Windshields/Helmet Buffeting

[ndaugbjerg]

I'm new to the forum so this may already have been discussed but I couldn't find it. I hear a lot of complaints about this and I had this issue with ny Triumph Trophy touring bike. I'm 6'3" and the buffeting from air over the top of my windshield was annoying and tiring. I found a product called "Laminar Lip" It's simply a 4in. wide, curved plastic strip that mounts across the top of your windshield with industrial Velcro. When mounted, there is about a 1in. gap between this foil and the front of the windshield. This creats a venturi effect between the windshield and the "Lip". The stream of accelerated air now goes 4-6in. higher and over your helmet. No more buffeting! In '08 or '09 I paid abt. $75 for mine. One concern was losing it on the interstate: never happen! I've never gotten as much bang for my buck out of any other accesswory. The only downside I experienced was heat and I took it off a time or two at low speed cruising to get more airflow. IMO it's a great solution to an old problem.
Niels

[argonsagas]

Hi ndaugbjerg.

Interesting mod on a windshield.

I went to look at their website. I do feel quite a bit buffeting on my GK.
I just tuck my head in a few inches.

My windshield is also approaching the end of it's life. It has some crazing and small cracks. My plan is to cut a new windshield and make the top 2 inches higher.

Instead of a spoiler to make air go above my head I would rather have air deflectors to send some air behind the windshield. It does get awful hot back there.

DP

Windjammer had adjustable vents on some of their units for just that purpose. You might be able to find them on e-bay


BTW making a new windshield is pretty easy. Plexiglass is preferable to Lucite as it handles the sun better, and your windshield will last longer. 1/8 inch works well and shows little to no flex at 180kph. My GK has a tendency to get a bit light up front when you hit that speed, so I have seldom gone faster. Mine never had lowers on it, and that might make a difference.

[850GT_Rider]

Instead of a spoiler to make air go above my head I would rather have air deflectors to send some air behind the windshield. It does get awful hot back there.

DP

Windjammer had adjustable vents on some of their units for just that purpose.

Vetter's adjustable vents are still available. New and improved from the originals.

http://craigvetter.com/pages/Online_Store/Replacement_Parts/Replacement_Parts.html

I bought a 2" taller Slipstreamer windshield for my WJ III and plan on adding the vents.

[ndaugbjerg]

Highway Glider, If you have time, go back to the "Laminar Lip" site and read the background matl. on the products development and the testimonials before you throw any money down. I realized I really didn't know anything about windshields; lots more variables than height. And, no, I don't own any stock in the company!
Niels

[AJ]

I don't know if Laminar Lip makes products for old GS fairings, but I have one on my Hayabusa and agree with the OP ndaugjerg that this is an excellent product. I love mine.

[Doby]

I have a Laminar Lip on my BMW K75 and it works great. They can be put onto almost any windshield. However - once you discover the best position on your bike for your height, I highly recommend that you drill holes while in place and secure the Lip with some tough plastic screws and nuts, and plastic washers. It will stay on forever. If not, you may find yourself turning around to pick one up off the freeway if the Velcro gives way.

[ndaugbjerg]

Doby,
I had a Laminar Lip on my Triumph Trophy 900 and I worried about it blowing away. Then I went riding around town on the first really hot Texas summer day and decided to take it off to get a bit more air. I won the battle with the industrial Velcro but the outcome was in doubt at first. Despite my initial fears, I don't think the damn thing would ever blow off. I agree it's a great product and it was one of those rare occasions when I thought I got more than I paid for!
Niels