National Cycle Windshields on a Gs1000g

[Guest]

Hey guys I've been kicking around the windshield for a while now, I really like the National Cycle f-15 and F-16 cycles, I realize that these are not direct fits but as far as the style and looks go I really like these, has anyone used these on a 1980Gs or similar bike mine is a 1980gs 1000g? The mount to the headlight which wouldn't be too hard to fabricate up some brackets for it. Thanks for the Replies GS FTW!

http://www.motosport.com/motorcycle/national-cycle-f15-touring-fairing?mmy=suzuki;gs1000g;1980&mmy_source=pdp

http://www.motosport.com/national-cycle-f16-sport-fairing

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

[steve murdoch]

Had an F-16 "Sport" on a bike for a couple years.
I liked the look but in hindsight should have bought the "Tour" for a bit more protection.
Superbike handlebars are a definite asset for both of these fairings.

[eil]

Whatever you do, don't get the F-18 version. It looks like a plastic butt.

[Steve]

Are you installing a windshield for looks or for function?

Yes, some shields look better than others, but if you are going to go through the trouble of installing one for looks, it may as well move some air out of the way, too.


Over the years, I have had a larger Slipstreamer windshield installed on various bikes. We currently have two products from National Cycle installed. My son has a Deflector Screen DX installed on his 650L and my wife has a Plexifairing 3 installed on her 850L.

Here are a couple shots of those, you can click on the links in my sig for alternate views.









The Deflector Shield does a decent job of diverting most of the air off your torso, while still being small enough to look over, rather than through. I have not ridden it for more than about half an hour, but it was comfortable during that time.

The Plexifairing actually affords just about the same wind protection as my Wing.
The one shown in the first 850 picture is actually an older Plexifairing 2, the one shown in a scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Plexifairing 3. The only difference is the length of the lower legs.

.

[LarryJ]

Steve, I'm actually looking at installing a plexifairing3 or a slipstream enterprise fairing on Penny, the 1000G that I'm getting. You've confirmed my thoughts on that too! Thx. I had a similar shield on Loretta, my XS750. I liked it, except for the buffeting on interstates, when passing trucks, but that bike was a lot lighter

[Steve]

I keep hearing about the "buffeting" and "sudden lane changes" all the time when talking about these windshields, but I have never noticed any.

Might be because the bikes are heavier.

Might be because I took a few minutes to set the windshield angle correctly.

To prove a point once, I had a guy that was complaining about the sudden lane change thing riding along with me when I was on my wife's bike. I had him ride to my left and slightly behind, where he could watch what I was doing. (We were on a multi-lane freeway.) When we came to a truck that was in the right lane, I used the throttle lock to hold a speed slightly faster than the truck and proceeded to pass the truck, with both hands off the bars. Nary a twitch, even as we went through the 'bow wave' of turbulence at the front of the truck.

My wife and I have ridden almost cross-country (only to 4 Corners) going west, and to South Carolina and West Virginia, so you can be assured that there have been a mile or three that had less than perfect weather. She has never complained about any ill handling, let alone any that might be attributed to the shield.

.

[LarryJ]

That's a heck of an endorsement, for me!

[Wingsconsin]

I have the national Cycle PlexiStar 2 on my GS850GL
I look over it, and have set the angle through trial and changes ...
Keeps me really comfortable, and I hardly notice it , and no wind buffeting from the shield either...
Here are a few pictures...







I have added windshields (screens) to several bikes in the past.
My experience seems to point to a few methods that work for me.
1- I set the windshield at a parallel angle with the forks - it seems to look the best and work well for wind deflection.
2- I like to use windscreens with 4 points of attachment rather than 2 points on the handlebar only - just personal but it helps to retain the angle of attack at all times in my opinion
3- I like to look OVER rather than THRU the windshield
4- I prefer a slightly tinted screen (personal preference here) for looks .

[Gs1000g]

Steve, I was wanting function but with some style I saw the one you posted on the 650, I really like the curve and looks of the f-15 and the f-16. Then again I just wonder how much actual air they will move for me. I really like the looks of the Wes Cooley fairing/windshield but short of laying on the tank I don't think they offer much function with them. I don't mind the deflector screen DX but its not my favorite but I plan on riding a lot this spring/summer and would like to decrease the beating I take on the highway.

[robertbarr]

I've used the full-sized Plexifairings way before there was such a thing as the Plexifairing III. My early ones were just about perfect for me, on my original '79 GS850, although a bit shy of airflow in really hot weather. I put many thousands of miles on those fairings.

My later versions, though, for some reason, were at just the wrong height -- I'm looking at the top inch or so of the shield, so that going around a curve presented a problem of having to either lift myself up a bit to look over the shield, or crouch down to look through it. It was horrible, not to mention tiring and dangerous. So -- about a 180-degree shift in opinion.

It's possible that with a jigsaw and some masking tape I could have cut that fairing down perhaps 2" lower, and that might have done the trick.

Here's what it looks like on a 1000G.

When Simon bought this bike, that Plexifairing was the first thing to go, and I certainly understand why. My next GS will probably have a National Cycle product again, but I think I'll go smaller, like the Plexistar (or whatever its current incarnation is called).

[1948man]

Plexifairing III on my 1100G. I like the way it breaks the wind. I look over it with no turbulence or buffeting.

[Gs1000g]

I was leaning towards the F-15/F-16 I dont want something thats overbearing on the bike, if my riding jacket wasnt acting like a huge parachute i wouldnt ride with a windshield at all. Last summer I took a bumble bee to the throat and it wasnt the most pleasurable experience ive ever had, not that a windsheild will stop that but i would like to keep it smaller. Keep posting pictures of yer windshields

[steve murdoch]

You mentioned earlier that were looking for protection while highway riding.
I don't think either the F15 or F16 Tour would work for that.