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View Full Version : The F4 Extra Wide/Tall Windshield



Fred-WA
02-27-2015, 08:30 PM
I am considering getting this windshield to give a little more wind and rain protection for my wife in the passenger seat. Her seat sits up higher than my seat by a few inches. There are no reviews at the F4 web site so I was hoping someone has tried out this windshield and has an opinion.

jctmeyer
02-27-2015, 09:03 PM
I have the wide/tall F4 windshield and love it. It was the first item that I changed on my 2013 RTS.

SPYD3R
02-27-2015, 09:45 PM
EVERY TIME I SEE "F4", I GET ALL EXCITED.....
THAT WAS MY BIRD.... F4 PHANTOM II... I BUILT THOSE ENGINES - J79's....
http://www.museumofflight.org/files/TMOF%20McDonnell%20F-4C%20PhantomII-3_LR.jpg

(http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAgQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.holloman.af.mil%2Flibrary%2Ff actsheets%2F&ei=FSvxVImtA9LbsASRgIGYAQ&psig=AFQjCNF_MMmWSl4Xvc24Xjv-x2tb4mNGbA&ust=1425177749118921)http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/F-4B_VMFA-314_1968.jpg/300px-F-4B_VMFA-314_1968.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:F-4B_VMFA-314_1968.jpg)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/F-4_Phantom_II_Collings_Foundation.jpg/1280px-F-4_Phantom_II_Collings_Foundation.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/F-4Fs_JG74_1998.JPEG/800px-F-4Fs_JG74_1998.JPEG
Dan P
Easley, SC
SPYD3R

atitude2
02-27-2015, 10:19 PM
I worked in the air intake (duck area) at the then McDonnel Douglas St. Louis plant.

Plyrod38
02-27-2015, 10:42 PM
Oh Yeah, brings back memories, worked on F-4B's and F-4J's in two fighter squadrons, VF-74 and VF-33 between 1968 and 1977.

Sorry for contributing to the theft of this thread.

brerrabbit
02-28-2015, 12:29 AM
And I worked on the ejection seat.

=bob=

trikermutha
02-28-2015, 01:09 AM
Yep I went wider and taller and have no complaints..Did get it with a vent if I did want more air on me..But needs a vent screen to keep the bugs from blowing thru the darn thing..:f_spider:



I am considering getting this windshield to give a little more wind and rain protection for my wife in the passenger seat. Her seat sits up higher than my seat by a few inches. There are no reviews at the F4 web site so I was hoping someone has tried out this windshield and has an opinion.

Roadster Renovations
02-28-2015, 07:02 AM
That will be one of our purchases this year! That and the Baker Built Air Wings. They say that they really help to keep the wind off the passenger.

MyEleanor
02-28-2015, 09:33 AM
It's kind of funny. Before I bought the Spyder I read a lot of posts about everything imaginable including air protection with the stock screen. I have now put a bit over 1K miles on my 2014 RT-S with and without a passenger. One of those passengers was 5'8" and we were riding at highway speeds for a while. So far I have received no complaints from the passenger and have experienced no issues myself from the stock screen. I get good protection as do they. Obviously everyone is different and experiences vary. But I am pleased and not just a little surprised that I am really happy with the current set up right out of the box.

Dragonrider
02-28-2015, 10:10 AM
First, I'm very tall, and so is my wife (6'4"/5'11"), and we don't own or want full face helmets.

The F4 is the third windshield I've had on my Spyder - stock 25" touring, 25" touring, and F4 3+ wide with vent.

As a driver, I can't feel the wind difference between the stock and F4+, however the weather protection is stellar. For my wife, she can tell a huge difference, but the windshield has to be raised to my eye level.

The F4 is much clearer than either of the BRP windshields, provides a different aerodynamic shape, and is almost 2x the cost. Overall, I'd rate it at 4/5, vs the stock at 3/5, and the vented BRP windshield at 2/5.

I wish I could have found a laminar lip to try with the stock windshield - to change the airflow. I've used those in the past with great success.

Bottom line, if you are seriously considering the BRP vented touring windshield - don't. Spring for the F4. If you are modestly happy with the stock 25" touring windshield, it comes down to whither you want to spend $400 for a vent (we don't have bug issues here), and better weather protection. I'll add to this later in the riding season.

Bluehole
02-28-2015, 12:19 PM
with pretty much all you said. Had mine on for 1500 miles now and would not go back to stock. I also have the baker air wings (all 3 panels) and pretty much control air flow to the way I like it. Wife enjoys this also. Note--with everything closed off this winter I was getting 36+ mpg. I opened up the inside panel on both sides and mpg jumped to 39+. I have noticed that I get less wind on my hands and arms with the F4 +3/wide shield and strangely I don't feel I get pushed around as much when big rigs go by. It was a great improvement for us.


First, I'm very tall, and so is my wife (6'4"/5'11"), and we don't own or want full face helmets.

The F4 is the third windshield I've had on my Spyder - stock 25" touring, 25" touring, and F4 3+ wide with vent.

As a driver, I can't feel the wind difference between the stock and F4+, however the weather protection is stellar. For my wife, she can tell a huge difference, but the windshield has to be raised to my eye level.

The F4 is much clearer than either of the BRP windshields, provides a different aerodynamic shape, and is almost 2x the cost. Overall, I'd rate it at 4/5, vs the stock at 3/5, and the vented BRP windshield at 2/5.

I wish I could have found a laminar lip to try with the stock windshield - to change the airflow. I've used those in the past with great success.

Bottom line, if you are seriously considering the BRP vented touring windshield - don't. Spring for the F4. If you are modestly happy with the stock 25" touring windshield, it comes down to whither you want to spend $400 for a vent (we don't have bug issues here), and better weather protection. I'll add to this later in the riding season.

STELLING MAN
02-28-2015, 01:28 PM
I still want to get an F-4 tall and wide windshield sometime this spring, I don't know If they will be at Spyder Fest or not. I already have the Baker wings but don't have them Installed yet..

MRH
02-28-2015, 01:47 PM
First, I'm very tall, and so is my wife (6'4"/5'11"), and we don't own or want full face helmets.

The F4 is the third windshield I've had on my Spyder - stock 25" touring, 25" touring, and F4 3+ wide with vent.

As a driver, I can't feel the wind difference between the stock and F4+, however the weather protection is stellar. For my wife, she can tell a huge difference, but the windshield has to be raised to my eye level.

The F4 is much clearer than either of the BRP windshields, provides a different aerodynamic shape, and is almost 2x the cost. Overall, I'd rate it at 4/5, vs the stock at 3/5, and the vented BRP windshield at 2/5.

I wish I could have found a laminar lip to try with the stock windshield - to change the airflow. I've used those in the past with great success.

Bottom line, if you are seriously considering the BRP vented touring windshield - don't. Spring for the F4. If you are modestly happy with the stock 25" touring windshield, it comes down to whither you want to spend $400 for a vent (we don't have bug issues here), and better weather protection. I'll add to this later in the riding season.

My wife is 5'9" and I'm 5'6". The view may be different from where you are, and I very much like to be able to get some wind on a hot day when I want it. For me, the vented stock windshield has made a huge and very positive difference in my riding. It doesn't block as much air, and I can finally keep cooler on hot days.

I would put it a 4/5. Two inches lower would be 5/5 for me.

Dragonrider
02-28-2015, 03:22 PM
MRH, I get that. If you are vertically challenged, the F4 Tall/Wide would probably be too much.

Neither of the stock 25" BRP windshields come above chin level on me, in the FULL UP position. The vented windshield is much narrower than stock, and lets my hands get cold and wet. The F4 actually will go to my forehead height at Full UP, and the extra width is very nice in bad weather, keeping me completely dry and much warmer. The width of the stock Touring windshield is much better than the BRP vented touring windshield, but not as wide as the F4.

I have the BRP adjustable lower vents, and prefer those 200% over the Baker system.

MRH
02-28-2015, 07:50 PM
MRH, I get that. If you are vertically challenged, the F4 Tall/Wide would probably be too much.

Neither of the stock 25" BRP windshields come above chin level on me, in the FULL UP position. The vented windshield is much narrower than stock, and lets my hands get cold and wet. The F4 actually will go to my forehead height at Full UP, and the extra width is very nice in bad weather, keeping me completely dry and much warmer. The width of the stock Touring windshield is much better than the BRP vented touring windshield, but not as wide as the F4.

I have the BRP adjustable lower vents, and prefer those 200% over the Baker system.

Tall in Oregon and short in California.

jgwoods
03-01-2015, 02:36 PM
I have one on order expected Tuesday- 2 more days.

I'm 6'9" and don't find the 25" touring windshield to be very effective. I also have a Victory Cross Country Tour and it has awesome weather protection.

Once I get the windshield on I'll have to wait for the snow to go away before a test ride so it may be a while....more snow coming tonight

Bob Ledford
04-21-2015, 05:55 PM
I want to thank everyone for their feedback on the F-4 custom w/s. You have convinced me to give it more serious thought. Which really translates to writing the check. "Squeak!":)

F4 Customs
04-22-2015, 03:46 AM
Yes we will be there at Spyder Fest. Stop by and say hello.
Don Frank


I still want to get an F-4 tall and wide windshield sometime this spring, I don't know If they will be at Spyder Fest or not. I already have the Baker wings but don't have them Installed yet..

F4 Customs
04-22-2015, 03:48 AM
We appreciate all of the comments from you riders that have the F4 windshield. We work hard everyday to produce the best product that will give back to you every-time you ride. Thanks again and Bob give us a call and we will get one out to you the next day.
Don Frank
President
F4 Customs


I want to thank everyone for their feedback on the F-4 custom w/s. You have convinced me to give it more serious thought. Which really translates to writing the check. "Squeak!":)

STELLING MAN
04-22-2015, 09:34 AM
Thank you for your reply Don..

dstevenson
04-22-2015, 10:35 AM
I am considering getting this windshield to give a little more wind and rain protection for my wife in the passenger seat. Her seat sits up higher than my seat by a few inches. There are no reviews at the F4 web site so I was hoping someone has tried out this windshield and has an opinion.


A great windshield for my 2014 RTS

jgwoods
04-22-2015, 07:14 PM
I installed my F4 tall wide a week or tow ago- Ez- and got in about 250 miles over the last week. It is excellent and a major improvement in wind/rain protection. It made my 120 mile run on 48 degrees and spitting rain acceptable. I consider it an essential part of my Spyder and would not ride without.

At 6'9" I could even use another 2-3" taller model but I am happy with the stock tall/wide.