Windshield vents

[Highway_Glider]

I am in the process of cutting a new windshield for the my GK.

I remember readind about someone installing vents through theirs. Can't fins anything with the search.

I have found theese:

http://www.aircraft-spruce.com/catalog/appages/vistavents.php

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r4/parabellum-windshield/

The second one comes with the windshield.

Did anyone try any of theese or others?
Any recommendation for good and cheap?

A deflector perhaps?

[Steve]

Don't expect much of a breeze when they are open.

In fact, don't expect ANY breeze.

The modest amount of air that does flow through them does more to relieve the vacuum behind the windshield, which will re-shape the 'bubble' of still air.

If you are looking for a breeze, consider some Baker Air Wings.

You will likely be the only one around your area that has them (unless there is a Wing rider nearby), but they really work.
I really enjoy the ones I have on my Wing and on my previous Kawasaki Voyager.

.

[Highway_Glider]

Thanks Steve. I value your opinion. Well I thought ANY air is better than none. So your comment mean trash that idea.

Those "Air Wings" deflectors look good.



They remind me of this guy I meet once. He was a bit messed up. He once owned a "Gold WIND" just like mine (GK) and he travelled al the way to Vancouver with it...And if he wins some money he will get another...

They meet one of my criteria. Good.
Does not meet the other. Cheap. at $300 or so.

There is one made for the Burgman and are "Only" $175....



Did not find any on Ebay.

Maybe fabrication...I will label that "Project #3013" and put it in the back of the pile...For now.

[Steve]

Most of the money for the Baker Air Wings is in the mounts. They are specific for each bike, although you may find something that is similar enough to work.

The plastic deflectors are reasonably-priced, and are pretty much universal. They do come in a couple of sizes, and there are a couple that are made for specific applications.

I was introduced to them back in 2001, when I visited Honda Hoot in Knoxville, TN with my sisters. We were walking down through the vendors, my sister said "you need some of these", pointing to the Air Wings.
I protested a bit, saying "but they won't have them for my bike".
The vendor asked what I had.
"Kawasaki Voyager 1300".
"You want the brackets in black or chrome?"
"Black."
"What color plastic?"
"Dark smoke."
"You want a single deflector or dual on each side?"
"Dual."
"Here is your pit pass, I will start assembling them while you bring your bike back here for installation."

It blew me away that, not only did they have them (and on-hand), but to also offer a choice of black or chrome.

Not exactly "cheap", even with the show discount, but still one of the best additions I ever made to the bike.

.

[Larry D]

I have a template for a GK windshield that I made. I was going to cut one myself, but, the wife surprised me and bought a nice aftermarket one for me.

I'll send you the template if you want it, to help make yours.

Post a bunch of pics of the cutting process please.

[Highway_Glider]

Thank Larry but that won't be necessary.

I have cut one already but I erred. I increased the lenght by 2 inches and went too thin. The windshield is perfect but start fluttering at 120 kph and over.

Needless to say that "That" windshield is now my template. I had a hard time making that one as I never had an original. The PO made rather long holes by drilling other holes next to.

So yes, I will take pictures of the marking, cutting and drilling if you like.

The improved windshield will be Lexan 4.5mm. Call it ¼ inch.

[Steve]

The improved windshield will be Lexan 4.5mm. Call it ¼ inch.

Why would I want to call that "1/4 inch" when 1/4 of 25.4mm is 6.35mm?

4.5mm is less than 3/16 inch.

Probably an adequate thickness, just the wrong name.

.

[Highway_Glider]

J.H.C.

Only an American would split hair about that.

I don't use "Imperial enough" it looks like a ¼ inch.

3/16 is such a stupid unit it's not even on my keyboard. And I have a pretty "Liberal" one. I have a Canadian Multilingual.

http://kbd-intl.narod.ru/images/ca-intl.png

I have : ¼, ½, ¾, ⅜, ⅝, ⅞

Anyway it's a stupid system I don't care much for.





So....

I stand corrected to 3/16th of an inch.

Whoopidoo.

Whatever.