Windshield Question

[fastdogs2]

I installed a 20 inch Cee Baileys with the Don C block on my 2009 R1200R. The wind noise is quiet up to 50 miles per hour and I can feel air venting into my helmet. However, any speed over 50 mph results in buffetting and loud wind noise.

My question is:

Is the 20 inch windshield too tall or too short for me (5'8")?

If the windshield was shorter (16, 18 inches), would I experience clean air rushing at me at helmet level?

If it was taller (22, 24, 26 inches) would it then divert the air/turbulence over my head?

I am ready to scrap all of this and place an order to Deutschland for the Wudo fairing, even though its is big bucks.

Any help would be appreciated.

Bill

[Don C]

I'm an inch shorter than you, and I can see over the top of a 25 inch Cal-sci screen. Taller is better, as long as you can still see over the top while relaxed in the saddle.

[fastdogs2]

Don,

Thanks.

I went by the windshield height suggestions on the Cee Baileys website for my height and I guess I should have ordered a taller shield.

I can see over the top of this 20 inch windshield by at least seven inches.

Bill

[erchin]

Hi Bill, dont know anything about the cee bailey but can give you my point on the Wudo fairing, aye, it is pricey but its made well, I just did not think the windsheild that came with it was much chop, it was wonky, flimsy and not cut right, it was just driving me crazy looking at this shield which was not symetrical, like starring at a crooked picture.

I bought the Wudo un-lacquered (thats with out paint in German) ,I had a favour owing so a panel shop mate of mine painted it up (maybe it could be best getting it painted from Wudo, but I dont know what their quality is like).

So, I had a windsheild made I have attached a link to the sheild with measurements if that helps anyone.


http://img151.imageshack.us/i/r12fair4.jpg/

I'm 6'3" , and I get no wind buffering from this sheild at all., and thats taken up to about 160km (testing), actually its just a very pleasant air flow.

cheers

[deilenberger]

I installed a 20 inch Cee Baileys with the Don C block on my 2009 R1200R. The wind noise is quiet up to 50 miles per hour and I can feel air venting into my helmet. However, any speed over 50 mph results in buffetting and loud wind noise.

My question is:

Is the 20 inch windshield too tall or too short for me (5'8")?

Can't say without your inseam measurement.

If the windshield was shorter (16, 18 inches), would I experience clean air rushing at me at helmet level?

Maybe, see above..

If it was taller (22, 24, 26 inches) would it then divert the air/turbulence over my head?

Maybe, see above..

I am ready to scrap all of this and place an order to Deutschland for the Wudo fairing, even though its is big bucks.

Any help would be appreciated.

Bill

Also useful info - what seat height do you have? Also - what helmet are you wearing, and do you have a tank bag? (Keep thinking of more things that effect windshield use..) Do you have barbacks, if so - how far back and arm length.

[AncientMariner]

Bill,

My last Beautiful Blue Roadster (RIP) was fitted with a Ferguson Block, which is sort of a kluge version of Don C's Block. I had the 22" Cee Bailey shield and it worked perfect. I'm 5'8" with a 29" inseam and a low saddle.

On my new Classic Black roadster, I decided to try a shorter shield, 20". It's not as good.
I've only got 700 miles on the new shield but I'm already wishing I had gone for another 22" er.

By the way, I used the Cee Bailyfitting guide and it recommended 23" which they don't offer so I got the 22".

Bruce

[buckstro]

Bill,

I had the same problem. I’m 6’3” and working through the Cee Bailey’s fitting guide, purchased a 24”. For whatever reason – probably my lack of being able to follow directions correctly, the windshield was too short. After a couple of days, I faced the situation and purchased the 26”. Problem solved. I can now cruise comfortably at 75 mph (legal limit on the Interstate, you understand) without being buffeted by wind. The taller screen worked for me.

Best of luck with your dilemma.

Buck

[dirty red]

Anybody need a 16" dark smoke Cee Bailey's for the summer, looks sexy. Mint $75, just asking you guys first going to a swap meet next month.

Dereck

[Don C]

The tilt block brings the top edge of the screen closer and lower, making the screen easier to see over.

[fastdogs2]

Don E.,

I am 5'8" tall with a 29" inseam (on a tall day).

I have no bar backs. I have the standard height BMW Comfort Saddle.

Bill

[fastdogs2]

Buck,

Sent you a PM regarding your 24" Cee Baileys windshield.

Bill

[deilenberger]

Don E.,

I am 5'8" tall with a 29" inseam (on a tall day).

I have no bar backs. I have the standard height BMW Comfort Saddle.

Bill

Bill,

OK.. so I have 2" shorter inseam then you, and am about 1" shorter, and have a lowish seat. The 2" shorter inseam would make me 1" taller in relation to the screen if you count in my slightly more diminutive height, but my lower seat probably makes up for that..

Confused yet? Crib sheet: I think our heads are very close to the same position (unless you have unusually long arms..)

I have the 16", 18" and 20" Cee-Bailey screens. The 16" is my summer screen. Gives me plenty of air, air starts about mid-eye-port on my Schuberth Concepts (C or C2..) Tilted back in a modified bracket probably about the same as a 1.25" Don C block. The 20" is my winter screen - air just about makes it to the top vent on the Schuberth.

Neither gives me turbulence - but both DID before tilting them back. There is some noise with both (more with the summer screen) - but not unacceptable or annoying (I do wear custom ear-plugs, and the Schuberths are considered quiet helmets in clean air - nothing is quiet in turbulent air..)

I could easily go with a 24" CB screen and still see over the top, but don't see a real need to - the 20" provides me enough protection for 30F riding, and below that, I don't ride. I also can notice the "sail-effect" difference between a 16" and 20", and imagine the 24" would be that much worse (I do have a CalSci which is about 24" - and wide - and I really dislike the sail-effect on it.. passing a tractor-trailer got WAY too interesting..)

Experimenting is about all that will work unless you can find/beg/borrow some different sizes ones. CB did have a "try and ride" plan for some of their other shields. They claimed (when I called about it) they didn't for the R12R because of the need for the BMW touring mount to mount the shields. It might be worth talking to a dealer (if you can find one) since you have the touring mount already if they'd let you try a 24" out before spending the $$.

Of course if you buy one used - you can likely resell it easily enough for what you pay for it used.. so not a lot of risk there.

Good luck! You'll find out how I've ended up with 6 or 7 shields in my garage..

[fastdogs2]

Don,

Thanks for the reply and the information. It looks like I am going to try the 24" shield. I hope I don't have to buy 6 or 7 of these things. I understand why you have multiple windshields.

I have multiple tank bags(2) and seat/tail bags(2). I should just strap a duffel bag on the seat and be done with it, but I like the bags.

Bill

[Chumley]

I appear to be about the same height as most posters, 5'-8" to 9" and 29" inseam.

I ordered a 22" Cee Bailey and never got a chance to check it out since it showed up after 3 weeks and my seat had been sent to Sargent by then.

I put it on the bike and noticed it looked funny. It was deformed. I took pictures and sent them to CB as requested, they said okay send it back. Sent the windscreen back and don't know what to expect, no response to my e-mail yet. They do things the old fashioned way and mailed a return authorization label instead of e-mailed so it all seems like it will take a while.

This is the second CB screen that I have purchased over the years that had the same deformation (mis-shapen) issue. Watch out.

I'll let you know how it works if they ever send it back.

[SDMAX]

I am very sorry I tuned in late to this topic. I hope not too late. I have answers. I am definitely an enfranchised voter on the windshield deal. I have at least four down in the garage.

Here's what finally worked. Buy an XL tallest [25"]California Science windshield. Install it with the Don C. block you already have on the bike and you will be done. If you find it too tall it can be taken down a bit but I think the only way to get where you want to be is with a tall shield. California Science has actual thought involved in the design.

This is me last weekend:

http://hwy94photo.com/side/03-2011/03-1 ... 11-312.jpg

I think if you copy and paste it you'll be able to see a good view of the shield and note the tilt back from the Don C. block and the "NACA" style duct holes cut into the shield by California Science.

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/R1200Rprod.html

I wish someone had told me to quit screwing around and just buy the 25" and be done. As you can see on my hwy 94 photo, the tilt actually makes it possible for me to see easily over the top; and, I mean well over the top, of the tallest shield. I am probably about 5'9" and am on the BMW low comfort seat which is same height as standard BMW non-comfort seat. (Pricey but great seat by the way.....) Inseam is around 29 inches.

XPROF out in Santa Barbara has this set up with special tape around the edges but I'm fine with the set up without the tape.

Wish I'd gotten the word before I played with a 24 inch Parabellum. That 200 bucks is down the drain. Along with a couple hundred each for a special order CB at 15 inches that I was going to use with a Laminar Lip; and a 17" CB that I think I got used; and the BMW "tall' screen; and a screen I had made but could not get to bend without cracking....truly, I''m sure I'm right.

If you want to, you can put a short screen on for the summer; I don't think you'll need too; I get all the quiet air with no buffeting I need with my set up. Sure I still hear the wind. It ain't no RT but I can read the signs and see the road when I nail it over 100 once in a while.

CB is not the answer. Cal Science is. Call Mark out there and get happy. You will not lose the air coming up from underneath without a full fairing but you don't want an RT anyway. Get good ear plugs and ride this thing.... best regards. Hope I'm not too late. John H. San Diego.

[fastdogs2]

I have a 24" Cee Baileys coming in the mail that I just purchased from buckstro. We'll see how that works.

Does the CalSci windshield use the BMW tall mount or do you have to install a separate mount? I want to install a windshield on my existing mount, which is why I went with the Cee Baileys.

I just wish that BMW would equip these bikes with the right seats and windshields right there at the factory, so we wouldn't have to purchase this aftermarket equipment.

BMW doesn't do that with their cars. I have a 2010 BMW 535xi Sport Wagon and I didn't have to purchase an aftermarket seat and windshield for that vehicle. Why can't the guys at BMW Motorrad talk to the automotive guys about building a vehicle correctly?

Bill

[mogu83]

I think that BMW stays away from the seat and windshield thing because whatever they did wouldn't satisfy all of the people, or apparently even half of the people. Look at all the folks on this list that study the specs, read all the reviews and then plunk a couple of (or few) hundred bucks down on a windshield or seat, and then sell the thing for half of what they paid for it, or throw it on the spare parts pile and buy another.

That's also why BMW markets the R1200R as a Urban bike. If you complain about no windshield or a seat you can't do 1,000 miles a day on they'll tell you to buy a touring bike, the R1200R is designed to be a commuter bike (Urban). Can't do corners or see the tachometer - buy a sport bike. Truth is most of us don't use the bike for what it was designed for.
I wonder if their's anyone that just uses it to ride back and forth to work, and never goes for a recreational (read sporting) ride or takes the bike on a road trip.

[deilenberger]

Gotta agree with Harry - what's "right" for one person isn't necessarily right for anyone else.

I have really specific requirements, and an odd enough body shape (sorta like Danny Devoto as the Penguin in the Batman movie..)



(I used that as a description for Andy Goldfine when he was custom making my Roadcrafter - he loved it - and it fits just fine.. buttttt... I digress..) plus how your bike is equipped (have a tankbag - it makes a difference. Have a GPS mounted behind the shield - makes a difference. Have a DonC block - makes a difference..) So - I have to sort of read into reviews people do and hope I can interpret what they find vs what suits me. Also - desires for a shield are different. Some people want RT sort of coverage, others (like me) want some wind protection in the winter, and only wet-weather and chest-pressure relief in the summer. Some people are more sensitive to the "sail effect" screens can cause. And some people - it's all about how it looks, not so much how it functions. Ditto on seats. I won't do a Russell (have had 3 so far..) because it's just too ugly in my eyes for an R12R... other people love it and don't see it so it's not a concern.

So - what sort of seat/shield would you suggest BMW put on the bike from the factory?

[ContraMoto]

If I were running BMW...I'd say, "You want better wind protection? Let me show you our touring bikes..."

What we have in the R is a good old fashioned standard bike. A bit of a throwback; the kind of bike that's been ridden for 70+ years. Don't need wind protection up to ~60mph. But, since everybody drives 80 now...what to do?

Customize it, that's what.

Still...it's just not going to be touring-bike smooth. No way, no how. I had the x-tall CalSci with the tilt block and I preferred the bike bare. (I'm 6' and have a tall OEM seat)

For me, I see two choices. Ride it sans shield and stay below 65mph, or get a retro-fairing for it and ride 80. These are the same choices I had in the 70s and 80s on my series of Honda CBs. I rode those bare.

I've ordered a Scout. If I like it, I'll stick with it. If I don't I'll send it back and ride <65mph. I don't want a touring bike.

[SDMAX]

The California Science shield goes on to the BMW tal touring mount; just like CB. Four torx deals takes two minutes after you find the tool somewhere in your man cave. I agree with everything posted. It is personal; but short of a fairing Cal Sci rocks. Shorter windshield maybe for the summer.

Year I know, but I tried an RT and hated it. R1200R is the right bike and the windshield add and seat fix is just part of the game....the RT guys play with the same issues. If and when I do get an RT the first fix will be to order the Cal Sci screen for the RT, second will be to add real mirrors; third may be the seat...On an RT this means no brand new RT as they made it so you can't add mirrors.

Taking R1200R on the road in two weeks, lotta slab then fun San Diego to north of Santa Barbara....I'll post.