windshields compared

[Woe257]

hi folks'
Has anyone compared the Puig Double bubble race screen vs the calsci + 9 windshield ?

Pro's and cons ?

What do you like and dislike.

Clearly (for me) the Puig "looks" better, but what about performance ?

Thoughts ????

Thanks for any input !

[Avalon786]

I'm interested in what users have to say about these windshields as well! ^_^

to "Woe257" what year FZ6 you talking about? 04-06 or 07-08?

[jsp]

All I´ve tried were GIVI ( very good) or MRA ( great ).

[Woe257]

Sorry. It is an '06 FZ6.

[cv_rider]

I've had both on my '07. I started with the Puig double bubble. It was a slight improvement in wind protection over the stock for me (6'1"), although many people (perhaps the shorter ones) seem to think its a miracle cure. Overall, it didn't come near my expectations for it. Read many rave reviews of the Calsci, so I just put the +9.5" on it (means 9.5" inches longer than stock) and it really works well. I'm getting no wind blast even at 85mph. It's kind of calm and peaceful in the bubble of still air. I find I'm riding a bit faster as I must have been regulating my speed somewhat by how much the wind is beating me up.

While wind blast (the main issue for me) is 100% better, the sound of wind is more of a mixed bag. The windstream seems to hit right at the top of my helmet, and that makes for some odd wind noises that are somehow more distinct but quieter than the Puig, which had perhaps a higher background noise level. Seems like I notice the distinct sounds more, but at the same time, I can hear the sound of the engine at highway speed, which I never could before, so it's certainly quieter. At slower speeds, the wind noise seems a bit more pronounced than the Puig, but at low speeds, wind noise is not really an issue.

On looks, the Puig DB fits the sporty styling of the bike. The Calsci looks somewhat odd with how long it is while still maintaining the angle of front fairing. I'm used to seeing nearly vertical tall screens on cruisers, so this one looks somewhat strange to me. However, there's only one customer who needs to be impressed by my machine, and that's me. I'm impressed by how much more comfortable it is, and how it looks is a distant second issue for me.

There's quite a bit of technical information about windshield design on Calsci's website. It's all about turbulent on laminar air flow. You want laminar (smooth) flow. The point is made that any angles in a surface create turbulence. The Calsci shield is a smooth curve throughout, in contrast to the Puig Double Bubble which has two creases in it that are certainly creating turbulence up the Yangtze.

If you want comfort, you'll be happy with the Calsci. Lots of others have posted similar findings here. That's what convinced me to try it. If you are shorter, the DB may work for you.

[Avalon786]

Where did you buy the CalSci and for how much? thanks!
Edit: I looked up their site, do they only have it for 2007+ models?

[cv_rider]

I got the Calsci directly from that company, see their website: California Scientific Motorcycle Windshields. I've not heard of any distributor for them. The +8 and +9.5 are $160, the +11 is $185.

It is true that it is only available for the 2007/08. There is some commentary on their website that they tried it for the earlier models but it didn't work.

[fast blue one]

Not quite the same but I like my yamaha touring screen.

[FZ6Pilot]

Hi, Guys - new 07 FZ6 rider here (after 18 years off)

Been fighting with the stock windshield and debating replacing it - I get a lot of "buffeting" (where the wind hits just below the helmet (HJC Symax) - causes a fair amount of "pressure changes" to my ears - I'm wearing earplugs). I notice that if I sit VERY upright, the helmet is in "free" air, no buffeting, but not a comfortable riding position. Went for a ride tonight and at 75 on the interstate, I reached across with my left hand and rubbed my right shoulder - - the buffeting stopped! I tried it at various speeds (55 - 75). It's like my arm is forcing the non-laminar flow (buffeting) air to become laminar up my chest. So now I have 2 choices:

1. Build some type of "cowling protrusion" to strap to my chest
2. I was wondering if anyone has ever cut a pressure relief slot - say 1.5 x 4 inches into the stock windshield just forward of the instrument panel - I think CalSci has something like this on their windshields.

The wind noise (when very upright - it's actually very smooth) doesn't bother me - however, the buffeting can get painful after a while.

Love the FZ6 - have 15 years riding a '75 Yamaha 650 and a '77 Kaw 650 and this thing is sweet - can't wait to break it in...
BTW, I'm 6'2"

[cv_rider]

On a similar thread, someone noticed something similar - in this case, having a tank bag seemed to reduce turbulence on the body. When the tank bag was removed, the air was rougher. He thought that air was coming up from under the fairing without the tank bag and the tank bag somehow stopped this. If you have a tank bag, you may try mounting it and seeing how it works.

A body-mounted fairing -- you will look like a Transformer! The pain-in-the-a$$ factor of ATGATT is already enough for me without additional stuff to wear. If getting rid of turbulence is a top priority for you (it was for me), get a Calsci. Just about every post about a Calsci is glowing. That slit at the base of the Calsci is to prevent a vacuum from forming behind it, BTW. Probably more of a factor because it's so much taller than the stocker.