pics by Docc & Kristian #562BMW Extended
Windshield
June 8, 2000
Gerhard Els from South Africa
When installing the extended windshield to your F650 GS, do not remove the grey top windshield. The retrofit kit fits on top of it and looks 1000 times better than removing the grey shield as suggested in the installation manual. (No problem when washing or fitting it that way)
The handlebar protectors are a great buy. It is winter here in South Africa, at $220.00 (+- $30) local currency, they are a great aftermarket DIY and works well keeping wind of your hand plus they look great!
Adamx1001: I could not get the two to go on together. Even snapped off one of the captive nuts behind the support frame because of the sideways torque (aagh). Make sure you have the support 'gasket' which is hidden on the parts fiche. I totally agree about the handlebar protectors, though.
Editors Note: Most, including myself, have removed the Grey Windshield, when installing The Dakar Screen (Available in BOTH Dark and Clear/tinted).
Dissenting opinion: The Dakar screen is better and correctly installed with the grey dash cover behind it. Art #884
Dakar Tall Windshield on the GS - Parts Required.
pics by Docc & Kristian #562
Dakar Screen
This shot of Pablo's Dakar clearly shows the pronounced lip on the Dakar
windshield. This is the black (very dark tint) version.
Fitting the Dakar windshield on a F650GS'00 or Newer
by Rod from CO
Remove the 3 Torx screws holding the silver wind deflector and expose the black plastic front housing. Save wind deflector for future use as ultimate glissading device down snow slopes in winter (1 time use only).
Save the lower Torx screw (black) to re-use. Keep the other two for future use somewhere else on the bike for when things vibrate off someday.
Remove the silver side plates to which the turn signals are attached (4 Torx screws per side) and let the side plate/turn signal assembly dangle there.
Unscrew 2 small black plastic screws near the top of the black plastic housing. These may pull out with the anchors attached (no big deal).
Pull the front part of the plastic black housing toward you to gain access behind it.
Pry-out the metal nut clip located at the lower screw hole in the plastic black housing.
Slip the new metal nut clip (supplied with the Dakar shield) on to the black metal V-brace (supplied with the Dakar shield) over the hole. The flat side of the nut clip should be on the convex surface of the V-brace.
Slip the V-brace with nut clip down into and behind the plastic black housing until the nut clip is centered and exposed in the notch where the old nut clip was.
Replace the two small plastic screws at the top of the housing. Don't spare the four letter words since the anchors go into a flimsy plastic tab.
Place the U-shaped plastic spacer (supplied with the Dakar shield) on to the front of the housing and line-up the 3 screw holes.
Place the Dakar shield on to the spacer and put the lower screw in and hand tighten.
Manipulate the shield, spacer and housing to line up the two top holes. Put in the long Torx screws (supplied with the Dakar shield). Tighten all 3 screws, but be careful not to over tighten and crack the shield. Loctite (removable type) would be good to use on the screw threads in this case.
Replace the turns signal/side plate assemblies. Check the 3 Torx screws often as they may become loose because you did not have any Loctite around.
Warning: The V brace MUST go on beneath the original *black* plastic, not the grey cover. It's designed to spread the load of the effort exerted on the bottom of the screen over a wider area that just one bolt hole. If you push the top of the screen back with your hand quite hard, which is what the wind does at high speed, then you will notice that the bottom of the screen pulls the plastic forward, which could possibly tear out the hole at high speed unless the V brace is placed correctly, to spread that load. It should be clear in the instructions that come with the kit. You are taking a risk if it’s not installed correctly. Trevor #999
Here are the
part numbers and prices Rymo #876 paid from his invoices for the following
from Foothills BMW in Lakewood, Colorado USA:
Dakar Windshield
46 63 7 657 922 1 Support Plate $9.79
71 60 7 653 849 1 Bracket $18.29
06 32 7 659 725 2 Screw Oval M5X35 $3.29
46 63 2 325 999 1 Screw $0.95
61 13 1 372 033 1 Clip Nut $1.79
46 63 7 655 720 1 Windshield $135.29
Hand Protector Kit
71 60 7 653 855 Hand Protector Kit $45.50
And.....if your GS windscreen attachment fails i.e.
BradG noted one of the nuts that secures the top of the screen had popped loose
from its mount. They are welded to a tab on a small frame under the instrument
console Those nuts are lightly tack welded to the rear of the structure. I
popped one off with a few smacks from a hammer and drift, but had to drill the
other out when I made my screen mods. I then drilled out the holes to about 9mm
and replaced the nuts with flexible rubber-sleeved nuts. This allowed me to
mount the screen at a more vertical angle because the new nuts are flexible in
their direction of fastening, whereas the original nuts had no flexibility. For
more on Wellnuts and this fix see the Wellnuts FAQ.
Adamx UK had the same problem. (the dealers had accidentally missed out the u
shaped plastic thingy that goes behind the screen so the bolt didn't align
correctly). I used super glue to hold the nut in place till the friction got to
be enough to hold it on properly. Bloody bad design IMHO. If it didn't require
taking the whole front end of the bike to bits I'd have stripped the bracket out
and spot welded that nut on properly. The original looked to me to have
cold-lapped on one of the two tiny welds, but I couldn't find it in myself to go
to BMW and warranty hassle for a fix.
GS Screen Gallery
For more information on reducing Wind Buffeting
see the Buffeting & Screens FAQ (Classic F only at
present)
GIVI with Saeng Edging and Saeng Winglets
from Shelley #798
GIVI Screen
from
GIVI website
Ermax with Saeng Edging and Saeng Winglets
from Shelley #798
ERMAX
Windshield w/ Saeng 3pc Winglets & Mirrors Bent Down
Kevin #1092
Ermax on the GS
Unknown
Codewheeney #1418 His Ermax review
BMW Tall Screen with & without the Silver Plate
Docc in Austin - '02GSA #1249
When I got my bike from the dealer after having them install the
tall windshield kit (which is the same as the one in the catalog) they didn't
leave the silver basic windscreen on. So I took pictures of my bike without and
with the silver screen.
Adjustable
Stock BMW High Screen
by Trevor George #999
http://www.trevorgeorge.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/highscreen.htm
Slipstreamer 3 Barn Door Modified Screen
by Rando
Got tired of getting beat to crap by my inadequate Dakar Windscreen so a six
pack and a couple of hours and I finally have a solution. Below are pictures of
almost finished screen. I am 6'4 and no longer have to wear earplugs due to the
quiet zone behind this screen. Took it up to 85 and she held true. There isn't
much to bolt onto on the front end but the mounts hooked to the turned signals
seemed to be strong enough to do the job.
It is 21 inches tall from the center of the bottom mounting screw.
I used a Slipstreamer 3 Barn Door as a starting point and got out the beer and
jig saw and went at it. I got the windshield when I bought one of my vintage
Honda's and had it sitting wrapped in a blanket over the shop all but forgotten.
Still in excellent shape with very few scratches. The hardware is off another shield I had mounted on my Nighthawk. The Slipstreamer 3 is $115.00 on the internet. I rode about 100 miles this evening and did a check of all the mounts and fairing and there were no problems found.
I would be hesitant to put any stress on the turn signals. On the classic f (and I THINK they're the same) they are designed to break away by allowing the mounting screw to be pulled through the plastic, which basically just tears. If you bounce it around enough off-road, hopefully you won't weaken the stalk mounting point enough to where it starts to tear away. If you decide you like it, you may want to look into some kind of mounting point on the side of the front fairing that still allows you to remove it when desired. If you drop your bike while on your trip, you don't want to lose your screen just because you broke a turn signal. Mark #403
Looks you've done a great job! Now for the rest of us the challenge is to find the applicable Slipstreamer to build this from. Beer is not so much the problem here in Heineken country. Looking at www.slipstreamer.com I guess the Touring S-08 sport screen is the one that might do the job? Also, can you give me the tanktop-to-screentop distance? Measured with a ruler straight up, so only the vertical distance, from the top of the (fake) tank to the top of the screen. From your pictures I'd say that must be about 21" as well. That's about 3" more than the Ermax buffeting screen (see my comparison elsewhere on this board). In fact, your screen follows the same curve as the tall BMW screen, except that it is much taller and wider. Be careful with the turning lights because they do break easily. Might be a better option to mount these rods on an extension of one of the screws, similar as done by Trevor. Will take another sixpack. Cheers, Pazzo.
The distance from the top of the faux tank to the
top lip of the shield is 20". I am going to space it a bit to move it forward
and get 21" if I can do it easily without putting further stress on the turn
signals. Rando
Adjustable
F650GS Screen
by Pazzo
Modified OEM
Screen
by Jack in OZ
Today I did my intended screen mod to hopefully fix the buffeting from my Dakar screen. Well......I am happy with the result :-)
The Short Version:
I fabricated 2# 15mm thick spacers out of some 25mm dia polythene stock, then drilled a hole through the centre of each.
Removed the 2 top securing bolts and removed the wimpy mount nuts, fitted 2 captive nuts in place.
Using 2 longer s/s Allen head bolts 50mm long, I remounted the screen....a little fiddling was needed due different alignment, because of the spacers.
I used the standard bolt for the bottom mount. This had the effect of tilting the screen more vertical.
My test ride revealed much less buffeting, my bike has the Dakar seat fitted and I am 5' 10' in height.....this mod may not be so successful for very tall riders on a Dakar seat, but certainly a benefit for most people, particularly with a standard seat.
I need to do more tests in cross winds etc, but so far I am happy :-)
The added bonus is that I now have space between the screen and cowling to mount a switch panel etc for extra lighting/warning light/nick-nacks etc.
More Detail:
Basically, I simply fitted the screen normally, except I made 2 long polyethylene spacers and fitted them between cowling and screen on the 2 top mount points.
This had the effect of making the screen much more vertical.
I also had to ditch the spot-welded nuts and substitute captive nuts on the 2 top mounting points, the captive nuts can move a bit and are needed because the longer bolts and spacer come in a different angle because of the screen. I did not want to hack the screen by drilling new top mount holes.
My original mod was 15mm spacers over the "U" gasket supplied in the fitting kit, now I have ditched the gasket and made 30mm or so, slotted spacers as my initial attempts to fit it did not work. So......by slotting the spacers along their length....I can fit the screen, screw in the long bolts by a few threads THEN carefully "pull" the screen vertical, slip the slotted spacers in between the cowling and inside of the screen and tighten it all up.
Probably need to do some pics on it.....big road test comes when I do 700km trip to dealer and back for my service.
I did some more mods today and went for a test ride tonight, its vastly improved over my last mod and the screen stands more vertical than before.
I am very happy with it now :-) I had considered making it adjustable, like Trevor's. I decided that it may be safer being a non adjustable installation, due to severe buffeting from semi-trailers etc going past on the highway, B Double trucks are very bad for buffeting :-( Last thing I want is the screen folding down on me or worse....coming off....when a truck goes past. I don't have much faith in BMW plastic cockpit design :-)
As usual...YMMV :-)
Bert
#1131
Daver
with 6' rider
mspeed #1023
Parabellum extra-tall
with 6' 2" rider
Close-up of mounts from DaveS
Bert's Wunderlich Screen (Touring
Shield)
BMW Santa Cruz/Wunderlich Site
I have
been working with my 2003 Dakar to try to make the highway ride at 70 -75 mph
more comfortable. Here is what I have learned so far.
Stock Dakar screen: moderate buffet at 60 mph up, smooths out if I lean
forward to within 1 foot of the screen.
Stock Dakar screen with Wunderlich 35mm bar risers: moderate to heavy buffet,
relieved if I lean to within 1 foot of windshield.
Stock Dakar screen with 20mm spacer under the bottom bolt with 35mm bar
risers: better but still moderate buffet over 65 mph.
Stock Dakar screen with 15mm spacers under the top bolts,: moderate buffet
over 55 mph.
Stock Dakar screen with 20mm spacer under bottom bolt without 35mm bar risers:
very light buffet at 65 - 75 mph.
Homemade screen made from old Road King windshield with "mushroom" top, kind
of like the Cee Bailey's: moderate chop at a higher frequency than stock,
better bug protection.
Wunderlich touring shield: deep heavy buffeting at any speed over 55 mph,
vision blurring, head shaking buffeting. If I lean forward to within 8 inches
of the shield it is tolerable. Good bug protection. If I flex it back to me
the buffet is less, if I flex it away the buffet gets even deeper. Also seems
to hold heat in, maybe good for winter if you can stand the buffet.
So this is what I have found so far; the stock Dakar screen works the best
with a 20mm spacer under the bottom bolt and without 35mm bar risers. I am
about 5'9" and use an Arai Signet full-face helmet with ear plugs. I notice
the buffet much more with the earplugs in due to the reduction of the high
frequency noise. mobe
Vertical Screen Height Question: Some More Comparisons
Tony #1967 Posed the Question
I would like to know the vertical distance from the top of the (fake) fuel tank to the top of various aftermarket screens. I'm currently using the BMW "High Windshield". It's too low for me—a big stream of noisy air hits the bottom of my helmet. I'm 6' 3", and I have the BMW high seat—low flying aircraft beware! An increase in screen height of about 5 inches (13 centimetres) should be OK. (I tested this by holding my hand above the screen). I figured that measurements taken from tank to screen top would provide a reasonable basis for comparison. I appreciate that the angle at which any screen leans back will also affect airflow, but at least I would have a rough idea.
And Various Riders Provided Answers
Here are
a couple of shots of my Cee Bailey's 21"
Showing ruler from top of faux tank 19", with a couple of spacers underneath.
Compared to my BMW tall screen.
I have tried all sorts of alternative combinations including back to silver
fly-screen. And raising all screens on spacers to get airflow under. Everything
depends on . . . your height; seat height; helmet shape/profile/resonance;
screen height; gap under screen; air temperature (cold air is denser); etc.
My experience (I am 6' on a tall seat):
– BMW tall without spacers: could not see at speed
– Tall screen with spacers: buffets at eye level, but quiet with visor open,
banging with visor closed
– Cee Bailey's 21": gives large buffets, at top of head
– Fly screen (silver): wind hits me just at bottom of helmet, injects incredible
noise up into helmet (neck warmer can block out lots of this)
The tall CB is not materially better than any other option. I have gone back to
the BMW "tall" screen on risers for winter. And will probably go back to the
silver screen or no screen for summer. I found the CB tended to deflect under
wind pressure and bend up the lower-most mounting bolt and cowling where it
attaches. The other day while mucking about for the
nth
time with this I put a spacer (a 1-2" length of rubber hose, outboard fuel hose
actually) under the screen right at the top middle of the dash to stop this
happening—essentially giving 4 points of support for the screen instead of the
usual 3. Certainly helped stop the deflection but, again, not all the buffeting.
Richard in Australia.
I have medium size Cee Bailey's (19 inch I think). I'm 5' 7". It's definitely better than the "High" windscreen from BMW. With the stock seat, it's great. With the Corbin, which is taller, the wind hits me dead centre on the forehead. It's still very rideable though. If I could do it over again I'd buy the bigger one and trim it if it seemed too big. gsatlanta
In this
garage, there are two GS's, two riders, and an assortment of screens,
accumulated in the search for the elusive perfect windshield.
Some approximate vertical measurements:
– Tall BMW:- 13"
– Ermax:- 17"
– Tallest Cee Baileys:- 19"
– Tallest Parabellum:- 24"
But when you look at the different shapes and slopes, you can see that the
vertical height is only one part of the story. For example, the tall BMW sits
about 13" up, and the Ermax about 17", but the Ermax top rim sits a whopping 9"
further forward compared to the tall BMW top rim, because the Ermax is far more
vertical. The result is that the effect of the two screens is wildly different.
We added Saeng Winglets to the Ermax. Pros and cons there too. The Parabellum
gives barn-door protection, but the top edge sits rather close to the rider's
face, and it is handlebar mounted. Looking at the height of a screen and
predicting the buffeting effect on a rider with "this" helmet and "that" torso
is more or less a mug's game. mspeed #1023
I have the Parabellum "Tall" which is 21" high from the fake tank (the "extra tall" would be about 23" from the tank). I'm 6ft tall and the windshield is perfect for me, no buffeting at all, and I can look over the shield by a couple of inches and keep my helmet visor open even on the highway. I've had no problems with the handlebar mount, and the windshield has not moved since I put it on a year ago. I spend 99% of my time on county highways and super-highways and I have always felt the windshield offered excellent protection and zero problems riding in high wind or with one hand, etc. I can also lock the steering when I park. There are two things that bother me about the windshield. One, the shield is very close to my face and I often bonk my helmet on the top edge when I'm getting on or off the bike. Two, the shield is butt-ugly and I'll never get used to how it looks. Like a lot of other people, I'm waiting for the perfect windshield for the GS, one that gives good wind protection and looks good too. Daver
Riders' heights seem to make an enormous difference to the usefulness of a screen. The Cee Bailey's screen is the highest, but I wasn't overly impressed at its effectiveness. I've made the screen of my F650GS adjustable, which is *almost* perfect for my riding, You can see the way I did it on my website. Some of the taller guys on my UK site have added screen extenders with visors or odd bits of *spare* Perspex. Some guys use spacers under the two upper hole fixings on the screen. My own modification pushes the screen more vertically which may help. Trevor #999
I had an interesting experience recently. I did the first 250 miles of our "Iron Butt" 1,000-miler with my Dakar screen. At that point I began to examine ways to increase comfort, so I took the Dakar screen completely off and strapped it to my seat. HUGE improvement! On a nice day, all the screen does is create a zone of turbulent flow about head level. Removing the screen eliminates the turbulence. Of course, my riding jacket has a lot more bugs on it now, but I was able to finish the ride with much reduced noise levels. There was "some" wind pressure, but not much more than with the screen as airflow deflected over the front of the bike still creates some protection. The bike looks pretty silly without the screen, but rides noisily WITH it. I'm 6' 2" and I was sitting on maybe 1" of foam+sheepskin. What surprised me when I rode with NO screen was that the "helmet noise" I was bothered by was actually from the screen. I now believe I could listen to music with a pair of those 20db Ear Buds, whereas before there was no way! Scott #1244
I've got an Ermax screen and had pretty bad buffeting with it. Seems like I needed another inch of protection to get out of the buffeting zone. I added Saeng edging to the Ermax screen and that has made a big improvement. I hardly notice buffeting anymore—but still need earplugs due to the helmet noise. I'm 5' 9" with at 30" inseam. Bob #1248
I'm 5'8 and have the stock Dakar screen. It keeps the wind of my chest but I do get some helmet buffeting. SScratch '01 Dakar Nashville.
IMHO the Dakar screen does a great job for the size and price. Not quite RT protection, but more than comfortable at highway speeds. JC on Advrider
The Dakar windscreen is similar to the tall windscreen you showed, but has a little lip at the top to send the air over your head. (Ideally) Once, again, it's on order and haven't experienced it first hand yet. Happy New Year. Now that the dealers are back to work here in New York, I'll be able to get that much discussed windscreen and tell you first hand if it sucks or not. Kristy Tully on Advrider
My wife also rides a '01 F650GS. Personally I ride a DAKAR, so hopefully I can give you a heads up - there is definitely better wind protection behind the DAKAR screen! Deb doesn't seem to mind the wind to much, but then she hasn't ridden the DAKAR. She's 5'6 and it's a bit of a reach to the ground. The advantage of being a little shorter is the airflow you escape, but if your wife is only getting 100miles before getting tired it could have a lot to do with other factors. The F650GS is 'minus' the extra 40mm of foam in the seat for a start - that's usually what stops Deb at the side of the road. I still think the most commonly overlooked source of fatigue is wind noise - if your wife (sorry = assumption ) does not already use earplugs see if you can convince her to give it a go. Last of all - before I met Deb I used to blast all over the place - a fuel stop looked like something from Le Mans! Now I tend to take breaks along the way. We stop, stretch, chat about what we've seen, how the bikes are behaving etc. My point is, if your good lady is only happy riding for 100 miles at a time, make the most of it and plan stops around that. The DAKAR screen will definitely make a difference - the rest is offered simply as food for thought Gair on Advrider
I have a Dakar and a GS. The GS had the tall screen on it. The Dakar screen gives a lot more protection. The tall screen threw the wind directly in my face (I'm 5'9) and beat the hell out of me. Try a Dakar screen if you can. I'm looking for more protection and will be looking at aftermarket screens that my not be a direct fit but can be modified to fit. Haven't heard of anyone finding a direct fit screen that was really much improvement on the Dakar screen. GrtWht on Advrider
I'm 6'2, with a Dakar. Works fine for me. I did three modifications that helped with the comfort and ergos. 1. Touratech Peg, shifter, break lever relocation kit. Before installing, my knees hit the indentation in the tank. Wit the kit, my knees fit underneath them, where they belong. This was not uncomfortable, but always felt weird. They also make standing up easier, and more sure footed. 2. Touratech bar risers 3. Ermax windscreen. I don't really care for the looks of this thing, but it reduced wind noise about 25% from the Dakar screen, and all but eliminated buffeting, with drove me nuts over 70mph. Chris #1073
GS, Dakar screen. Better than stock. Adamx#1001
Dakar. but keep in mind that I do not use my GS for high speed highway or long rides. I do not enjoy riding it that way. I use other bikes made for those purposes. Art#884
6'1, standard Dakar screen on '02 Dakar. I can imagine that wind noise could be quieter, but I'm mostly happy with earplugs under my full-face. Besides, if I didn't have some wind to play with I'd think I was on a Goldwing, and how fun would THAT be. Scott, ID.
I fitted a Dakar screen to my GS. . . and found exactly what everyone else did . . . buffeting! I had thought of either making the screen lay back more by adding a spacer to the bottom mount to tilt it back OR, maybe making it more vertical by adding spacers to the 2 top mounts. I had even thought of trimming the top lip off, using a jig saw . . . being very careful. I also had a major brain fade and thought of mounting FF50 Hella lights on a custom mount bracket by using the top mounting points for the screen. But I suspect the wind loading/vibration may be too much for the cockpit/screen support frame to take the load. After experimenting with spacers etc, just like everyone else, I finished up fitting 2 x 45mm spacers under the 2 top mounting bolts, which effectively tilted the screen almost vertical. I still have very minor buffeting, mainly in side wind conditions. I am 5' 10" high, have a Dakar seat on an ordinary GS, but have added a 2" high foam pad and sheepskin to the Dakar seat, makes it very comfortable on long rides. Jack in OZ
I had the exact same setup. GS, Dakar Seat 5'11", Dakar Screen. Instant Buffet Monster. Took it off. PLUS after a while you will need to get some Wellnuts (See Wellnut FAQ) for those crappy Plastic Bungs in the Inner Fairing holding the whole lamp unit together. If you find a decent solution, I'll put it back on. Fine under 50km/hr. Kristian #562
I’m 20,000 kilometres into my Panamerican trip bottom to top, and the wind noise is the biggest problem I have. I’m 6ft, and with the original Dakar Screen I was getting the vortex right above my ears, not only noisy, but moving my head around. What I’ve done is shorten the screen by 10cm (4 inches), and now the noise is reduced, getting the wind on my chin. I can’t help but notice that when I ride standing on the pegs, the clean air striking the helmet is blissful. I’m considering cutting it down some more! It goes without saying that I have Earplugs, I’d be deaf now otherwise.... One option I thought about was the big straight up fairing used by Touratech’s ‘Rallye’ kit. I already have the big tank kit, and thought I could bolt that mother on – according to Touratech the screen only fits with the Rallye version tank, not the standard big tank kit – damn. Last thing, how tall you are is a wee bit of a moot point. The key is your upper body height, from your butt to your scalp.... Jeremy #1126
I just bought a 2003 F650GS and had the dealer put a Dakar windscreen on with no problem. They took the mini shield off, but I don't think that was necessary. The screen works great, rode back from Daytona to Savannah at varied speeds up to indicated 80, no buffeting or problems. billbotoo
I have a 2002 GS with a Dakar windscreen on it. There's a little bracket that you have to buy in addition to the windscreen, and a couple of little nuts that secure the Dakar's windscreen stronger than the stock glissade-plate. You might want to look into the GIVI (or other) windscreen though. I like my Dakar screen, but the little lip on the top of it makes for varying swirls and eddies of wind. If you have to crack your visor to prevent fogging up (like I do), there can be weird harmonics generated at higher speeds. It also tends to rock my head around a little bit. I've got used to it, and really like my windscreen, but I think if I could do it all over I would get one without the lip. Seacuke #1214
I mounted the Dakar screen on my '03 GS. Thanks to the FAQ it was a 15 minute job. Got rid of that silly little fly screen. At my height (5'7" and I have a Dakar seat, which adds about an inch) the Dakar screen works well for me. Keeps the wind pressure off chest and shoulders, allows just enough wind to hit the visor to clear rain off while riding. Taller folks seem to have trouble with buffeting with it. If I stand up or really stretch up I do notice the buffeting, so for a taller person a different screen may work better. For someone 5’3” it would probably be fine as well. I don't know if one can look over the shield at 5'3" or not, make sure that works out. I have the black shield since I look quite a bit over the top of it instead of through it, but I've tried to look through the clear shield and it's very distorted. Other aftermarket brands have better clarity if one does need to look through it. My bike is black and the dark screen looks really sharp on it. Runaway #1259
The Dakar windscreen works for me (at 6'0"). No turbulence at all. One weird thing is that I tried sticking my hand above the windshield to feel where the wind was being directed but I couldn't feel any at all. Where is it going? Nemo
I installed a black Dakar screen on my '03 GS. With help of the installation instructions from the Chain Gang FAQ it was an easy job, I forget how long it took me but under 1/2 hour. If you go with the Dakar screen, don't forget that you have to buy that special little installation bracket to strengthen it. I'm 5'7" and have a Dakar seat and the windscreen works great for me. Wings
I mounted a black Dakar screen on my bike, it looks sharp and does a fine job for me (I'm 5'7" with 30" inseam and also have the Dakar seat which puts me an inch higher than the standard GS seat). Depending on your height, you might not like the Dakar screen. The wind keeps off my chest but I get enough clean air to clear off snow/rain from my helmet visor. Razz
I had the tall BMW shield and hated it (I'm 5'6"). I bought the Dakar screen ($130 vs $160 for the tall screen) and love it. It's not as nice as my RT but it is much better than the tall, in my opinion. The Dakar screen is PN 46637655720. Dave #1304
I own a F650 GS 2002. I have the black version where everything is black besides the grey windshield and the thing in the back of the seat. Now, I would like to know if there is a black windshield for me to buy, or can I repaint my grey one ? Alexander from Sweden
This is sometimes called a "fly screen". I've not heard of anyone selling a black one so painting will be the way to go. Painting plastic is different than painting metal. I'm not a painter or chemist but I have ruined plenty of things by just painting with whatever spray paint I have around. The main problem with painting plastic is getting it to stick. You may get away with cleaning the surface well, maybe wet sanding with 320 to 400 grit paper to rough it up, and then using a good-quality spray paint. I'm just not sure how well or how long it will stay on. Here is a simple page about painting plastic. Not real helpful but the list of materials at the bottom is a clue. If you try it and it does not work you can probably just buy a new one or used one from someone in the Chain Gang. Can't be a very expensive part, but you never know with BMW. http://sportbikeguy.com/garage/floor/painting.html Brad #1002
I have the BMW Tall Screen and when originally fitted it was barely better than the original silver cover, so I've modified mine by the use of 1,1/8 spacers under the upper fixings to kick it more vertical, and consequently higher. It's now vastly better than before. The Dakar Screen is better straight out-of -the-box than the BMW High Screen. You can see a few images of various other F650GS high-screens, such as the Ermax and GIVI if you go to F650GS page of my F650 website. Trevor #999. Trevor's BMW F650 website (UK)
BMW tall screen which is a modest improvement over the stock screen. Causes some buffeting though this is less noticeable with my new helmet (Shoei). BMW tall screen doesn't seem very popular. jus
The "Tall" BMW shield is not too tall for anyone! My wife is 5'4" and the "Tall" shield was very ineffective for cool weather. I spaced it up to be more upright, but it still was not too tall. We ended up ordering the new Parabellum in a short version. I do not yet have it mounted. The Dakar shield is much better than the "Tall" screen. I rather imagine the sales of BMW's "Tall" screen will fall off now that there are other options to choose from. I personally use the Wunderlich Touring shield. Bert #1131
I am 5' tall, and I have the BMW tall windshield. I think it works well for short people and I don't have to look through the top part of the windshield. Bonnie #1158
I had the tall BMW shield and hated it (I'm 5'6"). I bought the Dakar screen ($130 vs $160 for the tall screen) and love it. It's not as nice as my RT but it is much better than the tall, in my opinion. Dave #1304
Here is what I tried on 01'GS with tall BMW screen
(came with it). I am 6'0", have BMW Evo4 flip-up helmet - which I like to ride
visor cracked open a bit, or with visor open and sun-glasses. My experiments:
* Tall seat - no spacers under screen - bad buffeting - head shake at high
speeds
* Tall seat - 10mm spacers under top/bottom screen - visor up - better
* Tall seat - 15mm spacers under top/bottom screen - visor up - a little
better
* Stock Seat - all the above - visor-up - WORSE
What seemed to dictate open-visor comfort was how high up my helmet the flow
from top of screen hit. The stock seat meant by head was sitting lower in the
air stream which meant the airflow was catching on the helmet in different
place. The observation I'd make on my experience is that this is all very
sensitive to small changes. Richard, Australia
In this month's MOA there was a Cee Bailey’s full page ad that showed a 5+ inch high windshield for the F650GS/CS PhilS
Several folks over on the BMWRT.COM site have reported good results with the Cee Bailey's screens. I've never seen one myself. I "think" they are an aircraft windscreen company that has expanded into cycle screens. They are advertising in the BMW Owners News magazine. Dave #888
Yeah, they're big into aircraft screens, which would lead one to believe they know something about airflow. I'm eager to see what they come up with for the 650GS & CS. LMcD
I am having them create a shield for my K1200LT with a custom cut. As yet, I have not got the shield so I can't report on its quality. But I can report on the people: VERY nice and eager to please. They are doing the custom cut at no additional charge. And they seem quality conscious. They told me they did one, did not think it was up to their standards, and are doing another before shipping it to me. (Or perhaps this is an elaborate excuse for being late. Who knows?) I am dealing with a guy named Steve and he has been very helpful and professional. http://www.ceebaileys.com/cycle The guys who have Cee screens on the KLT board are very pleased with the product. DakotaDakar #1198
Sent a couple of
emails to the people at Cee Bailey's about the new GS screen. Its still
coming, now March, but they have just posted a lot of new pics on the site...
for example:
More pics can be found on their site
Cee Bailey's F650GS
Screen. What looks interesting, is how tall, long and thin it is. Being
far away, and 6' tall, am very interested in anyone who gets to experience one
of these in the flesh and provide a first hand report. Richard in Oz
I just got my Cee Bailey's windscreen, the 21" version. They said it was tinted but I can barely tell. Pretty easy to install. The mirrors only touch when the handlebars are way over to one side or the other. When you are going down the road there is at least several inches between the mirrors and the shield, i.e. no problems yet noticed with turning. It doesn't look too far back when looking at it on the bike, but it feels like it is 'in my face'... maybe it is a matter of getting used to it. I can run down the highway ok, but it does vibrate a bit. When around 90 mph, the turbulence pulls the face shield up on my helmet. Buffeting? I'm not very good at terminology.... I don't feel all the wind in the middle of my chest (like before), it is now on my shoulders. My helmet feels much better with the windshield... before I felt a lot of drag; after some time, my neck muscles were tired from the strain. At higher speeds, the wind feels like it kinda pulls a vacuum, that's when it pulls the shield on the helmet up. I have no prior experience with other windshields. For now, I am happy with it. Just gotta get used to having it on the bike methinks. Foster
I just received
mine in the UK, also a 21 inch, in record time from the USA. In my first tests
with it in its standard position, it's actually worse than my *modified* BMW
high-screen, throwing wind at my head in the same way the BMW high-screen
originally did, before my modifications. If I crouched forward at 70mph it
became *better* than my modded screen, because of its extra width. The reason
I got the Cee Bailey's is (1) because my existing screen looks odd when it's
in the highest and most effective position and (2) because some extra width
over the BMW one will, I hope, also create further improvement. By utilising a
longer 21" screen as opposed to the BMW 16" screen, I won't have to put the
Cee Bailey's to such a steep vertical angle to attain the desired 'top height'
of the screen, to take wind and the bugs over my head. I'm just gonna *play*
with it over the next couple of weeks to find a length/angle that suits my
requirements.
UPDATE: I've started *playing* with the Cee Bailey's screen. I've cut the top
off the screen in a straight horizontal line 35mm down from the top-middle and
just curved the ends to blend into the screen shape and also fixed it to my
adjustable system. Photos below show the adjusting mechanism on my current BMW
high-screen:
Having an almost flat top to the screen now noticeably reduces the turbulence
that I feel, as the wind comes over the top in a *sheet* rather than as a
strange vortex from the previous pronounced curved top to the screen. I'm
going to do some further tests, with and without ear-plugs and with open-face
and full-face helmets and at various height settings, before putting the
jig-saw to it and taking a bit more off at a time. I might even under-cut the
top of the screen very slightly like the screen on the new *Cruiser* BMW
R1200CL, but only very slightly, no more than 15mm.
The extra width of the Cee Baileys screen *will* definitely improve its
performance over my modded high-screen *eventually*. Trevor #999
Ermax
US distributor:
Frog Specialties Tel:
310-370-9856
And in the UK:
ErmaxUK
Be forewarned, Frog Specialties has the worst
website known to mankind. A phone call to them is a safer bet. passthegravy
I have an Ermax screen and love it. No head buffeting ! Also had ordered the Wunderlich low seat and ended up sending it back, no significant difference in seat height. Went through hell with Corbin, but now have their modified (cut down the sides) low seat that is perfect for me. I'm only 5'3, but now I can ride with my visor cracked and don't get buffeted around on the e-way anymore. Had the Givi, but it was only a marginal improvement over the stock. Deborah #1074
The Ermax provides the most wind protection of any shield available for the F650GS, to the best of my knowledge. It is considerably taller than any of the BMW ones, and attaches on each side to three of the turn signal mounting bolts, to provide a stronger mounting method, needed because of it's height. This allows the stock windscreen to stay in place. The wind blast hits around the top of my helmet compared to the bottom of the neck with the little stock screen. Based on my experience with the Ermax, I would think that for someone 5'5", it would get the wind completely over ones head, but the only way to tell for sure would be to try one.At least one person has complained of excessive buffeting with an Ermax, but I personally don't experience that, only a small increase in wind noise. The Ermax is made in France and the US distributor is www.frogspecialties.com. Hope this helps. Mike #926
I heard good stuff about Ermax screens and not too pricey either. But the looks of weren't great . Which is why I didn't buy it. I am considering getting the Dakar for my bike, if I can't get it (bike) sold in my quest to move up to the bigger GS. Take a look at http://www.f650.info/ Lots of pictures with different windscreens. If you understand French more power to you! Asterix on Advrider.
Two votes: Case No. 1: 5' 5'' rider, Arai Quantum helmet. Stock silver mini-fairing caused wind roaring at anything over 80km/h (50mph). Very annoying, and fatiguing. Ermax a phenomenal improvement. Phenomenal! Case No. 2: 6' 2 rider, open face helmet (Yeah, I know.) Ermax made it worse; moved windblast up from chest to face. Not a happy camper! We're in the middle of adding Saeng Winglets (what a fiddle). I'll report when they are finally glued on. P.S. When we ordered the bikes originally, we wanted the tall BMW screen for one of them. The mechanic kindly went ahead and installed it, but unfortunately took the mini-fairing off first and then disposed of it. So I don't think this one had a fair trial. mspeed #1023
I have an '01 GS, 6'2" tall, 32" inseam. The Givi was fine at speeds less than 60 mph, but after that the buffeting and air pressure on my upper body got uncomfortable. The Ermax is better; more protection at all speeds, and buffeting is not noticeable until about 85 mph. I've had good luck with the Ermax windshield and Bikemaster mirrors. Turbulence and noise are reduced considerably, although the mirrors vibrate a lot more than the BMW issue mirrors. Dan #823
I have an Ermax screen, which arrived without the longer indicator-fairing Torx bolts. It appears that the screen requires six bolts about 10mm longer than the standard size. Is there a BMW part number that would correspond to this size bolt? I have spoken to a local parts dealer but he was clearly not all that interested in such a piddly little order. I got the Ermax through mail-order and though the supplier said to let him know if there were any difficulties, I thought a part number might speed things along. The only reason I am interested in a BMW part is because of the conical tip, which helps with location, which is a bit fiddly when the screen goes over. Rashers
You can source specialty metric fasteners on the net. The dealers aren't interested in spending time looking for a $.95 hardware; neither would you if you were in their position. Steve #1059
You could also just take the bolts to a good hardware store and find suitable substitutes. They do not need to be Torx, just get the correct threads. Keith #714
I ordered
my Ermax windscreen (see pics) through
Frog Specialties in California and received it here in Arizona in about three
days, via the USPS. They were easy to work with and responsive, and shipped
things quickly. Actual shipping charge on the box was $9.25, and I was charged
$11.00 shipping and handling, so that was pretty fair. The screen itself cost
$90.00.
Installation was very easy, although the screws that ship with the windscreen
are pretty poor quality. They replace three of the four screws that "surround"
the turn signal on either side of the GS. They're longer than the stock
screws, and rather than Torx the ones that ship with the windscreen are hex
head ("Allen" Wrench style). The screws appear to be made from pretty soft
metal and the size of the hex head is way too small for the torque required.
Not that you want to really crank on these screws, as the receipt even says
"not responsible for cracked windshields due to over-torqueing the screws",
but I found that the screws were really not up to the job. $1.20 + tax at ACE
Hardware got me 6 appropriate sized screws with proper Phillips heads. The
windscreen also ships with little plastic angled pieces to compensate for the
curvature of the screen, which work well. After switching screws, installation
was a snap (actually, a turn, I guess).
My only other complaint about the install was the rubber edging around the
screen didn't want to sit in place well, so I spent a few minutes making sure
it was properly seated and trapped between the windscreen and the fairing when
the screws were tightened.
So how's it work? I'm 5' 10" and have a 32" inseam. I'm riding a 2003 GSL, the
factory lowered version. With the stock windscreen, the turbulence off the
screen hit me square in the upper chest, and my head was out in clean air.
This was pretty quiet, but it caused some serious fatigue. I've now put a
little more than 500 miles on the bike with the new windscreen, and the
majority of the moving air is over my head, with a bit of turbulence just
hitting the top of my helmet, right about at the top of my visor. While this
is louder than before, it doesn't cause me any fatigue. I can comfortable go
75 - 80 MPH without fatigue now. The noise is just noise, and I wear earplugs,
so it's not a big deal. I can ride with my shield up until about 35 mph and
then the wind blast, minor though it is, bothers me. I can crack my shield
about and inch and ride all day like that (although it's louder). Overall, I'm pleased with the results (and it looks
cool, too!). I think I may try some Saeng winglets in the future. If the
windscreen was about 2" taller, it'd be perfect, and I think I'd be sitting in
completely still air. So, I'll try the winglets later this summer.
An interesting effect of the screen is that I murder fewer bugs with my helmet
now, which is good for two reasons. One; I don't have to stop and clean my
visor as often, and two; I didn't suck any live bugs up into the helmet on
last weekend's two day journey. That's very nice, because sucking angry, very
alive bugs into your helmet at speed was sort of disconcerting. Especially
when those bugs come equipped with stingers. Codewheeney #1418
At 5’ 8” with a 30-inch inseam I easily see over
the top. The wind is deflected to the visor, which is no good for open visor
riding even in town. But it's very good for highway riding (with visor
closed). I had low-level buffeting at top of helmet. If I sit back on the seat
a little and lean forward slightly I'm in still air. I thought "if only it was an inch higher." You won't want to do this now because
you have a nice clean new screen but I wrapped a shatter proof 30cm ruler in
duct tape and then used more duct tape to stick it horizontally to the top of
the Ermax (a kind of home-made winglet). Done with care it doesn't look too
agricultural.
It made a noticeable improvement but it's still not RT perfect
unless it's a very still day. A lot depends on the weather and the nature of
the winds hitting me/bike. I think if you want totally still air on this bike
you need the Parabellum and (therefore) one ugly (maybe even ugly, bugly)
bike. What made the biggest difference for me was making sure my helmet strap
was nice and tight. AndrewC
I received the following email from Philippe Danh at Frog Specialties: “We do have a high protection windscreen for F650GS and Dakar which is 5.9 inches higher than stock. Basically the upper part is level with the top of the mirrors and it is wider as well, offering good wind protection even to 6-foot-5 riders. They come in clear, light grey tint or light brown tint at $90 plus $8.95 shipping. Colours are available at $100. The GS and Dakar take the same aftermarket screen even though their factory one is different.” Bill
I'm 5'9" and for the money (and best possible looks) the Ermax screen does the job. It is a vast improvement over the Dakar screen. Not much buffeting at all until I hit 80mph. The mounting is a little flimsy. The Parabellum would probably do an even better job, but at the cost of making the bike go from great looking to awful, and it is expensive. By the way, I put a 1" thick gel pad on my modified stock seat and it put me just a tad too high and back into the buffeting zone with the Ermax. You can't always go by a person's height since some folks have long legs and a short torso or the opposite. Rod
I tried an Ermax windscreen . . . Didn't like it. The one side of the lower shield that attaches to the bike was not formed correctly. I managed to get it attached and gave it a test ride. The buffeting was terrible! I'd rather ride with no shield than put up with that! Stock seat; HJC Symax helmet; I'm 5'8", normal build. I know that flip-ups are not quite like normal full-face helmets, but I experienced severe buffeting on the whole helmet. Without a windshield, I could sit perfectly straight and be in clean air. With the Ermax I had to stand on the pegs or place my head on the tank to get out of the turbulence. It didn't seem to matter how close or far from the shield I placed my head. It was just BAD. I was not impressed with the Ermax. The black they spray inside the lower portion of the shield scratches very easily. The bottom was deformed to the point I could only get 2 of the 3 screws in to hold the shield on and could not tighten one of the 2 very much. Very disappointing. I had read some good reviews about the Ermax. When you open the box, you see the shield wrapped in a loose wrapping of paper styrofoam. There is a note that says something to the effect: If you remove this wrap we won't take it back; you can "dry" fit it to the bike without removing it. Well that is impossible as it is wrapped in this bulky material. TrayB
I am 6ft & have a GIVI screen. It came loose on an off-road ride a while back and I removed it. The ride home was very uncomfortable! It is much better than the standard F650 that was on before. Nigel in NZ.
I have a GIVI screen on my GS, which while not as tall as the BMW ones, does offer good protection. (I am 5 feet eight inches tall). It was also half the price of the BMW one in Britain. Neil
I have both the GIVI and Dakar screens for my 01 GS. I'm 6'-2 (or is it 3) and have the tall seat, so I'm high in the saddle. Better than nothing but not great at freeway speeds. I prefer the GIVI from RentAlaska.com (CG member) for around town and road trips with stock deflector underneath. Better than Dakar for freeway speeds but only just. I had to rotate my bars back to allow the hand guards to clear the screen at full lock. I tried Saeng edging and removed it. It looks more street oriented in my opinion. I jacked it up a few degrees with a 1/8 rubber washer under the top mounts. Mostly clean air hits me low on the helmet if I sit upright. I can never get completely out of the wind. I feel plenty on my upper arms as well. I use the Dakar screen for dirt only riding. It is thicker and I don't care if it gets scratched up. The flip lip on it provides a blunt surface in case of impact (safety issue). The wind protection is about the same as the GIVI but it throws dirty air off the top. The Saeng edging made no difference on it. There is slightly less air hitting my upper arms. If I tuck real low I can get out of the wind but you can't see through it so that doesn't really work. These darn things are a real crap shoot. EVERYONE has different results. Basically, you will never have still air until you go to a much larger shield like an Ermax. I've not tried it but it is the highest I have seen for the new GS. No screen is not a bad choice if you keep it under 55 mph and it is warm out. BradG#1002
My wife rides an '01 F650GS and complains about the lack of good wind protection. We've tried both stock and GIVI screens, to no avail. I put a GIVI on my 1150, and think it is a big improvement over stock....but on the 650 it seems to have been a waste of money. Myles on Advrider
I bought my 02' GSA with add-on BMW windscreen. I just put a GIVI ($80) tinted screen on and it works for better for me. I installed it over the stock silver screen, which I believe is the only way. Buffeting had always been a huge issue above 55mph for me. Now, instead of having lots of 'front of arm' rumbling, it feels like the wind is moving around me a lot better. But not perfectly. I still look forward to a Aeroflow for my bike. So, my vote is 02' GSA - GIVI Tinted Shield - Over stock screen - 6' rider - 8 out of 10 stars Every person is different about which windscreen works best for them. Generally though, the belief is you want the wind to hit your helmet but not your chest. The windscreen should cause the wind to hit right at the top of your shoulders and go over. When the wind hits your chest, a turbulent spiral effect takes place between you and the windscreen which rattles your whole body, including your head. Docc - Austin
Got GIVI Windscreen.- I give it a Grade C. I got and installed a GIVI Windscreen for my 02 GS yesterday. Weird feeling having it on over having that little stock one. I kept wanting to look over to the ground. Installation was straightforward. No problems there. First thing I noticed was that when I turn the handlebar all the way to one side or the other, the handlebar scraps against the screen. I'm thinking of putting a small piece of tape on each side to avoid scratching it. I'm 5'10..with short legs so I am probably more equal to someone 6 feet tall. The wind protection wasn't great but will suffice for now. I didn't have any wind blowing on my chest but still had it on my shoulders and head. Overall going 55mph, it was pretty good and a nice ride. Taking it up to 70 though wasn't as good as I had hope but better than the stock of course. My main reason for the screen was to use for multi-day long trips. Going out for one day (200 miles) didn't bother me too much. Like I said in my subject, GRADE C I might try some modifications such as spacers and other ideas that I found on this site. If I come up with something unique, I will let you know. I plan to put back on the stock shield in a week or two just to see how it was for reference. My grade might go higher then. Bryan #1157
GIVI is great. I am 6'3". TomO
6'2" tall, F650GS. 75% of my riding is in my daily commute, ~88 miles on LA freeways, 75+ mph. The GIVI put air in the middle of my chest; clean air around my head. Noticeable turbulence around arms and shoulders, little around my head. Wind pressure was tiring at freeway speeds. Looking for an improvement, I installed an Ermax. It was generally better. No turbulence around arms and shoulders, small buffeting around the head, wearing an Arai Signet helmet. I'll be interested in trying an AeroFlow when it comes out. Dan #823
I installed a new GIVI windscreen tonight. It looks great. The smoke colour and narrow profile really complement the look of the bike. Compared to the other windscreen choices, at $73.00 it is also quite a bit less expensive. A word on the installation though. The directions seem to indicate that the wind screen is meant to be installed over the fly screen. I never considered this, as I'm sure it would look a little silly. If you purchase this screen, you should use the stock screws instead of the much longer screws provided by GIVI. There is a real problem with the handguards in place. The FAQs have some recommendations about rotating the handlebars, but I don't know if that will do. l live in Pittsburgh, so I haven't had a chance to try it in the real world yet, but my guess is that my GIVI screen will soon be on the flea market thread, and I'll be replacing it with a model that won't interfere with the bars. It appears to stop the bars a good inch to inch and a half before lock. stuflinn
Actually it doesn't look silly at all and if I decide to remove the GIVI, I know where the fly screen is! Without the fly screen though, you're correct, don't use the long screws. I'm 5'6" (when I'm on my tiptoes) and the GIVI works great for me. Plus, it's relatively inexpensive and takes a couple of minutes to install. Back-ordered? I find that hard to believe. Actually, I got mine from a local BMW dealer which only cost about $5 more than the internet since I didn't pay for shipping (and VA sales tax is low), and I had it in 3 days (and I could check it out before I took it home). Greg #1245
I tried both mounting methods on my '03 Dakar and found the GIVI windshield fits better if the fly screen is in place under the GIVI. I painted my fly screen black prior to installing the windshield and it really looks good. The black fly screen blends well with the instrument housing and does not stand out visually behind the windshield. I painted both sides of the fly screen with Krylon semi-flat spray paint. jefski #398
I bought the GIVI and took it back after one ride. Liked the price and look of it, but the handlebars press against it in the parked (locked) position, and it also got stress cracks around the mounting holes immediately. Scream
I put a tinted GIVI on my wife's '01 and it works well and looks great. Not bad for mere $90. Larry #1409
Installed the GIVI shield. Had to roll back the handlebar to make the OEM handguard not touch the side of shield at full lock Now, the bar sits lower and closer to me. The ergonomics feel ok, maybe a bit better than before, but not by much (I'm 5'4", i.e. shorter hand). When I turn the handlebar at full lock, the end that is closer to me just barely passes over the plastic tank panel, less than ½". Close, but no contact or movement restriction though. Will it give me problem in slow, tight cornering? The wind hits me on the forehead now, not too bad though. But if I lower my head a bit, it is quiet and smooth! So, guess I'll have to do some minor adjustment (i.e. washers/angle...) to move the wind flow an inch or two up. Kean
The handguards touching, even hitting, the
windshield is not a problem; it still goes lock to lock since both the shield
and guards flex (I have the GIVI with BMW handguards). So, I'd try putting the
bars back up a bit . . . it's ok if they touch. Greg #1245
The Parabellum is the real deal. I am 6'2" and have the extra tall shield. No head buffeting at any speed, very good wind protection and no longer do I have to wear ear plugs. I ran the bike up to 85mph on the interstate, you can actually take one hand off the bar without fear of being blown off. The shield does not transfer any movement from the windshield to the handlebars that is detectable. You can use the original screen (small grey/plastic) that came stock with the bike. TracyW
What do you think would happen with the Wunderlich 35mm handlebar risers? Do you think air would come in under the cutout if the handlebars were raised that much? Stan
I would imagine
that some air comes in under that cutout anyway, even on the standard bars.
That *might* actually improve the aerodynamics. The artist's impressions you
see with arrows and airflow around curved surfaces are generally figments of
their imaginations. If you do get a Parabellum screen and air does come under
the cut-out and it annoys you, it looks to me to be a great place to fit in a
piece of custom plastic with a few fancy gauges in there!! (or maybe adjust
the screen downwards)
Just as an addition, because the Parabellum is larger (wider and taller) it
*will* give better protection from the elements. Also because it is closer to
the rider it *will* give better protection. If you look at the BMW K series
you'll notice that the top of the screen comes very close to the rider's face.
By having the face and the screen close it gives less opportunity for the wind
vortex to create buffeting on your face and helmet. When you are travelling
*really* close behind a large truck (dangerous) you'll notice there's hardly
any buffeting. The further you are back from the truck the more buffeting you
get. It's the same with relative screen positions. My screen (the BMW
High-Screen) is nowhere near as big as the Parabellum, but it does what I want
it to for my type of riding. My Adjustable High-Screen is attached at the base
of the screen to the original position, just above the headlamp. If I were
doing a lot of touring I'd definitely go for something bigger. You might also
want to ask Mark #403 why he didn't like the Parabellum. Trevor #999
I don’t like the Parabellum ‘cause it gave me a headache. This was on a Classic, however. I'm not saying all Parabellums are crap, just the one for the Classic. Mark #403
I called and talked to the Parabellum folks about their new screen. The cutout at the bottom is so that you can see the gauges without looking through the plastic, and they claim that it doesn't create a problem with wind flowing under it. Sam #1238
Sorry guys, but I think that Barabellum looks butt ugly... 8-) Marko
It is butt ugly but there are no alternatives that give me the protection I need at 6'3" tall, and soon switching to a taller seat. I used to get comments about my GS being one of the nicest looking and best designed bikes people have seen. Now I may get sneers and comments that it is the ugliest thing people have ever seen, but at least I won't look like a bobble toy in the back of a '57 Chevy from the buffeting I experience on the freeway. mrstan
I put the
Parabellum tall (18") windshield on my bike on the weekend. There was still 8
inches of snow, covered with a 1/2 inch of ice, in my yard but, what the heck,
it was almost 6 degrees C. I rode about 60km on Wed. The windshield is indeed
ugly and I don't know if I'll ever get used to looking at it. The protection,
however, is superb. Absolutely no buffeting at any speed. The main problem I
had with the windshield was getting myself on and off the bike. The windshield
is so close to your face that it's difficult to keep from hitting it with the
helmet when you get on or off. I'm going to try and move it forward an inch or
so at the top and see if that helps. I took a 120km ride yesterday after work.
I was not the least bit uncomfortable. Heated grips, handguards, that
Parabellum screen ... I didn't want to get off the bike.
UPDATE: I've had the Parabellum windshield on for 10,000 km now. I agree, it's
ugly, I'll never get used to how it looks. But it works very, very well. I get
no buffeting whatsoever and I can ride with the visor on my helmet up at 130
km/hr. There are no issues with handling and the windshield hasn't moved since
I put it on. That being said, if someone comes up with a decent sized
windshield that attaches to the fairing and gives the same protection, I'd buy
it in an instant. Daver
Had the Parabellum tall windscreen installed on my F650GS. After hearing some of the members talk about how ugly it was I was prepared for the worst but actually I think it looks OK, and several other folks have commented favourably on it. Having the Jesse bags may give it a more balanced appearance. The screen has a very sturdy mounting system and the wind protection and decrease in noise level is very good. I just returned from a two-week trip to the Smokies, and the windscreen surpassed my expectations. It was stable, not subject to undue buffeting even in the two thunderstorms, and gave excellent wind protection and visibility. I can recommend it highly as an effective accessory. The screen I got was the +4 (tall). I'm 6 feet tall and it was just right for me. I use a very comfortable Rick Mayer seat, which probably lowers me by about an inch. I look through the plastic near the top of the screen. The lack of significant distortion when looking through the screen is impressive. If I stretch up some I can see over it. The primary disadvantage to the screen is that it is not intended for real off-road use but is essentially a touring screen. No problem if you want to stand up on the pegs to cross a speed bump, or on dirt and most forest service roads. However, if you were bouncing around a lot you could hit your head on the top of the windscreen. It probably takes some time to get it installed (requires BMW hand protectors) and adjusted just the way you want it. However, once you have done that I think it could be removed or replaced in less than a half hour. My screen is clear because I sometimes don't get home until after dark. Sam #1238
I finally installed my Parabellum, I must say I'm pretty happy with it. Pictures don't do the Parabellum justice, it looks much better in person, just like the F when I first saw a picture and in person. If you’re looking to keep the wind off of you, this thing does a great job, I got the short version (I'm 5'7" with a 30" inseam), I can see right over the top of it, or duck down behind it. I was concerned it wouldn't be stable, or cause issues being attached to the bars. Nada, it's totally stable, doesn't move and doesn't affect the bike. It was $179.00. Installation was totally easy, however you do need the handguards or Parabellum sells the mounts for no handguards. Looking at the Parabellum site, in their pictures they have the flyscreen off, which doesn't look right to me. It doesn't touch the flyscreen when turned to lock, it will hit the cockpit controls if you turn the wheel completely, but only grazes it. I haven't noticed the bike feeling slower or heavier, but I'm only 165lbs.I think taller/bigger riders have more issues with the 650 than smaller riders. Also, the screen isn't too close to me, and I can stand on the pegs, but I have the short version of it. It's a great windscreen, and Parabellum does have a 30-day money back guarantee if you don't like it. Necr0
Just installed the tall version of the Parabellum on a 2001 GS. Rider 6’ 2”. Major wind protection improvement over BMW Tall, Ermax alone and Ermax with Saeng Winglets (top and sides). Installation is a piece of cake. Should be no hassle to take off for dirt riding. In fact, you need to take it off, if you have the tall version and a tall rider. You can’t safely stand on the pegs; the top edge is too close to the rider. Even when seated, it is a tad close. However, it’s nothing that the rider can’t live with, given the improvement in wind protection. There is no need to take the silver/grey deflector off. In my opinion the bike looks naked without it. I suspect that the bike on the Parabellum website had had another windshield installed, prior to the Parabellum. The bike feels a bit “heavier/slower” through the handlebars, with the Parabellum mounted—especially when it’s windy. Again, the rider considers it more than worth the price for the gains in wind protection. It is definitely large, but you already have those antlers sticking up. And if you run with a tank bag and a top case, it just blends into the scenery. The folks at Parabellum are great to deal with. Ten years ago we put Parabellums on our R100GS’s and were very impressed by their customer service. mspeed #1023
Parabellum is the bomb. I'm 6'1 and it works great, BUT . . . the shield is very close to your noggin . . . very disturbing when standing on the pegs. It DOES work. renowaterdude
Sometimes when I come back from a long ride and I feel like a bobble-head doll from all the buffeting with my Wunderlich windshield, I think "Ok, I'm gonna buy a Parabellum." Then, I go look at the pictures of it on their website and can never force myself to order. It's just too ugly. (No offense intended - my opinion only.) passthegravy
I have just come back from a SMALL test with raised handlebars (35mm), and the Wunderlich screen. I think I am too tall and long legged (makes me sit with my butt halfway up on the passenger part of the saddle). The buffeting was awful but if I stretched my neck a bit OR lowered my head 2,5 inch OR moved forward to the "normal" driver position – still sitting upright – it was smooth as velvet. One thing though, when I did my test run the edges of the screen lit up in the dark from the headlight being absorbed and emitted all around the edge. I cured that by putting some black tape along the lower edge. haakon #626
Wunderlich service: I am most satisfied with the Wunderlich service. I ordered
some other parts as well and wanted everything sent in one package. Because the
handlebar "risers" were out of stock, I had to wait a bit. After a week I mailed
them (in English) to get a date for dispatch. Within a few hours, I got a reply
telling me the goods were sent 25th of July. The day after the parcel arrived.
Mounting the screen: The screen is very easy to mount even for a person that
does not understand Italian. (The screen is made by an Italian firm called"
Isotta" and the fitting instructions are in Italian). It takes only a couple of
minutes to do.
Using the screen: I am 189cm tall and the top of my helmet is 70cm above the
level of the highest point of the faux petrol tank. I had severe buffeting when
sitting upright in my normal riding position. That was at all speeds over 40-50
km/h up to a max of 150 km/h. When I lowered my upper body 7- 9cm it was all
quiet and nice up to 130km/h (top of helmet 63cm above highest point on faux
tank). I could move my head quite a bit from side to side and back and forth
without any bad effect at that "head" level. How it would be for a passenger, I
do not know. The wind was hitting the sides of my visor, upper arms and the
outmost parts of my shoulders. My chest, stomach and lower arms got no wind at
all. When sitting upright with all the buffeting I got no insects on the visor
at all. Without the screen, I had to stop every 1-2 hour to clean it up.
Modifications for tall riders: I tried to "tilt" the screen back and forth (as
Trevor #999) around the lower mounting points. It did not help much;
modifications that are more dramatic must be tested. Late this evening I tried
to extend the height of the screen by 10cm. I used cardboard and lots of tape
and tried the extension at several angles to no avail. I will make the extension
wider and let you know when I find a solution. haakon #626
First Impression: I like it better than the BMW tall screen. I just installed
the new Wunderlich GS Touring Screen. I replaced my BMW Tall Screen on my 01
F650GSA. The Wunderlich screen is about 1.5 inches taller and about 6 inches
wider than the BMW tall screen. The BMW screen is significantly thicker than the
Wunderlich. I rode about 80 miles with the new screen today. I am 5'10" inches
and I had no buffeting with the Wunderlich until I was above 85 mph. It kept the
wind off my chest and most of my upper arms and shoulders (slight wind hit my
outer arms below the elbow). It seemed much quieter than the BMW screen. The air
pocket was definitely larger and today I really felt the heat on my chest and
head. I bought it at BMW of Salt Lake City for $199. It is mounted (offset)
about 1 inch above the front fairing. I hope that I still like it a few
thousands of miles from now. Any one else have one of these wind shields?
Second Impression: I rode the bike at night and wind screen reflects light from
the headlight. The edges of the wind screen appear to be lit up. This is a
little distracting. Buck #901
I have that exact tall windshield which I purchased when I was passing through the Santa Cruz BMW motorcycle dealer. I have now traveled from Santa Cruz to LA, back again, and then to Jackson WY. The screen works great compared to the tall OEM shield. I think it is definitely worth the money. I am traveling all over the country this summer and the shield makes the ride much more enjoyable, mostly due to the huge noise reduction. I can actually go without ear plugs (although I wear them anyway for precautionary measures). I love this shield although when the shop mounted it they really ‘had carnal relations with the proverbial pouch’. In other words they botched the job then wanted to charge me for it….but that is a different story. It is made by Wunderlich and cost about $170. Dizzy #998
I have the Wunderlich Touring Shield on my Dakar with handguards. It fits and functions well. I am very short-waisted and I can see over it with no problem. For me the Wunderlich is the best I have tried for the GS series. I have ridden behind a GIVI, and our modified 'Tall" BMW, and a stock Dakar. The Wunderlich is much warmer and deflects what wind was getting to my chest and moves it out to where the handguards pick it up. In fact the still air in the cockpit now allows my full-face shield on the Shoei RF900 to fog up unless I crack it a bit. It is a nice improvement and still looks as good as the stock Dakar. It is a 200% improvement on the BMW tall shield. The bottom of the windscreen has a shape that matches the curvature of the headlight, so it sits level with the top of the headlight. It is 17" high and it curves a bit at the widest point and is approx 18" wide and then it starts to taper or narrow as it goes up. Kristian has posted some pics of my Wunderlich above. Bert #1131
I have the Wunderlich windshield on my 2002 F650 GSA and I am pretty happy with it. The Wunderlich works well with the handguards. I can turn the handlebars stop-to-stop with no interference. It flares out at the bottom, which gives very good wind protection especially around the hands. A little swirling around the chest area, but not bad. My only complaint is I am very short, 5' 0", and I am looking right through the flipped up part of the windshield which makes it rather distorted. But this probably would not be an issue for anyone else, as they would be looking over, not through, the windshield. I checked out the Cee Bailey’s windshield and, to me, it seems to be slanted back at a much greater angle than the Wunderlich. The Wunderlich is more straight up which, I would think, would give better wind protection. That's just my opinion though. Overall, it gives very good wind protection and I have been happy with the windshield. Grits
I haven't tried the stock version so I can't compare the two. I have a Wunderlich and it provides excellent wind protection, I rode my bike up until late November in Michigan. The only thing that I don't like about it is that at high speeds on windy days it tends to flutter a bit. I'm tall (6'2") so the wind coming over the top of the windshield makes my helmet vibrate a bit, slightly annoying but not unmanageable. I have a 2003GS and the Wunderlich was the only extended windscreen I could find last fall, there may be more options out there now. I like that it's nice and wide, but if there was another that was just as wide and had a little more curve to it so it was more stable in the wind I'd like that better. But if you're short, you probably won't even notice. Merkey
Had my dealer order a Wunderlich Touring Screen for my sweetie's new 650GS and it's a mess. Came home to install it today, pulled it from the bubble wrap and found an edge chipped with a crack already running from it. This edge is on an inside corner, so it didn't happen from handling during shipping. It also fits like hell. In fact, one of the upper mounts even binds into an ugly angle once snugged. Lastly, it ain't even close to clearing the factory hand guards. This thing goes back tomorrow. Arch, AdvRider
I am around 5'6". I ordered a Wunderlich touring shield and have been pleased with it. The noise has been reduced to almost nothing (no plugs and visor open at freeway speeds). I feel a slight bit of pounding at the top of my helmet which is why I can't call it perfect. From what I have been hearing from other riders the shield works well with people in the 5'6" range. Brian
I sit like a 5'9 or 5'10 person on my non-Dakar F650GS and use an Arai open faced helmet. The Wunderlich changed the noise/buffeting issue from nasty to almost non-existent. For me, the Wunderlich Touring shield is excellent at all speeds through 75 mph. I haven't really gone much faster than that. Mark
I've got the Wunderlich touring shield. I'm 5'10", 31" inseam, and I have the Dakar seat on my GS (which probably raises my head height to about the same as if I was 5'11" or 6'). I get some pretty hearty buffeting from it.Sometimes when I come back from a long ride and I feel like a bobble-head doll from all the buffeting with my Wunderlich windshield, I think "Ok, I'm gonna buy a Parabellum." Then, I go look at the pictures of it on their website and can never force myself to order. It's just too ugly. (No offense intended - my opinion only.) passthegravy