National Cycle F-16 Touring windscreen questions

[Juan1]

There has been some talk of this windscreen in the past, but I have some more specific questions:

1.  At freeway speeds, what is the longest tour (time-wise)  that you think you'd feel comfortable?

2.  With this windscreen, at what speed does riding cease to be comfortable?

3.  At what speed does this windscreen cease to offer near-perfect protection?

4.  Knowing what you know now, would you buy this shield again?  If not, what would you buy?

5.  How does this compare to other windscreens you've used?

6.  What is your height?

Thanks!

[fred]

The project bike I've been working on has this screen, but it doesn't run yet... When it does (hopefully this weekend now that bikebandit finally decided to mail my parts) I'll let you know what I think about it. The first thing that strikes me about the screen is that the previous owner wasn't able to mount it correctly. He bolted the lower part to the bike with the headlight bolts like you are supposed to then couldn't figure out how to attach the upper supports to the bike, so just omitted them. This means that the screen pivots around its lower mounts and I imagine it just rests against the instrument cluster at any kind of speed. It is possible he just didn't figure it out and the supports aren't hard to mount, but it is worth looking up if you're considering buying one.

As a side note, my daily driver GS had a windscreen when I got it, but I got it in the spring and by summer time I was desperate for more cooling, so I took it off to get more airflow over my chest. I never ended up putting it back on and I haven't really missed it... It was a very tall and ugly no name windscreen, so perhaps if it looked way better, like the F-16 does, I'd have kept it...

[Danny500]

Um... well, I take it you ride an E... soo... pretty much anything will be better than where you're at as far as protection from the wind... but as you're looking at the F-16, you're not going to get much. It's more of a splitter than a screen. Depending on how steep an angle you can mount it it will direct the wind between your chest and your forehead. (Also, depending on how much you tuck in when you ride.)

Expect to get a good blast under your chin, basically. Comfort has nothing to do with the screen but the bike itself... the screen will add NO comfort... only a pocket of slight wind splitting. For true protection you need an actual screen. You know, one of those goofy looking plexi-glass shields.

For doing any extended touring... get one, it'll save a lot of fatigue on your upper body from highway winds, just be careful when approaching/getting passed by big-rigs or SUV's as it will PULL and ROCK the handlebars a bit (I had one on my old CM200T and it's not fun...).

Are you just going for looks or practicality? This is another area you need to concern yourself with... basically a good full-face helmet and a 3/4 face mask under it with chin/neck protection is the best investment you can buy.

Now that that's said... here's my answers.

There has been some talk of this windscreen in the past, but I have some more specific questions:

1.  At freeway speeds, what is the longest tour (time-wise)  that you think you'd feel comfortable? Dependent on conditions. If you've driven the GS on the freeway already then don't expect any magic solution to being knocked around by wind. With splitters, you're still exposed from the shoulder up.

2.  With this windscreen, at what speed does riding cease to be comfortable? Over 30mph, you'll notice pressure zones  created by the shield.

3.  At what speed does this windscreen cease to offer near-perfect protection? Under 30... Speed has no factor really, it's all in how it's aimed and how far you tuck into it.

4.  Knowing what you know now, would you buy this shield again?  If not, what would you buy? None for normal riding. If you're doing a lot of freeway or touring, get a proper windshield. At least 18 inches high.

5.  How does this compare to other windscreens you've used? They're pretty much all the same between 3-10 inches tall. It's when you get something taller than 10 you really notice a change in the pressure zone. (That and taller ones tend to be less noisy at speed.)

6.  What is your height? 6'

Thanks!

[Juan1]

For the record, I'm talking about the 13.25 inch high F-16 tour shield found herehttp://www.nationalcycle.com/catalogue/sportShields.html#, not the F-16 sport shield.  It would be used for rides up to 4 hours long.

I currently have the stock windscreen from 1989.  The wind protection is great up until about 60.  Once the bike is at 75+ MPH, it might as well not even be there.  My back starts aching after about 30 minutes at 80.   I'm hoping that the much taller F16 tour screen is more comfortable.

[fred]

For the record, I'm talking about the 13.25 inch high F-16 tour shield found herehttp://www.nationalcycle.com/catalogue/sportShields.html#, not the F-16 sport shield.  It would be used for rides up to 4 hours long.

I currently have the stock windscreen from 1989.  The wind protection is great up until about 60.  Once the bike is at 75+ MPH, it might as well not even be there.  My back starts aching after about 30 minutes at 80.   I'm hoping that the much taller F16 tour screen is more comfortable.

Yeah, the one I have is pretty tall. It looks like it would protect you from a lot of wind...

[shiznizbiz]

For the record, I'm talking about the 13.25 inch high F-16 tour shield found herehttp://www.nationalcycle.com/catalogue/sportShields.html#, not the F-16 sport shield.  It would be used for rides up to 4 hours long.

I currently have the stock windscreen from 1989.  The wind protection is great up until about 60.  Once the bike is at 75+ MPH, it might as well not even be there.  My back starts aching after about 30 minutes at 80.   I'm hoping that the much taller F16 tour screen is more comfortable.

Lay on the tank. Ull be behind the stock fairing, and your back wont be sore. Your nuts on the other hand...youre laying on em too. lol  I know, Ive done this.  Straight shot down I65 for 2 hours at 95 mph.  It wasnt too bad  except for the whole balls thing.  It only got uncomfortable on the real bumps.

[Trwhouse]

Hi Juan,
Did you search the site for this topic before you posted?
There's a lot of info already here.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=43719.0

   
Re: Windshields for an '08
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2008, 09:39:16 AM »
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Hi there,
I have the National Cycle F-15 touring shield and I like it a lot.
It's not too big, but not too small, and it looks nice in the tinted color on my bike.
It's the windshield in my avatar.
Smiley

http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/N2522?mv_session_id=4mMtMcMZ&search_model=su-022%22
http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/large_photo?mv_session_id=4mMtMcMZ&mv_arg=N2522&search_model=su-022

I didn't get the F-16 because I thought it would be too small.
I still think the National Cycle Plexifairing GT is the one to use because it offers more coverage while still retaining a sporty look, but the company doesn't make a mounting kit for the GS500. Others here think it would work, as do I, but I haven't heard of anyone mounting one of these yet.
Here's the GT:

http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/N8101?



http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=37198.0

   
Re: Windscreen questions
« Reply #15 on: August 01, 2007, 11:40:02 PM »
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Hi there,
I just installed a National Cycle F-15 Tour Shield windshield, which is higher and wider than the F-16 and actually provides adequate protection. I thought the F-16 is way too small.
I finally removed the silver Tracy 2000 quarter fairing I've had on my bike for about 12 years. I was wanting to try something new.
I have ridden several hundred miles with the F-15 and I like it, though I think the mounting system in a bit flimsy.
I plan on also buying a National Cycle Plexistar 2 or Plexifairing 3 for the cold winter months because they offer MUCH more coverage, including for the hands and lower body.
Swapping them off for the seasons will be no problem.
Here's the F-15Tour Shield:

Obviously this photo isn't a GS500, but it is a good example of how the windshield looks when it is mounted.

I like the F-15 I have because I think it offers far more protection the the F-16 you are looking at, without adding a lot of unsightly bulk.
I live in PA so it gets cold here. I wish it were slightly wider in the winter with true hand protection from the wind, but then it would be much bigger on the bike. Overall, I think it is a great compromise.

I think it would give you more of the protection you are looking for. It is comfy for many hours behind it, keeping the wind off me and protecting me from the elements.

Good luck,
Trwhouse

[Juan1]

Yep, I searched first.  Lots of F-16 sport, F-15, and F-18 info, but not much on the F-16 tour shield.  It also seems like most people don't speak about their shields in useful, quantitative ways. They tend to say its either too big or too small, but rarely do they throw out useful nuggets like "It is comfy for many hours behind it, keeping the wind off me and protecting me from the elements."

Thanks for the great review of the F-15!  I prefer the look of the F-16 tour shield, but if my prefered shield makes a 3 hour tour uncomfortable, the F-15 is next in line.

[joshr08]

I think its kinda funny i used to ride a 99 sportster no windsheild and just a skull cap for a helmet.  it was never uncomfterable to ride at any speed.  Im not sure how a windsheild like your looking at would make the ride any less comfy.

[lsdozer]

Funny,  This thread is right on time for me I am looking for a shield to put on my sons E for our upcoming trip to the Moonshine lunch run in April.  I have been searching and it seems that the F-15 and F-16 are the ones to look at. 

I think the Givi ones look nice also, but haven't seen pics for them.  Will have to do a search for GIVI and see if I can find some pics.

PS, anyone have either for sale?

Lewis

[lsdozer]

Well, just found the Wiki page.  I am just learning about the wiki pages for bikes.  Its a great idea, and this one is really nice. 
The photos of the shields are specially nice.
http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Upgrades/Windshields

Anyone have direct comparison of the A750 vs the F-16 tour?

Lewis

[trumpetguy]

I have the F-16 touring windsheild and I have been on some LONG rides, including weeklong tours.  It is NOT a big fairing, so you are in the wind a bit, but I prefer that when we're in the 90s and 100s here!  OTOH, it is much better than riding with no shield on the highway.

I'm 5'9" and it directs the air just above the bottom of my helmet.  Minimal buffeting.  My shoulders still get some air.

[pronator]

Here are some pictures of my GS when I first got the F16. I found that it's really great for road trips longer than an hour or two on the freeway. Most of the time, I'm not on trips that long so the GS tends to be nekkid. I consider it relatively easy to put the screen on when I know I'll be taking a trip. For local or day-long rides on the weekends, I don't bother with it.

I'm 5'4" with a shorter torso and longer legs. The screen really helps when it's cold out because I can tuck behind the screen when I need a rest from the wind, especially at highway speeds. For me, this windscreen was the best compromise: I can put it on and take it off as needed without it being a big deal. I don't think you're gonna get "total" coverage unless you're using something like gsJack's Plexistars (on the wiki).

I've put some pictures up here in case you want to see more views of it on the bike:

[fred]

Here are some pictures of my GS when I first got the F16. I found that it's really great for road trips longer than an hour or two on the freeway. Most of the time, I'm not on trips that long so the GS tends to be nekkid. I consider it relatively easy to put the screen on when I know I'll be taking a trip. For local or day-long rides on the weekends, I don't bother with it.

I'm 5'4" with a shorter torso and longer legs. The screen really helps when it's cold out because I can tuck behind the screen when I need a rest from the wind, especially at highway speeds. For me, this windscreen was the best compromise: I can put it on and take it off as needed without it being a big deal. I don't think you're gonna get "total" coverage unless you're using something like gsJack's Plexistars (on the wiki).

I've put some pictures up here in case you want to see more views of it on the bike:

Thanks pronator. Do you have any pictures of how your screen is attached to the bike? Did you just use the headlight bolts or is there another bracket? My project bike has the same windscreen, but with only the headlight bolts holding it on, it just pivots back until it hits the gauge cluster... I'm 6'1" and it would be handy if I could get the screen to stand up a bit more and block more wind...

[Juan1]

I have the F-16 touring windsheild and I have been on some LONG rides, including weeklong tours.  It is NOT a big fairing, so you are in the wind a bit, but I prefer that when we're in the 90s and 100s here!  OTOH, it is much better than riding with no shield on the highway.

I'm 5'9" and it directs the air just above the bottom of my helmet.  Minimal buffeting.  My shoulders still get some air.

At what speeds is the air directed just above the bottom of your helmet?  For example, the stock screen puts the air on my upper chest up to about 60, but at 75+ the air is hitting me about 4-5 inches above my belly button. 

[trumpetguy]

I have the F-16 touring windsheild and I have been on some LONG rides, including weeklong tours.  It is NOT a big fairing, so you are in the wind a bit, but I prefer that when we're in the 90s and 100s here!  OTOH, it is much better than riding with no shield on the highway.

I'm 5'9" and it directs the air just above the bottom of my helmet.  Minimal buffeting.  My shoulders still get some air.

At what speeds is the air directed just above the bottom of your helmet?  For example, the stock screen puts the air on my upper chest up to about 60, but at 75+ the air is hitting me about 4-5 inches above my belly button. 

I don't have a stock screen at all - mine is a GS500E.  But at highway speeds (70+) I do not get wind under the helmet.  The F16 can also be tilted forward more to give greater coverage (and greater drag as well...).  Mine is tilted back almost as much as possible.

Pronator, I don't know how you consider it easy to put on/off.  I consider it a pain if I have to take the headlight out!  I have only had mine off for repair.  It stays on all the time.

[trumpetguy]

Here are some pictures of my GS when I first got the F16.

Nice looking bike!  That's my favorite GS color.

[pronator]

I don't do a lot of touring with it so it's usually off. But when I'm going to ride more than an hour or so at freeway speeds, it's worth my time to put it on. Otherwise, I prefer the naked look so it's off. I admit that when it's on or off, it will usually stay that way unless there's a compelling reason. Thanks for the color compliments, trumpetguy - it's my favorite color combo, too! I just got lucky buying it.

fred, there is another bracket and you can see it here indicated with the arrow. I don't find that the other brackets (one each side) work very well. It actually is metal on the plastic and I'm always afraid that tightening it will either crack the plastic. It's hard to explain without a more detailed photo at a different angle. I'll be putting it back on in a few weeks to ride down to LS for the class. I can take pics at that point. Or you can take a look in person if you sign up. 

[Juan1]

Can the metal on plastic issue be addressed by adding rubber washers?

[trumpetguy]

there is another bracket and you can see it here indicated with the arrow. I don't find that the other brackets (one each side) work very well. It actually is metal on the plastic and I'm always afraid that tightening it will either crack the plastic.

Indeed, the fragility of the mounting points is the Achilles Heel of the F16.  I ride in a VERY windy environment most of the time (there are over 100 wind generators in my immediate area) and had my F16 crack at the bottom holes secured by the headlight bucket bolts.  

To repair it, I cut off the bottom part of the shield on each side (containing the cracked hole area) and made a piece of aluminum the same shape and formed it with the same curve.  Then I drilled a hole in each metal piece for the bolt and used 3/16" aluminum pop rivets to attach the metal plates to the bottom sides of the F16 (to replace the cracked plastic part).  I can tighten the headlight bucket bolt MUCH tighter without fear of cracking since the bolt is tightening against aluminum, not plastic.  It seems much sturdier now.