Screen

[chronyx]

Don't worry, I have tried searching. But what I want to know isn't what screen I should get, but rather, what is it about the screen that affects it characteristics?

When I stand up on the pegs, everything goes quiet, but sat down I just can't seem to stop wind noise. I swapped the Caberg for an Arai which is better but not great. Are earplugs always going to be needed? That's a bit of pain...

I've taken the screen off for now. It's noisy, but there is so much less turbulence! Only thing is my chest catches all the wind and I start to get pushed off the back.

[Cie]

Are earplugs always going to be needed?

Yes, and should always be worn to be honest. It's mad not to.

I've not worn them a lot before, because I thought they were a bit of a pain. But I was on the bike for 3 hours on Friday and I was left with some ringing in my ears. Now I'll wear them all the time.

I see you've ordered some of the Alpine ones, they're the best I've used so far.

As for the noise from turbulence.. you're always going to get it, the joys of forcing a bike through air. No screen means that the noise is behind you, because you're the first thing into the air. Same goes for your helmet when you stand up.

If you don't mind getting battered leave it off, personally I'll have a big screen, no buffeting and ear plugs.

[Dee Duble Yuh]

It;s funny that you should raise this. In another thread (quiet lids ?) I said I would experiment with a small screen.. and I did.

Step 1: Ordered an after-market screen from Skidmarx ( http://www.skidmarx.co.uk/ ) and asked them to make it two full inches (50mm) shorter than normal. Result: Slightly better air flow, but breeze now aimed at chin bar of my crash helmet. (I'm 5ft 10in tall.)

Step 2: Removed screen and went for a ride. Great!! Air flow hits upper chest, supporting body weight and giving clean air flow over head. Looks awful because screen mounting holes exposed to view and just doesn't look "right".

Step 3: Trimmed another 3 inches off Skidmarx screen, refitted and went for a ride. Hmmmm. Air flow still hits chin bar. Curious.

Step 4: Trimmed another inch off screen (that's 6 altogether), refitted and went for a ride. Air flow still hits chin bar - or flows around neck just below helmet.

Look at attached picture. There's not much more I can trim off!!! Next step, drill holes in screen?


You gotta make up your own mind, but I'd strongly recommend that everyone at least try riding without any screen at all as you did. It might be a revelation!

Most Arai's are pretty noisy. In general helmets covered in vents and other obstructions are likely to be noisey. Only Schuberth/BMW helmets are designed with the aid of wind tunnels. I think ear plugs are always going to be a necessity, at least until manufacturers get their act together over the design of screens and crash helmets.

[chronyx]

I have! See end of original post!

There's a lot less turbulence/bluster, but I end up hitting the air full on with my chest/outstretched arms which is...interesting!

Basically, do I need a huge screen for best wind and wind noise protection, or a smaller one?

[Cie]

Basically, do I need a huge screen for best wind and wind noise protection, or a smaller one?

I don't think you can get both from a currently available screen. You either get wind protection with noise (from turbulence created by the screen), or you get no wind protection with less noise.

[Dee Duble Yuh]

I have! See end of original post!

Sorry, I realised and corrected my post straight away.. but you were too quick for me.

If you want less noise, use a small screen and lean into the breeze. You shouldn't be riding with straight arms. At speed you just find the equilibrium and enjoy the quiet(er) ride.

[chronyx]

I have! See end of original post!

Sorry, I realised and corrected my post straight away.. but you were too quick for me.

If you want less noise, use a small screen and lean into the breeze. You shouldn't be riding with straight arms. At speed you just find the equilibrium and enjoy the quiet(er) ride.

Hmmm. Maybe I need to set the bike up properly. The bars have raisers fitted as the guy I bought it from saidhe preferred them as he was quite tall. He didn't seem a great deal taller than me, but maybe i'll try without...

Or I'm sitting totally wrong!

[xrv_jim]

I have three screens - standard, powerbronze flip screen and a taller straight screen (looks like a Touratch one but there are no marks on it).

I find the Powerbronze gives the most protection from the elements and isn't too bad for tubulence or noise - unless you ride with a pillion, then it's the worst for nodding dog syndrome.

I leave the standard one on most of the time cause I prefer the look of it.

I might fit the straight taller one again because I haven't for a long time and I've forgotten what it's like.

So, no help there then!

Earplugs. I haven't ridden without them for about 10 years now, probably more, even for short journey's. After attending Motorhead gig's in the distant past my hearing needs all the help it can get!

[Chad]

i think the problem i found when i did my experiments with the screen .was that when i put the spoiler on the powerbronze to make it higher it didnt reduce noise but caused air pressure on the back of the helmet.which wasnt ver nice so i then trimed down the screen and found the same problem as yourself air flow directed direct to the lid or just under the chin bar

this weekend i took my mates 1200 bandit for an mot for him and can say the only nice thing about the ride was how quiet it was without the airflow disturbed by a screen.

im now saving my pennies up for the vario screen

[Rubberchicken]

Earplugs. I haven't ridden without them for about 10 years now, probably more, even for short journey's.

Indeed. Except for the occasional very short bit (like when I've stopped for groceries and it's only a mile to my house) when I can't be bothered, and every time I do that I'm freaked out about all the little noises that seem to be 500% too loud.