2006 windscreen mod

[RobK]

I wanted to take a second and explain why a shorter windshield reduces turbulence and why holes in the windshield also reduce turbulence. A very simple way to explain this is through the basic mechanics of "lift". While to be technical this isnt true lift but what is going on is very similar to the mechanics of how an airplane flies. As wind passes under a plane wing it creates an area of very high pressure under the wing because of design. On the flipside the area over the wing forms an area of very low pressure. (If you are really curious I can explain why this is but I will spare everybody for now). A basic principle of physics requires that systems at high pressure travel to systems of low pressure, so simply put the air under the wing tries to get to the area over the wing and creates lift. Now while what is going on with a windshield is not exactly the same it is similar. The windshield is curved and a tremendous amount of air hits the front of the windshield. Now at the same time the area directly behind the windshield gets sort of vacuumed out by forward motion. So now we have an area of high pressure on the front of the windshield and an area of low pressure behind the windshield. As wind passes over and around the windshield it tries to get into that pocket of low pressure even though forward momentum prevents it. This is what causes those unstable and uncomfortable bursts.
1. For the smaller windshield: The windshield is smaller and so the pocket of low pressure is smaller and the amount of air hitting the front is smaller due to a smaller surface area, therefore it yields less air flow up and around and generates less turbulence and applied force from wind blast is very constant.

2. For the holely windshield: Even though it does not seem like air passes through because in truth it doesnt have air flow that is because the holes allow the system to stabilize pressure on both sides of the windshield. Therefore when the air comes up and around it doesnt have AS MUCH (still some due to other forces) driving force to cause discomfort. So, you should never really feel a significant amount of true air flow through the holes (though you may feel some) but turbulent forces should be reduced.

Sorry guys, I'm a big nerd I know, but if you ever have questions about physics I'm your guy

[hedmisten]

I am going to try this during the winter, when I only commute on the bike.

[Smittyboy]

So, I'm not sure cuz after all that I can't retain any of it... Are the people who tried this and are happy with it over 6' tall? I'm almost 6'2'' and get pounded by the wind, also the noise is a bit excessive, but that's made worse by my flip up helmet... Not worried about noise, just wind!

[abacall]

Decided to give it a go. Chopped it and painted it flat black. Looks great, sorry no pics yet. Sometime next week.
I went for a ride that included city riding, highway riding, and canyons.
*In the city, no discernible difference. I guess the lower screen helps you see clearer in front of you
*On the highway (65-85 mph), huge difference. Turbulence is way down, the wind rarely jerked my helmet around. However, the wind is definitely stronger. The difference is that the wind resistance is smooth as opposed to violent. I also rode in some serious head winds and crosswinds. In the headwind it was pretty loud in the helmet, and there was some jerking around. The crosswind was killer, but it felt the same as with the stock height.
*In the canyons it was much nicer. At a rate of 35-70 mph the wind was so smooth and even. I like that a lot.

Overall satisfied, especially with the look and canyon performance. It was easy to do with a Dremell, it took less than an 1.5 hours with paint time included.

[steveindenmark]

Another satified customer.....:Ø)

Steve

[playbygolf]

OMG, YOU ARE MY HERO!! I JUST NOTICED this problem and was looking for a new windscreen that was smaller with no success. Thanks so much. I'll post up some pics when I do it. Definitely happening soon, I'm riding around without a windscreen at all at the moment!!

[steveindenmark]

Originally Posted by Smittyboy

So, I'm not sure cuz after all that I can't retain any of it... Are the people who tried this and are happy with it over 6' tall? I'm almost 6'2'' and get pounded by the wind, also the noise is a bit excessive, but that's made worse by my flip up helmet... Not worried about noise, just wind!

This is a good question...I am only 5`9" tall and it it great for me.

I believe the height of the rider bears a big influence over all screens.

Who has done my mod who is over 6`?

Steve

[jtarkany]

Thanks for the How To...Took 3 inches off .

[wstcstguy]

help, i have this same windshield. the holes in the windshield aren't flush with the rubber nut that the plastic screws go into. the head of the screws pop off when i tighten them!? there seems to be a triangular gap under the windshield.
anybody else experince this?

[jtarkany]

Yes, I had the same problem, went to Lowes with my plastic screws and found some longer sheet metal screws, same diameter, same thread count. Just snug them down, don't crank them as they are just going into the rubber nut.

Still have the gap but the wind screen is now more secure.