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Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:48 am
by moosehead
I have unearthed in the treasure trove of junk packed away under the other parts an old RS windscreen, with minor crack, from long ago.

I remember seeing in older posts some of you boys from down under have cut down the windscreen to reduce wind buffeting for the "standard" windscreen. I'd like to trim back this spare windscreen as an experiment in reducing the buffeting.

Question is...how much did you trim off??? Just the flip at the top of the windscreen or more?

I can't find the old posts or pics so looking for recommendations.

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:54 am
by ME 109
moosehead wrote:
Question is...how much did you trim off??? Just the flip at the top of the windscreen or more?
Depends on the screen you have moosehead, as there are many aftermarket types. Perhaps yours is oe in which case it will be flatter across the top and perhaps easier to shorten. On some screens the turned up lip can dictate where it needs to be cut in order not to look odd.

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 12:20 pm
by SteveD
The point at which to cut is decided by the level at which the flow over the lip starts to hit you below the level of the helmet. The idea is to get the whole helmet into the wind flow, thereby ceasing the concentrated buffeting on the helmet which contributes to the discomfort.
To that point, it may take 2-3 cuts to get the right height. If you're 6'4" then the cut will be less, if 6'1" it''ll require more. I'm 6'1" and mine is cut to 350mm from centre top to centre front. It could probably go another 10-20mm still.

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 8:04 pm
by moosehead
Thanks for the comments. I'm 6' even...although I'm shrinking...slowly....product of my aging process ha ha.

Old screen I dug up is the OEM screen with the lip. Think will just experiment as suggested. I'll start with cutting just below the lip and test it and adjust as necessary.

I do have a Parabellum screen too....much taller (too tall and steep angle for my liking)... Maybe experiment with that one too. It gives better wind protection, especially in the cooler weather, but too tall as looking through it rather than over it.

Like the standard screen other than the buffeting....so into the garage I go.

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 12:52 am
by SteveD
Stock oem ...........verses........my cut down to 350mm.........verses..........Parabellum
ImageImageImage

Notice the height relative to the mirrors.
.

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 2:44 am
by ME 109
I'd be inclined to cut the parabellum off at about 3/4" below the attaching rivets. ;)

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 5:07 am
by Major Softie
ME 109 wrote:I'd be inclined to cut the parabellum off at about 3/4" below the attaching rivets. ;)
It is far more effective, but at least equally unattractive.

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 4:45 am
by buzz
A mate kept cutting back the screen until he only had about 2 inches left. Still wasn't happy with the buffeting. Ended up removing the fairing. Decided he was a naked-bike rider.

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 6:36 pm
by tsa
One reason you may experience buffeting behind the RS screen, could be the relatively lower air pressure that builds up behind the fairing at speed, which IMHE tends to distort the laminar airflow above the screen into a turbulent slipstream that may hit the base of your helmet. As an experiment, I just removed the parking light assembly - to allow air getting into this low-pressure area - and it seemed to reduce the buffeting I experienced. Perhaps worth trying, since it doesn't involve cutting off bits that cannot be put back onto the screen again.

Re: Cutting down the RS windscreen

Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 8:43 pm
by Chuey
My RS came with a couple screens. One is a tall one like the one pictured above. Just before a trip, I installed it and I was super sorry I did that. Mine is also tinted. Looking through a tinted windscreen at night is THE WORST!!! I hated it. I need all the visual info I can get and it was a real hindrance.

Chuey