Reducing Buffeting and/or Improving Noise, Wind, and Weather Protection on a BMW R1100GS or a R1150GS

http://www.advrider.com/ - April 2002

Many BMW R11GS riders find the performance of the factory windscreen unsatisfactory. Several replacement windscreens exist and are presented here.

Before selecting a replacement windscreen, there are some factors and products that may be worth exploring prior to replacing or modifying a windscreen:

Helmet

Fit and construction can reduce wind noise. Some designs are less susceptible to buffeting than others.

Tank Panniers

Tank panniers have been reported to reduce buffeting by affecting wind flow beneath the windscreen.

Saeng Stealth Edging™

Stealth Edging™ has been reported by some to help.

Windscreen Wings/Spoilers

Wings and spoilers such as the Saeng Winglets™, Touratech Windscreen spoiler R1150GS, or Boxer Design Draft Deflector can be used to “tune” wind flow.

Seat Height

Adjusting the seat height can occasionally change your forward profile sufficiently to be effective.

Factory Windscreen

The angle of the factory windscreen can be adjusted and it can be removed. Other adjustments that have been attempted include cutting down the factory windscreen and modifications allowing sharper windscreen angles.

Protecting a Windscreen

Many windscreens may be too big or fragile for heavy off-road use.

Since the GS has a full swing steering column with wide handlebars, some handlebar protectors (BMW, Acerbee, Touratech) extend out far enough that they actually hit the screen when at an extreme position. Under normal circumstances the handlebars will not move this much however a crash result in a broken a windscreen or worse. A fork stop such as the Toutatech unit can prevent this and possibly a broken steering lock.

Member comments are subjective and may represent a small sample of those using a product. Attempts were made to include representative opposing comments. Product costs are typically MSRP.

If you find a solution your interested in and are looking for additional information, please search the forum prior to posting a query. Additional information can also be found at MicaPeak.

A list of BMW accessory dealers and other valuable information can be found at webBikeWorld.

AeroFlow – R1100GS and R1150GS Half Fairing

Often considered the most effective windscreen available. Costly and many find it ugly.

Physical

R1100GS

Standard: 6 1/2" taller than factory stock.

Tall: 9-1/2" taller than factory stock.

Measured vertically from the front of gas filler cap.

R1150GS

Standard: 17-7/8" taller than factory stock.

Tall: 20-5/16" taller than factory stock.

Measured vertically from the front of gas filler cap.

Options

Clear, Smoke

Standard, Tall

AeroGards - AeroGards are designed to direct air away from the legs and torso and help maintain the integrity of the fairing's envelope of protection. Available in Clear or Smoke.

Cost

$425.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.aeroflowscreens.com/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments
Killen	6’ 3”		“...but it works. I'm 6'3" and solved the turbulance and noise problem the hard way. First I didn't know about this site so I was on my own. I bought the 22" Parabellum and loved the clarity but it did not resolve the turbulance. So I went to the Aeroflow and solved the problem(s). The Aeroflow also allows you to mount your aux lights on the hardware.”
cmunger			“I have two GSs. One has a Parrabellum and the other an Air Flow. Like the AF because it keeps a good deal of wind off me and can hang the PIAA running lights from the frame. Like the Pb because it is large enough to keep a lot of wind off me and yet minimalist enough to allow more air from the bottom side. Have to use a light bar to hang the PIAAs on though. Put 20k on each unit and prefer the Pb in the summer and the AF in the winter. Seasonal comfort is what I'm looking for if possible. AF is harder to clean because of it being two-piece.”

Givi – Spare Screens D 233S (R1150GS) and D 231S (R1100GS)

Mounting is straight forward using the original hardware. Also adjustable like the factory windscreen.

Physical

D 231S (R1100GS)

Height: Unknown – presumed to be the same as D 233S.

Width: Unknown – presumed to be the same as D 233S.

D 233S (R1150GS)

Height: 4.7 “ taller than the factory windscreen.

Width: 6.3 “ wider than the factory windscreen.

Options

None

Cost

$120.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.givi.it/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments
drholm	6’ 6”	36”	“I spent the better part of one morning with the Givi in every position and the only change was at what speed it became unbearable. I'm 6'6" and I run the seat at the high position to generate a little more leg room. I have thought about pulling the screen entirely and when I stand on the pegs everything smooths out.”
moon			“my Givi works well enough for me. I'm mostly concerned about keeping the wind from blowing my head back. If my arms and shoulders get hit with wind, so what.”
Marc	6’ 6”		“Position 1 (lowest). Smoooooth air flow at low and medium speeds. Feels great. It's about 80 deg. F here and life is good. I did notice that the Acerbis hand shield on the right side contacts the windshield when full-lock left. About 75 MPH, you start to get some buffeting. Position 2 (middle). Airflow isn't as smooth as Position 1 at low and middle speeds, but above 70 MPH, it's way smoother. No contact problems with bars or front cover. Position 3 (highest). Feels like you're riding in dead air up to about 50. Wow. However, at speeds greater than 60, I started to feel significant buffeting. Above 80 MPH, I felt like someone was kicking my head! When I stopped, I noticed that the leading (lowest) edge of the windscreen was contacting the front instrument cover and ackchooly wore off some paint! Hmmmm....”

Parabellum – R1150GS Sport Shield and R1100GS Sport Shield

Sport Shields are one-piece clear (or tint) fairings.. Lightweight, easy bolt-on installation (and quick to remove or reinstall — 4 bolts). Sport Shields are available in low, medium, and tall sizes. Material used is 3/16" thick ICI (Dupont) Lucite "L". This hard, non-yellowing material is optically clear with a 92% light transmission index (versus 67% for most (Lexan) BMW windshields).

Physical

R1100GS

Height:

Low Model – 19”

Medium Model – 20”

Tall Model – 21”

R1150GS

Height:

Low Model – 18”

Medium Model – 20”

Tall Model – 22”

Options

Clear or Tinted

Cost

$230.00 U.S. or $240.00 U.S. Tinted

Web Site

http://www.parabellum.com/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments
Killen	6’ 3”		“…I'm 6'3" and initially bought a Parabellum (22") that didn't do the job…”
frisbee			“just traded the Wunderlich (which did not do much) to a more comfortable parabellum 23 inches high. Its a little like being in a fishbowl but good protection.”
John Fallon	6’		“Tried the Parabellum, below 60MPH fine. above that weird wind vibration on the top of the helmet. Parabellum is real good about returns.”
Mario	6’ 2”		“I am 6' 2" and bought the tall Parabellum. I noticed a really goofy thumping on the top of my head when going over 70. I also noticed that the windshield bends a bit when going at higher speeds, about an 1". This could be due to more force on the front suspension, but I doubt it. I am also thinking about cutting some holes for the handle bars because I can see that windshield getting busted when I go down. My assessment is that you should switch to the stock windshield when you are offroading and use the parabellum when cruising. It is pretty easy to switch.”

Wunderlich – Ermax (R1150GS)

Physical

Height: 3.9” taller than the factory windscreen.

Options

None

Cost

$120.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.wunderlich.de/

http://www.wunderlich.co.uk/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments
fish	6’ 0”		“I compared the Wunderlich "Ermax" screen with the Givi, and they provide equivalent protection. Givi is half the price and has much better quality of material and workmanship.”

Wunderlich – Ermax (R1100GS)

A two-tone windshield, the “smoky” top half provides subtle sun protection and the opaque bottom half shades instruments from glare.

Physical

Height: 3.9” taller than the factory windscreen.

Options

None

Cost

$135.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.wunderlich.de/ (German)

http://www.wunderlich.co.uk/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments

Wunderlich – Tall Touring Screen (R1150GS)

Physical

Height:

Options

None

Cost

$160.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.wunderlich.de/

http://www.wunderlich.co.uk/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments
City Slicker	6’ 2”	32”	“The wind from the side is much reduced, noise is much lower, 90mph riding is more comfortable.”

MRA – Varioscreen (R1150GS)

MRA indicates that this windscreen is not available in the U.S. and Canada due to liability issues. What is believed to be the same windscreen is available in the U.S. from BMW of Santa Cruz County as a Wunderlich Ermax “2 Piece” windscreen. This windscreen cannot be found on the Wunderlich websites.

Physical

Height: Adjustable

Options

None

Cost

$200.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.mra.de/

http://www.bmwscruz.com/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments
fish	6’ 0”		“Seems to work really well, assuming your criteria is low noise and turbulence. If you want the wind off you too, you'll need to go to a popemobile This is going to be a terrific summer screen...lots of air passing through...all the vents on the Arai get full air. Yeah baby, that's what I'm talking about . No more feeling like I'm in a boxing match at 90mph! Make sure you get the little thumbscrews for $8 so you can adjust the screen on the fly.”
City Slicker	6’ 2”	32”	“In its highest setting, the Vario screen looked and felt fragile and I had reports in advance that it was prone to vibration at higher speeds. I ruled it out when I saw it in the flesh - thin top screen and shabbily moulded plastic fittings that didn't seem to fit.”
Flying Dutchman	6’ 3”	34”	“…I remember the stock screen tunneled the turbulence layer (the boundary between the smooth laminar high speed air and the still air behind the screen) directly in my eyes. The width of this envelop was between both middles of my upper arms. The MDI shifted this boundary layer up a little bit, just above my eyes. Width was equal. The MRA seems to bring the turbulence boundary to the very top of my helmet, the width has increased sligthly towards my elbows. So this means a little less gorrila arms and helmet lift-off at speeds over 140 km/h. I think my average cruising speed will now settle around 150-160 instead of 130-140 km/h. The roar of this turbulent layer hitting my helmet is noticably smoother, although not very significant. It seems much more bareable, but you of course still need earplugs to prevent permanent hearing damage (hell, you even need that on a Goldwinnabago..). Given the endless angle and length setups on this screen and the relative low price, you'll always find a setup that suits you. The upper screen has 3 holes to which you can attach the slider, which in itself can be slided relatively simple up and down along the lower screen. Even with the screen at a steep up angle, there still is a lot of room left for air to travel underneath the screen to reduce turbulence.”
cRAsH			“Head-slap turbulence was way down, noise still high. Looks bitchin' cool -- would never put one my bike because I would break it. The slider hardware is somewhat cheesy.”
drholm	6’ 6”	36”	“The only setting that is a worthwhile improvement over stock is full forward, full raised. The turbulent air is moved to just at the very top of my helmet. There is still a lot of air coming around the sides of the screen and around the tank. At 90 mph + everything smoothed out nicely. I think it's a keeper. Better than the GIVI by quite a lot. Probably not as good as the Aeroflow, especially with the Aero-guards to deflect some of the air coming around the screen . The plex is not as thick as stock but far from flimsy. The screen adjusters have rubber/steel washers and knurled knobs. They snug it up tight. It did not vibrate at high speed. There is more flex than the stock screen but this does not seem to be a problem as far as I can tell. I'll watch it carefully for signs of stress cracking and report back. I think it would survive a typical offroad drop with no problem.”

BMW – R1150GSA Windscreen

The factory windscreen for the R1150GSA is non-adjustable this windscreen but is larger, wider and has different contours than the factory R1150GS windscreen.

Physical

Height:

Options

None

Cost

$170.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments
hutchman	6’ 8”		“At 6' 8" the wind hits me in the middle of my chest. I'm going to install a tall Aeroflow. They really seem to work.”
envi	5’ 9”	32”	“I have a ADV/GS with almost 600 mi,I think the ADV wind screeen is better by far”
stevekat			“Coming from an Aeroflow on my 1998 R1100GS, the Adventure screen is worthless. I am 6' and 32' inseam. If I were 4" shorter on the upside it might work OK. Good thing thing we are typing, because I am deaf having rode the bike 600 miles home from the dealer; I wouldn't be able to hear the question if it were spoken because my eardrums were blown out. I am finding an Aeroflow ASAP.”

MDI – Vervangingsruitje

Physical

Height: 3.15 “ taller than the factory windscreen.

Options

Clear and eight tints are available.

R1100GS is available with and without a “flip-up” lip at the top of the windscreen.

The R1150GS windscreen is available only with a flip-up lip.

Cost

$80.00 - $90.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.mdi-motorcycle-equipment.nl/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments

Touratech – “DESIERTO” Fairing (R1100GS)

A cockpit fairing that includes: DE Projector headlights and Tinted screen. Original instruments can be retained.

Can be used with original fuel tank or the Touratech 41 litre tank. Fairing comes unpainted. Installation does not require any major modifications of the bike..

Physical

Height:

Options

There is a headlight cover available for the 'DESIERTO' twin headlights. Devised for off-road riding, it is made from rugged MACROLON and protects the headlights against damage from flying stones. (The headlight cover does not come with a German TÜV Type Approval - is not street legal in Germany.)

A Rallye version of this cockpit exists which allows for easy mounting of an IMO computer, roadbook and control lamps. It has been prepared to accommodate both the IMO computer and the roadbook.

The cockpit is made from CNC machined aluminium and has a black plastic coating. Micro switches have already been integrated. ABS control lamps are also fitted. Cost is $821.00 U.S.

Cost

$758.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.touratech.com/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments

Touratech - "DESIERTO II" Fairing (R1150GS)

A cockpit fairing made from GFK. Includes tinted screen and mini indicators. Original headlights and instruments are retained. Works with the original fuel tank or the Touratech 41 litre tank. No vehicle modifications necessary. Unpainted fibreglas gelcoat

Physical

Height:

Options

Models are available to support various combinations of IMO, Roadbooks, control lamp kits, and/or

Nav-Assistants.

Cost

$599.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.touratech.com/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments

Witec - X-TREM Shield X01 Fiberglass

The Witec X-treme shield mounts in place of the aluminum plate behind the windshield and is 13 cm (5-1/4") taller than the part it replaces. This shield requires painting for a finished look.

Physical

Height:

Options

An unlacquered version is available.

Cost

$179.00 U.S.

Web Site

http://www.witec-motorsport.de/

Member Feedback

Member	Height	Inseam	Comments
Will			“…On a 1-10 scale I'd give it an 8 for fit but a 4 for quality. the under side is unfinished fiberglass, the top is grey primer. Turbulance is gone, noise is up, no better or worse than without the windshield but with the stock grey shield.”