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Windshield advice

F

frj322

New member
Hi folks...
Well, we've got our driver and passenger backrests installed on our new F3S and also the passenger armrests (went with the factory BRP stuff) and now its windshield time.
I've been looking at the F4 customs and also the Madstadt windshields and I like them both. I'm interested in reducing the "slammed in the chest and face" feeling while trying to maintain adequate ventilation. I've read thru lots of information and threads and can't seem to settle on one or the other. My wife and I would be riding 2 up most of the time and we're both 5'09" tall. I really don't want to look thru the shield for fear of distortion but I don't want to deal with helmet buffeting either (yeah, I know, difficult situation). I'm also very concerned about what's been described as a "zone of negative pressure" that forms behind the windshield at speed.
Can anyone offer any advice?

As always, thanks for the help in advance...

Frank
 
I have the F4 in 28" tinted. This works well for me. I am 5'8", but tall in body, so I look over it. My wife who is 5'9" is short in body and has to look through it.
You will need to know what body size you have to determine the correct size you need.
 
Thanks for that,
Do you get any air flow for cooling behind it? How about the vacuum zone that may or may not be there?
 
frj322 said:
Thanks for that,
Do you get any air flow for cooling behind it? How about the vacuum zone that may or may not be there?
Click to expand...

The F3 will allow a lot of air to get to you no matter what shield you put on it so cooling will not be an issue.It does keep the head buffing down to an acceptable level. I can ride for 12 hours and have no neck issues. I had tested an F3 with the BRP shield that was producing head buffing so bad that I was getting a sore neck after 10 min. I have not experienced a vacuum zone, and since I ride solo I am unable to comment on how it effects a passenger.
 
My advice, check out the Lamonster Freedom Shield windshield. I love mine. You’ll also save over $150 on the price with free shipping. Shipping alone on the other windshields is over $50.
 
Thanks for that suggestion. I'd looked into that but didn't see one offered for the F3S. Am I missing something somewhere?
 
In my opinion the F4 Custom windshield is the best on the market.
I noticed that one of your concerns is distortion while looking through the windshield.
The F4 shield is unmatched for optical clarity.
I had a F4 on one of my Spyders that got damaged and I decided to "save a little money" and bought a competitor's shield.
I couldn't believe the difference. The first thing I did when I got back from my road trip was to replace that shield with another F4.
Along with the better clarity the F4 performs significantly better in the rain!
The F4 maybe a little more $$$ but as the saying goes you get what you pay for!
 
frj322 said:
Thanks for that suggestion. I'd looked into that but didn't see one offered for the F3S. Am I missing something somewhere?
Click to expand...

2018 F3-S owner here too. Lamonster doesn't have a windshield to fit the F3-S. I went with an F4 Customs tinted windshield, the larger size. I am 6'2" and ride with my feet in the forward most position. It does a good job of deflecting wind over my helmet when in the highest position. Still working on minor adjustments to give me the most head-friendly wind redirection while still being able to see over it by a few inches.

Super easy install. Great customer service. The quality and materials of the F4 exceed their competitors. I am happy with my purchase.
 
Hi folks,
Well, after much research we decided to go with the Madstad 18" clear windshield. Mostly because of the generous return policy and the 100% satisfaction guarantee. Basically, I confirmed with them, if we're not happy with that I can return for 30 days so I've got nothing to lose...
I'll post pictures and a report once I get it installed!
 
On the distortion issue, Lamonster’s Freedon Shield windshield have absolutely no distortion. The optical clarity is perfect and I’m very anal about those types of things. It just made zero sense to me to pay almost $200 more for another manufacturers windshield when this one’s perfect. They also have a guarantee. If you don’t like it, after a test ride with the plastic on, send it back. I don’t work for Lamonster or Freedom Shield. I just like a great product at a great price.
 
thumbnail (1).jpgthumbnail.jpgWell folks, the new windshield finally arrived. We decided to go with the Madstad 18" (pictured here). After riding with it for a few days I decided it might be a bit too tall... I gave them a call and swapped it out for the 16" and it's perfect! Can't feel any buffeting at all, I can hear it in my helmet and I may still have to get it adjusted to find the optimum setting but I'm very pleased!
Thanks to all for your suggestions.
 
On my fourth shield!

I picked up my 2018 F3L mid July with the OEM 18" windshield, totally worthless above 35mph. Then I tried the 18" Freedom shield with the curve at the top. Although the curve did help for wind head on it did nothing for the buffeting wind hitting me from the sides. Next I tried a 20" BRP and it was not any better. Now I've got a 25" clear F4 whindshield with the operable vent. While looking over the parts I noticed the F4 brackets do not match the OEM brackets they attach to on the Spyder. So I modified them, repainted them and will be installing them this weekend. I sent F4 Customs the information and they said they will be modifying the brackets on their next production run. I hope this is the last windshield I need to "try" !? Good luck with yours and welcome to the Spyder world! :sour:
 
Spent the last month making the same decision

Ended up going with a Gustafsson 17" on our Daytona.
Talking to Zach, they should soon be offering some adjustability with their mounting hardware, that's what we're waiting for.
My wife is 5'3" and I'm 5'10", we swap bikes while we're riding, so we wanted the protection and something we could both see over, plus we like the slight curve at the top.
Hoping to have it next week so I can put it all on and go for a ride next weekend.
 
F4 Customs Windshields for the F3S and F3 Touring and Limited

All of the F4 Customs windshields are made from High Optics Polycarbonate. This is important as polycarbonate is used by all of the OEM's due to safety. F4 applies a proprietary hard coating which allows the shield to be cleaned with any glass cleaner, sheds rain like Rain X on steroids, and is optically perfect.
We are pleased to have so many that have purchased our windshields and attest to the quality of the shields. Thanks
 
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