Disappointed with Cee Bailey Windshield

[bmwbhw]

I have an '04 Cee Bailey Windshield with Euro shape... I bought it based on the great reviews I've seen on this forum and others... plus got a decent deal on a "new" one so could not resist... now fully regretting my decision.

Decent wind protection (5'10" height)... but I must share that I'm very disappointed with the amount of distortion created... this is my first aftermarket windshield and wonder if they all have distortion??

The stock BMW shield has absolutely no distortion and I may have to go back to it if I do not get used to the Cee Bailey's soon... For me, distortion free view should be the #1 most important requirement... then more than willing to put up with some minor wind buffeting... looks like it is back to stock and keep searching...

[MonteC]

I've been happy with my shield from Clearview (21" with vent).

[Paul_F]

I've been happy with my shield from Clearview (21" with vent).

+1:)

[Greenwald]

Have the Cee Bailey shield you describe, and couldn't be happier.

Remember to look over the shield during normal riding, raising it above eye level only to accomodate inclement conditions.

To each, their own, I guess.

If need be, switch to what makes you happy.

[BlueStreak]

... plus got a decent deal on a "new" one so could not resist... now fully regretting my decision... looks like it is back to stock and keep searching...

Oh, so you took advantage of the Christmas special too? Better that price than full! I was a little angered at the warp when I first took my +3.5 #2 Euro cut out of the box, so much so that I didn't mount it for a month. Now, I don't notice it so much. I only wish I had ordered a +4.5 or +5.5 because I still have to duck down or slouch to get a quiet zone with the shield all the way up. All in all, it's better than stock but I wouldn't buy another Cee Bailey's without trying some of the other brands first.

[JanMiller]

bought a used '04 RT with CB windscreen. Thought it was great until it rained, then it was so distorted when I looked through it I was afraid to ride, and opted for lowering it and using a flat shield on my helmet. Got rid of it, now have the stock shield with a laminar lip.

the Ztechnik shield was great but.. I'm too short for it, wish they made a shorter version...

[bmwbhw]

Yeah, I can definitely understand why it has fans... nice air flow. I'm just not sure why it has more distortion than the stock windshield. I will keep giving it a try... and probably find a "sweet spot" where the distortion does not bother me. I just do not understand why it should have more distortion, if it is truly made of more(?) quality materials. I wonder if they made it of lexan or something to offer better hardness at the sacrifice of possible distortion. Or they just could not work it out of the curviture they chose.

Definitely not negating fan opinions of an otherwise nice looking/windflow windshield...

btw... I do set the winshield height such that I look "just" over the shield... but still have to look closer sometimes.... and a lower decline on the windshield seems to increase distortion as I look through it lengthwise :)

[alien_hitchhiker]

It's been my impression that the distortion in the Cee Bailey is produced by the radius which creates the 'flip' near the top edge of the shield.

I've used other windshields over the years with similarly contoured shapes and all have had some degree of distortion. The worst was one I heated up and bent myself. The oem euro style shield on my old K100RT was also pretty bad.

I think in the end, how a given windshield performs depends on the interplay of several factors; what style of helmet you wear, whether or not you ride with the helmet faceshield up or down, season of the year, and even whether or not you always use earplugs.

In dry weather with temps at least in the mid forties I ride with my faceshield up and the windshield dropped so I'm looking over its top edge. In wet weather I've found that I maintain the clearest view of the road when I drop the windshield even lower and close the faceshield. The windflow keeps the faceshield clean and clear - almost as good as a wiper blade.

In cold weather I keep the windshield up and drop the faceshield - double protection.

Rarely - if ever - do I find myself looking through the windshield. If I did, I'm sure I too would find the distortion of the CB shield to be annoying.

[RoboRider]

I agree that a motorcycle windscreen is not meant to be looked through, but over. With the RT adjustable shield, you can raise it slowly and find that sweet quiet spot that you seek and still be able to see over it.


That being said, my Cee Bailey was too tall and I had problems with it. Before giving up on it, try trimming it to a lower height. I ended up removing about 3 inches (and most/all of the laminar lip) before I got results I now enjoy.

Here's a link to an XPLOR post where you can see how to easily customize the windscreen. If you are going to get rid of it, you have little to lose customizing it as a first try.

http://www.bmwxplor.com/forums/topic/show/2176#new

[gnavecky]

Have the Cee Bailey shield you describe, and couldn't be happier.

Remember to look over the shield during normal riding, raising it above eye level only to accomodate inclement conditions.

To each, their own, I guess.

If need be, switch to what makes you happy.

+1

[82797]

I have an o2 rt and am looking to add another windshield for better protection..I have read the posts on th c,bailey and cleraview still not sure...Has anyone tried the aeroflow advertised in the bmw on mag???? Just got the rt recently, love it but am having a little trouble getting used to the power brakes..............rod What about the ztechnik???

[Jeffhorn]

I have an Aeroflow on my 02 1150rt and love it. The only draw-back is a "halo" of condinsation developes around the sides during foggy conditions. I usually ride with it just slightly raised. It cuts down on most of the noise even that low.

[Mr. Frank]

I love my Cee Bailey shield as do most people. The only time you look through the distorted area is at extremely low speeds when you are looking down in front of the wheel. If you are noticing the distortion at speed, the shield is too high or you are not looking far enough ahead.