT LUCK !!! I found a complete Windjammer V on Craigslist with a windhsield and mount for an unbelieveable "giveaway" price. In fact, the guy who sold/gave it to me is on this site regularly. I guess the best part is, he lives in the next town !!!

Only caveat is the mount is for a 1000GS and won't fit my frame. Parts of it sure will fit the fairing and I think I can make up what I need by copying elements from the 1000 mount. Work on "little Suzy" will be non-existent for several days but meanwhile, I'll keep researching and reaching out to those who are offering mounting ideas for the Vetter.

I am certainly interested in doing anything I can to withstand the cold blast while riding, as far into the Fall-Winter as possible. The Windjammer should go a long way to helping me do that. The first rainfall I rode in for many years, had me worried and I of course slowed way down, espeically around corners. The 2nd one was far less worrisome and I was much better dressed for it. Rain won't stop me but I am not expecting to ever want to ride her in a snow storm or freezing rain.

 

[Steve]

You say the fairing is from a "1000GS". Do you mean a GS1000 (possibly an "E" model) or a GS1000G?

If it's a shaft-driven 1000G, you have the same frame, the mount should fit.

Even if it's from a chain-driven bike, most of the large Suzukis were not that different on the front frame tubes, it should fit.

.