F4 Customs 28" Windshield on My F3-S is the Bomb

[Capt. Bob]

Don had asked what the height above the gas cap of the 28" windshield was with the windshield in the down-slot position and the up-slot position. The answer is approximately 18" and 20" respectively. That is the measurement of a right angle formed by the top of the windshield and the top of my F3-S gas cap ring on my tank.

Hope that helps those that are trying to figure out what they are going to see or not see.

Bob

[motoswami]

[QUOTE=Capt. Bob;1162955]

Trikermutha, I have a DropTail SCT2200 trike trailer on order and can't wait to haul the F3-S up to the North Carolina/Georgia mountains to enjoy the enhanced ride qualities it offers in the tight stuff.


Bob:

Get in touch when you're headed up north Georgia way. I live near Cornelia, north of Gainesville, right at the entrance to a ton of good roads, and would enjoy going for a spin with you..
I'm especially interested in your positive reviews on th F4. Currently have a Blue Ridge, and while it doesn't give me the buffeting of which you complained, it could most likely be improved upon. Seeing yours would be helpful; buy you a cuppa coffee for the priviledge?

Pete

[Capt. Bob]

[QUOTE=motoswami;1164636]

Trikermutha, I have a DropTail SCT2200 trike trailer on order and can't wait to haul the F3-S up to the North Carolina/Georgia mountains to enjoy the enhanced ride qualities it offers in the tight stuff.


Bob:

Get in touch when you're headed up north Georgia way. I live near Cornelia, north of Gainesville, right at the entrance to a ton of good roads, and would enjoy going for a spin with you..
I'm especially interested in your positive reviews on th F4. Currently have a Blue Ridge, and while it doesn't give me the buffeting of which you complained, it could most likely be improved upon. Seeing yours would be helpful; buy you a cuppa coffee for the priviledge?

Pete

Pete, Sounds like great fun! I am having my second DropTail trailer delivered this afternoon (update: the DropTail trailer arrived in perfect condition from Southern Freight Lines). I think it will me a month or two before things begin to cool down a bit so I think when the kiddies are back in school will be a great time to be up in the mountains. I rode my Harley TriGlide up and back to Barber's Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama (660 mile round trip) in the past two days to view what is considered the largest motorcycle museum in the world. Words cannot almost describe how incredible the museum has become. I had visited it when it was in downtown Birmingham about 15 years ago but this new location is off the chart. I will upload just two small pictures of some of the 6 floors of exhibits in a few minutes. Additionally, they are opening a new wing to exhibit another 400-500 pieces which will bring the total on display to over 1500 motorcycles plus scores of famous racing cars. They also have an example of a Can-Am Spyder on display that exemplifies modern bikes/trikes destined to be classics.

Again, thanks for the invite. Bobbarber1.jpgbarber.jpg

[Capt. Bob]

Continued with the experimentation of my new F4 windshield for my 2015 F3-S Spyder. It is somewhat amazing to me how very small changes in the angle of the windshield to the relative wind can produce such a significantly different riding experience. Since the F4 windshield for the F3-S and likely the regular F3 has two large knobs that allow different tilt angles of the windshield with about 1.75" of available adjustability (see attached picture below of the large adjustment knob that is on each side of the lower shield bracket). I raised the windshield knobs upward a mere .5" and the airspace behind the shield became much more still with less airflow but almost no detectable helmet buffeting up to a "ton" in speed. The windshield was still below my overall road line of sight and was rock steady.

The stillness of the air made for a much warmer ride because of the reduced airflow (with still no sense of negative air pressure) but I think this would be ideal for those rides that take us into cooler weather. I jumped onto the freeway and behind larger vehicles, the buffeting was considerably reduced to almost non-existent levels because the air was flowing significantly higher over my helmet.

I have been thinking about the mods I have done to my F3-S to make it comfortable for my personal tastes and these are how I would rank them in order of importance for my improved ride quality with comfort leading performance:

1. BRP driver backrest
2. Spyderpops Foam Rubber grips with stock handlebars in lowest position possible
3. F4 Customs windshield for the F3-S
4. Butt Buffer gel seat pad
5. BajaRon anti-sway bar and billet heim links
6. BRP Occasional Two-Up Rear Shock upgrade

With the above-mentioned mods, my new-to-me F3-S feels like a comfortable broken-in leather glove that allows me to feel as if I am one with the machine. I think I have about run the course of mods unless I see some farkle that will improve my comfort level and/or significantly improve the performance of the Spyder without sacrificing reliability. F4bottombracket.jpg

[motoswami]

[QUOTE=Capt. Bob;1164696]

Pete, Sounds like great fun! I am having my second DropTail trailer delivered this afternoon (update: the DropTail trailer arrived in perfect condition from Southern Freight Lines). I think it will me a month or two before things begin to cool down a bit so I think when the kiddies are back in school will be a great time to be up in the mountains. I rode my Harley TriGlide up and back to Barber's Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama (660 mile round trip) in the past two days to view what is considered the largest motorcycle museum in the world. Words cannot almost describe how incredible the museum has become. I had visited it when it was in downtown Birmingham about 15 years ago but this new location is off the chart. I will upload just two small pictures of some of the 6 floors of exhibits in a few minutes. Additionally, they are opening a new wing to exhibit another 400-500 pieces which will bring the total on display to over 1500 motorcycles plus scores of famous racing cars. They also have an example of a Can-Am Spyder on display that exemplifies modern bikes/trikes destined to be classics.

Again, thanks for the invite. Bobbarber1.jpgbarber.jpg

Bob:

I've enjoyed your thorough evaluation and pictures, helping me in my windshield decidions. Currently, as you tried, I've got a Blue Ridge, which isn't always bad, but I definitely need some better wind protection for my good time gal, without whom the F3 rarely leaves the garage.
The brackets Don supplies with the F4 are a fine bit of engineering.

I had the opportunity to take a tour group from New Zealand through the original Barber downtown museum, and have visited the current masterpiece several times (once when they were allowing a rider to put in a dozen laps on their Britten, which was amazing to see and HEAR run!

Totally agree that cooler months ahead will be a good time to visit the mountains here. Let me know your plans/dates early on, if possible, and I'll do my best to hook up. I brew a wicked cup of coffee, and know a couple of local roads which you might find of interest.

Pete

[F4 Customs]

f43.jpgF3-32C FRONT VIEW CUSTOMER SHOT.jpgHere are a few pics a customer sent to me.

[Minister]

[QUOTE=Capt. Bob;1164696]

Pete, Sounds like great fun! I am having my second DropTail trailer delivered this afternoon (update: the DropTail trailer arrived in perfect condition from Southern Freight Lines). I think it will me a month or two before things begin to cool down a bit so I think when the kiddies are back in school will be a great time to be up in the mountains. I rode my Harley TriGlide up and back to Barber's Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama (660 mile round trip) in the past two days to view what is considered the largest motorcycle museum in the world. Words cannot almost describe how incredible the museum has become. I had visited it when it was in downtown Birmingham about 15 years ago but this new location is off the chart. I will upload just two small pictures of some of the 6 floors of exhibits in a few minutes. Additionally, they are opening a new wing to exhibit another 400-500 pieces which will bring the total on display to over 1500 motorcycles plus scores of famous racing cars. They also have an example of a Can-Am Spyder on display that exemplifies modern bikes/trikes destined to be classics.

Again, thanks for the invite. Bobbarber1.jpgbarber.jpg

This is a place I will have to visit!

[motoswami]

Thanks for the great review. We really enjoyed talking to you and are so glad you like the shield.
Ride Safe!
The F4 Team!

Don:

I have the Lamonster kit for re-locating the mirrors onto the handlebars (as he says, like on a real motorcycle!) on my F3-S.

With the mirror in this position, will it clear the F4 windshield when the handlebars are swung lock-to-lock?

Thanks,


Pete

[F4 Customs]

Pete, not sure is I guess the answer I have. I am not familiar with the mirrors that Lamont has. I'm sure they are a great product. Not knowing how they are related to the clearance to the shield when the handlebars are turned I would not know. If I sell you one and you mount it without removing the plastic and find it will hit you can return it to us at no charge.
Don

Don:

I have the Lamonster kit for re-locating the mirrors onto the handlebars (as he says, like on a real motorcycle!) on my F3-S.

With the mirror in this position, will it clear the F4 windshield when the handlebars are swung lock-to-lock?

Thanks,


Pete

[reissooz]

Don:

I have the Lamonster kit for re-locating the mirrors onto the handlebars (as he says, like on a real motorcycle!) on my F3-S.

With the mirror in this position, will it clear the F4 windshield when the handlebars are swung lock-to-lock?

Thanks,


Pete

Hi Pete, I have the Lamonster replacement mirrors and turn signal kit along with the F4 and there is absolutely no problem. I love both of these mods on my F3

[SpyderHands]

I have been very pleased with my F4 windshield as well!

Are you using the RainEx for Plastic shields?

If not, what product are you using?

[SpyderHands]

Thanks for the great review. We really enjoyed talking to you and are so glad you like the shield.
Ride Safe!
The F4 Team!

Do you recommend the RainEx Plastic product for the F4 windshields?

[Capt. Bob]

Just called Don and took advantage of the free shipping and 10% discount until the end of the month on the clear Baker wind wings. Here in Florida, it can get awful muggy and the F4 windshield for the F3/F3-S cannot have a vent installed in it by Don. So, the next best thing is to get some air deflectors that will bring air onto me at chest or lower level during these hot months. I think it will also be great for the cooler rides I will be taking in the NC mountains latter this Fall. Will report back when I get them and try them out.

[jcthorne]

Don:

I have the Lamonster kit for re-locating the mirrors onto the handlebars (as he says, like on a real motorcycle!) on my F3-S.

With the mirror in this position, will it clear the F4 windshield when the handlebars are swung lock-to-lock?

Thanks,


Pete

Yes. I have the F4 windshield on my F3-S along with the mirror relocate kit.

[F4 Customs]

Hey folks Don here from F4. For the best rain shedding use alcohol and paper towels once a month to clean the shield and the rain shedding will be great. This removes all of the road grime. Also you can use any Rain X product our shield is chemically sealed.
Ride Safe
Don

[SpyderHands]

***Gonna bring this thread back to the top to assess current opinions or recommendations on after market windshields***

HOW IS EVERYONE LIKING THEIR "F4" SHIELD CHOICE?

Any issues, regrets, recommendations, or NEW "F4" shield options?

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[trikermutha]

I am still a happy camper and using the f4 for over 2 years now.

[SpyderHands]

I am still a happy camper and using the f4 for over 2 years now.

Thanks for your reply.
If you don't mind me asking,....
How tall are you?
What height of shield did you purchase?
Clear, Grey, Vented?

[trikermutha]

Thanks for your reply.
If you don't mind me asking,....
How tall are you?
What height of shield did you purchase?
Clear, Grey, Vented?

Sorry I have a RT
Oversized F4 wider and taller
Vented.clear

[SpyderHands]

Sorry I have a RT
Oversized F4 wider and taller
Vented.clear

Oh OK. No worries. Thanks again!

[Tango]

We are loving our F4. +4 wide and I think 23" tall with vent. Tom

[F4 Customs]

Thanks for the very clear photos! These look much better than the early version I saw. I am in the throws of outfitting my wife Louise new F3T including an F4 shield for it. I may indeed order one of these to replace my gustafsson shield.

Do you think the cross bar would be strong enough to mount my GPS to via a ram ball? It goes right through were my GPS now goes above the gauges.

Yes you can mount to this with no issue. The bar is made from Aluminum so that you can mount items easily. The bar was added for rigidity and also for mounting.
Don

[SpyderHands]

I first bought the Blueridge and experienced the head buffeting. I then added an X-creen and it worked fairly well but seemed to make the windshield flex quite a bit when hitting the air from a passing truck. Had an opportunity to trade it for a tinted 28" F4 so I went for it! I'm very pleased with the F4, and it is a strong windshield with great optics.

If you don't mind me asking, how tall are you? Any head buffeting?

[MDBrion]

IMG_0269.jpg

I know that the subject of windshields and their utility sometimes brings out strong feelings in both directions about the need for one and the lack of need for one. My naked bike/trike days seem to be well behind me. I did enjoy riding my new-to-me 2015 F3-S without a shield after having unsuccessfully trying to adapt to a BRP Blue Ridge which was for my needs, the worst possible solution for wind blockage due to incredible helmet buffeting.

I was determined to just ride in smooth air like my old sport bike days until this happened last week.



I actually had a bird strike my face shield directly at 65 mph and didn't realize until I had stopped that the poor dead bird had gotten lodged in my visor. An obviously very freak and freaky experience.

So, I was determined to get a windshield that would help with bird strikes but also not produce buffeting, dead air behind the shield and have to look through the thing while riding. A call to Don at F4 Customs and picking his brain about my specific criteria and my problems have been solved. I installed a 28" clear F4 Customs windshield on the F3-S yesterday and went on a 70 mile ride today to see how it performed. I live in Florida and so it is quite hot and humid in the Summer and so I wanted to avoid "dead air" to some extent and that bubble feeling that many windshields provide. The F4 Customs windshield had little in the way of these problems with some constant air flow and no perceived negative air pressure.

With no other cars around, the windshield sent the air just at the top of my helmet and at higher speed, a bit higher. I was able to do 95% of my riding not having to look through the windshield and I am now only 5'7" tall. I do have a 1" thick ButtBuffer gel pad on my stock seat which helped with the windshield height issues.

With cars in front of me, there was some mild head buffeting but nothing that was particularly unpleasant at 65 mph. On a private road with no traffic, I took the trike up to 83 mph and the air was smoother yet and the wind well above my helmet. I was extremely pleased with the new windshields performance. The only concern I have is that without the constant windblast of running "naked" and the smooth movement through the air, I find that the sensation of speed has diminished and their were times out on some deserted country roads where I was going faster than I thought.

One of the things that F4 Customs talked about in their accompanying literature was that they impregnate with a baking process some hardening of the shield's surface which makes it supposedly stand up better to bugs and other debris. All in all, I am very pleased with this purchase and look forward to thousands of miles of smiles without bugs or bird feathers in my teeth. BTW, some have commented that they do not like the attachment hardware scheme that F4 uses. For my own personal tastes, I very much like the look that the F4 hardware adds to my F3-S. Bob

[F4 Customs]

Thanks for all of the comments. Our shields for the F3S, F3T, F3 Limited, and RT have been very successful and the riders and co riders have shared a lot of great feedback. We appreciate this very much and will continue to provide the Best Product and Best Service possible.
Thanks
Don Frank
President
F4 Customs
www.f4customs.com