Windshield

[mkgarvin]

Can someone tell me the best windshield for my 2001 Magna?  Took a small spill this weekend and I need to get a new one.  I had a Memphis Shades.  It was wide and tall and the wind would whip my hair around like I was in a funnel.  Maybe this time I'll get a different size.  Also, I've seen several different types of mounting.  Which is best?  Thanks.

Mary Garvin
MOOT 374

[Greg Cothern]

Mary I do hope you are OK after the accident???  I personally think the National Cycle shields are the best as they are made of polycarbonate and resist breaking.  
And to minimize the strange swirling wind you need to lay the shield back towards you more to move the buffetting wind away from you.  If you can match the angle of the forks that seems to work very good.
I hope your back and up going again soon!

[mkgarvin]

Thanks Greg.  I rode it home, broken windshield and all.  I finally determined that I was holding my hand brake when I hit some pebbles pulling into Bikers Just Gotta Have It.  Felt like Jesse Ventura body slammed me onto the concrete.  A few bruises and a very sore wrist.  But I'm determined to keep going.  I need to practice using my back brakes more often.  Thanks for the tips on the windshield.

[Gloveberg]

First thing, hopefully you are not hurt.

I have found windshields can depend on personal preference.  I have had both National Cycle and Memphis Shades and to me the Memphis Shades work best for me.  The mounting is much cleaner and, to me, the shields look better.  The drawback being a higher price tag.

Buffeting is basically the wind turbulence swirls that gather as the airstream goes over and collects behind the shield.  The more straight up you have the shield then the worse the turbulence will be.  By laying the shield back you smooth out the airflow.  I have found that laying the shield back until the airstream is just above your helmet or just hitting the top of your helmet works pretty good.

[MagnaMan]

Hi Mary,

It sounds like you learned the hard way a similar lesson that I have learned.   You might want to check out this thread here:
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=390

I purchased the video and I've been very pleased with what I learned. In fact, while watching this video I immediately identified the cause of why I dropped my bike. From the sound of your accident, I think you would benefit just like me.

I haven't had time to write a review yet. MOOT members can also get a discount (I haven't had time to post that information either.)  If you're interested in the video I'll send you the discount info... or get off my duff and post it.

Glad you are OK.

[mkgarvin]

I'll check out the video.  I'm certain any training and tips will help me.  I learn better by visual aids anyway.  Thanks for the tip.

[kdf9511]

The previous owner of mine had a National Cycle Plexfairing III on it and I realy liked it.  It is a larger sheld though.  Unfortunatly he broke it taking it off one time.  I plan on repalcing it with the same thing.  Some of the other National Cycle ones are pretty nice too.  If  you check Motorcycle Acessories Wharehouse they have the best prices I have found.

[Scarlet's rider]

I finally determined that I was holding my hand brake when I hit some pebbles pulling into Bikers Just Gotta Have It.  Felt like Jesse Ventura body slammed me onto the concrete.  A few bruises and a very sore wrist.  But I'm determined to keep going.

Been there, done that, bruises windshield and all, but mine was on a frosty bridge. I didn't engage the brake, but found out that my front brake was dragging when I let off the throttle and pulled in the clutch.  Boom.  Because of cool temps and uncertainty with the brake situation, I didn't ride for two or three weeks which created a huge decrease in confidence. Keep riding, even if it is in a vacant school parking lot on the weekends.  If you didn't break your body parts, you did good!

[mkgarvin]

I just ordered the videos.  Thanks for the tip Magnaman.  My husband and I will be riding better before you know it.  Who am I kidding?  He's fine - I'm the one that needs to improve.

[tnoiset]

I know this question comes up all the time about windshields, as seen here, but I am adding to the question somewhat . . .

I went on a Polar Bear ride this past weekend. I have a Memphis Shades windshield, and the frigid air and buffeting, which I could not overlook, was coming from around the bottom of the windshield, straight up to my chin. YIKES!

Any suggestions how to get the air to flow around me as the rider any better?

Thanks for your input.

Tom

[Greg Cothern]

Tom National Cycle makes lowers (memphis shades may I dont know) that fit below the windshield on the forks to deflect air down and to the side.
I know a few folks who have them and say they work pretty good.  Hope this helps.