Windshield Options

[tommybarrettjr]

I am interested in the CB500X, and like many people will want a little more wind protection without destroying the looks or style of the bike. I would like to start this thread so people can discuss windshield options and which ones they like.  I am not an aeronautical engineer but these are some things I have learned and observed.

Just putting a large windshield out front will not necessarily cause a nice smooth ride.  The larger the windshield the more air you deflect, which causes large amounts of air at different speeds, and air pressure and air speed are inversely related, and this difference of air pressure causes that annoying buffeting.  Most windshield manufactures now try to let a certain amount of air under the windshield to decrease the air pressure differences to reduce buffeting. In the pictures it appears the CB500X windshield lets air underneath it where it meets the fairing, which should be a good thing. I had a 2006 Goldwing with the vent in the windshield, I had read and soon verified that the air was smoother when the vent was left partially open.

I had a Suzuki V strom 650 with the "madstad" adjustable bracket which allows adjustment of both windshield height and angle, it was a very popular item for V strom owners and I believe "Madstad" would design a bracket for the CB500X. When you angled the windshield back you controlled how much air was allowed underneath the windshield and the buffeting was greatly reduced.

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I have looked at the "wunderlich america" wind deflector extension on line and it is an interesting way to add a laminar lip to an existing windshield like the stock or touring windshield from Honda.

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Tell us what windshields you like and dislike on your CB500X so we can all learn from one another. Pictures and web site links would also be nice.

[piston broke]

....i just couldn't imagine wanting to change the standard windscreen....the after market ones look pants, imho...

if wind is a prob- use the car !

[Bigboy61]

I like with the Madstad windshield design on the various models that they make them for.   Give Madstad time to come up with a bracket system and a light greyed windshield for the 500X bike.

I know that I will buy one. They work and they are not too intrusive to riding.

If all you are doing is city commuting then a larger windshield is not necessary. However, for Interstate routes that reach speeds up to 75-80MPH (135kph for the rest of the world), a larger windshield is necessary.

[tommybarrettjr]

Bigboy61,

On Madstad's website, under FAQ(frequently asked questions), http://www.madstad.com/s.nl/sc.17/.f, they state if you do not see your bike listed and are interested in the Madstad windshield to email or call them. 

It appears to me Madstad is trying to make an adapter for the individual model of motorcycle, then you use their standard Madstad infinitely adjustable bracket, then you choose a style/shape windshield(http://www.madstad.com/s.nl/sc.7/category.888/.f) from the their three choices for the standard bracket, and then you choose your size and tint windshield of that style/shape. 

I am thinking the Sport SD style/shape would look the best(http://www.madstad.com/s.nl/sc.7/category.5624/.f), but the Adventure Style(http://www.madstad.com/s.nl/sc.7/category.1289/.f) would also look good and may offer more coverage.

If you email or call them and get one, let us know what you get and what you think about it. Pictures would also be great.

Tommy

[tizzy23]

Prior to getting my X I was sure I would need a bigger windshield than it comes with. Now that I have put a few hundred highway kilometers on it I honestly cant imagine needing anything other than the stock shield. At least in until it gets cold, that is yet for me to experience on this bike. But I am getting absolutely no buffeting or excessive wind like I used to get on my nighthawk with a larger shield. The only thing I might want to do with it is put a smoke film on the backside. For the record I am just shy of 6 ft tall and the windshield is on the high setting. I have as well, while testing the bike out, reached speeds faster than I will ever need to go again and the wind never even really came to mind.

[Ski Days]

At only a tank and some change down, I'm finding the stock screen to be just fine. I'm towering in at 5'7" so that helps.  I'm also coming from the world of track days where hitting 130 was routine and you had to have a double bubble.

[cdiamond]

I agree with several others:  ...no need for a taller screen for city driving.  Stock windshield does a great job for me up to about 60mph.  Above that, and the wind noise is considerable.  I installed the Laminar Lip a few weeks ago, but it seems to have created more buffeting at my visor/eye level.  I would like to find a taller screen that throws the air just above my visor.  I just hate buying something to find out.  Lamina does offer a 30-day return, so that's why I gave it a try.  I like the looks of the calsci shield but hate to spend $200.00 to try it.  FYI, I'm 5'9" and probably slouch a little more on the seat than most folks my size.

[Utilimuter]

I'm 6'3" and frequently take my X on 700 mile round trip with average speed about 75mph. I get a ton of buffeting with the stock shield and a good amount with the honda tall shield. I recently ordered the Givi shield which is a little taller and considerably wider at the top for your shoulders. I'll post a review as soon as it's in.

Here's the tall Honda shield with stock for comparison:

[CaptainCranky]

Hi Tommy,

You really summed it up well in your initial post.
In agreement - (from my "for sale" item):


"I bought a powerbronze screen for A$155 and it doesn't suit me.
Although it greatly reduced the wind on my chest, I am 6'5" and a motovlogger (make movies from helmetcam) and the wind was buffetting right on my helmet, making the recording of my voice impossible.
After a couple of short trial rides I replaced the original screen,"

I am now really happy with the stock shield - maybe I would like it darker, but that's just looks.

IrishRover bought the same windshield as I did, and really likes it - notably he is 5'6" - so maybe the tall one works for shorter riders, and in colder climes...

Notably the Powerbronze in 3cm taller than the tall Honda one.

The adjustable mount a la V Strom would probably be a great way to use the taller screen and adjust the buffeting until it is much more bearable.

Shooting my sale in the foot maybe  but if you're tall I would stick with the stock screen - at it's highest setting it sends a very clean air-flow past the shoulders and head.

[joncho]

Utilimuter,

Have you received the Givi screen? if so, how does it perform for you?