What a steal

[shamelin]

Check out my latest Enfield-related score from eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Memphis-Shades-Demon-Clear-Windshield-UNIVERSAL-/140913077112?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=A9Eopr3XBpOmDub4P5n%252FvlrEA3U%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

It cost $50 to ship, so the seller ended up making $20.

I almost feel bad for the guy.

[Desi Bike]

Send me $35 if it will make you feel better.

[Ducati Scotty]

Memphis Shades makes some very good quality stuff.  The NFieldGear windshields are actually MS.

Scott

[mattsz]

Same screen I got from NFG; I paid substantially more than you did, shamelin!  But at the time, ebay didn't have any complete units for sale, just replacement plastic from dealers, without mounting hardware.  Unfortunately, now I'm trying to figure out how to make riding with the screen enjoyable - it keeps me warm, but the helmet noise from the wind deflection is unbelievable.  Can't ride above 25mph without ear plugs, and at 55mph I cannot, at all, hear my engine running.  I have some suggestions from another thread...

Too bad about the shipping for your seller - I don't know how they managed it, but NFG shipped mine in a big box with some other stuff for $11.

[shamelin]

Unfortunately, now I'm trying to figure out how to make riding with the screen enjoyable - it keeps me warm, but the helmet noise from the wind deflection is unbelievable.  Can't ride above 25mph without ear plugs, and at 55mph I cannot, at all, hear my engine running.  I have some suggestions from another thread...

Yeah, I'm still messing with the position to get it just right and minimize wind noise as much as possible.  I found that custom earplugs help out quite a bit and are pretty darn comfortable.  Instead of paying a arm and leg for someone else to do it, I did it myself for $0.75.

It might be worth a try if you're feeling adventurous.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Custom-Fit-Earphones/

[mattsz]

I sit somewhat tall in the saddle, so maybe I have a harder time than some other riders.  I find that despite the seemingly infinite position possibilities offered by the adjustable mounting hardware, when I clamp everything down, the screen is pulled into one attitude that I cannot really adjust.  Maybe if I drastically alter where the clamps rest on the handlebars, I'd get more options.

I'm thinking of trying the "micro-swirl" product, which has had a positive review here on the forum:

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,1259.msg29850.html#msg29850

[Ducati Scotty]

Move the clamps.  Ideally you want to just be able to see over the top.  Then the air should blast right over your helmet. 

You're getting hit with the laminar flow of air off the top lip of the shield.  Those swirl generators can help a lot by breaking the laminar flow up. 

Another alternative is to get a shorter shield.  You get less protection but your head I'd in a clear air stream.  The turbulence hits your shoulders instead. 

I hated dealing with all this stuff over the years.  Now I just use a fly screen to take the blast off my stomach or go naked.  I'd rather have my head in a clear, quiet air stream. 

Scott

[mattsz]

Well, the screen's bottom round cutout it down around the headlight where it should be.  I can't really raise it up much higher without opening up that gap.  I understand that I should just be able to see over the top, but there's no way to do it with that windscreen - it's not tall enough.  Did I buy the wrong one?  Probably, but it is the tallest one NFG sells.  I understood that it would be ok.  Turns, out, it isn't ideal.

It's a cold weather thing.  It keeps my body warm, which is the primary reason I bought it.  I don't want to go shorter, and end up with my body back in the cold.  I don't want to sit behind a billboard, either.  As soon at it warms up enough, the screen comes off.  So what's left is me trying to make what I have work.  I like the low risk of trying this money-back guaranteed addition...

[Ducati Scotty]

Raise it.  The gap at the bottom lets air in so you don't get a vacuum bubble behind the screen.  This also smooths it out.  It might look goofy but it will work better.

Scott

[mattsz]

I knew there was something I forgot to add...

I did try to raise it, after a fashion.  Problem is, it won't go any higher.  I can't move the handlebar clamps up any further without angling them out (rather than up) too far.  I'm at the length limits of the two struts that hold the screen (see pic).  I guess the next step in raising it would be to buy or fabricate some longer struts...

Raise it.  The gap at the bottom lets air in so you don't get a vacuum bubble behind the screen.  This also smooths it out.  It might look goofy but it will work better.

Interesting.  I wonder at what point increasing that gap in order to raise the top edge produces diminishing returns - too much wind beneath the screen.  I don't see how I can find out without buying or fabricating new struts.  Anyone ever try this?  Are parts available?

[Ducati Scotty]

Contact Memphis Shades, ask if they have some longer struts.

Scott

[PartsMan]

I knew there was something I forgot to add...

I did try to raise it, after a fashion.  Problem is, it won't go any higher.  I can't move the handlebar clamps up any further without angling them out (rather than up) too far.  I'm at the length limits of the two struts that hold the screen (see pic).  I guess the next step in raising it would be to buy or fabricate some longer struts...

Interesting.  I wonder at what point increasing that gap in order to raise the top edge produces diminishing returns - too much wind beneath the screen.  I don't see how I can find out without buying or fabricating new struts.  Anyone ever try this?  Are parts available?

We sell 2" longer rods for $16.95 (Z91309). You will have to order by phone- Phone Sales & Service:
1-800-358-0938

[Ducati Scotty]

Ain't this board great

Also, every rod mounted windshield I've ever had takes a little tweaking to get it mounted just the way you want it.

Scott

[mattsz]

PartsMan - I take it you've read through this thread, and observed my photo... what's your take on this?  Should these screens be sold with longer rods?  Mine is basically as high as it will go, and it's too short.  Should I be thinking of raising this screen 2 inches higher, or should I be thinking about another solution instead?

I'm not that tall, but I suppose I might sit taller in the saddle than some... am I the only one who has bought this screen and had this kind of trouble?

[Arizoni]

Based on your picture, I have the same screen but I got it from NFG.

Mine also sits down where yours is but the wind blast doesn't bother me.  My full face helmet just lets it blow past me without much noise at all.

Anyway, based on some windscreen installation I read some time ago, the top of the windshield should be located about 1 inch below the height of your eyes when your in a normal sitting position.  At this height, the wind blast will be deflected over the top of your helmet.
As for the wind coming in under the shield, that will be sucked up along the rear side of the windscreen and will not only blend with the air passing over the top of the shield but it will raise the air pressure at the top, allowing the air to pass even higher over your head.

Only you, sitting on your bikes seat will know if you need to use the full 2 inches of the longer bars or if it will be enough.

[TWinOKC]

mattsz- try a different helmet or maybe take a short ride without a helmet just to see if it makes an difference.

FWIW - I fitted a windshield to my other bike, rode it 10 miles, the buffeting was horrible, wind noise was unbearable, tried earplugs.  The windshield looked good but was non adjustable.  Took the thing off and sold it on CL.

good luck

[mattsz]

Thanks, guys...

What kind of bottom gap are we talking about here?  In the photo, I have about 1/4" space between the screen and the headlight.  Is a 2-inch gap going to help, or hinder?  I'm sure it would look goofy, but at this stage in my life I can move vanity to the back seat - to a point! 

It's interesting to give this further consideration.  I understand about the optimal windscreen height concept, and I'm telling you, this screen is not close.  Maybe it's mounted all wrong - pic 1 shows more of a side angle.  Keep in mind that I'm at the extreme ends of the mounting bars; the bottom of the shield is back to where it's almost touching the pilot lights.  I can't tilt it forward, to make it more vertical, any more than it is now without longer mounting bars, and I'm not sure I could do it even then because of how the handle bar clamps end up controlling the shield angle.  Regarding the previous photo showing the mounting, is it possible that I have the handlebar brackets on "backwards"?  Would they fit, and function, with the cylindrical mounting clamps forward rather than back?  I wonder...

The other problem may be my height.  I'm not a giant by any means; I'm 6 feet, 1 inch tall, and a lot of that is inseam.  The bike feels like a good fit, and standing on its own, it looks normal to me, but I've always thought that in photos of me on it, it looks small beneath me.  In the second pic, I'm sitting up, taller, I think, than I would be in riding position, but it seems to me that with the screen's top edge about a foot above my mirror tops (see the pic from my previous post), there's no way I'm going to get that shield up to where it's 1 inch below my eye height at riding position.

My helmet may be my problem, but geez, it cost me almost $400 - I wasn't going to skimp on protecting my noggin.  I can't afford to just keep trying new ones until I find one that makes my afterthought windscreen quieter.  But the pitfalls of helmet buying are another subject...

I don't know - everything is in storage and in pieces at the moment, so I can't really do any experimenting until riding season returns.  We've already had some days that I would consider warm enough to ride (above freezing would be fine with me if I could solve my cold hands problem), but those days also include melting snow and there's still a ton of salt and sand on the pavement, so I'm just going to have to wait...

[Ducati Scotty]

I'd say you could go 2-3" before it looks really goofy and it should help.  The other option is to go lower.  Put your head in clear air, let the turbulence hit your shoulders, and still get plenty of protection for your torso.

Scott

[Royalista]

I'm 5'10". Use motocross or open face helmet with goggles.

No noise with open face; there is some noise with motocross, which is normal, helmet related, and remedied with earplugs. Earplugs are always recommended.

Shield is adjustable 40-45cm (16-18") and is at its lowest setting, with a gap at the bottom of 2cm (15/16").
At start it was in top position. But that was way too warm in summer. Since then it is in bottom position, winter included.

From what I see on your picture I would say the tilt is just fine. Should direct wind right over your helmet.

A guideline is just a guideline, not law. You are the ultimate referee over the result. For me the better tip was to measure how far you can look over the top of the screen. That should be at least 20m-40m (22-45 yard) before the wheel.

Hope that helps. Any protection vs cold is very welcome. Very bitter northern wind over here, but awesome skies, terrific riding. My favorite time of the year.

[shamelin]

I can't tilt it forward, to make it more vertical, any more than it is now without longer mounting bars, and I'm not sure I could do it even then because of how the handle bar clamps end up controlling the shield angle.  Regarding the previous photo showing the mounting, is it possible that I have the handlebar brackets on "backwards"?  Would they fit, and function, with the cylindrical mounting clamps forward rather than back?  I wonder...

Mattsz-

I think the windshield angle is a little low.  I had mine angled similarly and ended up with a face full of wind.  Once I got home I adjusted the mounting bars so that the windshield was more vertical.  It made a huge difference and now there's almost no wind.  I'm 5"10.

Explaining the way my mount looks is just too confusing, so I'll post a pic/vid soon.  It may be all you need to get it working like a champ.

[mattsz]

I'd appreciate any mounting input, Shamelin.  The instructions that came with the screen actually don't make it real clear whether the handlebar clamps should have the strut mounting ahead of or aft of the bars...

[PartsMan]

   INSTRUCTIONS
WINDSHIELD STYLE  I, II,III #Z90745,Z90748,Z90118
•   Attach the mounting rods to the windshield using the rubber grommets. The rubber grommet should be inserted through the holes in the windshield so that the flat round washer part of the grommet lays flat on each side of the windshield.
•   Hold the windshield up in the desired position so you can see where to mount the handlebar clamps.
•   Loosely mount the handlebar clamps. (on 7/8” bars, use the sizing bands provided).
•   Slip the mounting rods into the rod holders on the handlebar clamps. Tighten the rod holders when the rods are the correct length.
•   Tighten the handlebar clamps next, set your angle, and then tighten the pinch bolts at the windshield.

NEVER RIDE WITH ANY PART OF THE HARDWARE MISSING OR LOOSE!!
     
          (Windshield Components)                  (Mounting Bracket)                       (Windshield Installed)
   Windshields may vary from picture

                                       
To clean your windshield, wash it with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive, dishwashing liquid. Use
                                        A soft cloth such as a soft T-shirt or flannel cloth.

To protect your windshield, use NOVUS #2 to remove minor scratches, or use polish specially designed      for plastic. NEVER use glass cleansing agents they cause severe damage to your windshield.   

                    Never use any petroleum-based chemicals, or cleansing agents with ammonia.   


Note: Use approved and accepted shop practices and all applicable safety gear and practices when installing these products on your motorcycle. These instructions assume a certain level of mechanical competency, such as the ability to use hand and power tools as well as basic mechanical experience. If you lack the tools or experience to install these accessories after a review of the instructions, please consult a professional or your Royal Enfield dealer. Classic Motorworks or Royal Enfield assumes no liability for installation or fitness for use of these products.

[mattsz]

Thanks, PartsMan!  But you've made my point for me - the instructions, including the diagrams I got with the screen, don't make it real clear whether the handlebar clamps should have the rod holders ahead of or aft of the bars...

[Ducati Scotty]

I don't believe it matters.  Mount it so that they're in the best spot for you to get the final position you want.

Scott

[shamelin]

Allright, here's the way I set it up.  By rotating the clamps forward and placing the long end of the mounting bars horizontal, I was able to get the windshield more vertical.  Now no wind.

I haven't decided if this "fix" is real- it's not like I changed the laws of physics by changing the position of the clamps and bar.  But maybe the change was just enough to get the wind over my head.

Give it a shot when it warms up mattsz.  Worst case, it's a hour lost.  Best case, it works great.

[mattsz]

Shamelin-

Thanks for posting those pics!!!  I can see how your configuration would be taller than mine.  I will definitely try it...

[Ducati Scotty]

That's a fix in my book.  Small changes can make a big difference here.  Nicely done.

Scott

[mattsz]

Used Shamelin's pics as a guide for re-mounting my screen.  It's definitely further forward, more upright and a bit taller, but it made absolutely no difference in the wind noise.  The only way to reduce the noise is to practically lay down on the tank and get my head completely below the top edge.

My first reaction is to ditch the damn thing, but maybe I'll just keep it... I really only need it for a couple of months of cold riding.

[shamelin]

Bummer- was hoping it would do the trick.