Cee Bailey Turbulence dilema

[Gravity]

So, it seems I'm trying to build my 1998 R1100R into an RT. I bought some cases and mounting brackets and a Cee Bailey windscreen. This is my first bike so I'm trying to accessorize it so that it is functional for me. I read this and a few other forums to try to learn from the experience of others but I'm still having some trouble with the windscreen.

I'm 6'4 and I have the seat adjusted to the highest position on the bike. I ordered the Cee Bailey with +5 in height and +2 in width. I got the coverage I wanted but at speed, the turbulance to my head is significant. 60mph and higher I get buffeted like I'm in a boxing match with Mike Tyson. Well, not hard blows but consistent enough that I really have blurred vision.

I have tried canting the screen out further by shimming the top supports and then tried it the other way by shimming the bottom supports and giving it a bit more rake but the buffeting remains. I talked to the production manager at Cee Bailey and he suggested that first of all, they will stand behind their product. No matter what I want done with the windscreen, they will do it. He suggested I tape some cardboard to the top of the screen to see if it needed to be taller. Then he suggested that they would either make a new screen for me or modify the one I had already purchased.

I'm very impressed with their response. After making the screen taller with the cardboard, I'm convinced that unless there's a significant addition to the top of the screen, the turbulance will persist. When I sit on the bike, the top of the screen is about at my chin. Is that where these screens should be? If I move to a K bike with a fairing, will the screen be in a similar position? Is there turbulance of note on these bikes as well?

I rode over 300 miles without the windscreen today and can't decide if the wind w/o the screen is worse than enduring the turbulance. It's mighty windy on that naked bike!!

Thanks in advance for your feedback,

Gravity

[kbasa]

Well, the windshield is your turbulence culprit. See if they're send you a shorter one. It might leave your head in clean air. If you go taller, you'll be looking through the shield, which is kind of miserable when it's dark, or wet or both.

I try to set my fairings up so the wind is hitting me right below my shoulders. I've always felt that the objective of a windshield or fairing is to get the wind pressure off my torso.

[Mulepick]

I just bought a 99 RT the other day and it has a Cee Bailey but a little one. I'm 6'2" and have the seat full down and I'm getting a face full of wind when it's full up. CB said today that:


"The #1 follows the same extension as the stock BMW, but the #2 and #3 have a bit of a forward rake to them, not much but certainly discernable. In general, the #2 outsells all other RT shields almost 6 to 1. The typical 6'0" rider will use a +4.5" #2 Euro, which displaces more air out towards the shoulders than inward toward the helmeted rider. Most riders do not have to toggle the shield up more than 2/3 of the way in order to get excellent coverage with this shield."

So it would seem that the 4 inch would be too short for both of us. They make a 6" extension for the #3 plus its wider. Probably go with that.

Nice to hear they're dedicated to customer service.

Bob

P.S. I do not endorse looking through the windscreen but I do like it to take the air over my head. These aren't mutually exclusive. Then again, I'm used to riding dressers.

[Boxerkuh]

I have no experience with the Cee Bailey windshield, but windshields in general are simular and they have the same characteristics.... First lets ask this question: Where do you like your head to be in relationship with the windshield? Some people prefer having the shield stop at the chest, some the shoulders and others want to look through the screen. The next question will be how far you are from the lip of shield? Try to move closer or further away to see if that changes the wind. Knowing that should help you (or Cee Bailey) with modifying your current set up.

For comparison.... I always look over the shield, my brother always looks through it... In the winter I have one that protects me to the shoulder, in the summer only the chest... For long distances I prefer the shoulder... it all depends on my mood, the type of ride and the ability to change the windshield... and then it changes the bike enough for you to feel that you have more than one bike in the garage... My food for thought..... :eat :drink

[Gravity]

No doubt that leaning towards the shield 4-6 inches puts me in smooth air. The shield comes to about my chin when sitting in normal position. I'd like to be able to always look OVER the screen so I have about 5 more inches (if they'll make it that way) to go before it gets to high to see over.

Thanks for your response.


I have no experience with the Cee Bailey windshield, but windshields in general are simular and they have the same characteristics.... First lets ask this question: Where do you like your head to be in relationship with the windshield? Some people prefer having the shield stop at the chest, some the shoulders and others want to look through the screen. The next question will be how far you are from the lip of shield? Try to move closer or further away to see if that changes the wind. Knowing that should help you (or Cee Bailey) with modifying your current set up.

For comparison.... I always look over the shield, my brother always looks through it... In the winter I have one that protects me to the shoulder, in the summer only the chest... For long distances I prefer the shoulder... it all depends on my mood, the type of ride and the ability to change the windshield... and then it changes the bike enough for you to feel that you have more than one bike in the garage... My food for thought..... :eat :drink

[Gravity]

Great feedback. I'll be chatting with them today. I might have to experiment with the additional 4 0r 5 inches before I ask them to make it that way.

I just bought a 99 RT the other day and it has a Cee Bailey but a little one. I'm 6'2" and have the seat full down and I'm getting a face full of wind when it's full up. CB said today that:


"The #1 follows the same extension as the stock BMW, but the #2 and #3 have a bit of a forward rake to them, not much but certainly discernable. In general, the #2 outsells all other RT shields almost 6 to 1. The typical 6'0" rider will use a +4.5" #2 Euro, which displaces more air out towards the shoulders than inward toward the helmeted rider. Most riders do not have to toggle the shield up more than 2/3 of the way in order to get excellent coverage with this shield."

So it would seem that the 4 inch would be too short for both of us. They make a 6" extension for the #3 plus its wider. Probably go with that.

Nice to hear they're dedicated to customer service.

Bob

P.S. I do not endorse looking through the windscreen but I do like it to take the air over my head. These aren't mutually exclusive. Then again, I'm used to riding dressers.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Another thought is if this is your first bike (ignore this if you meant that it was just the first one you are accessorizing and not your first ever bike), what are your expectations from a windshield on a motorcycle?

Any windshield no matter how good they work, usually only work if the wind is head-on or glancing. They do not protect from side winds and some other directions. Just curious that is all.

[Gravity]

Excellent question. This is my first EVER motorcycle. I love it, I really do. I've always wanted one and this is my first but not my last by any means.

I guess my expectations for the windscreen is to protect me from wind force from my waist up. I liken the turbulence I'm experiencing to riding without a windscreen behind a pickup truck on the highway. Not close enough to enjoy a draft but close enough to feel the buffeting from the wind coming off the truck, but magnified. Sort of like a rapid thumping of the helmet.

Another thought is if this is your first bike (ignore this if you meant that it was just the first one you are accessorizing and not your first ever bike), what are your expectations from a windshield on a motorcycle?

Any windshield no matter how good they work, usually only work if the wind is head-on or glancing. They do not protect from side winds and some other directions. Just curious that is all.

[Mr. Frank]

I have always ridden with a windshield and/or fairing and have always preferred the top of the shield to be just below my line of sight. For me that usually allows the wind blast to graze the top of my helmet. I get bugs on the helmet, but not on my faceshield. I currently have a CB #2 Eurocut in the +3.5 version. At my 6'1" it works very well with no turbulence.

For test purposes you might drop the seat to the lowest position to see the effect of a taller shield. Another couple of options are the Laminar Lip and SAENG edging.

[Gravity]

My thinking exactly! I'll be dropping the seat tonight as well as adding some cardboard. That will make for one tall windscreen!! I have also been wondering if the width might be producing more turbulance that the height.

Test driving a 1200RT tomorrow!!

Thanks,

Gravity


I have always ridden with a windshield and/or fairing and have always preferred the top of the shield to be just below my line of sight. For me that usually allows the wind blast to graze the top of my helmet. I get bugs on the helmet, but not on my faceshield. I currently have a CB #2 Eurocut in the +3.5 version. At my 6'1" it works very well with no turbulence.

For test purposes you might drop the seat to the lowest position to see the effect of a taller shield. Another couple of options are the Laminar Lip and SAENG edging.

[hlothery]

My thinking exactly! I'll be dropping the seat tonight as well as adding some cardboard. That will make for one tall windscreen!! I have also been wondering if the width might be producing more turbulance that the height.

Test driving a 1200RT tomorrow!!

Thanks,

Gravity


Don't do it......unless you want to spend some money! The RT has a bizarre, magnetic, insidious way of seeping into your very existence.....it's....it's.....irresistable!!! That's my story anyway :wow

[Gravity]

LMAO!!! I"m goin dude!!

Don't do it......unless you want to spend some money! The RT has a bizarre, magnetic, insidious way of seeping into your very existence.....it's....it's.....irresistable!!! That's my story anyway :wow

[Boxerkuh]

Another thought when you are messing around with the cardboard... You may want to add a lip to it that curls up. This lip catches the wind and send it flying up higher by about 2 or 3 inches (if not more)... above the shield; so your helmet be a little more quiet.... I have spoken with people that really like the GIVI shield... you may also want to check different threats on different windshields... Good luck!! :groovy

[BMWDEAN]

So, it seems I'm trying to build my 1998 R1100R into an RT.

You nailed it right there. At 6-4 (which is my height) I think you might be asking the impossible, or, at least, the really difficult.

You really want an RT, and may not be satisfied until you have one.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Another thought when you are messing around with the cardboard... You may want to add a lip to it that curls up. This lip catches the wind and send it flying up higher by about 2 or 3 inches (if not more)... above the shield; so your helmet be a little more quiet.... I have spoken with people that really like the GIVI shield... you may also want to check different threats on different windshields... Good luck!! :groovy


This brings up an idea that others have done with the simple installation of a Laminar Lip...it is my impression from others that have posted after installing one of these Lips that this solves much of this problem for a reasonable amount of money too. Any comments anyone on this? Paging SFDOC to the white courtesy phone...lol

[Gravity]

Yes, I've been reading up on the lips. I'm wondering....I might ask Cee Bailey if they can add several inches and a lip. If they are manufacturing the screen, they should be able to roll the lip.

Thanks,

This brings up an idea that others have done with the simple installation of a Laminar Lip...it is my impression from others that have posted after installing one of these Lips that this solves much of this problem for a reasonable amount of money too. Any comments anyone on this? Paging SFDOC to the white courtesy phone...lol

[Gravity]

I have been going over the variables in my head and decided that I would attempt a ride sans ear protection. I love my 33 nrr plugs and rarely ride without them.

Without the earplugs, the buffeting remains but the bass-like thumping seems to be gone. I wonder if the pressure differential is causing the loud sound in my ears. With the plugs out, I find that the wind is audible but the bass-like addendum is gone. I'm not sure what to think of this.

I also drove a 1200rt today and didn't fall in love with it. I did like the moveable screen though.

The saga continues,

Gravity

[Polizeitaucher]

I have a 99 R1100R and wanted the same thing, more protection from the wind. I rode for a couple years naked, but as the trips got longer I desired a windshield. My bike came with the OEM shield which was horrible on turbulence. I am 6'1. I tried the Laminar lip which helped, but not high enough. I even tried to put the Saeng on the lip which didn't help much either. I then put a Rumble Stick on my helmet too.....still not enough.

Finally I spent the big bucks on a Parabellum Scout fairing. I opted for the short 10in shield and for a small price they included a taller 20in. The 10in shield with the Saeng on it keeps the right at my shoulders and fairly quiet. I like this best. When I first rode it, I was irritated because it began to rumble. I looked down at the speedo and saw I was doing 90. This made me happy as a little rumble at 90 is acceptable.

The taller shield provides good protection up to about 75. I prefer the 10in with Saeng. I haven't really provided any tips, but at least you know your not alone in your venture to make your ride a smoother one. Keep us posted.

Rob :beer

[Gravity]

Dang!!! $499 for that item!! I'm glad it works for you. I'm not sure I want to invest that $$ in this bike. I'm hoping to upgrade to a 1200GT this summer. I may have no choice. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for your help!!


I have a 99 R1100R and wanted the same thing, more protection from the wind. I rode for a couple years naked, but as the trips got longer I desired a windshield. My bike came with the OEM shield which was horrible on turbulence. I am 6'1. I tried the Laminar lip which helped, but not high enough. I even tried to put the Saeng on the lip which didn't help much either. I then put a Rumble Stick on my helmet too.....still not enough.

Finally I spent the big bucks on a Parabellum Scout fairing. I opted for the short 10in shield and for a small price they included a taller 20in. The 10in shield with the Saeng on it keeps the right at my shoulders and fairly quiet. I like this best. When I first rode it, I was irritated because it began to rumble. I looked down at the speedo and saw I was doing 90. This made me happy as a little rumble at 90 is acceptable.

The taller shield provides good protection up to about 75. I prefer the 10in with Saeng. I haven't really provided any tips, but at least you know your not alone in your venture to make your ride a smoother one. Keep us posted.

Rob :beer

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Just try and get a road test on one of those GT's first. I am not too much shorter than yourself and when I sat on the one at the show I am not sure that the windshield may be any better positioned for your expectations. Coming from a car/truck to a bike is definitely an audible assault on your senses until you get used to the sounds and the outright exposure. Definitely use some ear plugs though, it really helps to manage the sound level.

Again the windshields help when the wind is coming at you but as soon as the wind changes direction their effectiveness is dimminished considerably, in the case of a side wind for example.

[Mulepick]

I'm 6'2" with a 32" inseam. I just took my first freeway ride with a Cee Bailey's Design 3 "monster" windshield on my '99 1100RT. It's advertised to be 6" taller and 4" wider than OEM.

It's perfect for me. After mounting it and sitting on the bike on the centerstand, it seemed too high. When riding, the natural "nose down" configuration of the bike lowers it some (270lb rider with rear shock on the red dot). At its lowest position, I have about 2.5" of clearance below my eye level. I find that bringing the shield up to about 2" below makes for the best ride, air just making it over the helmet. It's solid as a rock in clean air and flutters only slightly behind people. Despite the width, I still get some flutter on my forearms; not used to this after riding behind a Vetter for years. I'll either get used to it or perhaps attach a couple of small tabs to the side for the long rides.

When fully extended, it is about 1.5" above eye level. Won't use this much but it's nice to have when travelling behind gravel trucks.

Bob