Cee Bailey windshield noisy?

I just put a Cee Bailey windshield (4" higher than stock, 4" wider) on my new 08 SWing. I was hoping it would reduce wind noice but it's just as noisy or noisier than the stock windshield. Has anyone else had this experience? You folks with Clearview & Givi -- do they knock down the wind noise? I used to ride a Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100C & didn't get anywhere near this amount of wind noise. The Cee Bailey does not have a part on the the windshield that protects the hands, like I think I've seen on the Givi. Maybe that's a factor? Any help is much appreciated!!

SturgisMama wrote:

I just put a Cee Bailey windshield (4" higher than stock, 4" wider) on my new 08 SWing. I was hoping it would reduce wind noice but it's just as noisy or noisier than the stock windshield. Has anyone else had this experience? You folks with Clearview & Givi -- do they knock down the wind noise?

What helmet are you wearing for the comparison??


I originally had a 3/4 Bell helmet (or without a helmet VERY RARE), the difference between OEM and Clearview XL was immediately noticeable.

Then I eventually bought my Shoei Multitech modular helmet. The Multitech has an inlet near the mouth and an outlet at the top of the helmet. With the Clearview XL I do get some wind noise from the top of the helmet from the wind passing over. If I close the top vent (not always practical) the wind noise is greatly reduced. On very long rides I ride with the bees was ear plugs ( http://www.earplugsonline.com ) to reduce fatigue.

Even with a larger windshield the helmet venting could still effect the noise.

SturgisMama wrote:

The Cee Bailey does not have a part on the the windshield that protects the
hands, like I think I've seen on the Givi. Maybe that's a factor? Any
help is much appreciated!!

The Clearview has the widest windshield and the most protection for the hands.

I would not worry if the Cee Bailey does not have enough hand protections ... if you need it - there are other alternative I have seen to provide hand protection.

SturgisMama,

I have a Cee Bailey screen on my current 07 Silverwing. But mine is only two inches higher and two inches wider and I have no problem with wind noise. The stock screen produced considerably more wind noise (and much less protection) than the C.B. screen.

Also, I wear a Shoei Mulititec most of the time and a Nolan Flip front helmet the rest of the time. But I usually wear foam ear plugs except for trips into town. I don't have a problem with wind noise. Oh, and I usually have all of my vents open on the helmet.

During "winter" (I live in California's Sacramento River Delta area - no snow) weather, I use National Cycle Hand Deflectors to keep the wind and rain off of my hands. When I remove the deflectors, it does not affect the screen's protection or noise level.

By the way, I am very pleased with my Cee Bailey screen. I also had one on my 2004 Silverwing so when I purchased the new Silverwing, the first thing that I put on was the C.B. screen.


Tony M.
Rio Vista, CA

Hey SturgisMama,
My GIVI, which I installed just a couple of months ago, is considerably taller than the stock screen, and, like most, I immediately noticed the reduction of noise and buffeting. I won't say it's 'hushed' but it's a lot more comfortable ride now. That stock screen was a real bear. And doesn't seem to matter one way or the other on how my full-face helmet air vents are positioned.

I have a Scorpion EXO-400 full-face helmet. I never thought about it being the helmet because like I said on my last bike I had this same helmet & very little noise. But maybe now with a lot more air flowing around, it may make a difference? I'm sure a Shoei would be quieter but I can't afford one right now. I'll definitely put it on my wishlist.

Also, I have the backrest set all the way back & it's very comfortable but I wonder if I moved closer to the windshield if it would help. I'm 5'6".

Your input makes me think it may not be the windshield. Also, I regularly ride on the interstate at 75 mph speed limit AND live in an area that has lots & lots of wind. I'm often dealing with 25-30mph headwinds. That would put any windshield to the test.

All your replies are very helpful! Thanks so much! :D

SturgisMama,

I am about 1/2 inch taller than yourself and on my 2004 Silverwing, I had completely removed the backrest and there was little wind noise. On my new Silverwing, I left the backrest in place and my seating position did not affect the noise level.

My speeds on the backroads are in the 55-60 MPH range but on the State Highways and Freeway, my speeds are in the 75-80 MPH range. It does get noisier but still tolerable.

We often have very strong winds here referred to at the Delta Breeze. But on some days, they are really really strong. We have hundreds of Wind Turbines in the hills around town because of the winds in this area. I would suggest that you use ear plugs when you ride, especially if you have lots of wind in your area or you will eventually suffer hearing loss.

And helmets do make a difference - my Shoei Multitec is much quieter than my Nolan, but I still wear ear plugs. I've already suffered some hearing loss thanks to the US Army and my law enforcement background. I want to keep what hearing I do have.

Tony M.
Rio Vista CA

Well, I've read everybody's helpful replies to my Cee Bailey windshield wind noise. :D
At TeeMon's suggestion, I tried riding with ear plugs & it made a huge difference. DickO said the Givi screen was tall & cut down on noise. I couldn't afford to buy another windshield, but I do have a Laminar Lip from my last motorcycle that will fit. I'm going to put that on & see what happens. I can't try it for a few days because it's snowing here.

Anyway, Thanks, all!

SturgisMama