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Active Member
To Windshield or.....
Not to windshield. That's the question. I'm thinking a windshield might be nice. So far I've looked at the Madstad, and the F4 Customs. I don't want to order one and then have to send it back if I don't like it or it's to tall or to short. It's not like there's a store here to take a look at them in person. I'm 6'-1" if I stand straight.
The F4 is either 28" or 32" in height. The Madstad had a 18" version that says it would work for my height . I think the F4 is made from better material . Lots to think about. If you have either of these shields please let me know what you like or dislike. I'm also thinking a light tint would be nice for my eyes. I rarely ride at night.
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Active Member
I do not know which windshield would fit your bike but I can tell you I had an F4 on my Gold Wing GL1800 trike and absolutely LOVED it.. It was of much thicker material than the Gold Wing OEM shield.
Best of all... I could clean it with regular Windex and paper towels... never a scratch... they used to advertise this on their website also. Plus, I never put any kind of anti-bug product on it. Bugs were just never a problem.
To add: there was no distortion in the F4 shield.
Last edited by Pooch; 07-15-2023 at 04:44 PM.
2021 RT Ltd, Marsala Red/Black, Dark
New course heading Mr Sulu: 2nd star to the right and straight on til morning...
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Thanks for the info. I was quite impressed with the fact you can use a paper towel to clean it. I probably wouldn't, but in a pinch it's nice to know you could. I'm just a bit concerned on the size (28"). I wouldn't go any bigger myself, but it seems tall. Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks again.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 07-15-2023 at 07:42 PM.
Reason: k ow... ;-)
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
I have the Madstad tinted 18" on my F3L and absolutely love it. As a extra bonus its adjustable. I'm the same height as you. Good luck in your search.
2017 F3 Limited in Intense Red Pearl
2008 Triumph Rocket (SOLD)
2002 Honda VTX 1800 C ( SOLD)
2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander
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Active Member
Hey, that's awesome. That's the exact shield I keep coming back to in my research. Thanks again. :-)>
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
I had an F4 on my Gl1800. I put one on my F3. That's the tallest along with the Winglets and a vent.
I'm 6-2". Majic
I will say the finish quality has changed with the new owner. Not finished on the edges and stuff. Soon rubbed it smooth with some fine sandpaper.
I clean with Lemon Pledge and add the Rain x when required.
It's not so hard to trim the screens down if they are too tall. Tape it off, draw a line, jig saw, sandpaper, remove tape, and refit.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 07-15-2023 at 09:11 PM.
Reason: Caps; 's; & ' 's ;-)
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Active Member
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
There are all sorts of “gotchas” with what seems a simple question, Dasmoe.
What are you trying to achieve with the windshield? I.e. do you want to see over it, but have the wind pass over your head to reduce wind noise, bug strike and buffeting….or do you want to look through it, with full weather protection.
If you want to see over it, the recommended height of a windshield is to have the top of it level with your top lip. That will direct air just over the top of your helmet. You can’t go by someone else recommending a shield height, even if they are the same height as you, as they may have a longer or shorter body, and an inch or so in height can make a huge difference.
If you hop on to the F4 site, the previous owner went to some lengths to create videos that show the different shield height impacts. Unfortunately, I can’t remember if he included the F3-S models in this. They require much taller shields than the F3-L to reach lip level.
I don’t know about the F3-s, but Madstad F3-L shields are manually adjustable, in that you can raise them 3”, and can also change the angle by a few inches. That worked brilliantly for me on my f3-L, but I don’t know if the tall F3-s shields have that option.
Hope this helps.
Pete
Harrington, Australia
2021 RT Limited
Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
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Active Member
Thanks Pete for the write up. I like the Idea of looking over the windshield. Reasons for considering one is, protection from wx, bugs, debris, and some comfort on a longer ride. I seriously doubt I'll ever ride coast to coast like the old days, but a 2000 mile round trip (slowly) could happen.
I've been in serious wx before (hard rain and mist) with a shield I had to look through, and I didn't like that. I guess I'm just getting old, and comfort is a priority these days, but it's hard to come to grips about it. I like the sporty look of my F3S,and swore I'd keep it unadorned with accessories that take away from that. I've never liked the look of windshields on bikes, but the they make a lot of sense. I know there a must have item for touring, but my riding style is mostly 2-4 hours of twisty mountain roads here in NE Tennessee, and exploring the area. The wife rarely rides on back, so I'm not concerned about that.
As far as height of shield, I'm finding it near impossible to figure that out, from just numbers the manufacturer gives. When you consider the angle/tilt and length of shield, there's a lot of possibilities. I don't want to have to install one only to find out it doesn't fit, and then going through the hassle of taking it off ,sending it back, and trying another one. Anyway, I'm still researching, and with the help of folks on here, like yourself I'm getting closer to achieving my goal. Thanks again.
Last edited by Dasmoetorhead; 07-16-2023 at 06:36 AM.
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
Everybody say they bought a motorcycle to get in the wind, then the first thing they do is bolt a windshield on it.
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Very Active Member
I have the 18" Madstad on my F3-S and love it. I am 5' 10" and look over the windshield. The biggest selling point of the Madstad is that it is adjustable up and down and backwards and forwards. I bought the untainted version.
2020 F3 Ltd
Spyderpops Bumpskid
Spyderpops Brake/Run/Turn Signal LED's
Lamonster Garage LED Fog Lights and Headlights
2013 ST-S retired 1/9/16 at 25,061 miles
2015 F3S sold at 77,565 miles.
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Active Member
How is the coverage with the Madstad? I've seen some folks say it isn't wide enough. I like this particular shield due to its size, and style. I think, at least to me it follows the lines of the F3 best. If I'm being totally honest, I want the smallest effective shield. Just enough to get the job done for protection. Are those side wings effective ?
So far, Iike your shield and size as my 1st choice, with the F4 Customs 25" as my other choice.
In actuality the F3S with the poly instrument shield works to some extent. It works good for around town, and the mountain roads, but it gives me a workout at 70 mph. Not that much buffeting if any, but it does get tiring holding on a bit tighter at hwy speeds. Thanks for your input and experience. So far everyone that has the 18" Madstad and is my approx height has good things to say about it. Plus it's less expensive. I really like the look of it, and that's important to me also. Now if I can just get off my Butt and make a decision, I might be able to relax Lol.
Cheers!
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
I have the Madstad on my F3S. I have (2) shields. One is a 14" dark gray that I use for every day riding. Sadly, I see that it is not available anymore. For touring, I use a 20" light tint. I like that you have up/down and angle adjustments. Excellent quality. I'm 6'3" but longer in inseam (36") than torso.
2022 RT Sea To Sky
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Active Member
I have had the F4 28" with vent since 2016. I purchased it for its ability to reduce the wind buffering for my sweetheart. We liked it so much that when I traded in our 2014 RTL for a 2022 RTL in April of this year, I removed it and installed it on our new Spyder.
Current: 2022 RTL SE6 Red Marsala and 2012 622 Trailer Lava Bronze,
Previous: 2014 RTL SE6 Black Currant - 58,746 miles,
2012 RTL SE5 Lava Bronze - 19,675 miles
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Very Active Member
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Whichever shield you decided on---- strongly consider getting the VENT option. It's just aerodynamics..........
Lew L
Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.
2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
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Active Member
Do you look through or over it? I'm 6' to 6'1", and I don't want to have to look through it. Thanks.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 07-17-2023 at 07:24 AM.
Reason: do t... ;-)
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Dasmoetorhead
Do you look through or over it? I'm 6' to 6'-1", and I do t want to have to look through it. Thanks.
Over. Helmet Visor & shades shield are my shield. Guess it does help some with bugs & rain, hard to say, spyder first bike with the extras-windshield, radio, heated grips, ect
**fyi 6’3”**
Last edited by Bfromla; 07-16-2023 at 12:56 PM.
Reason: **
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
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Active Member
Nobody had mentioned the Route 129 windshield from BRP. How does it compare to the F4 or Madstad?
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
I have been one of those "windshield guys" forever. I put "custom" windshields on both the 2008 and 2009 GS and RS. All the Rt's came with windshields so I stood with stock there. They all had raise/lower mechanisms so height was never an issue for me.
Moving forward to 2019 F3L. I have stuck with the OEM version and like it. Have never had a thought of changing it out. Same on our 2020 F3L. I have over 20,000 miles on the 19 and about 8,000 on the 2020.
Last edited by ARtraveler; 07-17-2023 at 02:08 PM.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)
MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles
IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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Active Member
Thank you for your input.
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Gwolf
Everybody say they bought a motorcycle to get in the wind, then the first thing they do is bolt a windshield on it.
Not “everybody” says that, Gwolf. Try riding at speed at 6’7” and 300lbs without a windshield for a while. Aaaaaaaarrrrrggggghhhhh.
Pete
Harrington, Australia
2021 RT Limited
Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
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Active Member
After hours of research, I still haven't really narrowed it down to any particular shield. There's some nice stuff out there, and prices range from $300 - $600. I'm pretty sure I'm looking at a shorter shield. More sport than touring.
So to clear my head, I took the F3S for a nice ride, and did a little interstate 26. Beautiful ride, but my intention for the ride was to re-evaluate the need for a shield. As I was riding and thinking this over, I wondered if a reverse trike like mine has less turbulence at the rider position than a 2 wheeler has. Due to the fact of a much larger frontal mass. My conclusion is very much so. I really have minimal wind and or buffeting at hwy speeds on the Spyder. Not sure if I'm scientifically correct here. What I have determined is that the way I ride I probably don't really need one. I'm still thinking about a shield like the BRP Route 129. I also wear a full face helmet, and I think that helps too.
In 1980 I rode from Mobile AL to Eureka CA. On a 1979 Harley XLCH, no windshield, half helmet and sun glasses. Of course I was 23. Getting softer now, so maybe just a little help in the wind dept might be nice.
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
Shad bags
Lamonsters 2.0 usb dual power plate
F3 ultimate boards
LED arc lights
Lidlox helmet extender
Lamonsters top cuff with Ram ball and phone holder.
Lamonster billet sway bar end links
BRP driver backrest
LED Volt meter
BIW Cat Delete pipe
Route 129 windscreen
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Dasmoetorhead
After hours of research, I still haven't really narrowed it down to any particular shield. There's some nice stuff out there, and prices range from $300 - $600. I'm pretty sure I'm looking at a shorter shield. More sport than touring.
So to clear my head, I took the F3S for a nice ride, and did a little interstate 26. Beautiful ride, but my intention for the ride was to re-evaluate the need for a shield. As I was riding and thinking this over, I wondered if a reverse trike like mine has less turbulence at the rider position than a 2 wheeler has. Due to the fact of a much larger frontal mass. My conclusion is very much so. I really have minimal wind and or buffeting at hwy speeds on the Spyder. Not sure if I'm scientifically correct here. What I have determined is that the way I ride I probably don't really need one. I'm still thinking about a shield like the BRP Route 129. I also wear a full face helmet, and I think that helps too.
In 1980 I rode from Mobile AL to Eureka CA. On a 1979 Harley XLCH, no windshield, half helmet and sun glasses. Of course I was 23. Getting softer now, so maybe just a little help in the wind dept might be nice.
And...you will save $300 - $600 dollars.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)
MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles
IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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Very Active Member
I am 6'2" and have the BRP Blue Ridge and at lower speeds it's ok for keeping the bug strikes off of the chest but higher speeds it feels like the wind wants to pull my head off and it directs almost every bug straight to my visor.
I usually have to duck in a little bit in order to keep the buffeting down so I was thinking of just dumping the windshield all together and go for a gauge spoiler.
2020 F3 SE6
Safety and Lighting: LED Headlight upgrade, IPS LED Fog lights, Show Chrome LED Fender Signals, LED Signature Light, Tric LED Afterburnerz, MotoHorn 2.0
Suspension: Wilbers Front and Rear Shocks, BajaRon Sway Bar, Vredestein Quatrac Front and Rear Tires
Comfort: Blue Ridge Windshield, Corbin Dual Touring Saddle, Ultimate Floorboards, OEM Passenger Backrest with Rear Shelf, OEM Passenger Floorboards Modified with High Risers from Pierre
Tackform Center Mount Phone Holder w/ rapid charging USB-C.
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Very Active Member
Windshields are really a personal thing. Some folks like that wind in your face riding experience. Personally that’s not for me. Before I traded my Ryker for an RT I invested in the F3 Custom windshield. It’s made from optical grade polycarbonate material which is supposed to be more scratch resistant. Also it doesn’t cause distortion when you have to hunker down behind it in the rain. So far the OEM stock mirror on my RT is getting the job done, so no plans to replace it at this time.
Greg Kamer
"It's better to be not riding and wishing you were than be riding and wishing you weren't."
USAF, 20 years, retired
Sheriff's Office, 23 years, retired
2018 Can Am Spyder RT-Limited
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