Windshield project and thoughts after 2151 mile trip.

[_Sheffjs_]

Somehow my wife and I have managed three weeks off from work and we spent the first week with two different couples both we know from the Florida VRCC rides who have houses in North Carolina.  For the second trip where we logged 2151 total miles we just rode the bike, however for the first trip we decided to try renting a hightop cargo van from Enterprise and wow did it work well. The van has 10 tie down points and I used a wide wheel chock.  Four days after returning from the first trip we took off on the bike to meet up an hour later with three other bikes to head off and pick up VRCC members in the panhandle of Florida. 300+ mile days with a couple of days over 400. Ok for some thoughts on the bike, the Corbin seat I really give it a 10. I know it is very hard for the driver but it just fits so well and the passenger seat is definitely more padded nonetheless my wife gives it a 10 as well, amazing to not have any monkey butt or soreness at all!  Handlebars (I realize many do not like the stance on this bike) the handlebars are good as well with no complaints.  The not so good: rear suspension is rated 375 pounds on the C whereas the B is 410 and me at 236 the wife and luggage it would be more suited to the B.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad my wife loves this sport and getting back rubs while on the bike is a huge plus. I'll bet if I wanted to go on a longer trip she will always say not without me you don't!   I do feel the C is more suited for one up. Next is wind and the windshield.  After this trip I wanted to try something of a project and see if I can't get something that is more dialed in, both for less wind buffeting and better personal aesthetics.   So I have this old scratched up windshield off a 1500 Valk tourer and I modified it to fit.  Instantly I am way more at home behind this, it looks way better and has reduced the buffeting.  I wish I could say it eliminated it all together but I just wonder if having something that looks good will come with a price.  I will leave this on for a few weeks and if I continue to like this as I do after the first ride I will check and see if clearview has a tourer windshield with a blemish on the bottom half and pick it up.   Thoughts?  http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/EBeybuzzard/slideshow/1800%20tourer

Plenty of picture links posted on the FL board of both trips if you want to view.  Just look for sheffjs posts. 

[_Sheffjs_]

I also want to add a picture of the bars I made as extra support for the rear carrier made for the square 5/8" x 5/8" wide post on the Corbin backrest. Doing this I was able to put a large bag on the back for the trip. 

[Verismo]

Good post! Congrats on the beautiful riding!

[bscrive]

Hey Jerry,

I have the same thoughts for my windshield.  I bought a 33" windshield for a full wing that I am going to modify to fit my bike.  I also want something to give me more wind protection.  I will post pictures when I am done.

[Jwickliffr]

I just did 2000 miles with a vario sports screen and MRA laminar lip. Perfect wind protection

[_Sheffjs_]

I just did 2000 miles with a vario sports screen and MRA laminar lip. Perfect wind protection

Please post a picture of your windshield set up or send one to me and I will post the picture.   

[Moofner]

I'm still enjoying my screen. No wind buffeting. It doesn't block all the air like my old Valk's monstrous windscreen, but I like it like that.

Always a good idea to check out the universal screens a lot of overseas bikes use. MRA is a good manufacturer. Easy to mod their screens to our bars.

[specialdose]

             That windshield looks right at home on your Gen 2 Valkyrie. Ingenious craftsmanship. You would think a after market item.

[_Sheffjs_]

             That windshield looks right at home on your Gen 2 Valkyrie. Ingenious craftsmanship. You would think a after market item.

Thank you and it is, I still have a 1500 with that windshield on it and it felt right the second I got behind the h-bars.   

[Moofner]

I saw a couple screens on Amazon that got the creative juices flowing. Examples:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VVIBH0/ref=s9_simh_hd_bw_bRO13b_p263_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=8FEKJB4ARARAQBJ8F6VE&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=a393a09b-5c1e-53d0-be8d-b590c75338f2&pf_rd_i=404685011

https://www.amazon.com/2-Tone-WINDSHIELD-Shadow-Spirit-Valkyrie/dp/B018MJV5CM/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1478966606&sr=8-37&keywords=honda+valkyrie

[bscrive]

I already have the two tone windshield Moofner. It works ok but I want bigger.

[bscrive]

Hey Jerry,

I got my windshield that I ordered off eBay, it is made for a full wing, so I cut it to make my new windshield.  

It is about 2.5" taller than my old one and about 3" wider on each side.

I haven't had time to test it out, since I just got it done and the temp has started to fall pretty quick.  I was hoping to get it finished to try it out, since today was such a nice day out.  I am sure another day will present itself, so that I can take the bike out again.

Here is what it looks like.  

I may cut the sides down, but first I will see how it blocks the wind.

[_Sheffjs_]

Can't see the pics but I see the boxes. Must be a temp thing.  I will check back later. 

[Kidd]

so , we'll find out next spring on how it works ?

Hey Jerry,

I got my windshield that I ordered off eBay, it is made for a full wing, so I cut it to make my new windshield.  

It is about 2.5" taller than my old one and about 3" wider on each side.

I haven't had time to test it out, since I just got it done and the temp has started to fall pretty quick.  I was hoping to get it finished to try it out, since today was such a nice day out.  I am sure another day will present itself, so that I can take the bike out again.

Here is what it looks like.  

I may cut the sides down, but first I will see how it blocks the wind.

[bscrive]

That was really weird.  I posted the picture but it wouldn't show until I saved the post again.  

[bscrive]

so , we'll find out next spring on how it works ?

Kidd,
I am hoping to get out on it next weekend.  Temps look decent now, but a week is a long time for weather predictions.

[_Sheffjs_]

I see it now. 

[_Sheffjs_]

We do think alike. LOL. 

The clearview page has many different sizes so I will take my time and decide.  I will keep the chrome trim as I kinda like it.   

http://www.clearviewshields.com/motorcycle-windshield/honda/valkyrie-std-tourer-shields/

[bscrive]

I took the bike for a ride yesterday and the new windshield was too wide.  The ends were flapping pretty good, so I decided that a modification was in order.

Here is what it originally looked like.




Here is what it looks like now.  I cut the sides 4" at the bottom to 2.5" at the top.  I then raised the shield up 1.5".  I like the new look better




Winter has finally paid us a visit today, so the bike will be put to sleep until spring.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to try out my new modification.  We are supposed to get close to 10" of snow by tomorrow.  Winter sucks. 

[_Sheffjs_]

Even though I will be able to give my modified tourer windshield a good test on the next two Saturday's planned Fl Group rides and the weather is finally off of broil here I sure would like to see snow.  Also you have helped me decide against ordering the wider version if and when this continues to work out.    

[Kidd]

bscrive
what mounting hardware are you using for the shield ?
is it adjustable and to what degree ?

Thx

[bscrive]

Kidd,

I actually have two different sets of hardware.  The chrome ones are from my Memphis Shades windshield and the black set is from my previous generic ATV windshield. 
If I had attached the chrome ones lower, I could have adjusted it up and down a good 3".  I can also angle the shield from pretty straight to an angle more than the angle of the front forks, which is what I have now.

[Verismo]

Just wanted to throw my hat in the ring and say the Madstad brackets on the OEM mounts with the OEM windshield are performing nearly perfectly.  No side wind, zero buffeting up to 80 mph, and I mean zero, unless it's a heavy wind day, and then there is some slight buffeting up around 70.  Only real downsides are that there is a bit of movement at the bottom of the screen, but it's minimal and doesn't distract me.  Also, I have used a couple of lock nuts on the brackets themselves to stabilize the angle it's set at.  Other than that, it's really pretty amazing.