Selecting a New Windscreen for 2009 Silverwing

My 2009 Silverwing came to me with a stock windshield, and though I LOVE the scoot, the windscreen...not so much. So, my birthday present to myself this year is going to be a taller, better screen for my new little beauty!

I've been looking at different options for almost 2 weeks. Everytime I think, "Yes, this is the one I want", I make the mistake of looking a little bit more at reviews and posts, and I change my mind!

I had a Cee Bailey's tall screen on my Honda Reflex, and I loved it...but that bike only went 65 mph, tops. I want to use this screen on the interstate at times, at speeds of 75+ (passing). I've read that people have experienced quite loud wind noise with theirs, and someone else said that they had very annoying distortion when looking through theirs.

The Clearview looks tempting...but it's quite pricey, and a couple of people have said they experienced severe flexing at high speeds. I want the tallest screen I can get, I don't want a vent (I'm trying to reduce the air flow to my face), and I especially don't want flexing!

Then there's the Givi...and I was wondering what the difference between a Givi D214ST and a Givi D214DT is...or is it the same thing??

I guess I'm leaning toward the Givi...but can someone help me with that letter difference (an S vs. a D), please?

You can do the searches yourself, buy I think you'll find that consensus on this forum is that the Givi AirFlow (AF214) is the best windshield vailable for the Silver Wing. It is a bit pricey, but it works well at any speed and is adjustable to boot. I know I really enjoy mine.

lv2sct wrote:

The Clearview looks tempting...but it's quite pricey, and a couple of people have said they experienced severe flexing at high speeds. I want the tallest screen I can get, I don't want a vent (I'm trying to reduce the air flow to my face), and I especially don't want flexing!

I believe the flexing has been resolved, Clearview no longer sells the GoldWing vent on the Clearview XL.

The Clearview is much wider then the Givi windshields which really helps in cold weather riding ... or you might need brake lever/hand grip wind deflectors.

As many others have said in other threads -the Airflow is outstanding. It's not just the height that counts it's also the design of the airflow - I went from stock and the airflow makes a huge difference even when not extended to the maximum height

The GIVI airflow has its own problem. That top piece has come off on people several times and frankly, that's what ruled it out for me. I don't need the thought of my windshield becoming a guillotine at sudden moment thank you. As Bill said, the issue with the Clearview was the size. I have the medium sized one with vent and trust me, I routinely ride at speeds above 90 mph for long distances. Wind was a major factor for me and was why I chose this windshield. It solved the sail effect issue I was having with the standard GIVI and I don't have to worry about it coming apart somehow. I can see just fine over the top of it or hunker down a bit if I feel the need.

Somerled wrote:

The GIVI airflow has its own problem. That top piece has come off on people several times and frankly, that's what ruled it out for me. I don't need the thought of my windshield becoming a guillotine at sudden moment thank you. As Bill said, the issue with the Clearview was the size. I have the medium sized one with vent and trust me, I routinely ride at speeds above 90 mph for long distances. Wind was a major factor for me and was why I chose this windshield. It solved the sail effect issue I was having with the standard GIVI and I don't have to worry about it coming apart somehow. I can see just fine over the top of it or hunker down a bit if I feel the need.

Yes, I read about that happening with the airflow. I'm not interested in that sort of windshield anyway, but definitely not after reading that. Perhaps I'd better give the clearview another look. Thanks for the advice.

Oh, what about the Madstad adjustable windscreen/brackets? I had one on my Piaggio MP3 500, and loved it. However, I guess Madstad doesn't make one that is designed esp for the Silverwing...has anyone had experience with using their "universal" brackets to install a windscreen?

Like anything else 'adjustable', the mechanism needs checking from time to time - the screen is on my pre-ride check list now.
So far there hasn't been a hint of loosening so I still give the AirFlow top marks.

x

bigbird wrote:

Somerled wrote:

The GIVI airflow has its own problem. That top piece has come off on people several times and frankly, that's what ruled it out for me. I don't need the thought of my windshield becoming a guillotine at sudden moment thank you.

IMHO, this issue is way overblown. Two members had their lock nuts come loose and the clamping mechanism failed to hold. When that starts to happen you can feel the slack in the clamp and that is a tip-off to tighten the locknuts. If you tighten the locknuts even once a year you should never have a problem. For those reading about this "flaw" in the Airflow, I strongly recommend not taking it as a deal breaker. The advantages of the Airflow far outweigh this issue as long as you're proactive about checking all of your Swing periodically for loose fasteners.

Both members commented about the top piece coming off and nearly striking them in the head while driving at speed. I don't think that's "overblown". Only takes once to kill you. I'd just as soon not have it be a concern at all. All you'd have to do with the Airflow is forget to check those fasteners at the wrong time and that could be the end of you. Sure, maybe not that common but why take a chance if you don't have to? I don't have to remember anything to use my Clearview.

My Airflow fasteners are tightened enough so that you have to use a bit of force to move the top section. Once the fasteners are in their locked position then nothing is going to move. They can't work loose so as far as I'm concerned people having lost theirs have only themselves to blame. Locked properly they are as safe as houses (English expression - not to be taken literally).

As far as which screen then either of the Givi ones or if you want a customised size then try 7Jurock (Roy Perez) in California. Screen material maybe a bit thicker than the Givi and the workmanship is second to none. (I have no association with 7Jurock apart from being a very happy customer).

Cheers,

All you have to do is forget to check the oil at the wrong time and the engine's toast.

I sit on the bike and wiggle the top of the screen just before I set off and after I've checked all the other bits.

What's the problem?

I'm with Bigbird on this one. Had my airflow for about 1,000 km's now at all speeds and it has never shown any indication of being loose. I also raise and lower it frequently to suit different riding conditions and would easily notice any looseness. A good rider always checks his/her bike and gear regularly so it's just something else to check. Also, those clamps are literally staring you in the face all the time, every time you ride. They're not hidden away under the bike or something so it would be next to impossible to "forget" to check it.

Having said that I don't recall the GIVI instructions mentioning that you should check the nuts every so often which they definitely should do. Maybe they do but it should be highlighted somewhere.

Somerled wrote:

bigbird wrote:

Somerled wrote:

The GIVI airflow has its own problem. That top piece has come off on people several times and frankly, that's what ruled it out for me. I don't need the thought of my windshield becoming a guillotine at sudden moment thank you.

IMHO, this issue is way overblown. Two members had their lock nuts come loose and the clamping mechanism failed to hold. When that starts to happen you can feel the slack in the clamp and that is a tip-off to tighten the locknuts. If you tighten the locknuts even once a year you should never have a problem. For those reading about this "flaw" in the Airflow, I strongly recommend not taking it as a deal breaker. The advantages of the Airflow far outweigh this issue as long as you're proactive about checking all of your Swing periodically for loose fasteners.

Both members commented about the top piece coming off and nearly striking them in the head while driving at speed. I don't think that's "overblown". Only takes once to kill you. I'd just as soon not have it be a concern at all. All you'd have to do with the Airflow is forget to check those fasteners at the wrong time and that could be the end of you. Sure, maybe not that common but why take a chance if you don't have to? I don't have to remember anything to use my Clearview.

Of course a good rider checks his equipment. Sorry, I just don't feel that your windshield has to be one of them, but hey, that's me.
If you like checking yours then have at it.

Actually it's more like the superior performance is worth a 5 second check every so often. Of the things you need to check, it is the simplest, easiest and fastest on the entire bike.

Somerled wrote:

Of course a good rider checks his equipment. Sorry, I just don't feel that your windshield has to be one of them, but hey, that's me.
If you like checking yours then have at it.

It appears I touched a nerve.

x

Having spent/wasted lots of money on motorcycle/scooter windshields, GIVI adjustable works best on SilverWing----there is a clearview with GoldWing Vent hanging on my garage wall--available free to somebody who will pick up on bike. Givi works the best in overcoming overall scooter design problem----your nose is too far from tip of windschield.

Adjustable is great as your seated height can vary from day to day.

Checking stuff is just part of riding....and adjusting if necessary comes with the deal.

Not at all, there's just a difference of opinion as to how serious this is as well as how simple it is to do a check vs the effectiveness of the product - you're entitled to your opinion.

Somerled wrote:

It appears I touched a nerve.

john grinsel wrote:

-there is a clearview with GoldWing Vent hanging on my garage wall--available free to somebody who will pick up on bike.

What size is the CV with vent, and are you willing to sell & ship it?

It appears I touched a nerve.

In a way, yes.

Is it right to condemn a perfectly good product on account of two failures, both of which could have been averted if the victims had been aware of a possible problem and checked the locking mechanism - no fault on their part?

I owned a Mitsubishi L200 truck for ten years. During that period there was one recall and that due to a steeing part failing on one in Germany.

It was the only recorded failure amongst the thousands of vehicles produced.
I had mine serviced regularly and had only to have exhausts and one cam-belt replaced (and tyres and brake-pads, of course).

To condemn the whole lot for one failure would be ridiculous - regular maintenance and inspection will normally prevent incident.

With the screen, taking hold of the top with one hand and wiggling it takes less than five seconds - it takes longer to inspect the tyres, even with just a cursory look and kick, and they are just as likely to develop a fault of some kind, possibly more so.

I'm not ranting, just stating my point of view.

It was the top section of my Airflow that blew off a couple of months ago, and I mentioned it on here. No one was hurt, I had a cold, noisy, ride home, and replacing the top section was easy and relatively inexpensive. I haven't read of anyone else losing one on the move. Now myself and a lot more Airflow owners will check the tightness of the clamps, rather than fit and forget. I was glad to share my experience with you all for that reason alone, it now seems to be more of a safety issue for Somerled than it ever was for me.

You are forgiven Somerled, just put the gun down and start hitting those keyboard keys.

Cheers,

Eh, I was just pointing out MY preference and too many people took it as personal. How it ever became perceived that I was "condemning" anything is, to borrow a phrase, overblown. NOWHERE did I state that anybody had to do anything. Lighten up Francis.

I fitted the 214DT not the Airflow one, Although 5ft11.tall it was too big to see over and i had to cut 2inches off it. I think the Air flow would have been a better one to buy, as people are saying.

I do use a tall windscreen. In Fl the bugs are the size of golf balls. they do not follow the wind pattern from smaller windshields. They go right through and smack you on the forehead. gooey too

That's as maybe, Tom, but you implied that the Airflow is dangerous.
I, for one, do not comment upon one person's choice or preference but I do take issue with suggestions which are patently not true.....unless one qualifies all with the fact that riding a P2W is always dangerous.

So a windshield suddenly coming apart and the top piece liable to hit you in the head is NOT dangerous? Even if it's only happened twice (that we know of) that would still suggest some risk. A risk that I find avoidable by simply not using that style windshield. I'd rather use a windshield that doesn't have that possibility. Sure operator checks are needed before you ride. And yes, you can state that that would be just one more. I just don't want to have that one more. I was stating my preference and why. You haven't heard me get all defensive about the windshield I prefer to those who don't care for it now have you?

I think you all know here I lost the top of my Airflow, so who was the other case? I'm not aware of this happening to any other Silver Wing rider. The Airflow is available for a number of scooters and motorcycles, from the Suzuki AN400 Burgman to the BMW R1200 GS, and I haven't read of any problems with those, and Givi doesn't give out any safety warnings about checking the 10mm nuts.

This gripe about losing the top section continues to rumble on even though myself and the mysterious other bloke are the only known cases. We all know what to look out for to prevent it happening again, and no one is twisting your arm to buy an Airflow.

I chose the Airflow because I've had a few Givi screens, they're easily available, they generally work well, and you can easily replace the fly away top section . If I'd chosen a Clearview I'd have had to wait 2-3 months for delivery through an import agent, pay far more than the thing is actually worth ( like those lower leg deflectors we have and most US riders want ), and then faff about fitting it with most of the wrapping on, trying it out, and If I didn't like it sticking it on eBay would be easier than sending it back to the US.

Thanks for that, remember when drilling the secret holes used to be the most controversial thing about the Givi Airflow!

I would like to purchase a Givi "Adjustable wind shield" for my 2005 Swing
Where is the best place to order it from and $ ??
Old Dave

http://www.pca-one.com/productDetail.asp?productID=4771&RetURL=search&search=keyword&SearchVal=af214&bikeType=&bikeMake=&bikeModel=&bikeYear=