Windscreens -- ZG vs Givi vs Puig

I'm having a really tough time deciding between the ZG sport touring screen and the Givi "flip-up" style touring screen for my 6th gen. Both seem like they'll give the protection I'm looking for, can anyone briefly offer their experiences with either of these products? Input on both quality and function would be appreciated.

I know some of you have installed the Puig screens recently. I'd also be interested in hearing about the quality/performance of those screens so long as they are the touring version...not interested in the stock replacement or the dbl-bubble type screens.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

I have a Givi touring screen but find the buffeting in cross winds or behind suvs etc at 140 kph & higher to be awful. Very well made.
I have now fitted a Puig double bubble which I much prefer, much less buffeting.
I fitted wool streamers to see where the wind goes. On the Givi it comes straight back from the top of the screen. Diagrams of the wind continuing to follow the curve of the screen are fantasy. The buffeting comes from the air going round the side of the screen. You can see this very clearly with the wool streamers attached. I suppose there are vortexes (vorticies?) being shed by the screen. The Givi was so bad that is why I fitted the streamers.
I also ran the bike with no screen at all. Wind blast is huge at 120kph & above; you really have to hang onto the bars.
Standard screen gives no buffeting. Fitted the streamers to it also. Same thing; air comes straight back from the top of the ecreen (no deflection upwards). Air comming round the side flies the streamers pretty smooth & straight.
Puig is very well made & the double bubble is the most usable as there is no buffeting but you can get down out of the direct wind easier. I have not fitted streamers to it. I was given the dark smoke screen by mistake. I don't like it as it shades the digital read-outs too much in bright sunlight so you can't read them; when it is overcast it is easy to read the display. I have taken it off & am waiting for the light smoke replacement to arrive. Puig has only 1 clip tongue each side - the first one. Givi has 2 each side like the Honda. This makes no practical difference in my opinion. The air inlet vent at the front is much bigger on the Puig than on the Honda or Givi. Again I am not certain what difference it makes - possibly why the Puig is so much less buffeting?
What I was looking for was a quiter ride so I wanted to get the base of my helmet out of the wind. The Givi does not raise the wind high enough to make any difference what so ever to wind noise but the buffeting above 140 kph made me get rid of it. I rate the Givi touring screen only suitable for slow cruising. It also detracts badly from the look of the bike. You can see it fitted in my gallery.

Similar comments on the Givi. It is well made and offers good protection but increased wind noise is an issue. I switched to a MRA Vario-Screen and like it better - protection between stock and Givi with less noise than the Givi. I see positive comments on the Puig so I might have to try that one too.

hollywood55344, on Jan 23 2006, 09:32 PM, said:

Similar comments on the Givi.  It is well made and offers good protection but increased wind noise is an issue.  I switched to a MRA Vario-Screen and like it better - protection between stock and Givi with less noise than the Givi.  I see positive comments on the Puig so I might have to try that one too.

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I too wanted to hear about the ZG Sport Touring windscreen that is supposed to raise the wind higher than the double-bubble type. They are selling them now for the 94-97 on Ebay for 39.95 and 12.00 shipping, in the light smoke color.

I tried 4 different windscreens before settling on the MRA Vario touring screen. Works great. Nice smooth bubble from an indicated 70mph up to 115mph. (on a test track with a trained professional rider of course). :goofy:
Can also be adjusted down to allow airflow for those super hot days.
A bit pricey, but the time I spent testing the others would have paid for two!
This one also has "Micro Swirl Edging" added to it.
(talk about pricey! Micro Swirl is nearly $13.00 a foot! Yikes!)


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Thanks for all the feedback to date fellas, it has been most informative to hear your own experiences with the various windscreen options for the 6th gen VFR.

I think I'll lean toward the double bubble ZG screen. I've kind of had a 2nd thought after hearing about the troubles with the Givi touring screen. I don't want a screen that messes up the bikes aero so much that it becomes a pig to handle. The three hardbags filled to the brim are enough to handle thank you very much! And I'm not too big on the looks of the ZG touring screen.

Many of you have posted images in the pics section of your bikes with the ZG double bubble screen and it looks to be something I can live with. I did have one on my CBR (it was obviously smaller than the VFR's) and it worked like a charm. Might as well stick with what you know I suppose.

Again, thanks for the input.

MDP, on Jan 26 2006, 01:16 PM, said:

I think I'll lean toward the double bubble ZG screen.  I've kind of had a 2nd thought after hearing about the troubles with the Givi touring screen.  I don't want a screen that messes up the bikes aero so much that it becomes a pig to handle.  The three hardbags filled to the brim are enough to handle thank you very much!  And I'm not too big on the looks of the ZG touring screen. 

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In addition to the Vario touring screen, MRA also makes a double bubble...check it out at this link http://www.twistedth...tview/1231/358/

Mine should be here in a few days.

VIPERon, on Jan 26 2006, 09:27 AM, said:

In addition to the Vario touring screen, MRA also makes a double bubble...check it out at this link http://www.twistedth...tview/1231/358/

Mine should be here in a few days.

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I regret my purchase of the MRA double bubble, no better quailty than ZG in my opinion. Given the choice go with Puig, a lot cheaper too.

I've had ZG, MRA, Skidmarx.

Rich A

Anyone have a pic of or a link to the Puig for a 6th gen?

I'm debating between the MRA vario and a laminar lip touring....

Laminar Lip for VFR page

anyone have experiences with this gear on the stock windscreen vs. getting an aftermarket screen?

SpamIAm, on Jan 26 2006, 01:43 PM, said:

Anyone have a pic of or a link to the Puig for a 6th gen?

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Yep

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MRA Vario Touring...I love mine. Nothing bad to say.

I had a ZG DB on the bike (till I crashed it http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/sad.gif ) and I liked it pretty well. I'm tall enough that at 65mph + the wind is pretty much funneled directly into the helmet. If I was about 3in shorter I think it would be fine.

YMMV but thats what I find.

That MRA screen looks pretty nice, may have to check into that.

I think i'm going to try the ZG touring screen and will be sure and fill ya'll in on how it goes.

Maybe I didn't look in the right spot, but I didn't find any MRA Screens for the 6th Gen's.

anybody got a link to these? or do they exist?

Thanks

mq105, on Jan 26 2006, 11:27 AM, said:

Yep

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Me likey! Where did you get it?

SpamIAm, on Jan 30 2006, 01:43 AM, said:

Me likey!  Where did you get it?

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I found it on e-bay.

mq105, on Jan 30 2006, 03:59 PM, said:

I found it on e-bay.

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Is that a rolled edge on the windscreen or just the the pic came out??

Blue Orbit, on Jan 30 2006, 10:47 AM, said:

Is that a rolled edge on the windscreen or just the the pic came out??

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Just some split tubing that Puig sends to prevent a sharp edge to wack your head on. It does look much better than the ZG imho. Gives the look of the stock screen.

Thanks for the tip. Plan to get one this spring. Found a US distributor a month back. your pics look great. :thumbsup: Just have to decide on dark smoke or light smoke.

care to post up that link to the US distributor??

Blue Orbit, on Jan 30 2006, 11:55 AM, said:

Thanks for the tip.  Plan to get one this spring.  Found a US distributor a month back.  your pics look great.  :thumbsup: Just have to decide on dark smoke or light smoke.

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If you ever want to tuck in behind the screen and look through it, then light smoke or clear is better. That's why racing bikes have clear screens. Something to consider.

fellswoop, on Jan 26 2006, 11:20 AM, said:

I'm debating between the MRA vario and a laminar lip touring....

Laminar Lip for VFR page

anyone have experiences with this gear on the stock windscreen vs. getting an aftermarket screen?

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I actually have the Laminar Touring Lip on mine (no pic of it yet, though). My experience is pretty much like those with the MRA Vario - protection is better than stock, as good as or slightly less than the Givi (still have that one if anyone wants to buy it!) with much less noise and buffeting than the Givi. I'm still kind of iffy on the looks of it, and it's a royal pain to clean the underside of it without removing it. I am intrigued by the Puig, however.

tx_vfr, on Jan 29 2006, 10:07 PM, said:

Maybe I didn't look in the right spot, but I didn't find any MRA Screens for the 6th Gen's.

anybody got a link to these? or do they exist?

Thanks

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Ordered mine from the US distributor for MRA which is twistedthrottle. You have to follow the links for "products that fit my motorcycle" ->Honda ->02-05 VTEC to find the MRA vario screen

Direct: http://www.twistedth...ctview/1232/91/

Sweet! thanks for the link

hollywood55344, on Jan 30 2006, 06:28 PM, said:

Ordered mine from the US distributor for MRA which is twistedthrottle.  You have to follow the links for "products that fit my motorcycle" ->Honda ->02-05 VTEC to find the MRA vario screen 

Direct:  http://www.twistedth...ctview/1232/91/

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What he said :goofy:

anyone have a link where i can purchase the puig windscreens? i'm looking for the racing screen in dark smoke and didn't see that one on ebay.


thanks

apexbiker, on Jan 30 2006, 03:09 PM, said:

anyone have a link where i can purchase the puig windscreens?  i'm looking for the racing screen in dark smoke and didn't see that one on ebay.
thanks

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Try this link http://www.compacc.c...m?Category=1821

Blue Orbit, on Jan 30 2006, 12:55 PM, said:

Thanks for the tip.  Plan to get one this spring.  Found a US distributor a month back.  your pics look great.  :thumbsup: Just have to decide on dark smoke or light smoke.

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If you hold on a day or so, the dark smoke should be waiting for me when I get home tomorrow night. (their 'racing' or DB screen) It will be dark by the time I get home and get it on, but I will provide a garage shot for you!

They show up on ebay every week or so...got mine $75 delivered.

Here are a few pics of the Puig dark smoke racing screen. It's slushing out. Again. I had a hard time getting the pictures to come out right...every time the flash would go off it would make the screen look opaque rather than smoke. Here were my best shots...

Kevin


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[quote name='SagaciousDupe' date='Feb 4 2006, 06:42 PM']
Here are a few pics of the Puig dark smoke racing screen. It's slushing out. Again. I had a hard time getting the pictures to come out right...every time the flash would go off it would make the screen look opaque rather than smoke. Here were my best shots...

Kevin

Several of you complain about the buffeting at speeds over 100mph. When riding sensibly and safely(below 90max), do any of the taller screens have a helmet buffeting problem? Thanks

Several of you complain about the buffeting at speeds over 100mph.  When riding sensibly and safely(below 90max), do any of the taller screens have a helmet buffeting problem?  Thanks

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I had just put the screen on before taking these pics; I don't know about the buffeting yet. It will be interesting...this screen is not much taller than stock. The bubble part is just a bit forward from the stock. (does that make sense?)

Here is an ebay link. Check out the photo. There is a good profile comparison for the different models of Puig windscreens (wish it was a VFR, but still a good reference).

http://cgi.ebay.com/...itemZ4605832818

Kevin

I had just put the screen on before taking these pics; I don't know about the buffeting yet.  It will be interesting...this screen is not much taller than stock.  The bubble part is just a bit forward from the stock.  (does that make sense?)

Here is an ebay link.  Check out the photo.  There is a good profile comparison for the different models of Puig windscreens (wish it was a VFR, but still a good reference).

http://cgi.ebay.com/...itemZ4605832818 

Kevin

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Well, what I was hoping to hear, was from someone who has tried different touring screens, not racing or double-bubble type of screens. I am interested in getting a screen that puts the wind right above my helmet to keep the largest part of the wind off of me to provide some wind protection. Basically for comfort and rain protection. That's why I was interested in the ZG touring screens. I'm older now and have no desire to go over 100mph anymore. Thanks for any input you guys can add.

I tried 4 different windscreens before settling on the MRA Vario touring screen. Works great. Nice smooth bubble from an indicated 70mph up to 115mph. (on a test track with a trained professional rider of course).  :goofy:
Can also be adjusted down to allow airflow for those super hot days.
A bit pricey, but the time I spent testing the others would have paid for two!
This one also has "Micro Swirl Edging" added to it.
(talk about pricey! Micro Swirl is nearly $13.00 a foot! Yikes!)

.....

Ok, Avid One,

Enlighten me please. What is the Micro Swirl Edging' benefit? I had not heard of this stuff before.

Well, what I was hoping to hear, was from someone who has tried different touring screens, not racing or double-bubble type of screens.  I am interested in getting a screen that puts the wind right above my helmet to keep the largest part of the wind off of me to provide some wind protection.  Basically for comfort and rain protection. That's why I was interested in the ZG touring screens.  I'm older now and have no desire to go over 100mph anymore.  Thanks for any input you guys can add.

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Hobie1,

I currently have the ZG Touring screen on my VTEC but will be removing it this spring. Too much helmet buffeting at freeway speeds, worse than stock. I will be trying the MRA Vario Touring screen next.

Tim

I replaced the stock windscreen with a ZG double bubble and love it. I'm 6'2" and I found the stocker put the wind directly into my helmet and buffetting was bad - the ZG cured that.

Ok, Avid One,

Enlighten me please. What is the Micro Swirl Edging' benefit? I had not heard of this stuff before.

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Well, it is designed to...ahhh...let's see...hmmm.. here's a link to the Micro-swirl page.

http://www.saeng.com/4000.htm

It does a better job than I could at describing the alleged benefits. I say alleged as they make it sound like some sort of miracle, but it just a moderate improvement on my setup compared to just the MRA Vario alone. I don't mean to sell it short though. I had a great ride in 70deg weather on Sun, but I stayed with friends too late and it was closer to 40deg when I went home. The smoother airflow and slightly increased envelope size helped me from becoming a popsicle on the 75-80mph freeway blast down 101 so. (Ohhh Nooo!, did some one say something about the CHP using LIDAR in CA?).

Sagacious, is your VFR orange or did it just turn out that way in the picture? I really like orange on a VFR... I might just get my '05 painted that color!

BTW, I just received my ZeroGravity sport tour screen last night, and I give it highest marks for looks, quality, and ride.

His isn't orange, just a poor camera he said once.

I still like that color.

Here's some pictures I just took of my 05 with the ZG SportTour screen (I had to blank out the base sticker, if you're wondering what this is above my left front turn signal):



Tim
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3/4 view

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Head on BugEye

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VFR at Holloman

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In front of a Starfighter in New Mexico

I replaced the stock windscreen with a ZG double bubble and love it. I'm 6'2" and I found the stocker put the wind directly into my helmet and buffetting was bad - the ZG cured that.

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I'm also 6' 2" and love the ZG Sport touring screen. The wind goes directly above my helmet! Much improved over stock! :thumbsup:

Okay, how about this for those of us trying to figure out which windscreen to buy.
Post your VFR generation, which exact windscreen, your height, your helmet, and if you have raised or lowered the handlebars. And finally, where the wind hits or doesn't hit you. Thanks

My turn first:
6th gen
Zero Gravity stock replacement
5'9"
Arai Quantum 2
raised bars ~1"
wind hits at collar bone

Picked up my new Puig DB dark smoke screen yesterday and put it on last night.

What a PITA that trim was to install... took me a bit just to get it started. Wish they did that at the factory...lazy bums.

Big windflow improvement for me over stock (5' 9").... and most importantly... it looks good :D



I noticed the warning sticker about leaving your bike in direct sunlight.... anybody ever actually had their DB burn a hole in their dash? :goofy:

Picked up my new Puig DB dark smoke screen yesterday and put it on last night.

What a PITA that trim was to install... took me a bit just to get it started. Wish they did that at the factory...lazy bums.

Big windflow improvement for me over stock (5' 9").... and most importantly... it looks good :D



I noticed the warning sticker about leaving your bike in direct sunlight.... anybody ever actually had their DB burn a hole in their dash? :wheel:

Can you see through the screen ok? at night? during the day? I am looking to replace the stock screen and I am about 5'9" so I am leaning towards the Puig. Somehow managed to get a bunch of swirlmarks in my stock screen already. Anyone else have that problem? Suggestions?

I'm having a really tough time deciding between the ZG sport touring screen and the Givi "flip-up" style touring screen for my 6th gen. Both seem like they'll give the protection I'm looking for, can anyone briefly offer their experiences with either of these products? Input on both quality and function would be appreciated.

I know some of you have installed the Puig screens recently. I'd also be interested in hearing about the quality/performance of those screens so long as they are the touring version...not interested in the stock replacement or the dbl-bubble type screens.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

I really like my GIVI windscreen as it's taller than the stock screen and provides better wind protection for me as I am tall with the stock screen the wind was hitting me just about the middle of my chest .

With the GIVI touring screen the wind just grazes the top of my helmet ..I have pics..[image: Posted Image]
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I too am wondering about the ZG ST screen, I've got a 5th gen w/ Heli-bars and the stock screen definately causes some buffeting above 65mpg w/ me being 5' 10" tall. Looks wise the ZG ST shield still looks some what sporty which I do like, but at the same time large enough maybe it'd make an improvement? Guess I'm just tagging along looking for more opinions of this particular screen. I've considered the DB style's but fear they'd be a waste of time and merely a cosmetic improvement only.