CZman

Whilst trying to sell the Zero Gravity DB shield, I had many questions about its performance. Here's my experience with a less-than-empirical comparison:

I suspect that Honda did their homework when they designed the stock shield. Like their other sport bikes, they probably tested the dynamics in a wind tunnel with a 4' 10" Jap guy sitting on the bike in a tuck position wearing an Arai helmet, dreaming of a bento. For me (5'10", 170 lbs, long torso, 31" inseam, Shoei helmet) the stock shield places the wind just below my chin and across my shoulders when I am travelling above about 50mph. That's right where I need it to reduce the fatigue of the sport bike forward lean (came off a ST1300). However, and here's the key detail, I very recently found that my rear shock preload setting (RSPS) can have a drastic impact on what happens at the front of the bike! Imagine that! With the stock shield, and with the RSPS about 1/4" from full squish/fully threaded down, meaning that there is only 1/4" of threads left underneath the spanner nut adjustment that sits just over the top of the rear shock spring (confused yet?), then the wind position is perfect. I can see why riders go for the shock spacers. When I adjusted/loosened/counter-clockwise-threaded the spanner nut about 1/2", resulting in a lower back end and a softer ride, then the wind turbulance at the front was unbearable. It hit me right at the ears. This was true for both the stock shield and the Zero Gravity DB. So, I re-adjusted my RSPS to almost full-squish and completely eliminated the turbulance, which now hits me at my chest, where it belongs. Then, I tested the ZGDB againsts the stock shield, on the same day, on the same 50 mile route, with the same suspension settings. I found that for me, there is about 3" of difference between the two shields. The stock shield places wind resistance at my chest and chin, where I need it. The ZGDB places it at my face, where I do not want it, and decreases wind resistance at my shoulders, where I need it to reduce forward-lean fatigue. I suspect that my experience is an interaction of a lot of different variables, like height, weight, load, suspension setting, posture, helmet, etc. So, your experience could be quite different. I am back to the stock shield, with a stiff rear end (the bike, not mine) and a smile.

Partsguy

Very good info.I'm 5'7" so I got the db to tuck behind and that's the only reason.Did put lots of k's on the road with it and didn't really notice a difference.

sv61

I DID notice a difference between the windscreens. The stock wind screen allowed the wind blast to hit between my chest and waist, while the DB hits about my lower neck to upper chest. It is still allowing wind blast low enough, where the DB is NOT a noticably LOUDER Windscreen.

I did not, however, realize any difference when adding the 6mm shim. Of course. You guys are a lot more in tune than me!!!!

You get too crazy with the size of the windscreen, and suddenly the wind noise is attrocious. Case in point, the ST1300. Sit in just the right position, and the wind blast hit right at the base of your helmet, causing turbulence (read: noise). My friends BMW R1200ST has an adjustable windscreen. He purchased a larger windscreen, and while keeping you warmer, it is unrideable without earlplugs above 70 mph.

heisti

the GSX1300R is definitly designed for shor people - but when ALL of you remember your foot-position - still shure that this, our bike was made for 4´ 10" japanese gnomes?!?!
to be honest: THAT was the point that made me buying a honda-bird instead of a suzuki-bird (yamaha gts1000 did´nt make it because of the high costs for maintaining).
my shield is the original form - only about 8cm higher - so the bike has still the same face and i have less pressure on my nippl... on my chest.


but in the feb-issue of superbike magazine you all can see...

__________________

Shorebird

Me thinks you are correct. I am 6 foot 1 inch and a bit. The stock shield hit me too low. Now with the double bubble and the 6mm shim the air hits me right at mid chest. So at 50 mph no strain on my wrist just a happy ride .

H.D

Catenaccio

Got a Powerbronze iridium silver db on order. Wanted something I could tuck behind during the winter months. The stock screen works very well for me. Will report when the mod is in place.

wojo

I put a double bubble on a 1999 BB with the shim on the rear shock. I find there is less buffeting in high winds and that the bike seems to be more stable. It is like the screen is an arrow that cuts into the wind and holds the bike on course better. The improved cornering with the shim is not affected though. I should note that Honda changed the standard screen after 1999 and raised it and so my standard screen is pretty flat and low. The standard screen lifted me off the bars quite well but I have not done long distance at speed to determine if the DB is better or worse in that regard.

Poundstretcher

6'4" powerbronze no probs