What windshield do you recommend on the RS for freeway driving?

[dguisinger]

I've been driving my RS-S with the stock sport windshield for the past 2 weeks, I always feel like I'm hanging on for dear life at 70mph with how windy it gets (we've had a lot of 15-25mph windy days as well).

Would an upgrade from the 10" stock to the 14" touring windshield make a large difference?
Or would you recommend the 23" ultra touring?

Besides for the cost of the 23" ultra touring windshield, I obviously have concerns about the look of the bike, I really don't care for the look of the huge windshields, but I don't want to feel like i'm fighting to stay on the bike at 70mph

Any recommendations?

[NancysToy]

Madstad adjustable, or at least the Madstad bracket.

[mooneych]

Madstad adjustable, or at least the Madstad bracket.

, Madstad is good. The height of the windshield would depend on how tall you are. I like to be able to see just over the windshield in the normal riding position.

I personally hate looking through a bike's windshield, but to each, their own.

[Ga Blue Knight]

I had the same issues on my RS. First I went to the 14" and while better still lots of turbulence at highway speeds so I wound up with the 23" which is just right for me. There are other brands to consider looking at as well. Some of them have adjustable mechanisims to allow changes in hieght. I just like the simple 4 screw arrangement. And change windscreens depending on the weather and season.

[zrc]

Hello there!

I have 2 windshields currently, a stock shortie, and a 23' touring shield. Basically, if I am doing more than 300 miles in a day of travel (mostly road travel, not up to the dragon and back travel on back roads), for sheer comfort I put on a touring windshield to relieve the buffeting winds / holding on concept. However, if its just to work, around town or twisties, its all shortie, just because I like the feel and look. I have been at about 108 with my shortie and sometimes you need to just lay your chest closer to the body of the spyder to avoid the buffeting winds

[dguisinger]

Madstad adjustable, or at least the Madstad bracket.

Interesting product. I hadn't considered a 3rd party product. Does the spyder use an industry standard windshield form or does something have to be built specifically for the spyder?

[dguisinger]

Hello there!

I have 2 windshields currently, a stock shortie, and a 23' touring shield. Basically, if I am doing more than 300 miles in a day of travel (mostly road travel, not up to the dragon and back travel on back roads), for sheer comfort I put on a touring windshield to relieve the buffeting winds / holding on concept. However, if its just to work, around town or twisties, its all shortie, just because I like the feel and look. I have been at about 108 with my shortie and sometimes you need to just lay your chest closer to the body of the spyder to avoid the buffeting winds

I couldn't imagine holding on tighter, i've been having to relax my grip after driving on the high way I also can't currently imagine driving 300 miles at highway speeds after the last few weeks of experience, maybe I just need to relax more. I feel like I'm going to crush the bike i'm gripping it so hard between my knees :P

I definitely like the look of the stock shield a lot more, I hate to even think about putting a different windshield on. Its just when I start hurting half way in to a 25 mile commute, I realize I must be gripping too hard and figured maybe I need to take care of the wind...

[zrc]

I couldn't imagine holding on tighter, i've been having to relax my grip after driving on the high way I also can't currently imagine driving 300 miles at highway speeds after the last few weeks of experience, maybe I just need to relax more. I feel like I'm going to crush the bike i'm gripping it so hard between my knees :P

I definitely like the look of the stock shield a lot more, I hate to even think about putting a different windshield on. Its just when I start hurting half way in to a 25 mile commute, I realize I must be gripping too hard and figured maybe I need to take care of the wind...

Assuming some level of surface area, and upwinds, and other items, you shouldnt be gripping the machine that tight with legs or hands at 70mph. I am lose as a goose until I have to make a reaction move or a corner for some bizarre reason, then I tighten up grip / legs to get it hammered out. At 80ish (my average slab speed), I am only holding the throttle (usually throttle bossin it), and free with the other hand and legs. the "tight" position for me is only during twisties / reaction time.

However, that said it took some time to get to that point, I am almost 13k miles into my riding on the spyder at this point.

[dguisinger]

Assuming some level of surface area, and upwinds, and other items, you shouldnt be gripping the machine that tight with legs or hands at 70mph. I am lose as a goose until I have to make a reaction move or a corner for some bizarre reason, then I tighten up grip / legs to get it hammered out. At 80ish (my average slab speed), I am only holding the throttle (usually throttle bossin it), and free with the other hand and legs. the "tight" position for me is only during twisties / reaction time.

However, that said it took some time to get to that point, I am almost 13k miles into my riding on the spyder at this point.

Yeah, I figure part of it may just be fear of a strong gust taking me off the bike. I just crossed 1000 miles last night, I've had the bike less than 3 weeks. A majority of my driving was below 60mph

[dguisinger]

I also was exaggerating a bit when saying it feels like I'll crush the bike, but I do grip it pretty hard with my knees and have to let go of the throttle and shake my hands out when I get off the freeway

[zrc]

Yeah, I figure part of it may just be fear of a strong gust taking me off the bike. I just crossed 1000 miles last night, I've had the bike less than 3 weeks. A majority of my driving was below 60mph

Find a straight stretch without some cops and drop it to about 100, that might make 70 seem not so critical

Its all about perspective!

[boborgera]

I'll tell you it's very difficult to find a shield that fits you perfect, A lot of trial and error.
Small one looks better but little wind protection on the highway, A tall one will give you wind protection but will cut your mpg. Just about every bike that i sold went with two extra windshields of varying heights.

[Kinderhook]

Take a look at Cee Bailey Aircraft Plastics. They make a nice windscreen that does not have the "wings" over your hands. It is made in several heights and colors with a good tutorial on how to select the right height. There is a reverse curve at the top which directs air over your head to reduce buffeting. I also have an ultra touring screen from BRP and neither will stop buffeting on a windy day if it is a stiff and quartering wind. Wind in your face/hair is part of the charm of any bike, MC, Roadster (or for that matter, a convertable cage).

[NancysToy]

Interesting product. I hadn't considered a 3rd party product. Does the spyder use an industry standard windshield form or does something have to be built specifically for the spyder?

Not standard, you need to order one made for the Spyder. I doubt there really is a standard, anyway...every make and model is different. The Madstad windshield has it's own specific bolt pattern. You can use other windshields with their bracket, but you will have to drill new holes...and you'll have the old holes left exposed.

[Noral]

Allowed me to complete 1640 miles in 35 hours so I guess it works just fine on the highway. Highly recommended.

Which MadStad wind shield is the one you have ? Thank's

[Crisis]

Madstad! Don't be afraid to get a taller one than you need.

[bone crusher]

Madstad is the ONLY way to go...multiple adjustments....I am 6'1" and got the 24 incher...I have mine up so it sits at about eye level..I can see over the shield or under, if I am more in a tuck position.

It's a great shield and Mark and Patty are great with customer service...get a Madstad...you will love it!

[Bob Denman]

It appears that a concensus IS beginning to form... Madstad!

[Littlebadwolf]

Went thru 3 windshields before I got the Madstad...Can't go wrong with it...a terrific after market product...one of the best.

[coz]

+ 1 , i have a twenty inch and it does a really good job. the adjustability makes the difference.

[dguisinger]

Allowed me to complete 1640 miles in 35 hours so I guess it works just fine on the highway. Highly recommended.

So.... did you visit all those states all in one trip riding straight on through for 35 hours?? :P

[ARtraveler]

I installed tall windshields on both the GS and the RS. It appears though, that Madstad is a really nice looking option.

Not a problem any longer though--push button adjustment on my RT-S.

[MotoSpyder2]

I also struggled through the Windshield selection process and ended up with 3.

My first couple of months with the Spyder was spent with the stock shorty Windshield. I soon started looking for options that didn't take away from the "sport" appearance but really came up empty. I then approached the problem from a functionality perspective and ended up ordering the 20" Madstad (I'm 5'9").

This is one of the nicest 20+" screens out there. The only regret I've read was from someone who bought the clear instead of the smoke tinted......buy the smoke tinted. I use the Madstad screen whenever me and the Mrs. go riding on the highway. We do this every weekend. If I'm (or we) are just in-town (Canadian 1M sized city), I'll leave the shorty on. The screen I've adopted this spring that I use when solo highway riding is the BRP Sport-Touring windshield. I'll likely stop using the shorty windshield altogether as this doesn't look too bad. The Sport-Touring a 14" screen and doesn't provide the same level of comfort as the Madstad.

My only hang-up with the Madstad is that I don't think it maintains the sport look of the GS/RS/RSS. I'll repeat, this is one of the nicest 20+" screens out there. There are some around that maintain anything larger than the BRP Super-Sport windshield (the one with the V cut out from the top) actually ruins the look of the RS. I'm not going to go that far, but I appreciate their perspective. I also respect that many on this forum LOVE their RS/RSS Spyders and the bigger windshields.

My $0.02, there are many windshields available, several that will likely give you everything you are looking for. I share the same opinion as most owners of the (tinted) Madstad; a great windshield, and no regrets.

Enjoy the summer!
David.

[bone crusher]

I also struggled through the Windshield selection process and ended up with 3.

My first couple of months with the Spyder was spent with the stock shorty Windshield. I soon started looking for options that didn't take away from the "sport" appearance but really came up empty. I then approached the problem from a functionality perspective and ended up ordering the 20" Magstad (I'm 5'9").

This is one of the nicest 20+" screens out there. The only regret I've read was from someone who bought the clear instead of the smoke tinted......buy the smoke tinted. I use the Magstad screen whenever me and the Mrs. go riding on the highway. We do this every weekend. If I'm (or we) are just in-town (Canadian 1M sized city), I'll leave the shorty on. The screen I've adopted this spring that I use when solo highway riding is the BRP Sport-Touring windshield. I'll likely stop using the shorty windshield altogether as this doesn't look too bad. The Sport-Touring a 14" screen and doesn't provide the same level of comfort as the Magstad.

My only hang-up with the Magstad is that I don't think it maintains the sport look of the GS/RS/RSS. I'll repeat, this is one of the nicest 20+" screens out there. There are some around that maintain anything larger than the BRP Super-Sport windshield (the one with the V cut out from the top) actually ruins the look of the RS. I'm not going to go that far, but I appreciate their perspective. I also respect that many on this forum LOVE their RS/RSS Spyders and the bigger windshields.

My $0.02, there are many windshields available, several that will likely give you everything you are looking for. I share the same opinion as most owners of the (tinted) Magstad; a great windshield, and no regrets.

Enjoy the summer!
David.

Magstad? I think you mean Madstad? As far as the look goes, it fits...they are great shields that are built quite well...their customer service is tops...

[mrb]

Madstad! Don't be afraid to get a taller one than you need.

+1 for Madstad- I have tried the standard screen , touring screen, touring screen with Laminar Lip fitted, CHAD (Canadian screen no longer available) and the Madstad is ahead by far.