#1 Thread starter
After experiencing major buffeting from the stock screen on my 05', I installed a new MRA Vario screen. The plastic (or whatever the material is) of the screen seems very well built and shaped. It was a perfect fit that did not require any modifications. It looks very good in smoke color, in my opinion. It is easy to adjust on the fly, although they recommend not doing so for obvious safety reasons that I ignored.
After two weeks and about 1000 miles, I found that the plastic hinge pins on the hinge portion of the screen had loosened and that there was no way to tighten them. This resulted in my screen falling from its upright-most position at speed, which made the adjustment portion of the screen essentially worthless. By comparison, there was not much difference between the MRA and my stock screen with regard to wind deflection, anyway. But the buffetting was eliminated by the MRA, in any position. That's a very good thing.
Being the expert and humble wrench that I am, I popped (not pooped) out all the plastic hinge pins and replaced them with allen bolts and nylon lock nuts. Also, I added a 4" extension to the adjustable portion of the screen, which made a HUGE difference in wind deflection. Good for those cold winter days we never have in central NC. The bolts can be tightened just enough to allow the adjustable portion to be moved up and down, while being tight enough to keep it secure at speed.
I had a MRA Vario on my Blackbird that seemed to be much more stable and to have better deflection peformance. My understanding is that MRA designs each screen for each model of bike, they say, so you get what you get for the VFR. However, a little fiddling and she's just fine.
I believe MRA should strengthen the extent to which the plastic hinge pins maintain the position of the adjustable portion of the screen, regardless of my willingness to fix the problem myself. I paid $150 for the thing with the expectation that it would do what it was supposed to do. I recommend the MRA Vario with the caveat that the owner should be ready to make some mods to elicit the best performance. I believe also that the screen is overpriced. About $89.00 would do.
After two weeks and about 1000 miles, I found that the plastic hinge pins on the hinge portion of the screen had loosened and that there was no way to tighten them. This resulted in my screen falling from its upright-most position at speed, which made the adjustment portion of the screen essentially worthless. By comparison, there was not much difference between the MRA and my stock screen with regard to wind deflection, anyway. But the buffetting was eliminated by the MRA, in any position. That's a very good thing.
Being the expert and humble wrench that I am, I popped (not pooped) out all the plastic hinge pins and replaced them with allen bolts and nylon lock nuts. Also, I added a 4" extension to the adjustable portion of the screen, which made a HUGE difference in wind deflection. Good for those cold winter days we never have in central NC. The bolts can be tightened just enough to allow the adjustable portion to be moved up and down, while being tight enough to keep it secure at speed.
I had a MRA Vario on my Blackbird that seemed to be much more stable and to have better deflection peformance. My understanding is that MRA designs each screen for each model of bike, they say, so you get what you get for the VFR. However, a little fiddling and she's just fine.
I believe MRA should strengthen the extent to which the plastic hinge pins maintain the position of the adjustable portion of the screen, regardless of my willingness to fix the problem myself. I paid $150 for the thing with the expectation that it would do what it was supposed to do. I recommend the MRA Vario with the caveat that the owner should be ready to make some mods to elicit the best performance. I believe also that the screen is overpriced. About $89.00 would do.
