CalSci windscreen report

Dadson · 01-12-2009, 12:58 PM

I ordered my CalSci windshield for my 1150 GS will little worry because I talked to the owner before hand and he told me that if I wasn't happy with the item I could return it, but it would need to be in new condition.
I was very careful installing it, you can bet.

The windshield came packed with plenty of bubble wrap and the shield was in a soft cloth sleeve. Included was a bag with the screws, washers (one extra), instructions, and the mounting braces. With this was a rolled soft cloth and a small bottle of windshield cleaner. Nice touch.

Someone in another thread measured the thickness but from the feel of it, the windshield is not flimsy at all. It installed with no trouble, or prying. It was a good fit. The sun was getting low and I wanted to get on the freeway to see if this thing would pass my +80 mph buffeting test.

I live in L.A. and this weekend we're getting hit with our annual Santa Anna winds. That would be a problem getting a clean test, but I was hoping I could get a break from them long enough.

On the street +40 mph it's perfect. No shake, no vibration in idle or any speed. It's mounting is solid. Once on the freeway I had to deal with crosswinds and it was frustrating to get a sense of wind noise, etc. After a few miles I turned around. This time the wind decided to find someone else to piss off and I got a few miles of decent riding.

Let me say here that because I didn't get more than a few miles to try this out I want to test it again after the winds are gone before I can give you the final word on this item.
Anyway, back on the freeway... I notice I'm not getting pushed from the side and lay on the throttle. I can see that my speed is getting higher and higher and I'm waiting for that buffeting feeling like I'm losing a pillow fight with Andre the Giant... but it doesn't come. I look down at the speedo and I'm coming to 80, then pass 80 and still nothing. I can feel air on my lower chest, but not pushing. More like circulating. By then the cross wind had kicked up again. Crap!

So, initial judgment on the windshield:
It works. It doesn't need winglets. It's mounted solidly and I didn't see any flexing or movement of it at high speeds.
As for wind noise, I can't say yet. I need a day without cross winds.

I'll do a follow up some time this week and give everyone my final judgment.

Gadget Boy · 01-12-2009, 01:42 PM

Everyone's seeking that elusive screen that delivers smooth turbulence free air movement

What's your size and what is the size of the screen? does it come in more than one size? Got pics?

Dadson · 01-12-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadget Boy

Everyone's seeking that elusive screen that delivers smooth turbulence free air movement

What's your size and what is the size of the screen? does it come in more than one size? Got pics?

Pics? You bet. I'll be adding those too. CalSci offers three sizes and they have some detailed instructions on how to pick the right size for you.
I know a lot of people want to look over the screen, but I'm the kind that wants to be in a pocket of quiet. Even so I went with the smallest one. I'm 5'7" and figured that if it didn't work for me I'd swap it out for the next size up.
With a 3 day weekend coming up I'll have some quality time to spend riding.

garandman · 01-13-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadget Boy

Everyone's seeking that elusive screen that delivers smooth turbulence free air movement

What's your size and what is the size of the screen? does it come in more than one size? Got pics?

The guy who runs CalSci, Mark Lawrence, is a research physicist and major biker. I think by now he has a zillion or so miles on his V-Strom. Info on his windshields.

The NACA duct makes a big difference: I've tried mine with it blocked off with tape, or open. I have both a L and XL. He also offers a $60 competitive trade-in. Mark will take the windshield back, or cut it down for you, and gives detailed instructions for fitting.

If you get in touch you can also organize a group buy. We did so on Stromtroopers and got 10% off. If you call him and leave a # he will usually call you back the same day.

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/R1200GSprod.html

Dadson · 01-14-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garandman

The guy who runs CalSci, Mark Lawrence, is a research physicist and major biker. I think by now he has a zillion or so miles on his V-Strom. Info on his windshields.

The NACA duct makes a big difference: I've tried mine with it blocked off with tape, or open. I have both a L and XL. He also offers a $60 competitive trade-in. Mark will take the windshield back, or cut it down for you, and gives detailed instructions for fitting.

If you get in touch you can also organize a group buy. We did so on Stromtroopers and got 10% off. If you call him and leave a # he will usually call you back the same day.

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/R1200GSprod.html

I've talked with Mark a few times and he's very helpful. I set up a group buy for last Dec where he offered a discount. Don't know how many placed an order with him, but I did.

Looks like I won't be able to give my full review with detail pics until this weekend. Sorry for the delay everyone.

Dadson · 01-20-2009, 09:42 AM

This past weekend was the first time I was able to really spend time on the bike and try out my new windshield.

Once again, the ride on the street was spot on. Top speed was 50mph and the windshield created a nice pocket of clean air. By clean air I mean, no buffeting, back draft, nada.
When I got on the freeway I sped up at 10 mph intervals to judge the windshield effectiveness. My magic number is 80mph.

At 70 it was doing pretty good, but once I got to 80 things changed. Not a lot, but I could feel it. Using my left hand in front of me I followed the windshild outline to judge where I would feel where the air seemed to puff strongly. I was surprised how air was coming up from under the gas tank. I hadn't noticed that before.
Along the top I could feel where the air was making contact with my helmet just above the visor. Not unbearable by any means, but it was there.

Keep in mind that anything anyone reviews is also based on what their views are when it comes to what's acceptable and not. In my case I'm planning at ride to Alaska this summer and my aim is to eliminate everything I reasonably can that would cause extra fatigue.
That includes buffeting (windscreen), noise (earplugs), etc. So, you can understand that a little buffeting amounts to next to nothing for an hours ride, but after six hours? Yeah.

I called Calsci and left a message explaining my situation. The owner, Mark, returned my call on Monday. We covered what could be causing it; installation, position, my height, and so on. Mark was puzzled and said the size of the windscreen should be working for me. He suggested I make an 1 1/2" extension and carefully tape it to the windshield making sure to follow the contours of the shape of the windshield.
A short while later I was back on the road with what must have looked like to other drivers like the most sorry-a$$ed looking windshield ever.

As a side note, it's amazing how just a little strip of cardboard can keep you from seeing a full size car only a few feet in front of you.

Luckly for me I was moving my head all around.
Back on the freeway, and now fully aware of my blind spot, I rode until I had no cars around me and twisted the throttle. I got to 70mph and mentally crossed my fingers as I moved closer to 80. This time was noticably better. I could feel the air hitting higher on my helmet, but instead of kind of smacking into me it was more meeting and flowing over and around. Wind noise was less also.
Of couse there was still air coming up from under the tank, but I didn't expect that to change. All I was really interested in at this point was keeping the wind from knocking my head around.

The next step is to ship back the windshield and Mark will send me the next size up.
More to follow as soon as I get the new one.

garandman · 01-20-2009, 11:36 AM

Does anyone make the BMW equivalent of the Madstad bracket used on the V-Strom? This allows you to change height and angle of attack. Very useful as weather changes.

uncreative · 01-20-2009, 11:45 AM

i just got back from a 1000 mile ride with my calsci windshield on my 1200GS. one thing that made a HUGE difference was my addition of the GSA winglets. the screen was pretty good without the winglets, but with them it is excellent.

g r a n t · 01-20-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garandman

Does anyone make the BMW equivalent of the Madstad bracket used on the V-Strom? This allows you to change height and angle of attack. Very useful as weather changes.

Tobinators

Ken Fritz · 01-20-2009, 06:02 PM

Tobinators won't fit and are not needed with the CalSci screens. My CalSci screen is a bit too tall for me, but I love it. This is the best screen I have tried on my 1150GS and you'll have to pry it out of my dead hands.

Ritalin Boy · 01-20-2009, 07:13 PM

I know it isn't apples to apples but I have a cali sci screen on my RTP and I love it.

Having said this I'm happy with the stock screen on the R12GSA.

Dadson · 01-21-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Fritz

Tobinators won't fit and are not needed with the CalSci screens. My CalSci screen is a bit too tall for me, but I love it. This is the best screen I have tried on my 1150GS and you'll have to pry it out of my dead hands.

How tall are you and what size CalSci screen do you have? I was going to swap the small for the med. I don't have a problem looking through a screen, although I know others want to look over the screen.

Jim Williams · 01-21-2009, 12:34 PM

Alright, I'd like to try one of these screens, but, I'm a little confused about what I need to fit to a 1150ADV. Anyone?

Dadson · 01-21-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Alright, I'd like to try one of these screens, but, I'm a little confused about what I need to fit to a 1150ADV. Anyone?

When you go to the website there's some good instructions on how to determine the right size for you. I'm pretty sure they have one made for the 1150 ADV

mojave · 01-21-2009, 01:51 PM

I've had a CalSci screen for a few weeks now. I'm 5'9" and 30" inseam so I have a medium. Overall, it's a worthwhile improvement over the stock screen - much less buffeting at 70-80 mph. I no longer feel the need for earplugs.

Here are the negatives I see:

- workmanship could be better. Screen edges are not polished, mine has a ragged edge in the duct. I can fix all this but it should come with a polished edge

- Quite a bit of air shoots up from below, not as bad as the stock screen but still causes some under chin guard buffeting.

- Offroad it's high enough to interfer with viewing the path when sitting down. My over the screen sight starts about 25 feet out.

With the screen in the low position the air flow is above my helmet by one or two inches. I still get enough buffeting to shake my vision but nothing like the stock screen which had rhythmic hammering that made me drowsy. I'm not using earplugs now and I can pretty much hear the engine. I think the CalSci is a good general purpose screen.

01-12-2009, 12:58 PM	#1
Dadson Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2008 Location: So. Cal. Oddometer: 147	CalSci windscreen report I ordered my CalSci windshield for my 1150 GS will little worry because I talked to the owner before hand and he told me that if I wasn't happy with the item I could return it, but it would need to be in new condition. I was very careful installing it, you can bet. The windshield came packed with plenty of bubble wrap and the shield was in a soft cloth sleeve. Included was a bag with the screws, washers (one extra), instructions, and the mounting braces. With this was a rolled soft cloth and a small bottle of windshield cleaner. Nice touch. Someone in another thread measured the thickness but from the feel of it, the windshield is not flimsy at all. It installed with no trouble, or prying. It was a good fit. The sun was getting low and I wanted to get on the freeway to see if this thing would pass my +80 mph buffeting test. I live in L.A. and this weekend we're getting hit with our annual Santa Anna winds. That would be a problem getting a clean test, but I was hoping I could get a break from them long enough. On the street +40 mph it's perfect. No shake, no vibration in idle or any speed. It's mounting is solid. Once on the freeway I had to deal with crosswinds and it was frustrating to get a sense of wind noise, etc. After a few miles I turned around. This time the wind decided to find someone else to piss off and I got a few miles of decent riding. Let me say here that because I didn't get more than a few miles to try this out I want to test it again after the winds are gone before I can give you the final word on this item. Anyway, back on the freeway... I notice I'm not getting pushed from the side and lay on the throttle. I can see that my speed is getting higher and higher and I'm waiting for that buffeting feeling like I'm losing a pillow fight with Andre the Giant... but it doesn't come. I look down at the speedo and I'm coming to 80, then pass 80 and still nothing. I can feel air on my lower chest, but not pushing. More like circulating. By then the cross wind had kicked up again. Crap! So, initial judgment on the windshield: It works. It doesn't need winglets. It's mounted solidly and I didn't see any flexing or movement of it at high speeds. As for wind noise, I can't say yet. I need a day without cross winds. I'll do a follow up some time this week and give everyone my final judgment. __________________ "But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked. "Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat: "We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad." "How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice. "You must be," said the Cat, "otherwise you wouldn't have come here."

01-12-2009, 01:42 PM	#2
Gadget Boy ADV Plenipotentiary Joined: Aug 2002 Location: Toronto, Canada Oddometer: 40,790	Everyone's seeking that elusive screen that delivers smooth turbulence free air movement What's your size and what is the size of the screen? does it come in more than one size? Got pics? __________________ ADV flag, decals & patches? Here

01-20-2009, 09:42 AM	#6
Dadson Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2008 Location: So. Cal. Oddometer: 147	Update - weekend test ride This past weekend was the first time I was able to really spend time on the bike and try out my new windshield. Once again, the ride on the street was spot on. Top speed was 50mph and the windshield created a nice pocket of clean air. By clean air I mean, no buffeting, back draft, nada. When I got on the freeway I sped up at 10 mph intervals to judge the windshield effectiveness. My magic number is 80mph. At 70 it was doing pretty good, but once I got to 80 things changed. Not a lot, but I could feel it. Using my left hand in front of me I followed the windshild outline to judge where I would feel where the air seemed to puff strongly. I was surprised how air was coming up from under the gas tank. I hadn't noticed that before. Along the top I could feel where the air was making contact with my helmet just above the visor. Not unbearable by any means, but it was there. Keep in mind that anything anyone reviews is also based on what their views are when it comes to what's acceptable and not. In my case I'm planning at ride to Alaska this summer and my aim is to eliminate everything I reasonably can that would cause extra fatigue. That includes buffeting (windscreen), noise (earplugs), etc. So, you can understand that a little buffeting amounts to next to nothing for an hours ride, but after six hours? Yeah. I called Calsci and left a message explaining my situation. The owner, Mark, returned my call on Monday. We covered what could be causing it; installation, position, my height, and so on. Mark was puzzled and said the size of the windscreen should be working for me. He suggested I make an 1 1/2" extension and carefully tape it to the windshield making sure to follow the contours of the shape of the windshield. A short while later I was back on the road with what must have looked like to other drivers like the most sorry-a$$ed looking windshield ever. As a side note, it's amazing how just a little strip of cardboard can keep you from seeing a full size car only a few feet in front of you. Luckly for me I was moving my head all around. Back on the freeway, and now fully aware of my blind spot, I rode until I had no cars around me and twisted the throttle. I got to 70mph and mentally crossed my fingers as I moved closer to 80. This time was noticably better. I could feel the air hitting higher on my helmet, but instead of kind of smacking into me it was more meeting and flowing over and around. Wind noise was less also. Of couse there was still air coming up from under the tank, but I didn't expect that to change. All I was really interested in at this point was keeping the wind from knocking my head around. The next step is to ship back the windshield and Mark will send me the next size up. More to follow as soon as I get the new one. __________________ "But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked. "Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat: "We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad." "How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice. "You must be," said the Cat, "otherwise you wouldn't have come here."

01-20-2009, 06:02 PM	#10
Ken Fritz Studly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2002 Location: Orangevale, CA Oddometer: 638	no Tobinators Tobinators won't fit and are not needed with the CalSci screens. My CalSci screen is a bit too tall for me, but I love it. This is the best screen I have tried on my 1150GS and you'll have to pry it out of my dead hands.

01-21-2009, 01:51 PM	#15
mojave Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Inyokern - middle of frixxen nowhere Oddometer: 103	I've had a CalSci screen for a few weeks now. I'm 5'9" and 30" inseam so I have a medium. Overall, it's a worthwhile improvement over the stock screen - much less buffeting at 70-80 mph. I no longer feel the need for earplugs. Here are the negatives I see: - workmanship could be better. Screen edges are not polished, mine has a ragged edge in the duct. I can fix all this but it should come with a polished edge - Quite a bit of air shoots up from below, not as bad as the stock screen but still causes some under chin guard buffeting. - Offroad it's high enough to interfer with viewing the path when sitting down. My over the screen sight starts about 25 feet out. With the screen in the low position the air flow is above my helmet by one or two inches. I still get enough buffeting to shake my vision but nothing like the stock screen which had rhythmic hammering that made me drowsy. I'm not using earplugs now and I can pretty much hear the engine. I think the CalSci is a good general purpose screen. __________________ 03 XL883R/1200 05 DR650 71 R75/5 2002 Beta Rev 3 1997 KLX300 dualsport

01-20-2009, 11:36 AM	#7
garandman スバル Joined: Feb 2007 Location: South Boston, People's Republic of Massacruisers Oddometer: 2,555	Does anyone make the BMW equivalent of the Madstad bracket used on the V-Strom? This allows you to change height and angle of attack. Very useful as weather changes.

01-20-2009, 11:45 AM	#8
uncreative Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2006 Oddometer: 307	i just got back from a 1000 mile ride with my calsci windshield on my 1200GS. one thing that made a HUGE difference was my addition of the GSA winglets. the screen was pretty good without the winglets, but with them it is excellent.

01-20-2009, 07:13 PM	#11
Ritalin Boy Incognito Joined: Sep 2003 Oddometer: 3,209	I know it isn't apples to apples but I have a cali sci screen on my RTP and I love it. Having said this I'm happy with the stock screen on the R12GSA.

01-21-2009, 12:34 PM	#13
Jim Williams Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Providence, RI Oddometer: 2,832	Alright, I'd like to try one of these screens, but, I'm a little confused about what I need to fit to a 1150ADV. Anyone?

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