Topic: madstad windshield (Read 17568 times)

gabe · « **on:** May 10, 2011, 02:52:57 PM »

received new shield installed , riding at 80 miles per hour like seating at home
looks it takes some time getting use to we will report back on it
quality is number 1 Mark and staff great to work with

Beemer · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2011, 07:32:18 AM »

Great to hear gabe,

Mine is due in a week or so. I ordered the black shield, not the smoked like yours...figured it'd look better on an 09 O/B SERG.

Did you have to play very much with the adjustments? How tall are you?

Post some more pics of the whole bike from different angles please.

Beemer

icufltrn · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2011, 10:38:35 PM »

+1 on pix from other angles.

Beemer · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:56:49 PM »

Okay, just got it today. As Gabe said, the quality is excellent. The outer windshield is thick and sturdy as well as the inner aluminum shield. The brackets have infinite positions and you can put the shield at virtually any angle. I noticed as with Gabe's setup I had to raise the shield and move it a little further away to get the volume/velocity of air moving between the shields/behind the outer shield to get rid of all the burbble coming off the top of the shield.

Make no mistake...this thing works as advertised! You just have to find your "sweet spot" and that will take a few test rides and adjustments.

I still haven't got it dialed in yet but I'll tell you now I'm already thinking of exchanging the black outer screen for a tinted one. That outer screen sits quite aways out there and does block some of my view of the road just in front of the bike although you don't notice it when tooling down the road at 55++.

This thing DOES look different and will take a little getting used to...it has a high-tech kind of look to it...

What the hey! It'll give the batwing purists something more to rave-on about

Beemer · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:57:39 PM »

Front angle

Beemer · « **Reply #5 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:58:21 PM »

Front

Beemer · « **Reply #6 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:59:13 PM »

Another angle

Beemer · « **Reply #7 on:** May 24, 2011, 10:00:06 PM »

Side closer view...BTW, they give you four black button head screws to replace those "T" screws on the shield after it's dialed in ...nice touch.

Beemer · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2011, 10:01:30 PM »

My eyes looking forward...I'm 5' 11"

Beemer · « **Reply #9 on:** May 24, 2011, 10:02:25 PM »

Finally, from the rear

Beemer · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2011, 06:57:56 PM »

Ha ha...almost a whole day and no comments?

Come on, give your impressions! Bad as well as...well...whetever

BTW, I'm still trying to find the adjustment where it deflects enough air while still maintaining a fairly low profile.

gabe · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2011, 08:05:22 PM »

keep trying i hope you get it

knothead · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2011, 08:54:10 PM »

you ask for it..................I would be embarrassed to have that thing on my bike....sorry

Bull_Duck · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:45:20 PM »

a buddy of mine has a BMW LT. Similar to stock windshield on his bike. Surprised HD has not replicated it. Perhaps 2012

SBB · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2011, 10:12:16 PM »

Quote from: knothead on May 25, 2011, 08:54:10 PM

you ask for it..................I would be embarrassed to have that thing on my bike....sorry

X 2

SBB

bandit · « **Reply #15 on:** May 26, 2011, 02:53:15 AM »

as you mentioned, YOU HAVE TO GET USED TO IT
at the moment $:-\$

Beemer · « **Reply #16 on:** May 26, 2011, 07:04:30 AM »

Quote from: knothead on May 25, 2011, 08:54:10 PM

you ask for it..................I would be embarrassed to have that thing on my bike....sorry

Don't be sorry Knothead...I DID ask for it. That is one of the reasons this is (IMHO) the best HD site out there.

As I alluded to above, there is a balance between form and function. To me, the Clearview is second to none in quality and function however, I can't live with the glodwing looks. Likewise (to me) the CeeBailey's shields look like a big sail...but they work well. I settled for the Kuryakyn Airmaster for inclement weather and long trips and HD's shorty sport for hot weather around town.

All the above windshields still pummel my BSR so I'm still in search of the holy grail of wind deflection...to find that balance.

I've got a four day weekend to test and tune this contraption and view the bike from different angles while

...I'll let you guys know how it goes.

In the mean time brothers and sisters...let'er rip! Its all good

DesertHOG · « **Reply #17 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:40:13 AM »

So I am not enthralled with the look. Maybe if they cleaned up the hardware like on the BMW I could get used to it. The hardware is just too chunky.

With that said, I have a few questions.

1. Appears to be adjustable, right?
2. Adjustable during ride or manual?
3. Motorized like the BMW?
4. What is the purpose of the gap, just for hardware so it can adjust?
5. Most important - how does it perform, especially at high speed?
(will look for this answer after this weekend)

Thanks for being brave and sharing. Without sharing this site would be worthless.

DH

ultrafxr · « **Reply #18 on:** May 26, 2011, 09:38:09 AM »

Quote from: Beemer on May 26, 2011, 07:04:30 AM

To me, the Clearview is second to none in quality and function however, I can't live with the glodwing looks. Likewise (to me) the CeeBailey's shields look like a big sail...but they work well. I settled for the Kuryakyn Airmaster for inclement weather and long trips and HD's shorty sport for hot weather around town.

All the above windshields still pummel my BSR so I'm still in search of the holy grail of wind deflection...to find that balance.

I was hoping that the Kury would be an improvement. I have seen both the Clearview and the CeeBailey and don't think I would want either. My BSR complains mightly about the turbulence she gets on the RG. Not a problem on the CUSE with the bat wing.

Keats · « **Reply #19 on:** May 26, 2011, 09:45:48 AM »

It looks like the Road Glide is wearing a big pair of sunglasses..........

Beemer · « **Reply #20 on:** May 26, 2011, 10:09:26 AM »

DH,

I can answer most of your questions now.

1) Yes, it is INFINATELY adjustable

2 & 3) Its adjusted manually. Here, you have to pull the outer shield off by removing the "T" screws and lessening the allen screws on the brackets however, you can leave them semi-tight and reposition the shield but if they're too loose, the wind force will do that for you.

4) The twin shields acts like a slat system on the leading edge of an aircraft wing. The outer shield acts like anyother shield in deflecting the air up. The flaw with conventional shields is that with the air traveling at high speed across the front of the shield and no air traveling behind it, you have low pressure behind the shield trying to suck the fast moving air into the low pressure area...where your head is. This is referred to the burbble effect where the air swirls...you can see this on a humid day with condensation swirling off an air craft's wing when it has a high angle of attack (climbing steeply).

Your BSR may even complain of being smacked in the back of the helmet with air...this is the burbbling air trying to fill that low pressure area...you may be just fine while your BSR is miserable. Kuryakyn even makes a Airmaster Airfoil that mounts behind your BSR to diswade this burbbling (see pic)

The gap between the two shields allows air to be scooped and directed up between the shields. If setup right, the that gap air will be squeezed in between the two shields with a venturi effect which actually increased the velocity of the gap air over the air in front of the outer shield. This would reverse the burbble and kick the air away, up and over your noggin.

Beemer · « **Reply #21 on:** May 26, 2011, 10:15:01 AM »

Quote from: ultrafxr on May 26, 2011, 09:38:09 AM

I was hoping that the Kury would be an improvement. I have seen both the Clearview and the CeeBailey and don't think I would want either. My BSR complains mightly about the turbulence she gets on the RG. Not a problem on the CUSE with the bat wing.

ultrafxr,

I love my Kury AirMaster...its the best "Fixed" windshield I've had on the bike so far...not perfect, but its a decent balance in form/function. BSR still gets more wind than she'd like though.

Beemer · « **Reply #22 on:** May 26, 2011, 10:19:59 AM »

Quote from: Keats on May 26, 2011, 09:45:48 AM

It looks like the Road Glide is wearing a big pair of sunglasses..........

LMAO...yup,

Actually, to me, it looks like a dark-tint windvest windshield. I,m wondering that once "dialed-in" I could get away with trimming some of it. I'm also thinking it wouldn't seem so in-your-face if it were the light smoked or clear version.

grandpadoc · « **Reply #23 on:** May 26, 2011, 10:52:23 AM »

Quote from: Beemer on May 26, 2011, 10:09:26 AM

4) The twin shields acts like a slat system on the leading edge of an aircraft wing. The outer shield acts like anyother shield in deflecting the air up. The flaw with conventional shields is that with the air traveling at high speed across the front of the shield and no air traveling behind it, you have low pressure behind the shield trying to suck the fast moving air into the low pressure area...where your head is. This is referred to the burbble effect where the air swirls...you can see this on a humid day with condensation swirling off an air craft's wing when it has a high angle of attack (climbing steeply).

The CV has a optional vent that breaks up this dead air. Doc

Beemer · « **Reply #24 on:** May 26, 2011, 11:09:21 AM »

I just got off the phone with Mark, the owner of Madstad Engineering (great to work with) and he's going to ship me a tinted outer shield.

I should have the shield position dialed-in this weekend so it'll just be a matter of a two minute swap of outer shields.

I'll post pics & review as soon as I get it.

RedDevil · « **Reply #25 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:50:12 PM »

Quote from: knothead on May 25, 2011, 08:54:10 PM

you ask for it..................I would be embarrassed to have that thing on my bike....sorry

X3 Sorry, but I have to agree with that assessment. Just looks too funky for my tastes.

Keats · « **Reply #26 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:56:10 PM »

I think that the shield is all about function and less about form.

sometimes you cannot have both.

grandpadoc · « **Reply #27 on:** May 26, 2011, 09:09:41 PM »

Quote from: Keats on May 26, 2011, 08:56:10 PM

I think that the shield is all about function and less about form.

sometimes you cannot have both.

Check out the video for this new line of electric motorized windshields, the FLH is coming soon and you would think the FLT's would be next. The video really explains the dynamics for these double shields well. Doc

http://www.firecreekacc.com/

Trimster · « **Reply #28 on:** May 26, 2011, 09:46:41 PM »

Quote from: Keats on May 26, 2011, 08:56:10 PM

I think that the shield is all about function and less about form.

sometimes you cannot have both.

I would tend to agree. So far, the CEE Glide shield is working for us.

RedDevil · « **Reply #29 on:** May 27, 2011, 09:41:04 PM »

Quote from: grandpadoc on May 26, 2011, 09:09:41 PM

Check out the video for this new line of electric motorized windshields, the FLH is coming soon and you would think the FLT's would be next. The video really explains the dynamics for these double shields well. Doc

http://www.firecreekacc.com/

IMO, that is a poorly designed way of electrically raising or lowering their windshield. Now you have a wire coming up out of your fairing on the inner shield to an electric piston. With a little more engineering and thought, they could have put the electric piston on the two side mounts, that way it wouldn't have looked like an add-on like it looks now. I tell you what, and this is just my opinion, I will sacrifice some function to maintain form over having a windshield like that mounted on my fairing. $:-\$

Lonerider · « **Reply #30 on:** May 28, 2011, 02:53:30 PM »

It gives both the batwing and shark nose crowd something to rave about:). I don't care for the appearance and couldn't handle the black/opaque in any height over a few inches But I say if it works, and you like it then more power to you. Isn't this at least a part of what motorcycling is all about? Individual choice and expression through what and how you ride? Live free!

Beemer · « **Reply #31 on:** May 30, 2011, 10:48:04 AM »

Quote from: Lonerider on May 28, 2011, 02:53:30 PM

I don't care for the appearance and couldn't handle the black/opaque in any height over a few inches But I say if it works, and you like it then more power to you. Isn't this at least a part of what motorcycling is all about? Individual choice and expression through what and how you ride? Live free!

Yes, I'm having a problem with the opaque shield out front as far as it is. It may be lower but with it so far out in front, it blocks too much view of the road. This shouldn't be a problem while traveling at normal speeds but really manifests itself at slow parking lot speeds. Its also distracting when in corners while cruising. I'm hoping that the smoked outer screen will alleviate this effect. The one drawback of the Road Glide fairing IMO is that it is so far out in front of you. It makes it difficult to find a suitable balance in windshields.

gabe · « **Reply #32 on:** May 31, 2011, 05:09:52 AM »

BEEMER did you found the sweet spot with the wind?

gabe

Beemer · « **Reply #33 on:** May 31, 2011, 07:47:32 AM »

Gabe,

I believe I've got it pretty much dialed in. It looks to be in about the same position as the pic in your first posting at the beginning of this thread.

I'm expecting the smoked shield today but will be on the road for business for the next week. I'll install it tonight and take some more pics before I leave.

Beemer · « **Reply #34 on:** May 31, 2011, 07:49:21 PM »

The smoked works Waaaaaay better. It doesn't bother me to look over it and when looking through it, the optics are excellent...as good as clearview's.

I decided to do a quick swap out with the Kuryakyn AirMaster to see which performed better. The MadStad wins hands down...and I really like my Kury too.

With the Kury, I can feel fast air just a hand's width on either side of my helmet and the buffeting ripples just off the top. With the MadStad, I don't feel any fast air for at least a foot away on the side and the air I do feel above the helmet is diffused and not buffeting. If you reach up and put your hand between the MadStad shields you can really feel the volume & and velocity of the air and appreciate how this thing works.

I took pics of both shields to compare looks...they are worlds apart on that score as well.

Beemer · « **Reply #35 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:04:21 PM »

the Kury

Beemer · « **Reply #36 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:05:26 PM »

Beemer · « **Reply #37 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:06:23 PM »

Beemer · « **Reply #38 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:10:17 PM »

Beemer · « **Reply #39 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:11:42 PM »

MadStad

Jus Cruisin · « **Reply #40 on:** June 12, 2011, 08:44:03 PM »

Beemer-

Looked at the Madstad website. And it looks like you have your w/s mounted a lot farther away and higher than in the website pics, or do you have a taller w/s than what is pictured on their site?

duranh · « **Reply #41 on:** June 12, 2011, 08:55:10 PM »

What kind of helmet do you wear that you would need that level of protection from the wind? I use a Full Face C3 and found that I could not get enough air to my vents on the helmet with the stock shield so I went shorter to get more air.

Beemer · « **Reply #42 on:** June 13, 2011, 11:44:11 AM »

Quote from: Jus Cruisin on June 12, 2011, 08:44:03 PM

Beemer-

Looked at the Madstad website. And it looks like you have your w/s mounted a lot farther away and higher than in the website pics, or do you have a taller w/s than what is pictured on their site?

Cruisin,

My shield is the same size as the Orange bike and yes, I have mine up & out further than him. He's said to be 6' 4" tall too...I'm 5' 11". This setting works for me but the positions are almost infinite. I tried it low and close like his but got some unwanted buffeting. I'm sure to play with it some more later-on and I may be able to get better performance with it down lower. When I was tweaking it looking for the sweet spot, I went through quite a few positions...some subtle changes and some major.

You've also got to do this on a calm day...errant wind gusts will throw your perspective way off.

Beemer · « **Reply #43 on:** June 13, 2011, 11:57:44 AM »

Quote from: duranh on June 12, 2011, 08:55:10 PM

What kind of helmet do you wear that you would need that level of protection from the wind? I use a Full Face C3 and found that I could not get enough air to my vents on the helmet with the stock shield so I went shorter to get more air.

duranh,

Heck man, I've got all kinds of helmets! From my super light/vented Airoh Naked to a couple 3/4 helmets and a Full face FXRG (HJC) Carbon Kevlar. They all have their duty assignments for different weather/riding situations.

Its hotter than heck here in GA now...we went from an early spring right into the dog-days of what we usually get in the end of July thru all Aug. High 90s and high humidity...nothing like it! I've got all my lowers/air dish between forks/snap-on air deverters off the bike to help keep cooler...as much as you can do on a RG.

I see you have the 11 SEURG...have you stripped her down to cool down or is SoCal not all that hot this summer?

If you're

duranh · « **Reply #44 on:** June 13, 2011, 04:07:40 PM »

Not stripped down, I still have the lowers on and have not had a problem. I already have plans to change out the exhaust, next week or two to cool down the leg. I have been from 35~ to 115~ but always in dry climate so that makes it a little better. I have done quite a bit of riding in your area in the heat of it. Kinda like riding in a steam room and not my cup o tea.

Texas 103 · « **Reply #45 on:** August 07, 2011, 11:14:33 AM »

Quote from: gabe on May 10, 2011, 02:52:57 PM

received new shield installed , riding at 80 miles per hour like seating at home
looks it takes some time getting use to we will report back on it
quality is number 1 Mark and staff great to work with

Does the small shield affect you XM reception. Also have a 665 Garmin with the hockey puck on the top of the CB module. Just curious, Looks like it would screw with the XM reception because it's aluminum, maybe not

cvogeorge · « **Reply #46 on:** September 15, 2011, 07:30:51 PM »

I just picked one up and was wondering if any of you had whistling from the brackets and if so what you did about it. I am still tweaking the position but for the best ride but I get whistling at about 60MPH+ in every position so far.

And my XM is sporadic now and I'm pretty sure it is caused by the metal base. Is there a way to move the satellite antenna to a different location within the faring?

gabe · « **Reply #47 on:** September 16, 2011, 03:55:51 PM »

Quote from: cvogeorge on September 15, 2011, 07:30:51 PM

I just picked one up and was wondering if any of you had whistling from the brackets and if so what you did about it. I am still tweaking the position but for the best ride but I get whistling at about 60MPH+ in every position so far.

And my XM is sporadic now and I'm pretty sure it is caused by the metal base. Is there a way to move the satellite antenna to a different location within the faring?

had the same problem no longer own it
tryed tweaking
no good

2k · « **Reply #48 on:** September 18, 2011, 09:58:52 AM »

Would be like getting use to hitting my thumb with a hammer........but I'm glad you like it.

Texas 103 · « **Reply #49 on:** September 20, 2011, 08:09:01 PM »

Quote from: cvogeorge on September 15, 2011, 07:30:51 PM

I just picked one up and was wondering if any of you had whistling from the brackets and if so what you did about it. I am still tweaking the position but for the best ride but I get whistling at about 60MPH+ in every position so far.

And my XM is sporadic now and I'm pretty sure it is caused by the metal base. Is there a way to move the satellite antenna to a different location within the faring?

If you are talking about the stock XM antenna yes you can buy a different AM antenna . Bought in on Amazon for 29.00 an it looks like a stick that you could mount in a different location. Of you have the Garmin hockey puck, that could be a problem. That was one of teh reasons i didn't buy that shield, I have a 665 with the GXM-40 antenna on top of the CB Module

cvogeorge · « **Reply #50 on:** September 21, 2011, 07:45:01 PM »

I haven't been in the faring yet so I have no idea what kind of antenna I have. The XM worked like a champ before I put the windshield on.

On the bright side I got it to stop whistling. I took the rubber gasket off the stock windshield and used it on the metal base. I think the Madstad is quieter and you get less wind for both the driver and the BSR but the XM problem is a pain. I guess I'll try to get the courage up and take the faring off to see what I can do.

05SEEGer2 · « **Reply #51 on:** September 21, 2011, 08:12:29 PM »

Sorry, not impressed. Kinda reminds me of the things that ricers put on their cars. But, to each his own.

MNTransplant · « **Reply #52 on:** January 23, 2012, 11:25:13 AM »

I LIKE IT!!! But then I like the Honda Rune as well, I like to be different than the crowd and if I owned a Road Glide I would definitely look into it as I don't like the "Gold Wing" look of the other options either. I watched the video of the guy who used one going to Alaska, I thought it was www.alaskacade.com but that must be wrong, It was linked on a different thread on this forum.

Rio · « **Reply #53 on:** January 23, 2012, 11:34:13 AM »

Quote from: Beemer on May 25, 2011, 06:57:56 PM

Ha ha...almost a whole day and no comments?

Come on, give your impressions! Bad as well as...well...whetever

BTW, I'm still trying to find the adjustment where it deflects enough air while still maintaining a fairly low profile.

OK, I'm not sure why you would sacrifice the look of such a beautiful bike with that windshield

I would have to believe it has to be somewhat noisy with the wind passing between the two panes? IMO, I spend a lot of money on chrome and other crap to make the bike both practical and great looking. I would explore windshield options (I use HD 12" windsplitter for my CUSE and it works great) and maybe even have two on hand for long trips?

It's a cool idea, BMW has been doing it for years, but BMW is a gimmicky more practical than wow good looking, but if your happy, thats all that matters, but you asked

faceracer · « **Reply #54 on:** January 23, 2012, 05:18:12 PM »

Quote from: MNTransplant on January 23, 2012, 11:25:13 AM

I LIKE IT!!! But then I like the Honda Rune as well, I like to be different than the crowd and if I owned a Road Glide I would definitely look into it as I don't like the "Gold Wing" look of the other options either. I watched the video of the guy who used one going to Alaska, I thought it was www.alaskacade.com but that must be wrong, It was linked on a different thread on this forum.

it's www.alaskapade.com

Have you guys ridden in the rain yet? Reports are no rain on you or arms with this shield.
For me ugly and functional is ok. Pretty and not functional no F'N way!!!!! FACE

RedDevil · « **Reply #55 on:** January 23, 2012, 06:45:01 PM »

Quote from: faceracer on January 23, 2012, 05:18:12 PM

it's www.alaskapade.com

Have you guys ridden in the rain yet? Reports are no rain on you or arms with this shield.
For me ugly and functional is ok. Pretty and not functional no F'N way!!!!! FACE

Ya gotta do, what ya gotta do.

If ya want it get it, and forget about what anyone else thinks. Besides how it looks isn't important right?

faceracer · « **Reply #56 on:** January 24, 2012, 08:20:39 AM »

Quote from: RedDevil on January 23, 2012, 06:45:01 PM

Ya gotta do, what ya gotta do. If ya want it get it, and forget about what anyone else thinks. Besides how it looks isn't important right?

Correct! I really like the look of no winshield but need one for functionallity. If you asked me 5 years ago about road glides I would have told you they are ugly! I choose function over beauty and I hit a home run. Best riding Harley I ever had hands down. Now the fairing has grown on me. I mean really I never saw myself on a touring bike. I like a stripped down hot rod but that's for a younger man to road trip on! For me these days that would be a bar hopper. I want to travel so here I am. I may be different from many here because I do things to my bike for me. I never have cared what anyone thinks about my bike. I used to have people all the time telling me I should enter my fxr in this show or that and my reply for over 25 years has always been WHY? I just don't care what anyone else thinks of my bike as long as I like it. JM2C FACE

Rio · « **Reply #57 on:** January 24, 2012, 09:30:17 AM »

Quote from: faceracer on January 24, 2012, 08:20:39 AM

Correct! I really like the look of no winshield but need one for functionallity. If you asked me 5 years ago about road glides I would have told you they are ugly! I choose function over beauty and I hit a home run. Best riding Harley I ever had hands down. Now the fairing has grown on me. I mean really I never saw myself on a touring bike. I like a stripped down hot rod but that's for a younger man to road trip on! For me these days that would be a bar hopper. I want to travel so here I am. I may be different from many here because I do things to my bike for me. I never have cared what anyone thinks about my bike. I used to have people all the time telling me I should enter my fxr in this show or that and my reply for over 25 years has always been WHY? I just don't care what anyone else thinks of my bike as long as I like it. JM2C FACE

I think most of these reply are simply answering BEEMERS question asking for an honest opinion which I have found can be very dangerous or rewarding. No one would argue the practicality of a windshield that adjusts to the type of riding or instantly protect you from weather. I think its a great concept as probalby everyone on the site. BUT that wasn't the question. I think the 2009 CVO Road Glide put the Road Glide on the map and many people like you have discovered that it's the best road bike HD makes. That's why they came out with the Ultra. I had a RG in 2007, went to a CVO Ultra in 2010, back to a CVORGU today. Maybe if I was doing a long trip, and I had money to burn, I would buy that windshield for the trip, but as soon as I got home it would come off becasue it's butt ugly! Just an opinion, which was asked for by BEEMER. I'm not big on full face helmuts either, but a lot of members choose to ride with those. This being said, to each his/her own. Enjoy your bike cuz its yours and build it the way you want

faceracer · « **Reply #58 on:** January 24, 2012, 02:24:04 PM »

Agreed

Author Topic: madstad windshield (Read 17568 times)