Givi 214DT Windshield Safe on 2009 Silverwing?

I just ordered/received a Givi D214DT windshield (higher than stock) for my 2009 Silverwing. It looks great and looks like it will be an easy install. However, there is a sticker on the windshield saying to not exceed 100km/hr (62 mph). Huh??? Is this windshield only good at low speeds? Does anyone have experience with this windshield at highway speeds? Here in AZ, Hwy 10 speed limit is 75 and many people are going 85 and faster... Am interested in a higher windshield, but not in developing windshield problems at that speed. Givi says the warning is required by lawyers but the windshield is safe (they say it, they don't put it in writing...). Any feedback will be appreciated!

I had that windshield installed last summer for several months. I had my Swing up to 125 km/h with it and experienced no problems. I wasn't concerned with that warning in the least.

I've had one for at least two years.  While I seldom ride REALLY fast, it has been more than adequate at interstate speeds here in Colorado (thin air helps the wind screen???).  I don't think that you will experience any problems at 85 +/- mph.

I had mine up to 75 MPH on interstates several times... no problem. I always go at least 60 MPH on state highways here. Sticker may be a CYOB notice.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with this windshield. I think I'll put it on my scooter and take it for a spin...

I've got the tall (taller than stock at least) Givi shield on my Swing and I'm always looking thru it. Have been to 90 and 95 on a few unnecessary occasions and "many" miles at 75 and 80 mph on the interstates with no ill effects whatsoever. Mine is going on 3 years old now and I don't remember that warning you're talking about. Good Luck.

Lyle, double check that sticker!

I have something very similar on mine which is a French made screen. It actually says 'do not exceed 100 kph in strong cross winds', but the wording and punctuation don't make it very clear as I read it exactly as you have done the first time I examined the lable. Initally, I thought whats the point of having a bigger screen if I have to ride slower!!!! But having re-read it I worked out what it meant

I just ordered one of these windshields for my silverwing. For those of you who have already used them, do they decrease the buffeting and wind noise any? This was my primary reasoning for getting one. Looks like everyone seems to be pleased with them.

I installed mine about a month ago and am very pleased. The only problem for me is I am looking through the top of the shield and not over it which is usually reccomended. I am still considering seat options, so I don't want to cut it down at this time. I haven't ridden in the rain, but I really like the way the wind is redirected. There are a number of discussions on installation which helped me. I think you will like it.

I like my screen, it certainly has cut down both the wind noise and the weather.

smorkle,

It will be much quieter than the stock and makes the ride much nicer IMO. I also wouldn't worry about the 100kph sticker either (Lyle's O.P.). I had mine up to 102 mph (gps) and it was rock solid. I have had the stock, Givi, Clearview XL and now the Givi Airflow ...and the standard Givi was rock solid.

Hi Yo,

If you are thinking of a gel pad or air hawk pad, they have a reallly nice gel Pad at Walmart for only $20. I used that for quite a few years and my wife still uses it when she does ride with me. It is a big improvement over the stock seat and you would want to get a pad before you cut your shield too. I cut mine done about 1 1/2" and I think I cut it too much. But the Givi's are a tall shield and I'm 6' tall with a longer than average Torso.

Does anyone know of a better price for it? i found it at premier cycle acc. out of Ohio for$94.50
My first ride of any distance yesterday was completely miserable with the stock shield. The wind noise was actually higher than anything i have ridden before, and may be a deal breaker for me.
Is the adjustable airflow screen that much better?

To JeffR

Do you have the model number or UPC code for the gel seat at Walmart. I been looking for them at Walmart and don't seem to be having any luck. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Pat

I am not Jeffr, but this is the gel seat cushion...

Comfort Products Inc.

PO box 999 Memphis,TN 31801

1-800-971-4630

It is a Gel Seat Cushion There is a number 60-2865W above the bar code label. There is a number 46854014287 below the bar code.

One other thing. The Brand may be RelaXzen

Hope this helps.

I think you are overlooking the basic danger of shield-----looking thru can get you killed----try riding into sunset/bugs/snow/rain/sleet/dirt with a look thru plastic screen. Just too dangerous and probably too tiring on long trip.

John Grinsel

I got my windshield delivery today and it took no time to install. I really like the look of it, but it turned winter here again so riding will probably be next week some time.

I will have to look through the windshield to ride now, which i think is the idea of it being 4" taller. I disagree that riding like that will get you killed. Even if you have a short windshield you should still be wearing a face shield that will also get sunset/bugs/snow/rain/sleet/dirt on it creating the same situation. I don't ride in the snow and sleet ever and dirt and bugs get on my face shield anyhow and riding into the sun is just it's own problem.

I'll report back again when I've ridden some with it.

I suspect that the 'problems' of looking through the screen rather than just a visor are that the visor can easily be wiped 'on the move' whereas the screen can't - hence why cars have windscreen wipers.

Just my thoughts.

I used to have a tall Biondi windshield on my 400 Burgman K6 that was too high for me, and I'm 5' 11". Rather than try and cut down the windshield, I opted for the lazy way and built up my Airflow seat cushion with layers of sleeping mat so I could look over the windshield.

It worked pretty well in daylight, it was comfortable, and riding in rain I would occasionally move my head from behind the windshield to clear the build up of water droplets from my visor/face shield rather than wiping it with a gloved hand. The windshield would also get very dirty or "clarty" (old Cumberland word!) with the spray thrown up from truck wheels, so if I had to look through it, visibility would be much reduced.

At night time looking through it in the rain, I had exactly the same view you'd have looking through a cars windshield without the wipers on, headlight glare being made much worse by water droplets, road crap, and any tiny scratches on the shield. I'd also have increased face shield misting in those conditions. So the height of the Biondi was an advantage in the dry, it was a pain in the arse when it rained.

I finally had a day where I was able to ride so I tried out my new windshield. I was VERY satisfied with the reduction of wind noise. I was able to turn my radio down and still hear it now. Very happy about that. I took it down the interstate a couple miles and was still able to hear. It makes a world of difference.

The one thing I didn't like is that the very top of the windshield is right in my field of vision. If it were taller or shorter it'd be better because I keep looking over it, then through it, then over, then through and that messes with my perception a bit. Maybe I should look into doing something to raise myself up an inch or two so that I'll be looking over it the whole time.

All in all I'm pretty pleased with the Givi windshield. It looks more stylish than the stock and blocks more of the wind.

Just wanted to update this a little since my last post.

I am very pleased with this windshield, but I have noticed a 2-3 MPG drop in fuel economy since I installed it. I was getting 54-55MPG and now I'm getting 51-52MPG. Maybe I need to give it some tweaks like a new spark plug or something, but I'm thinking the windshield is the deal.

Also I still have done nothing towards looking over or through it. It hasn't really bothered me too much, but sometimes it is annoying. I'm considering cutting the top inch of it off or else trying to raise my sitting position a little bit with a pad or something.

All in all I'm really pleased with this product.

LyleD wrote:

... However, there is a sticker on the windshield saying to not exceed 100km/hr (62 mph). Huh??? Is this windshield only good at low speeds?

I know this is a about a year late... but since this thread revived I figured I would answer your question directly...

I have the 214DT and have had issues with it - I think. Essentially it is fine to about 60 mph. At 70 -75 mph with a 150-20 mph cross wind you start feeling a bit of a sailing effect. A strong gust feels really uncomfortable and is scary, though the bike is still mostly under control.

With no cross wind it seems fine at up to 70-75 as far as handling but it creates a low pressure area that causes the wind to buffet me from behind. Leaning forward to emulate a sport bike rider puts me more in that dead air pocket and reduces the buffeting - but I think I look silly - like I am trying to make the bike go faster - and it is not comfortable for long.

This is discussed some more in anther thread. Someone said they cut theirs down and cut off the side wings that protect the handlebars and that this increased stability on the highway. I am debating doing that and was going to try the stock windscreen - but find I don't have it after all (Bought the bike used and forgot to pick up the stock wind screen).

I am now debating whether to cut off the little side wings on my Givi (they look liie the scoop the air in), drill holes in it to decrease the back pressure or to simply buy the Givi Airflow. That seems a very sensible design.

MikeO wrote:

I suspect that the 'problems' of looking through the screen rather than just a visor are that the visor can easily be wiped 'on the move' whereas the screen can't - hence why cars have windscreen wipers.

I just saw a pair of bike gloves that had a wiper blade on the thumb. I thought it was a strange gimick - and then got caught in my first light drizzle and wished I had them as I stretched and craned to look over my Givi 214DT, then ducked down behind the Givi to avoid spray from the car in front.... and wiped my face shield with my leather work golves.

Why don't they make wiper blades for motorcycles?

Ishkatan, check this link.
http://www.eglidegoodies.com/id217.html

Ishkatan
Hear is another link for bike wipers.
http://www.peerclear.com/products

Thanks Roger,

I may see if it can fit but $299 seems steep, though I can see it being a specialty item. Motorcycle riding is supposed to help you save on gas - but you spend more than the savings on gadgets and maintenance!!! It's almost like owning a sail boat...

The second gizmo looks interesting for emergency situations... might just be the ticket until you can get into a mall or gas station to wait it out.

Having recently cut down my Givi screen,let me say this, has anyone
ever seen a police bike were they have tolook through the screen?
Try riding in the dark in heavyrain on an unlit road and you will see whatI
mean

I agree with Old Limey, having a screen that you look through is hazardous. Imagine driving at night when it's raining and not using the windscreen wipers. All the light from approaching headlights being distorted by the raindrops and tiny scratches on the screen, and the build up of road crud from spray from the vehicles in front of you. How far could you drive like that, not very far that's for sure. You remove that problem in a car with a few strokes of the wipers, looking through a too tall bike or scooter screen in the same conditions, you'd have to really slow down and I bet your bum would be puckering up a bit!

Meldrew wrote:

I agree with Old Limey, having a screen that you look through is hazardous. Imagine driving at night when it's raining and not using the windscreen wipers. All the light from approaching headlights being distorted by the raindrops and tiny scratches on the screen, and the build up of road crud from spray from the vehicles in front of you. How far could you drive like that, not very far that's for sure. You remove that problem in a car with a few strokes of the wipers, looking through a too tall bike or scooter screen in the same conditions, you'd have to really slow down and I bet your bum would be puckering up a bit!

Just to play the devils advocate here. How often do you really ride at night, in the driving rain, in traffic, with a mucked up road grimed windshield?

Just sayin.

Tagg wrote:

How often do you really ride at night, in the driving rain, in traffic, with a mucked up road grimed windshield?

Ride at night - a lot especially during short day light
In the driving rain - when it rains
In traffic - a lot
With a mucked up road grimed windshield - most of the time

And to not play the devils advocate. I wonder if rain x works on plastic? I seem to remember it saying not to apply to plastic? I could be wrong, ill go check right quick.

Nope. Not rain x! But pledge, or that plexus cleaner is supposed to do an awesome job on shedding rain and gunk. ive used plexus before and didnt like it, but it was a very old spray bottle of it, so . . . . . . . . .


Apparently pilots use pledge to polish there canopies. Just called a friend of mine in the Air Force (North Carolina?) and they use pledge if they run out of plexus, go figure!

Tagg wrote:

And to not play the devils advocate. I wonder if rain x works on plastic? I seem to remember it saying not to apply to plastic? I could be wrong, ill go check right quick.

It works for half a day or so, I've never really rated the stuff but I tried it on a 650 Burgman screen last year. Then I went off the next day for a short tour over to Northern Ireland, where it rained for three days solid. A 'soft' rain as they call it over there, water droplets not big enough to be dispersed by your speed, but dense enough to coat your visor with a fine mist that needs clearing off every few minutes. Rain and road dirt a stuck to the screen like *%@# to a blanket.

Tagg wrote:

Nope. Not rain x! But pledge, or that plexus cleaner is supposed to do an awesome job on shedding rain and gunk. ive used plexus before and didnt like it, but it was a very old spray bottle of it, so . . . . . . . . .


Apparently pilots use pledge to polish there canopies. Just called a friend of mine in the Air Force (North Carolina?) and they use pledge if they run out of plexus, go figure!

Pledge does work a treat. Used it on choppers to, (the rotary wing type ).

It was also recommended by a helmet rep. when questioned what was the best product to clean visors. He replied, Company policy is Arai visor cleaner. Then added his personal cleaner of choice was Pledge.

I also use pledge on my wheels after I have cleaned them, it gives a coating that protects the metal surface.

So it looks like pledge does a lot more than making the furniture shine.

I've used Plexus to shine up plastic bodywork for years, and still have three 13.0 oz cans sitting in the garage. I can't remember it's rain shedding abilities because I stopped using it on screens in my biking days. It used to affect the stickers/decals collected on various tours and rallies, making small air pockets bubble up under the surface.

So regardless of whether you prefer Plexus, Pledge, or Rain-X, I think it's generally agreed that it's safer to look over a screen, rather than through it.

Tagg wrote:

I wonder if rain x works on plastic? I seem to remember it saying not to apply to plastic?

The Clearview windshield can be used with "original Rain-x" because of the material that is is made out of ( http://www.clearviewshields.com/shop/maintaining.php ) ... the original Givi material was not made out of the same material and not sure about the Givi Airflow.

I believe Novus polish can be used on all windshields ( http://www.novuspolish.com ).

Tagg If you live in England,certainly in the North west. Most of your riding
is done in the rain. I commuted daily for 20yrs by bike in all weathers
even snow, I suppose it depends on how much you ride and where:)

The 214 seems pretty stiff at all speeds. I haven't cut it down yet. I'm looking through it. Keeping it clean after every ride. Just sponge and water like Givi recommended. I'm pretty tall at 6'3" and yet I am looking through it at about 4" down. I'm considering keeping it way because the helmet is so much quieter at high speeds. I listen to books as I ride using the Sena SMH10 with my iPhone. Before the new Give screen, it was hard to hear on the autobahn. I am amazed at the difference.

Ferrell wrote:

I listen to books as I ride using the Sena SMH10 with my iPhone.

Is that safe? Over here one cannot use headphones while driving, on 2 wheels or 4.

Good question about safety. I don't know. I've got 20,000 miles listening. The Sena communicators (and others) are legal in the states. I just assumed from all I've heard that it's legal (and safe) to use them while in motion. I knew it was illegal on 4 wheels, but then it's also illegal to drive without a seat belt. The rules of the road must be different for 2 wheelers.

Ferrell wrote:

Good question about safety. The rules of the road must be different for 2 wheelers.

Here you can't use headphones when even driving a bicycle. It's a breach of our Highway Traffic Act. For sure it's illegal on a scooter, moped, motorcycle, etc. There is a reason why it's illegal.

I can't speak for Canada, but it's perfectly OK to listen to the radio using motorcycle headsets here in Missouri. I can't see why they would sell them if it's dangerous. It cant be any more dangerous than listing to a radio in your car so loud that someone else in the next car over can hear your music over their own.

smorkle wrote:

I can't see why they would sell them if it's dangerous.

You're kidding, right?
If they only sold items that weren't dangerous, then there would be no alcohol, tobacco, firearms, scooters, motorcycles, and the list would go on ad infinitum.

Since the communicators have caused some interest, I'll start another topic. I'd like to find out more.

For Ferrell-----check EU regs on looking thru windshield, used to be real no-no in Germany plus really unsafe! Try fog/sleet/rain/bugs into sunset/. 2003 bike, 20,000 miles means you don't ride much.

As to listening to books on Autobahn----dangerous as heck.

Doing things against law in Germany and accident=insurance no good. Plus danger to other people around you.

I rode in Germany for 20 years.

John Grinsel

John,

Didn't buy the scooter new. And don't listen everywhere I go. Don't ride in fog/sleet/bugs/or even sunset. Rain ocassionally. Haven't (in the short time I've had the higher windscreen) noticed a problem with rain. Seems to sheet right off. Only a few drops left. No worse than on the visor. Very seldom a long trip. Usually about 60 to 75 miles three or four times a week. I'll take your word on the law. The Germans never met a rule they didn't like. But I don't like doing things that are either unsafe or illegal. It's just that none of these things (particularly the listening) has ever been a problem for me. What about chatting with your passenger or other riders? That takes more concentration for me than passively listening. I think the GPS has more potential for danger. That lady scares the heck out me when she all of a sudden tells me that there will be turn in 700 meters. The voice comes out of nowhere. But this is the reason I opened the communicator issue up in another forum. I'd like to hear about the experience of others.

Thanks for the input.

Why do you want to listen to anything when your riding? Ijust enjoy the riding and see if i can improve my skills as well as enjoying the sound of a well tuned bike whilst looking at the scenery, isn't that what riding is all about?

Maybe I'm just a multi-tasker. I also swim 50 laps a day. I listen as I swim. I like to improve my mind while I do other things if they are both compatible. The swimming is admittedly a no-brainer. There's nothing else to do. No scenery. Perhaps that's what made it easy for me to get used to listening while I do other things. The sound of the bike doesn't do anything for me. It's a scooter. 90% of my rides are for the purpose of enjoying the scenery. I just like to listen at the same time. But I want to be legal and safe, too.

I need to hear the sound of my Swing as I'm driving. Any change to engine or tire sound immediately draws my attention. As well, I need to hear if an emergency vehicle is approaching. I would feel too isolated from my driving environment if I were to wear earphones, headphones, or ear buds.

Tagg wrote:

Just to play the devils advocate here. How often do you really ride at night, in the driving rain, in traffic, with a mucked up road grimed windshield?
Just sayin.

The one time I did that I tried craning to look over my windshield - and my helmet got all mucked up. Wiping the helmet left steaks... At a red light I wiped the wind screen and stayed down as the rain ran out.

I don't plan for rain but it also happens.

I'm off to look for that Pledge spray.

Old Limey wrote:

Why do you want to listen to anything when your riding? Ijust enjoy the riding and see if i can improve my skills as well as enjoying the sound of a well tuned bike whilst looking at the scenery, isn't that what riding is all about?

I thought I was alone!!!!

Me my 'Wing' and I!! what else does a chap or indeed chapette!! need.