Wind Shield options for HOT weather riding

[DaveZinAz]

First some background.
We live in Phoenix, AZ and it is HOT. We are ATGATT riding a '17 RT-S
It is not uncommon to see 113F and more on the dash readout. Sitting in stop and go traffic on the freeway can get a bit toasty and it is still hot once we get moving.

I am asking for opinions regarding the different wind shields available.

What would be the best option for getting better air flow into the "cabin" area and especially for my pillion.
I have seen shorter with stock width.
I have seen shorter with wider width and an additional vent.
I have seen same height with an additional vent.
I have seen wings to direct air towards the riders.

What combination would be the most effective at getting better air flow for the pillion since she is stuck behind me and really suffers.

Thank you in advance.

[Lew L]

Hi Dave,

My son lives in Mariana, Az. I understand the heat. So:

Light colored clothing and helmet.

Cooling vest, mesh gloves and mesh jacket really help

And a VENTED WINDSHIELD!!

Lew L

[DGoebel]

Adjustable lower air wings, compare both BRP's optional ones and SL Sponsor Baker Built Air Wings (which likely give you WAY more options and settings). And you can add a vent to your existing windshield, though I don't think that helps pax at all, more for you and all of these only help when moving of course. What Lew said still counts for helping in stopped traffic. We did some short triple digit rides and my mesh jacket went under the faucet's at every gas stop. Literally dripping wet as I walked back out to the Spyder, but cool for 20 - 30 minutes once we got moving. I took a water bottle and dumped it over my shoulders and chest once the jacket dried out.
It all helped.

[canamjhb]

Any vented windshield will help you. A vent also reduces wind buffering by eliminating the negative air pressure behind the windshield. The best relief for your passenger will be adjustable air wings that direct air towards legs and body. I carry a spray bottle of water. Stop often and spray myself till I'm soaking..... (I feel your heat) No reason passenger cannot have two cup holders. One for cold drinking water and the other for a spray bottle to spray you and herself on the fly.

[DaveZinAz]

So far it seems like a vented wind screen is the way to go along with some air wings.

We already have the vented jackets.

I had not thought about carrying a spray bottle of water. We will give that as try ASAP.

[blacklightning]

I tried the tall and wide one, a cut stock one, and the best to date was a 4" shorter, 4" wider, and vented, tinted shield. This worked great for all weather conditions.

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[Peteoz]

I have tried all heights, shapes and configurations of screens on all type of bikes (we also get 110 degree days), and have never found any screen that really assists in very high temps, Dave. I and the passenger wear a soakable do-rag under our helmets, and soakable vests, which works OK.

I have a vent in my F4, but this doesn’t help the passenger (or me, much) as she is sitting behind a rather large lump of humanity who is blocking just about all breeze from reaching her. That works well for her in winter though.

These days, if it is scheduled over 100, we use alternative transport if it’s possible, otherwise we just take very frequent stops to re-wet, drink plenty of water, grin and bear it, and make sure we have booked in to a motel with a pool

Pete

[DaveZinAz]

Thanks guys.

I know it is a fools errand to try to be "comfortable" in 100 plus temps but I am just trying to get every possible trick working in our favor.

We do have mesh jackets and we are going to incorporate more use of a spray bottle/wet helmet liners and towels meant for cooling under our jackets.

Based on Black Lightning's input, I think I am going to look into a F4 Customs short windshield with vent for the hotter months and swap back to the stock one for the "winter" we get. I have not decided on the wide or stock width. It would seem counter-intuitive to get a wider one but aerodynamics can be funny and it may in fact be a better option.

I am still undecided in regards to the air wings.

As Pete mentioned, alternative transportation is regularly used but it is so much more fun on the Spyder.

[PMK]

Not in Arizona, but South Florida. We get heat with humidity so airflow, ventilation and staying cool is kind of important. We ride in full gear, however do use Can Am summer mesh jackets.

As for the Spyder. Worth the money, the Can Am adjustable lower deflectors under the mirrors. They work well to help bring airflow to the passengers legs.

One issue early on was radiant heat. I installed a cat bypass pipe back in 2014 and that cooled things off a lot in slow or stop and go traffic.

Our windshield is an F4. When I bought it, I was under the impression it was the same dimensions as stock. I think they call it standard or stock but it is larger. The windshield was swapped for clarity not for airflow. Before buying an F4, and it is a nice item, verify the dimensions. You might consider tinted also, ours is clear.

Overall though, it still gets warm, especially in slow or stop and go traffic.

Those Baker Airwings get good reviews on function, but have a kind of like or dislike regarding the looks. They were in the dislike so I never tried them.

[DaveZinAz]

PMK,

I have been to humid areas and to be honest, I would much rather be here in 115 plus than there at 90.
Maybe you get used to the humidity but in AZ, evaporation really works in our favor to help keep us cool(er).

My hat is off to you and everybody in those humid climates...

Back to the topic. The Air Wings are really a function over form kinda thing. Personally, I don't think they add a bit to the looks of the Spyder but if they work as advertised, I just may have to try them out.

The F4 currently has all kinds of options. 3 inch shorter than stock, stock or taller than stock; wide width or stock; with vent or without and tinted or clear.

Good thing is I have all "winter" to decide as things are cooling off. Only supposed to be 103F with 17% today.

[SpyderAnn01]

On my RT I had the stock windshield with the BRP adjustable air deflectors and Baker Air Wings. It is still going to be hot no matter what you do! One thing to keep in mind is that your stock windshield has the two cutouts in it and I don’t think the aftermarket ones have that. I know that the BRP vented windshield does not have the cutouts, I had one on my 13 and I didn’t think the vent was worth the price. Like PMK said get the adjustable wind deflectors, they’re worrh the price.

[PMK]

PMK,

I have been to humid areas and to be honest, I would much rather be here in 115 plus than there at 90.
Maybe you get used to the humidity but in AZ, evaporation really works in our favor to help keep us cool(er).

My hat is off to you and everybody in those humid climates...

Back to the topic. The Air Wings are really a function over form kinda thing. Personally, I don't think they add a bit to the looks of the Spyder but if they work as advertised, I just may have to try them out.

The F4 currently has all kinds of options. 3 inch shorter than stock, stock or taller than stock; wide width or stock; with vent or without and tinted or clear.

Good thing is I have all "winter" to decide as things are cooling off. Only supposed to be 103F with 17% today.

Agree on the windscreens, but as I mentioned stock F4 is not the same as a stock windscreen.

Just shop with your info so there are no surprises. F4 clarity is very worthy, no distortion at all. Stock Can Am was pretty wavy.

[F4 Customs]

Folks we do offer a lot of variation in our height and width of shields. Our standard stock shield is the same height however it is a fuller windshield at the top (not as tapered as the stock). We also offer a minus three or 22" in both wide and standard width. Any of our shields can be purchased with our without a vent and in clear or tint.
HOWEVER: If you looking for a deal on a shorter shield give us a call since we have several riding demo's in 22" in stock and you can get a great deal while they last.
Don Frank
330-968-4644

[DaveZinAz]

Well, I guess I didn't need to wait "all winter" before making a decision.
I had an informational conversation with Mr. Frank and it was all I needed to pull the trigger.

We are going to go with a tinted, 22" sport, stock width with the vent.

This will be the first mod made to the Spyder and hopefully it will be as effective as I envision it to be.
If not, it certainly can't hurt as I'm sure all the other benefits provided by their windshield will be appreciated.

Hopefully a ride report will follow shortly.

Be safe and have a great riding weekend.

[Peteoz]

Well, I guess I didn't need to wait "all winter" before making a decision.
I had an informational conversation with Mr. Frank and it was all I needed to pull the trigger.

We are going to go with a tinted, 22" sport, stock width with the vent.

This will be the first mod made to the Spyder and hopefully it will be as effective as I envision it to be.
If not, it certainly can't hurt as I'm sure all the other benefits provided by their windshield will be appreciated.

Hopefully a ride report will follow shortly.

Be safe and have a great riding weekend.

Onya Dave......Don is usually spot on with his advice.......look forward to the ride report.

Pete

[DaveZinAz]

I received the windshield last Wednesday and got in installed Thursday or Friday afternoon.
Due to weather (rain in Arizona, who would have thunk!) and other life events, I was not able to ride with the windshield until this morning.

The tint is just right.
The short windscreen at the highest adjustment is about where the stock one was in it's lowest position.
At the lowest position, the air flow is nice and clean, hitting about upper chest. Even at it's highest position, which is about the same as the stock at it's lowest, the airflow seems to be quieter and smoother with less buffeting. Maybe this is all in my head but it is a noticeable improvement.
The F4 windshield has less taper from bottom to top. It is more square than trapezoidal. I am not an expert but I'm guessing this is helping with the cleaner/less buffeting airflow.

All this goodness and I have not really even experimented using the vent for any real distance. In the short time I messed with it, it helped even more.

All in all, a great purchase and an improvement over the stock one.