Advantage of Vented Windshield?

[Magdave]

Pam, I was really surprised that the shorty on the SS doesn't have the cutouts. I got a shorty from a guy who was replacing his with an F4 windshield. I thought I might put the shorty on when I'm home riding in the Las Vegas heat but when I realized that it didn't have the cutouts I'm not sure that I will use it.

Like Bob said there are the two big brackets and at the bottom of them there is a oval hole, on the 14 and newer RT (except the SS) the shield is cutout to match the bracket. It was not cutout on older models.

The stock '13s had the same holes too Ann.

 

[bobgeorge]

+100 on the vented windshield for me. It doesnt help with getting more air on you but it does help a lot with buffeting. It's always windy near the coast here in Socal and I noticed it right off ther bat.

My take:

Bob

Very nice explanation of the advantage of vented windshield!

 

[bobgeorge]

Hi Pam,

OK ----- the stock RT-s windshield I have ( not on the :spyder2 HAS 2 holes to match the brackets. The vented wind shield I recently pruchased dosn't but the vent is adjustable ( just like the one on a GW) and just like the one on the GW, you can adjust the air flow, and you can feel it on your face woth an open shield. Maybe it's because I'm 4'6" tall and sit on the "tank" but that fresh flow of air makes all the difference. (Just kidding)

Kaos

So the standard RT (13-15) come with vents/holes....but the vented windshield is adjustable? Is that correct?

 

[Magdave]

So the standard RT (13-15) come with vents/holes....but the vented windshield is adjustable? Is that correct?

Sorta The vents in the stock are low and do not provide much more than pressure relief. Most reports seems to say the upper vented BRP ( you will lose the lower holes) are not much, if any, improvement. The best of both worlds would be one with both IMHO.

 

[finless]

Sorta The vents in the stock are low and do not provide much more than pressure relief. Most reports seems to say the upper vented BRP ( you will lose the lower holes) are not much, if any, improvement. The best of both worlds would be one with both IMHO.

I would tend to agree with that! In fact I have been considering cutting the holes like the 2013 and up have.

Bob

 

[bobgeorge]

Anyone tried any F4 vented windshields like in the link:

https://www.f4customs.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=88&product_id=301

If so, any feedback?

 

[F4 Customs]

Vents in RT windshield

Hi Don Frank here from F4 Customs. Just wanted to add my humble opinion. Most of our shields that we sell for the RT are with Vents. Why you ask? Well it cuts the back pressure compared to not having a vent or compared to the OEM and it also gives you a functional way of getting more air to your chest and face area when you need it the most. We use the GL 1800 Tinted Vent only as they hold up the best.
Hope this helps.
Call Don or Kim at F4 if you need more info.
330-968-4644
Don

 

[PW2013STL]

Anyone tried any F4 vented windshields like in the link:

https://www.f4customs.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=88&product_id=301

If so, any feedback?

I have their short version with vent and really like it. I can adjust it for air flow that provides a cool breeze to my face, or adjust it to push rain up and over my helmet (partly open). Great company that stands behind their product. They replaced mine last year when they noticed a defect in my first shield that I had not even noticed.

 

[F4 Customs]

Folks Don here at F4 Customs. I thought it might be appropriate as a sponsor and manufacture to try and give an opinion on what our findings have been concerning vents and windshield selection.
We often get calls and asked "what is the best way to improve my ride and what windshield do I need"? This is surely based on your riding style, height, inseam, and those types of factors. Maybe this will help.
Width: In our findings the best way to improve your ride on the RT is by going wider and vented. Here is why: The stock windshield is 25" tall and the width does not take the air out and around your shoulders like most riders want. The F4 is 2.5" wider on each side giving you more wind protection and more comfort on those long rides.
Vent: The vent is used to reduce the back pressure, move in fresh air, and also get air to the rider when desired. The OEM shield had openings in the windshield about the second year they were making the RT for just this reason. Our philosophy was not to have cut outs but to add a GL1800 Vent so that the rider has control of the air flow in all riding conditions.
Height: We offer 3 different heights 22", 25", and 28". The 22" and 25" can be purchased in standard width or the wide version. We normally advise the wide for the reasons I suggest above but sometimes riders say I like what I have but I want tint or a vent so we offer the standard width as well.
Clear or Tint: This is a factor of your riding style. If you ride mostly during the day then tint is a nice option to cut down on some of the glare from the sun. If you ride a lot at night and look through the shield we recommend the clear just for clarity sake. The tint is a light tint and some folks prefer it to cut down on the on brightness of the on coming traffic but I prefer the Clear for night time riding.
Number 1 seller; The best seller is the SRT-PLS3-V-W. This is the shield that is 28" tall and is wide with a vent. This comes in clear and tint also. The reports we get state that folks that are riding with a co rider and want the best wind protection have found this to be the best option for them.
Material: F4 Customs produces all of their windshields from Highest Grade Polycarbonate and we bake in our proprietary coatings which gives you these results:
Absolutely clear with no distortion.
Extreme Scratch Resistance even when rubbed with steel wool
Rain Shedding is fantastic light Rain X on steroids
Chemically Sealed so just clean them with paper towels and any glass cleaner and ride.
I know this comment was long but I hope it helps in your decision of what is the best shield for you and your co rider.
Feel free to contact me if I can offer any more information.
Don Frank
F4 Customs

 

[Professor]

I have their short version with vent and really like it. I can adjust it for air flow that provides a cool breeze to my face, or adjust it to push rain up and over my helmet (partly open). Great company that stands behind their product. They replaced mine last year when they noticed a defect in my first shield that I had not even noticed.

F4 Customs replaced my stock 2014 RTL windshield with their short, tinted and vented windshield at Spyderfest and I really like it. The vent provides more air for these hot Dallas summers and the airflow is adjustable. I think it was Don who helped me make my selection and did the installation. I'm very pleased with the product and the people.

 

[Pampurrs]

Folks Don here at F4 Customs. I thought it might be appropriate as a sponsor and manufacture to try and give an opinion on what our findings have been concerning vents and windshield selection.
We often get calls and asked "what is the best way to improve my ride and what windshield do I need"? This is surely based on your riding style, height, inseam, and those types of factors. Maybe this will help.
Width: In our findings the best way to improve your ride on the RT is by going wider and vented. Here is why: The stock windshield is 25" tall and the width does not take the air out and around your shoulders like most riders want. The F4 is 2.5" wider on each side giving you more wind protection and more comfort on those long rides.
Vent: The vent is used to reduce the back pressure, move in fresh air, and also get air to the rider when desired. The OEM shield had openings in the windshield about the second year they were making the RT for just this reason. Our philosophy was not to have cut outs but to add a GL1800 Vent so that the rider has control of the air flow in all riding conditions.
Height: We offer 3 different heights 22", 25", and 28". The 22" and 25" can be purchased in standard width or the wide version. We normally advise the wide for the reasons I suggest above but sometimes riders say I like what I have but I want tint or a vent so we offer the standard width as well.
Clear or Tint: This is a factor of your riding style. If you ride mostly during the day then tint is a nice option to cut down on some of the glare from the sun. If you ride a lot at night and look through the shield we recommend the clear just for clarity sake. The tint is a light tint and some folks prefer it to cut down on the on brightness of the on coming traffic but I prefer the Clear for night time riding.
Number 1 seller; The best seller is the SRT-PLS3-V-W. This is the shield that is 28" tall and is wide with a vent. This comes in clear and tint also. The reports we get state that folks that are riding with a co rider and want the best wind protection have found this to be the best option for them.
Material: F4 Customs produces all of their windshields from Highest Grade Polycarbonate and we bake in our proprietary coatings which gives you these results:
Absolutely clear with no distortion.
Extreme Scratch Resistance even when rubbed with steel wool
Rain Shedding is fantastic light Rain X on steroids
Chemically Sealed so just clean them with paper towels and any glass cleaner and ride.
I know this comment was long but I hope it helps in your decision of what is the best shield for you and your co rider.
Feel free to contact me if I can offer any more information.
Don Frank
F4 Customs

:thumbup:

 

[bobgeorge]

+100 on the vented windshield for me. It doesnt help with getting more air on you but it does help a lot with buffeting. It's always windy near the coast here in Socal and I noticed it right off ther bat.

My take:

Bob

Excellent video that explains the purpose of the vents. I have a 2015 so it sounds like a vented windshield is not needed.

 

[skymed]

Hi Folks,

Steve here from Moncton, New Brunswick Canada a relatively new 2014 SPyder RT Ltd owner. Bought it in June of this year and she just went over 3500kms, what a machine. hyea:

My wife loves riding pillion on it as she feels extremely safe and protected, but we had a huge issue with turbulence around her head at anything approaching hiway speeds ( 55mph+) with the stock windshield. She's fairly tall (5.8) and was starting to not like riding so we knew we had to find a solution. After searching these forums we found out about the F4 SRT-PLS3-V-W windshield option and sent away for one. Don and Kim were excellent to deal with and even with the notoriously slow Canadian snail mail system it was here in a week. Installed it yesterday, very easy to do, fits perfectly and looks the business.

Put a couple hundred kms on it today; Verdict? It has significantly reduced noise and wind turbulence for me and my wife to the point where cruising at hiway speeds is no longer the issue it was. Took a little getting used as, when its fully up I'm definitely looking through the windshield but thats more than compensated for by the peace and quiet we both find it provides us. I have to say, without hesitation, this is one farkle that will really make travelling that much more of an enjoyable experience.

Steve

 

[Pampurrs]

Hi Folks,

Steve here from Moncton, New Brunswick Canada a relatively new 2014 SPyder RT Ltd owner. Bought it in June of this year and she just went over 3500kms, what a machine. hyea:

My wife loves riding pillion on it as she feels extremely safe and protected, but we had a huge issue with turbulence around her head at anything approaching hiway speeds ( 55mph+) with the stock windshield. She's fairly tall (5.8) and was starting to not like riding so we knew we had to find a solution. After searching these forums we found out about the F4 SRT-PLS3-V-W windshield option and sent away for one. Don and Kim were excellent to deal with and even with the notoriously slow Canadian snail mail system it was here in a week. Installed it yesterday, very easy to do, fits perfectly and looks the business.

Put a couple hundred kms on it today; Verdict? It has significantly reduced noise and wind turbulence for me and my wife to the point where cruising at hiway speeds is no longer the issue it was. Took a little getting used as, when its fully up I'm definitely looking through the windshield but thats more than compensated for by the peace and quiet we both find it provides us. I have to say, without hesitation, this is one farkle that will really make travelling that much more of an enjoyable experience.

Steve

I'm glad to hear that. I'm going to be getting one of those myself in the near future.

Pam

 

[gerard]

Vented F4 Customs Windscreen

Just had fitted a Plus3 Tall Wide F4 Customs windscreen with a vent. In my opinion the improvement over the standard RT screen is substantial with a considerable reduction in buffeting.
I'm very happy with my choice. :thumbup:

 

[bobgeorge]

Just had fitted a Plus3 Tall Wide F4 Customs windscreen with a vent. In my opinion the improvement over the standard RT screen is substantial with a considerable reduction in buffeting.
I'm very happy with my choice. :thumbup:

What year is your RT? Did your stock screen have the holes?