Sunday was the first time I've had the VFR out for a long day - about 400 miles. By the time I headed towards home, I was laying on the tank whenever possible to get a break from the wind noise. There were crosswinds in some areas, and that increased the noise, but in general -- for me -- the VFR is a massively noisey ride. My ears ring all the time, but the ringing is twice as loud after this ride, although I'm pretty sure it'll go back to normal in a few days.
I wear earplugs, no matter how short the ride, have a Shoei X-11, which is a quiet helmet for most people, and have a stock windshield with a Laminar Lip. The Lip IS ugly, but it came with the bike in January, and it's better than just stock for me.
I'm 5'6" with a 32" inseam, and find I'm hit directly in the eyes by the wind flow if I leave my face shield up. The greatest noise seems to come from wind going by the helmet near the ears. It just has a huge low frequency roar and rumble, and because the cheek pads fit closely, the direct contact with my ears and surrounding facial area transfers the noise directly to my ears as it were amplified and I were wearing earbuds without earplugs.
I've always had the same effect with this helmet, and with my previous Shoei XSP 2, but my RS windshield is higher, and at least the noise level islessened since the majority of the airflow is higher on my helmet.
I don't want to take the "Sport" part of Sport Touring out of the VFR, but I'm wondering IF a high windshield will redirect the air, and who makes the highest one, or the one most likely to make that kind of change. It doesn't get any uglier than the Laminar Lip in my opinion, so nothing will make the poor bike look worse - I think...
I'd trade in helmets if there were one that fit well but I could keep from contacting my ears in any way.
Has anything worked for anone else out there? :)
I'm about the same size as you, and the windblast does come in right at helmet level. But I guess it doesn't bother me as much as it does you. Honda makes a tall windscreen, or you could try a double bubble from somebody like Zero Gravity.
I'm surprised the Laminar Lip doesn't help out very much?
Givi has a windshield that is supposed to be good, a lot of riders on VFRD have mentioned it. From my experience, you want your head under or above the turbulence created by the windshield. I am 6' and have a stocker. I sit more upright and keep my head in the slipstream, seems to work.
What ear plug are you using? I had a custom pair made at one of the cycle shows. They are much quieter than the foam ones and a lot more comfortable.
Cambelloni, Mar 29 2005, 09:54 AMGivi has a windshield that is supposed to be good, a lot of riders on VFRD have mentioned it. From my experience, you want your head under or above the turbulence created by the windshield. I am 6' and have a stocker. I sit more upright and keep my head in the slipstream, seems to work.
Not sure of what model my GIVI screen is, but here are some pics. (ok i can't figure out how to link you to my Gallery pics - look in my gallery and you'll see some shots I just uplloaded there.) :huh:
I'm 5'11 and find the bike not too loud. I too wear earplugs everywhere, and find that good quality ones (i use the orange compressable style) make a difference over the yellow ones.
If you want a measurement taken from the tank to the top of the screen let me know - it'll give you something to judge against your stock or current screen location.
Laney:
VFR riders have spent a mountain of money on higher windscreens to prove to themselves that yes, Honda DOES own a wind tunnel and DOES test bikes in it. That's a roundabout way of saying Honda knew what it was doing when they chose the profile and height of the stock windscreen.
Your entire head is INTENDED to be up in 'clean' air--which will give the least amount of wind noise. If the bottom of your helmet is near the layer of 'disturbed' or turbulent air coming off the top of the windscreen, that will cause a lot of additional wind noise inside the helmet. Most tall aftermarket windscreens will move the point of impact of the air higher up on your chest than stock (usually about 4"-6" higher). I believe that this is a BAD trade-off, because they don't move the airstream up enough to go over your head (which would create the ideal and relatively silent 'dead air pocket')--but instead move it up just high enough to put the turbulent layer right at the base of your helmet and therefore causes the "huge low frequency roar and rumble" that you've noted. And yes, I'll admit that I, too was sucked into buying a taller screen while looking for more wind protection and a quieter ride. And a month later I put the stock windscreen back on. It's human nature that when we invest a bunch in a certain 'improvement', we truly BECOME invested in that item--and will sometimes ignore empirical evidence that it isn't really an improvement, or is at best a poor trade-off of attributes.
Do you know ANY long-time motorcyclist who DOESN'T have a garage wall covered with 'parts' or 'accessories' or 'm/c clothing' that he or she doesn't use any more? Question them closely about them, and you usually discover that each item didn't QUITE live up to the owners expectations. That's why it's up there.
If you remove the Laminar Lip--which is easy to do, I understand--and go for a ride, I'll bet you'll find you are experiencing LESS wind noise.
Note the last sentence of Cambolleni's reply.
Experimenting to find the best earplugs for YOU is another worthwhile effort.
Best regards,
BurmaWolf
Cautious rider
To her
Reckless dear
Let's have less bull
And lots more steer
--Burma-Shave--
At 5'6" you probably want to look for a shorter windscreen, not a taller one anyway.
I'm 6'1" and the stock one directs the air up around my shoulders/neck area. I don't find the bike too loud compared to some others I've rode. I'm fine around town without earplugs but I always wear them for any highway riding or extended riding. Definitely no ringing ears with this bike.
It is not as quiet as a naked bike though, at least until you start going real fast.
Yea there is a trade off with taller screens as Burma said, but for me the taller screen means my helmet isnt smashed backwards into my face at speed.Your best bet is better earplugs, a bike at 70mph can be up into the 110db range which after 15 min can cause ear damage.
I bought some 29db cleanable reusable shooting plugs at wall mart for $6 found in thier sporting dept orange Corded blue things I cut the cords off. I can still hear my exhaust and if sombody on another bike is talking to me I can make it out, I can hear cars go by on the freeway.
Your problem is where the current airstream hits your helmet.
You can reduce noise by raising or lowering the current point of where the air is hitting you now. You will find the worst noise/turbulence condition is when the airflow hits the face shield directly. Having it hit your upper chest or directing it over your helmet(quietest) will improve it greatly.
I would try removing the Laminar Lip first, this will lower the point of impact several inch's which may be ideal for your height and this will cost you nothing and keep a sporty look. If you don't like the results, I would look into touring windshields that would be tall enough to push the air flow over your helmet.
Whatever you have to do to move the airstream from hitting just part of the helmet, you want all or none of the helmet in the airstream, nothing in between.
I think you'll be happy if you just take the lip off ! :thumbsup:
good read on Burmashaves post. I coincidentally have cooked a deal to buy an original screen from an 03' which I will try out. I'll provide a post to compare the differences.
I was curious about how the stock screen worked, compared to the GIVI.
I'll let you all know....
Laney, that's really good advice from Burma, Miguel, Bailey etc.
What they're saying is what I've also found to be true.
For example, I'm 5'7" with the same inseam as you. I got to try all of Zero Gravity's screens and found that the taller screens like the Double Bubble were noisier and that I got more buffeting than their stock replacement screen(or OEM screen) for my height. Their touring screen, which is their tallest was better, but I found that the normal screen size and height was the best for my size.
Remove the lip and try it. You can also try moving your head up and down as you're riding and you ahould be able to notice where the noise and buffeting get better or worse depending on your head height.
Hopefully the stock screen height will be good for you after you remove the "Lip" and then all you have to worry about is whether to go with light of dark smoke :P
BurmaWolf wrote: Do you know ANY long-time motorcyclist who DOESN'T have a garage wall covered with 'parts' or 'accessories' or 'm/c clothing' that he or she doesn't use any more? Question them closely about them, and you usually discover that each item didn't QUITE live up to the owners expectations. That's why it's up there.
Burma, good comments. You should see my garage and the stuff I've bought that didn't live up to my expectations. Thank God for ebay. I am 5'-11" with the stock windscreen and a Shoei RF1000. I have never found wind noise to be a problem and I don't wear earplugs. I'm probably at the right height to escape any buffeting.
Dave. :wheel:
Man I can't count how many times this issue has been raised. This is the one thing I don't like about my viffer. Wind turbulence is terrible. I have posted a few times on this very ? and it seems i'm more confused now than a year ago whenI started asking around about this very subject. I never have tried anything else in zero gravity or anything else. It really seems like a hit and miss proposition to me.
(end of rant)
Never wore ear plugs on my 500 Interceptor (never understood why folks said you needed them) because it wasn't very noisy at all.
On the VFR, however, I wear 'em on any ride involving highway speeds. Very noisy. Glad to know it's just not the wind whistling around in my hollow head! :goofy:
dude, Mar 29 2005, 05:45 PMMan I can't count how many times this issue has been raised. This is the one thing I don't like about my viffer. Wind turbulence is terrible. I have posted a few times on this very ? and it seems i'm more confused now than� a year ago whenI started asking around about this very subject. I never have tried anything else in zero gravity or anything else. It really seems like a hit and miss proposition to me.
(end of rant)
Unfortunately it is kind of a hit/miss type thing as everyone's different...height, comfort level, body positioning etc.
Your options are kind of limited.....IF can find other people in your area with VFR's and different screens to try, or try to get feedback from people on this board about how tall they are(torso) and what seems to work for them.....this will hopefully get you closer to knowing what's going to work for you, but still no guarantee <_<
So, unless you have luck with the previous thoughts, then you're basically stuck with having to go the trial and error route. I know that most of us have probably have to go through this too with different stuff.
Another thought.....I could be wrong but I think(or atleast they used to) that Zero Gravity will let you return a screen withing 10 days or so so that you cn see if it will work for you. If that's the case, atleast your'e not necessarily stuck with a screen that doesn't work for you :idea3:
I had the givi 190s on my 96 and it put the wind over my head, I am 6'.
I'm 6' and put a higher windscreen on my 94 and the sound was much louder. Either go way up (looks funny), or remove the laminar lip. Custom plugs are great and can be bought at Laguna Seca this year if you are going.
I should have mentioned I'd tried removing the Lip and found the noise level the same, maybe even a bit louder. I think my torso height is just a little short for the stock shield in my normal riding position. If I sit up straight like I'm on a Gold Wing, I can find quieter, but not really quiet, with the Laminar Lip removed. With the Lip on or off, the airflow seems directed at my eyes -- they tear pretty quickly if I leave my faceshield open once I'm moving.
I've tried lots of different earplugs, custom from a gunshow, custom from an M/C show, custom w/speakers from an M/C show, a variety of foam ones, and the silicone goo type. The gooey ones are more effective, but end up getting in my hair. :blink:
The noise seems to revolve around the wind hitting my helmet, whether it's turbulent air or clean air. If I block the airflow from the ear area with my hand on either side, I get quiet on the side I've blocked.
Maybe I need a new head? :unsure:
Maybe this would help. I've never tried one but one of the guys I ride with uses one and likes it.
(IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1112110552/gallery_3034_183_7136.jpg)
MOTRAX WIND STOP HELMET SKIRT
$14.99 on CycleGear.com. Cheap enough to experiment.
dude, Mar 29 2005, 12:45 PMMan I can't count how many times this issue has been raised.
i rest my case about the questions repeating (no offence laney) and the non-levity rule prevents me from replying further
HispanicSlammer, Mar 29 2005, 09:42 AMYour best bet is better earplugs, a bike at 70mph can be up into the 110db range which after 15 min can cause ear damage.�
Is that the same for everyone? The speed to DB ratio, I mean. I never wear earplugs and the sound doesn't bother me at all. I can just barely make out the exhaust/engine sound of the bike when at high speeds, and that assumes throttle is wide open and high revs. When traffic allows, I like to get it up to 90-100mph indicated. I'm about 6' and got the cheapest helmet the dealer had when I bought another bike 2 years ago, a cirius v2, cost about $60. Will my hearing really suffer when I don't even find it uncomfortable?
Chris
EDIT: Actually, 70-80mph indicated is fine, 100mph is a little noisy/windy, but no real discomfort.
trekuk, Mar 30 2005, 01:46 AMWill my hearing really suffer when I don't even find it uncomfortable?
Chris
EDIT: Actually, 70-80mph indicated is fine, 100mph is a little noisy/windy, but no real discomfort.
Seriously....the answer is most likely yes. Try some decent plugs...once you get used to them you'll probably wonder why you never wore them before...I can't ride without them now B)
I have a liner that fits around the bottom of my helmet similiar to what Superfuzz showed. It is fabric with a lining of foam in between. Keeps wind noise at bay and makes the cool weather rides much more endurable. It has a front flap that velcros to the rest of the liner under the chin. Easy on/off and very functional. Also removable to wash away the perspiration when someone pulls out in front of you (Stupid Cages!). Just another approach rather than a new windscreen.
Kanadian Ken, Mar 29 2005, 06:17 AMIf you want a measurement taken from the tank to the top of the screen let me know - it'll give you something to judge against your stock or current screen location.
Yes please. :D That would be a great help. Azmotorsport's site describes the Givi screen as 3 - 4" taller than stock. I don't know if they can't decide, or can't measure... It looks (on their site as if it's shaped differently than the stock screen, AND has a flip. It would be good to know how it compares in height to the Lip.
It really looks different than any other I've seen pictures of so far. :)
Here is an item (click below) similar to what I have. A buddy had one of these and I made mine myself by copying his with fabric I bought. Kind of pricey but still cheaper than a windscreen (Not to mention the extra warmth in the cooler weather) and easier to get the helmet on/off compared to the Windjammer II. .
http://street-bikes.ridegear.com/cgi-bin/S....html?E+scstoreLaney, Mar 29 2005, 10:21 PMYes please.� :D� That would be a great help.� Azmotorsport's site describes the Givi screen as 3 - 4" taller than stock.� I don't know if they can't decide, or can't measure...� It looks (on their site as if it's shaped differently than the stock screen, AND has a flip.� � It would be good to know how it compares in height to the Lip.
It really looks different than any other I've seen pictures of so far.� :)
I placed a new paint stir stick across the brake fluid and clutch reservoir to give me a base line that you likely have as the same - then dropped a tape from the highest part of the screen - it is 10". THis screen is on the GIVI website - sorry don't recall the model. -
JUST FOUND THE MODEL - IT IS A D217S model windscreen
Let me know if you need more info.
I too have gone down this road and still havent found a workable solution for myself (5'9")
Purchased a Double Bubble Touring Screen. Works great at slow speeds, but once you start approaching highway speeds, its much louder then stock. Gathering dust now (anyone wanna make me an offer).
Have a Laminar Lip (stock, not touring version I believe). Much quiter at all speeds, but still have turbulence/wind noise at highway speeds. Ear plugs still required on long rides.
Noj Quiet Rider. Helps reduce wind noise, but very hot during summer. Better have excellent cooling air flow in your helmet, but then again, that kinda adds onto wind noise.
Best ear plugs I have found.
http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/maxfoamplugn.html Very high db rating. Very confortable and (for me) seals much better and easier to insert then the stand barrel foam ear plugs. Buy it by the box and keep a couple of sets in your jacket, tank bag, pockets, etc.
I still dont understand how my previous bike, a CBR600F4, was quiet to the point that I could have my face shield open @ speed and get just a little wind blast. My eyes dry out and tear quickly with any ammount of wind, yet I never had problems on that bike with that or wind noise. I did however have a much taller screen on it (National Cycle Cheetah [touring] screen). Never had noise fatique with that setup.
I went through the same experimentation on another bike I had and after spending $$$
on different windscreens I found only marginal improvement in the noise factor.
I then bought one of these Noj Quiet Riders and installed it on a helmet.
It reduced the noise by about half. As others have stated, a big source for noise is the turbulent air
below you helmet (chin area). Moving the air stream up/down a few inches does nothing for this, though it may
change any wind noise caused by vents or other protrusions on the helmet.
There are tradeoffs to the Noj, however. It's not the easiest thing to install (at least on my helmet, AC-10).
When it's hot I find it very uncomfortable to have it on - even with the zippered 'vent' open while I'm moving.
When it's cold the thing is worth it's weight in gold.
trekuk, Mar 29 2005, 06:46 PMIs that the same for everyone? The speed to DB ratio, I mean. I never wear earplugs and the sound doesn't bother me at all. I can just barely make out the exhaust/engine sound of the bike when at high speeds, and that assumes throttle is wide open and high revs. When traffic allows, I like to get it up to 90-100mph indicated. I'm about 6' and got the cheapest helmet the dealer had when I bought another bike 2 years ago, a cirius v2, cost about $60. Will my hearing really suffer when I don't even find it uncomfortable?
Chris
EDIT: Actually, 70-80mph indicated is fine, 100mph is a little noisy/windy, but no real discomfort.
Being an audio engineer for the last 15 years, I'm rather picky when it comes to protecting my hearing. I have always worn some form of ear plug when riding (anything's better than nothing) When I started riding dirt bikes regularly, I went to a hearing aid store to see if they could make custom fit earplugs. For $80 it was a no brainer. They are VERY comfotable, easy to put in/take out, and are by far the most effective I have ever used. GO SPEND THE MONEY!! It amazes me that people will spend tons on gloves and jackets and other gear but neglect something that WILL eventually affect your life in a very permanent way.
To get back on the topic a bit more, I too have the wind problem with my '03 and my Arai helmet. The earplugs help the ears but man do I get the full force under my chin! Does the hole in the bottom of the screen have anything to do with this? I'm gonna duct tape it to see what that does!
DownAndOutNYC, Mar 29 2005, 07:52 PMI too have gone down this road and still havent found a workable solution for myself (5'9")
Purchased a Double Bubble Touring Screen. Works great at slow speeds, but once you start approaching highway speeds, its much louder then stock. Gathering dust now (anyone wanna make me an offer).
Have a Laminar Lip (stock, not touring version I believe). Much quiter at all speeds, but still have turbulence/wind noise at highway speeds. Ear plugs still required on long rides.
Noj Quiet Rider. Helps reduce wind noise, but very hot during summer. Better have excellent cooling air flow in your helmet, but then again, that kinda adds onto wind noise.
Best ear plugs I have found. http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/maxfoamplugn.html Very high db rating. Very confortable and (for me) seals much better and easier to insert then the stand barrel foam ear plugs. Buy it by the box and keep a couple of sets in your jacket, tank bag, pockets, etc.
I still dont understand how my previous bike, a CBR600F4, was quiet to the point that I could have my face shield open @ speed and get just a little wind blast. My eyes dry out and tear quickly with any ammount of wind, yet I never had problems on that bike with that or wind noise. I did however have a much taller screen on it (National Cycle Cheetah [touring] screen). Never had noise fatique with that setup.
My wife's '03 600rr is unbelievably quiet with the stock windscreen.. don't understand that either though maybe they don't expect us VFR riders to go as fast!
End of thread · 30 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 1 May 2005