Taller windshield, help or hindrance

[Jeffmal]

So I realize that most of the “twitchiness” on my 2017 f3t is coming from me getting
buffeted by the wind at high speeds. Currently I am wearing a 3/4 helmet due to neck
issues from the heavier modular(that’s another thread!). My question is, with the taller windshield, I know the wind on me will be reduced but will the bike be moved around more?

[AY4B]

Funny, I went from a 3/4 to a modular for the same reasons.

[SpyderNeil]

So I realize that most of the “twitchiness” on my 2017 f3t is coming from me getting
buffeted by the wind at high speeds. Currently I am wearing a 3/4 helmet due to neck
issues from the heavier modular(that’s another thread!). My question is, with the taller windshield, I know the wind on me will be reduced but will the bike be moved around more?

I have a CALSCI 22" Shield on mine, and it works very well. I have noticed no real difference in the amount of movement from cross-winds. I can still see over mine.

Neil

[Jeffmal]

I have a CALSCI 22" Shield on mine, and it works very well. I have noticed no real difference in the amount of movement from cross-winds. I can still see over mine.

NeilResults??

[Cruzr Joe]

I have the F-4 25" clear windshield with a vent, i can see thru my windshield and occasionally if i sit up straight i can see over it, i wear a 1/2 helmet because of the light weight.

I highly recommend the F-4 windshield it is very stable and easy to keep clean and pretty scratch resistant

The windshield causes less buffeting by traffic than a smaller windshield does.

This was what i had on my 2016 F-3 Limited and what I currently have on my 2018 F-3 Limited.

It also reduces the helmet buffeting on my passenger and gives her a smoother ride.

It helps me to hear my radio and GPS better also.

Cruzr Joe
.

[Jeffmal]

I have the F-4 25" clear windshield with a vent, i can see thru my windshield and occasionally if i sit up straight i can see over it, i wear a 1/2 helmet because of the light weight.

I highly recommend the F-4 windshield it is very stable and easy to keep clean and pretty scratch resistant

The windshield causes less buffeting by traffic than a smaller windshield does.

This was what i had on my 2016 F-3 Limited and what I currently have on my 2018 F-3 Limited.

It also reduces the helmet buffeting on my passenger and gives her a smoother ride.

It helps me to hear my radio and GPS better also.

Cruzr Joe
.Joe, do you find the bike getting pushed around a little more by the wind with
a taller windshield ? And I’m not sure what you mean by the less buffeting by traffic...

[canamjhb]

Smooth surfaces shed the wind better than rough surfaces. If you have a wind screen that keeps the wind from hitting your body and head you will be more comfortable. And, if the area exposed to the wind is equal, smooth is better. (face shield open = more buffeting than closed). But, you also need to account for back pressure associated with the wind rotating around the sides of the screen. That is usually relieved by a vent in the screen that allows the negative pressure in the back of the screen to be reduced.

[Cruzr Joe]

Joe, do you find the bike getting pushed around a little more by the wind with
a taller windshield ? And I’m not sure what you mean by the less buffeting by traffic...


I find the the bike getting pushed around less and I get less wind in my face, the taller windshield helps keep the wind off my passenger ( less wind = less buffeting of her head)

cruzr Joe

[Cruzr Joe]

Smooth surfaces shed the wind better than rough surfaces. If you have a wind screen that keeps the wind from hitting your body and head you will be more comfortable. And, if the area exposed to the wind is equal, smooth is better. (face shield open = more buffeting than closed). But, you also need to account for back pressure associated with the wind rotating around the sides of the screen. That is usually relieved by a vent in the screen that allows the negative pressure in the back of the screen to be reduced.

I have the vented windshield.

cruzr joe

[redrt]

I have a 2015 F3S and run the tall F-4 custom shield , love it. We run 500 a day on trips and a full helmet works great.
Jim

[Big F]

I have the vented windshield.

cruzr joe

is the vented windshield an extra option??????????
BIG F

[bushrat]

is the vented windshield an extra option??????????
BIG F

If you check the F4 Customs site, there is a price differential of about $70 more to buy a shield with a vent of the same size. There is also a small differential depending on whether you want tinted or clear. One thing to consider, if you ride a F3T or L is that the F4 screen has a fairly large gap at the bottom, so that, with the way it mounts, you already have a big vent. IMHO, an additional vent in the screen as well is rather redundant, but could provide some air circulation if you ride in very hot weather.

I ryde a 2017 F3L, and I'm now on my third different shield, with about 7,000 miles on my Spyder, and probably 1/3 that distance with each shield. I began with the short stock shield with the flip. The wind buffeting didn't really bug me all that much, as riding without any shield whatsoever has been my usual experience, in past. Out of deference to my missus' comfort (and some of my own), I tried a 23" tinted F4 screen. That switch provided a much quieter ryde with good handling and very little wind buffeting. We both enjoyed the comfort it provided. I concluded that I would be happier with a 21" screen, mostly because I prefer to look over rather than through, but that's personal preference. Also if choosing again, probably would just go with clear instead of tinted; personal preference after testing. I changed from the short stock screen to the F4 to gain comfort; however, having done so, I could no longer properly use my expensive (full) BRP trailering cover - the extension 'pocket' for a taller windshield simply isn't wide enough to accommodate the F4 screen. That's something you need to consider if you have a favorite cover and are thinking of changing screens.

I later swapped out the F4 screen for a BRP 'tall boy' made for the F3L. My BRP cover now fits, but the ryde is windy and noisy, maybe even more so than with the short stock screen. I get a lot of whistling in my modular helmet. I may even just go back to the short screen again. The 'tall boy' screen is quite a bit shorter than even a 21" F4 screen would probably be. It pushes most of the air above my head, and almost above my passenger's head. Some, but not all, of the wind buffeting is reduced; however, on-coming semi's on a two-lane highway can still give a noticeable, momentary 'blow' as they go by. My sense is that the F4 screen deflected this more, while the 'tall boy' allows more to hit my chest. However, none has really affected operation or control of my bike.

Your experience may differ; your sensations/preferences may not be the same. I'm 5'10", have a stocky build. I'm still searching for the most comfortable result. Likely will continue to seek out the 'perfect' screen, then alter my cover to fit. The above is offered in hopes it may help you in your quest.

Cheers.

[Jeffmal]

If you check the F4 Customs site, there is a price differential of about $70 more to buy a shield with a vent of the same size. There is also a small differential depending on whether you want tinted or clear. One thing to consider, if you ride a F3T or L is that the F4 screen has a fairly large gap at the bottom, so that, with the way it mounts, you already have a big vent. IMHO, an additional vent in the screen as well is rather redundant, but could provide some air circulation if you ride in very hot weather.

I ryde a 2017 F3L, and I'm now on my third different shield, with about 7,000 miles on my Spyder, and probably 1/3 that distance with each shield. I began with the short stock shield with the flip. The wind buffeting didn't really bug me all that much, as riding without any shield whatsoever has been my usual experience, in past. Out of deference to my missus' comfort (and some of my own), I tried a 23" tinted F4 screen. That switch provided a much quieter ryde with good handling and very little wind buffeting. We both enjoyed the comfort it provided. I concluded that I would be happier with a 21" screen, mostly because I prefer to look over rather than through, but that's personal preference. Also if choosing again, probably would just go with clear instead of tinted; personal preference after testing. I changed from the short stock screen to the F4 to gain comfort; however, having done so, I could no longer properly use my expensive BRP trailering cover - the extension 'pocket' for a taller windshield simply isn't wide enough to accommodate the F4 screen. That's something you need to consider if you have a favorite cover and are thinking of changing screens.

I later swapped out the F4 screen for a BRP 'tall boy' made for the F3L. My BRP cover now fits, but the ryde is windy and noisy, maybe even more so than with the short stock screen. I get a lot of whistling in my modular helmet. I may even just go back to the short screen again. The 'tall boy' screen is quite a bit shorter than even a 21" F4 screen would probably be. It pushes most of the air above my head, and almost above my passenger's head. Some, but not all, of the wind buffeting is reduced; however, on-coming semi's on a two-lane highway can still give a noticeable, momentary 'blow' as they go by. My sense is that the F4 screen deflected this more, while the 'tall boy' allows more to hit my chest. However, none has really affected operation or control of my bike.

Your experience may differ; your sensations/preferences may not be the same. I'm 5'10", have a stocky build. I'm still searching for the most comfortable result. Likely will continue to seek out the 'perfect' screen, then alter my cover to fit. The above is offered in hopes it may help you in your quest.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Thanks for the good info!
I am also 5'10" somewhat slim build. I am a little concerned about semis heading in the other direction and moving the spyder with the taller windshield.
I am leaning towards the 21" - 25" clear, vented shield. Don from f4 emailed me and I tried calling him back .. he is in Daytona now and I would like to
pick his brain. My main reason for getting a new windshield is to have a smoother ride! All other suggestions and comments are appreciated!!
Jeff

[Cruzr Joe]

Thanks for the good info!
I am also 5'10" somewhat slim build. I am a little concerned about semis heading in the other direction and moving the spyder with the taller windshield.
I am leaning towards the 21" - 25" clear, vented shield. Don from f4 emailed me and I tried calling him back .. he is in Daytona now and I would like to
pick his brain. My main reason for getting a new windshield is to have a smoother ride! All other suggestions and comments are appreciated!!
Jeff


The F-4 Customs 25" clear windshield with the vent worked best for me. I had to find a new travel cover that would fit, Lamonster Garage and Spyderpops both have the F3-T cover from Ultragard (39.99 shipped to you) this cover fits nicely with a tall windshield and a rack on the back of my F-3 Limited (see Photo). the tinted windshield may be a little harder to see thru at night.

158864 158865 158866 2018 F-3 Limited with 25" F-4 Customs windshield and a rack on the back of the big helmet box on the Spyder

Cruzr Joe

[Bob Denman]

The bike won't get pushed around any more by the wind; just because it has a larger windshield.
In fact: it was never pushed around at all by the wind! nojoke
F4 makes some great replacement windshields: you can buy from them with confidence! :thumbup:

[Jeffmal]

The bike won't get pushed around any more by the wind; just because it has a larger windshield.
In fact: it was never pushed around at all by the wind! nojoke
F4 makes some great replacement windshields: you can buy from them with confidence! :thumbup:

Do you think Semis traveling the opposite direction have an impact on the stability of the
bike with taller windshields?

[Bob Denman]

I had the original 27" "barn door" on my 2010 RT. The buffeting from the trucks would move ME around on the bike, and I would add some unwanted input to the handlebars...
Grip the tank with your knees when they go by, and see if it helps!

[SpyderNeil]

Results??

I am overall very happy. The turbulence is mostly gone and there is no real effect on stability. Being able to see over is a bit of a trade-off, as the taller the shield the greater the calmness of the air. Like most things it is a compromise, but one that I am happy with.

Neil

[Jambo Creek]

I am overall very happy. The turbulence is mostly gone and there is no real effect on stability. Being able to see over is a bit of a trade-off, as the taller the shield the greater the calmness of the air. Like most things it is a compromise, but one that I am happy with.

Neil
I have a 17 F-3 Ltd equipped with the OEM small, recurved windshield. It did a better job of keeping the wind, noise, and buffeting off me than I expected, but was a far cry from the protection offered on an RT. After talking to a guy with a clamp-on X-Creen at the Deadwood rally last year, I bought one. They sell on-line for about $140, cheaper than a new windshield, and they make a BIG difference. Buffeting and noise are greatly reduced, making the passenger’s ride much calmer also. We have 8,000 miles on our bike and think it’s one of the best improvements we’ve made.

The clamp-on model costs more than the permanent mount, but holds tight and will fit the OEM windshield curve better. Also, the report at Deadwood said the small X-Creen didn’t do nearly as much good, so opt for the larger one. The tinted version is a little darker than the Spyder windshield.

[bushrat]

Do you think Semis traveling the opposite direction have an impact on the stability of the
bike with taller windshields?

I agree with Bob Denman that on-coming semi's really don't have much lasting affect on a bike's stability when they pass, no matter the size of your windscreen. The increased air turbulence is more noticeable to a rider than it is to the machine, and even that's a momentary thing. However, when you are following bigger vehicles such as trucks and buses, there will be a zone to their rear where the air turbulence can be more problematic, especially if you continue to ride in it instead of dropping back to quieter air. That continued turbulence may possibly begin to feel like bike stability is affected; it may even cause your windscreen to flex in the continued buffeting. A larger surface can be more prone to feeling those forces. Simplest solution is just to drop back a distance; also much safer, too.

If I do opt to try another solution, it will probably be the X-Creen, as mentioned by Jambo Creek above. While I truly enjoyed my F4 shield (it cut down both wind and noise greatly), I'm simply hoping to find a solution with a little less overall size. So many of the answers to these issues really turn on personal preferences.

[Peteoz]

Do you think Semis traveling the opposite direction have an impact on the stability of the bike with taller windshields?

No. I have experienced no more truck buffeting with the 25” F4 (that I look over), than the stock F3-L screen that was half the size.

Pete

[Jeffmal]

No. I have experienced no more truck buffeting with the 25” F4 (that I look over), than the stock F3-L screen that was half the size.

Pete
Pete, is you ride more stable and more enjoyable with the 25” screen?

[Pirate looks at --]

Realistically you just need to relax on the motorcycle. The Windshield has no impact on stability, but you do. I am guessing that on coming semis terrify you and that is what's is causing the instability. I have not made any adjustments to my stock F3 L and it is as solid as a rock on the highway. Just sit back and relax and get used to the machine and how it handles. It's pretty much that simple. The Windshield will help with reduction of noise for you and a passenger but won't have any impact anywhere else. Ryde more worry less!

[Bob Denman]

Ryde more worry less!
:agree: :2thumbs:

[Jeffmal]

Realistically you just need to relax on the motorcycle. The Windshield has no impact on stability, but you do. I am guessing that on coming semis terrify you and that is what's is causing the instability. I have not made any adjustments to my stock F3 L and it is as solid as a rock on the highway. Just sit back and relax and get used to the machine and how it handles. It's pretty much that simple. The Windshield will help with reduction of noise for you and a passenger but won't have any impact anywhere else. Ryde more worry less!

Wrong...on coming semis barely phase me! I am not looking to create a problem by adding a taller windshield.
My biggest issue currently ( especially since going to an open face helmet ) is my head and body getting buffeted by the wind which in turn
is creating a "twitchy" situation on my f3t. I think the taller windshield may help that substantially, just not looking for other problems...
that's why I am putting it out there to get everyone's feedback!!
And I really appreciate all the "POSITIVE" feedback that have well intentions.

[asp125]

Don't have an F3 but on our GS we have two windshields. The lower sport and the tall touring. With the touring one I experience more force on the handlebars from wind and buffeting round my helmet. With the lower sport one, the wind is off my chest but quietly flows around my head (full face helmet). I am sure the large screen acts more like a sail in some situations. I usually only use the tall screen only in winter 'cause it's warmer behind the bubble.

[Jeffmal]

Don't have an F3 but on our GS we have two windshields. The lower sport and the tall touring. With the touring one I experience more force on the handlebars from wind and buffeting round my helmet. With the lower sport one, the wind is off my chest but quietly flows around my head (full face helmet). I am sure the large screen acts more like a sail in some situations. I usually only use the tall screen only in winter 'cause it's warmer behind the bubble.

That is exactly what I was trying to determine, however, everyone has their own take...

[AY4B]

I have a 21" tall boy BRP windscreen. That is what was on my 17L when I got it. I had them give me the original Short one and have not tried it on but did think about getting a F4 screen. At the time I was using a 3/4 helmet. It felt like the buffeting was worse and the front of the helmet caught lots of wind especially when I was headed into a cross wind. I instead went to a modular helmet and feel more comfortable with that combination. I did not want to ruin the look of the Spyder with a shield that did a better job but looked oversized. For me I liked the look if the Tall boy. The modular helmet made my head more areodynamic and quieter for communications. The point im trying to make is to be minimal without sacrificing comfort, sometimes it is the combination of Screen and lid.

[Cruzr Joe]

Don't have an F3 but on our GS we have two windshields. The lower sport and the tall touring. With the touring one I experience more force on the handlebars from wind and buffeting round my helmet. With the lower sport one, the wind is off my chest but quietly flows around my head (full face helmet). I am sure the large screen acts more like a sail in some situations. I usually only use the tall screen only in winter 'cause it's warmer behind the bubble.


Comparing the F-3 with a GS is like comparing apples to oranges, there is a large amount of differences between the two.

The F-3 is much more streamlined.

Cruzr Joe

[Peteoz]

Pete, is you ride more stable and more enjoyable with the 25” screen?

It certainly is, FOR ME, Jeffmal.....but don’t forget, I’m 6’7”, so the stock screen had the wind hitting me in the chest and head. I had to stop several times on the 3 hour freeway trip home from the dealer to screw my head back on.......and I think I am STILL a screw loose :D.

For me, a screen that sits around top lip level works perfectly on the backroads and freeway. The wind is directed into the vent on the top/front of my Shoei (smoothly). I notice SOME buffeting of the bike itself from trucks, but the tall screen has certainly NOT made the buffeting worse. I probably feel a little less buffeting with the taller F4, but that is just gut feel and can’t be measured.

The problem is, everyone is a different shape and has different key drivers. What one person loves, another person hates. All I can say categorically is that the tall F4 has improved my ride experience significantly over the stock F3-L screen. Good luck making your call.

Pete

[jnt]

Had similar on my RT. Got the BRP vented shield. Not only fixed my apparent issue, also smoothed out W’s ride on the back.

[Lew L]

Had similar on my RT. Got the BRP vented shield. Not only fixed my apparent issue, also smoothed out W’s ride on the back.



Get a vent. Either in a new shield or add to your existing shield. But get a vent. A vent enlarges the still bubble behind any shield---- moving the turbulence up and behind you.

Lew L

[Jeffmal]

I have the F-4 25" clear windshield with a vent, i can see thru my windshield and occasionally if i sit up straight i can see over it, i wear a 1/2 helmet because of the light weight.

I highly recommend the F-4 windshield it is very stable and easy to keep clean and pretty scratch resistant

The windshield causes less buffeting by traffic than a smaller windshield does.

This was what i had on my 2016 F-3 Limited and what I currently have on my 2018 F-3 Limited.

It also reduces the helmet buffeting on my passenger and gives her a smoother ride.

It helps me to hear my radio and GPS better also.

Cruzr Joe
.Joe , how tall are you? I’m trying to figure out height of shield.

[Peteoz]

Joe , how tall are you? I’m trying to figure out height of shield.

Jeffmal, while you are waiting for Joe, why don’t you hop onto the F4 site. There are all sorts of helpful videos and advice there on how to source the correct height shield.:thumbup:

Pete

[Jeffmal]

Jeffmal, while you are waiting for Joe, why don’t you hop onto the F4 site. There are all sorts of helpful videos and advice there on how to source the correct height shield.:thumbup:

Pete
I went ahead and ordered the f4 customs 23” vented screen today. Looking forward to getting it next week and checking it out! I spoke with Don and he was very helpful!!

[Peteoz]

I went ahead and ordered the f4 customs 23” vented screen today. Looking forward to getting it next week and checking it out! I spoke with Don and he was very helpful!!

OH NOOOOOOOO. You got the 23” F4? They cause really bad buffeting from trucks !

Just Joking :D:D Hope it works well for you. Mine certainly does:thumbup:

Pete

[MNBK]

the Tall Boy BRP windshield to an F4 23" on my F3T. I am 6'2" and with it on I look just over the top of the windshield. The wind is deflected over the top of my helmet (Bell 3/4 with visor) and I notice very little buffeting from the wind. I have not noticed any difference in handling of the Spyder with either windshield. I chose the F4 because I wanted less wind on me.

Just works better for me. Each person is different so get what works best for you.

[Jeffmal]

OH NOOOOOOOO. You got the 23” F4? They cause really bad buffeting from trucks !

Just Joking :D:D Hope it works well for you. Mine certainly does:thumbup:

Pete

Thanks for the support Pete...
Don said he could always cut it down a little if it is too high, we'll see.