Blue Ridge Windshield on the F3 = Crazy backdraft

[nycgordonf]

I've never been one to ride with a windshield. Riding my HD Sportster, I'd eat up bugs with my jacket and helmet every spring. With my Spyder, I'm able to use this vehicle on a more daily basis. So I figured, let me put on a windshield to cut down on that highway wind.

The Blue Ridge Windshield (Can-Am OEM Part): https://can-am-shop.brp.com/on-road/us/en/219400746-blue-ridge-windshield.html

It was relatively easy to install, but holy mother, does this thing generated backdraft turbulence! Right at my head. Riding at 65mph or more, my head is vibrating so much I can't even read the road signs. I'm honestly surprised Can-Am would consider this a product they can sell.

As such, I'm forced to share my part-bashing post with you fellow riders. I'm hoping some of you can share a windshield you're using that doesn't generate this type of heavy backdraft right near your head.

I'm looking at the shorter version of the Blue Ridge Windshield, the Route 129: https://can-am-shop.brp.com/on-road/us/en/219400747-route-129-windshield.html

It's about 6" shorter, which might keep my head in the clear - although that's a big IF.

I've already spend $450 on my god awful windshield.

Would appreciate any thoughts on the Route 129 windshield, or other alternatives. Thanks a million!

 

[jneg2]

That windshield has been criticized for as long as I can recall on this forum..I went with the Madstad. They will give you great customer service and advice!

 

[RICZ]

I have used 7Jorck windshields for decades and have 2 of theirs for my F3L. They are great quality for way less than half of what you paid for yours. I had them make a custom to my specs and they charged no more than a stock one. Whatever you buy, get the flip (reverse curve) you will thank me.
7Jurock.com

 

[Don60]

I agree, I switched from the Blue-ridge due to it not performing at highway speeds. I purchased a 27 inch shield with the“flip” at the top from 7Jurock. Great price and fits the Blue Ridge mounds for my F3.

 

[Hoginedgewood]

I've never been one to ride with a windshield. Riding my HD Sportster, I'd eat up bugs with my jacket and helmet every spring. With my Spyder, I'm able to use this vehicle on a more daily basis. So I figured, let me put on a windshield to cut down on that highway wind.

The Blue Ridge Windshield (Can-Am OEM Part): https://can-am-shop.brp.com/on-road/us/en/219400746-blue-ridge-windshield.html

It was relatively easy to install, but holy mother, does this thing generated backdraft turbulence! Right at my head. Riding at 65mph or more, my head is vibrating so much I can't even read the road signs. I'm honestly surprised Can-Am would consider this a product they can sell.

As such, I'm forced to share my part-bashing post with you fellow riders. I'm hoping some of you can share a windshield you're using that doesn't generate this type of heavy backdraft right near your head.

I'm looking at the shorter version of the Blue Ridge Windshield, the Route 129: https://can-am-shop.brp.com/on-road/us/en/219400747-route-129-windshield.html

It's about 6" shorter, which might keep my head in the clear - although that's a big IF.

I've already spend $450 on my god awful windshield.

Would appreciate any thoughts on the Route 129 windshield, or other alternatives. Thanks a million!

Interesting, picked up the f3s 2 weeks ago ordered the smaller windshield, not sure of the model number. Now im questioning if I should go aftermarket instead.
Also wondering if people who don't like their windshield have shortened them. I prefer looking over the windshield, less water drops to look through.

 

[nycgordonf]

Well thank you gentlemen. That about figures. The Can-Am website doesn't allow any product reviews, so it's impossible to tell what rider's experiences with a given accessory are. Had I know this before shelling out $450 on a piece of clear plastic, I would've certainly avoided it by a mile. I had dispatched an e-mail to their customer service, asking for a return/refund authorization even though the purchase was made in January. I don't expect much in a way of answer, but it was worth a shot.

I'll see how the shorter windshield compares. They do have a 30-day refund policy on accessories so if anything, I'll return the Route 129 and go with one of the aftermarket ones you've all suggested.

Thanks much

 

[nycgordonf]

Interesting, picked up the f3s 2 weeks ago ordered the smaller windshield, not sure of the model number. Now im questioning if I should go aftermarket instead.
Also wondering if people who don't like their windshield have shortened them. I prefer looking over the windshield, less water drops to look through.

There are only 2 OEM windshields for the Spyder F3. Blue Ridge and Route 129. Route 129 is the shorter one. Please, do share your experience with it riding at highway speeds. I have to remove the Blue Ridge windshield from my Spyder as I genuine don't believe it's safe to ride with it. The head vibrations you'll get at 65mph+ will make it impossible to read any road signs or avoid hazards on the road. It's like being stuck in a washing machine during the spin phase. I can guarantee you the Can-Am engineer who designed this windshield has never ridden with it.

 

[Yabbadabbadoo]

I have a 2020 F3-S SS and I know what your talking about. I have tried several windshields (bought them used) including the Blue Ridge, Route 129, Gustafson, and Madstad. Add an X-creen Tour wind deflector to the top of the Blue Ridge windshield and it will fix the problem.
The Route 129 is a lower windshield and the wind will hit you squarely in the chest at highway speeds. Your head area is exposed directly to bugs and debris.
Now I'm using the Madstad and I like it's adjust-ability for different angles and heights depending on conditions. I'm using my X-creen with it as well. But I would go back to the Blue Ridge with X-creen if I had to.

 

[ARtraveler]

As an owner of two F3L's (2019 & 2020), I am still riding with the OEM windshield. I like the short windshield that I can look over as I ride. So far, have no intentions to change out either windshield for a larger one. Drove RT's since 2010 and had the OEM adjustable versions. No problem to get excited about, except looking through water drops during rain.

13K miles on the 19 and 3K miles on the 20.

 

[nycgordonf]

Add an X-creen Tour wind deflector to the top of the Blue Ridge windshield

Thanks! Never thought of adding anything extra on top of the Blue Ridge. Somewhat concerned about the looks of it. Would you happen to have a photo of what it looks like on your Spyder? Just to mske sure we're talking about the same product: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...iable-windscreen-spoiler-blade?sku_id=1045726

Did you purchase the clamp-on or bolt-on version?

Appreciate your time

 

[kennygee]

Be very careful with the X-creen Tour....I bought one to go along with the blue ridge windscreen..it was the one that you screw into the exsiting windscreen...drove with it for about a month or so before deciding to go with the 7jurok 27 inch wind screen..any way where the screws were clammed down cracked my blue ridge windscreen so there is no way to return it...so if you get the X-creen Tour screw on or clamp down be very careful how tight you clamp it down...I think it was more operator error and the wind..but all in all i just went with a bigger screen because I want all in one instead of having to put something else on top of a windscreen..

 

[RICZ]

nycgordonf.....Call the nice folks at 7Jurock and tell them what you want. They did that for me and for way less than $200 shipped.

 

[Rattlebars]

I have a Moparty clone of the too expensive Xcreen. It has stopped any buffeting from the F4 tall. I had the same problem, but it wasn't backdraft, it was over the top. Rattled my glasses and pained my sinuses very severely. Thing is, you can look over your shield through the gap for a good view of the road ahead. Complete details at my page link in my signature or "click: to see MY SPYDER PAGE. Look under

 

[nycgordonf]

Be very careful with the X-creen Tour....where the screws were clammed down cracked my blue ridge windscreen so there is no way to return it..

Uh-ah. Don't want that happening. I sometimes hit 105mph when passing cars. Last thing I need to worry about is a clamp-on piece of windscreen going loose and hitting me in the face at that speed. Thanks for the useful tip.

 

[Rattlebars]

Uh-ah. Don't want that happening. I sometimes hit 105mph when passing cars. Last thing I need to worry about is a clamp-on piece of windscreen going loose and hitting me in the face at that speed. Thanks for the useful tip.

Fear not. Just do it right. Put some tape where the clamp goes and don't ram the screws into the shield. Gently tighten. It won't come off. Kenny did say "I think it was more operator error". I've had my Moparty to max speed and because of it being there I could still hear my radio!

 

[kennygee]

No problem at all...this is why when the people on this forum say do the research and get the best screen for yourself after that very expensive purchase and that insedent..because i wasnt even on the highway when it cracked i was just cleaning behind the glass and noticed the spyder cracks come from the clamps... So my advice is please do the research before you spend all that money..because most of the money we spend on these beautiful machines is not cheap...:bbq:

 

[nycgordonf]

No problem at all...this is why when the people on this forum say do the research and get the best screen for yourself after that very expensive purchase and that insedent..because i wasnt even on the highway when it cracked i was just cleaning behind the glass and noticed the spyder cracks come from the clamps... So my advice is please do the research before you spend all that money..because most of the money we spend on these beautiful machines is not cheap...:bbq:

Oh, you're preaching to the choir. I spent more on my old Harley than the thing was worth. I came to think to myself one day, do I spend more time working on this bike? Or do I spend more time actually riding it? In the end, it didn't really matter which was true. I just enjoyed it all around.

I should've done more research indeed. I always make the mistake of assuming OEM accessories are designed and engineered by skilled craftsmen.

Wrong!

 

[kennygee]

Your not by yourself at all on that....My wife told me just yesterday are you going to ride it or doll it up...hahahaha...and I had to really think about it...as far as OEM parts I'm learning so much from this website that all OEM parts are not made equal...hahaha...research is definitely the going theme I hear on here alot...Ride safe and Keep that spyder in the wind..

 

[Sarge707]

I have the BR and the MRA touring screen and LOVE it. The screen is about 2 inches below eye level but I feel No head/upperbody drafts at all. It should be below?

 

[Yabbadabbadoo]

I've had no issues with the X-creen cracking the windshield. I bought the clamp on version but they included the bolt on parts if I wanted to attach it permanently. I just use the clamp on.