Windshields and taller Touring Windscreens

Optimal size for a windscreen depends simply on rider hight and character of riding. Touring enduros have quite tall frames which leads to riders from the taller end of spectrum, but several enduros can be tuned down with accessory seats and by changing the rear suspension bottom link. Therefore the rider hight spectrum is wider than ever. Generally there are two size of standard windscreens. Models that are mainly designed for urban and every day riding have usually shorter windshields which provide a minimum coverage. Models that are mainly designed for grand touring provide more coverage also by the windscreen. There are usually even more adjustments for the windscreen, perhaps also spoilers.

Windshields with minimum coverage

The minimum coverage is basically enough for short tours, adventure riding on gravel and trails and of course daily riding close to home. The Exposure time to turbulence is relative short and especially when active adventure riding is in question, the concentration is focused on other things than the turbulence. Also the speed changes more frequently being generally relative low which sets the aerodynamical requirements to minimum too.

Windscreens with more coverage

The minimum coverage is not sufficient for grand touring with long riding hours per day after day, especially when you are riding faster and the riding itself is not challenging. At that point you can concentrate on factors around the comfortable riding. Soon you will notice all that bothers your enjoyment. Taller windscreens may not come as standard, but are available at the brand dealer or at least allroad touring equipment providers. Taller windscreens have also limits and the tallest end of riders often need to turn to spoilers and windscreen extension. Fortunately there are quite many options and the opportunity for individual solutions. Some of the allroad riders have been really creative, but most of us do not need to.

Challenging Aerodynamics

Changing the windscreen, adjusting the screen, adding a spoiler or windshield extension is not always that simple. By overdoing it, you can create also negative aerodynamics such as vacuum turbulence. There are at least the following factors creating this problem. Excessive windscreen shapes, too steep windscreen angle, too much distance between the windscreen and the rider and too low air pressure behind the windscreen creating a suction effect.

Windscreen Spoilers

Windscreen spoilers are practical fine tuning of slightly small windshields creating turbulence around the helmet. The drumming turbulence is very annoying when riding long hours day after day. It takes partially your focus from riding and that can be even dangerous. Anyhow the turbulence takes easily the joy of touring.

One perhaps less know advantage of taller windscreens and spoilers is the protection against mosquitos. When the season is on and you are riding through such areas, you can really see the difference on your windscreen and hear it on your visor or goggles. At least my windscreens and spoilers turned quite black during the mosquito season and I had to wash them constantly.

Today there are several universal wind spoilers to choose from, but if your windshield is simply far too short, I recommend to look for taller touring screens or bigger screen extensions. You can find alternative windscreens and spoilers at HORNIG, Wunderlich, MRA, GIVI or TOURATECH for example. Pay attention to the tip edge of the windscreen. It should be below your clear sight to the point of the road ahead, you are normally looking when riding in high speed. Therefore you are not looking through the windscreen nor the spoiler.

Windscreen Angle Adjustments

Some of the touring enduros have quite versatile adjustments possibilities. The BMW R1200GS Adventure 2014 is one of those. As standard you can turn the windscreen from the both sides few degrees, but by installing additional adjustment mounts in front of the windscreen, you can turn few degrees more up or down making a clear difference. Some of the touring enduros require few tools to change the position of the windscreen and some do not allow you to adjust at all without changing the parts.