| Author | Message | ||
     Gsilvernale |
I ordered the Tall Windshield (+4 inches) from Buell. I had heard lots of bad things about it on this forum, but I thought I would give it a try, since there does not seem to be a good alternative. Anyway, it came in yesterday - but there was not a mounting kit (bolts for the bottom holes) with the windshield. Its supposed to be there, but its on back order, and they went and shipped the windshield anyway. My dealer (Low Country HD) did there best to rectifiy the situtation. They were even going to call around to other dealers and buy it from them. I was happy with the effort that they expended. I suggested that I could probably go to Lowes and get the parts and do a temporary install until the real kit comes in. So I went to Lowes, and for about $7.50 got the bolts, nuts, washers, spacers (in stainless). Took about 15 minutes to assemble it. My problem with the short windshield was that the wind pressure on my shoulders (with my heavy duty textile riding jacket) was significant and just plain wore me out. I found myself riding at slower speeds, so that the pressure was not as bad. I am 6'2". I have had a number of other bikes, and riding with this jacket has always increased the shoulder wind pressure. If I ride with a teeshirt, its much less noticeable (hey, skin grows back and scars are cool) After installing the tall Windshield, I found that it definetly removed most of the pressure. The downside is that my helmet is now in more turbulent air. A major increase in noise is the major factor. With the short screen, I can ride without ear plugs, but the tall Windshield is going to prevent that. Its just much too noisy at anything over 60 MPH. I also believe that it changed the sound characteristics of the motor. Before when I rolled on the throttle, I could hear that nice deep bass sound of the engine. It seems like it has diminshed now - not as much fun. Maybe this is because my ears were overloaded with the other sounds. One of the major complaints on this board with this windshield has been buffeting. I found this to be true when riding in traffic, but not true for me when riding in clean air. I tend to avoid traffic on my bike, so this is not an issue for me. So I am kind of 50/50 on the windshield. Earplugs will solve the noise issue, but then I miss out on the aural experience of this great motor. For long trips, the tall windshield will definelty go on, but I would love to decrease the noise level. I understand that there are some folks (Strada - Iain Palmer) who have made brackets to move the windshield up and out - thereby decreasing the non-laminar flow around the helmet. But the last I heard, these were not available in the United States yet. I thought about going with a Laminar Lip on top, but I have not been able to find out how much this really helps and certain postings lead me to believe that with the tall windscreen, it makes it worse. | ||
| V_thunder |
Trim it an inch | ||
| Msparks |
How tall are you? I'm 5"11 with a 34" inseam (so I have a shorter torso than most my height) anyhow I'm loving the tall screen. Had it on the interstate today for about 15 miles (god I hate the interstate) but really the noise wasn't bad (I didn't have ear plugs in) No interstate is actually a real joy and have only worn earplugs once since I've owned the bike. I normally don't wear earplugs if I'm riding less than 100 miles. My air is pretty clean as far as shields go. PS I have an 06 with the originally (taller seat) don't know if that makes a difference. | ||
| Bertotti |
The seat will make a diff as it is close to 3 inches taller. I am only 5'8" with around a 30.5 inch inseam and The original tall shield, the one with the lip, buffets bad but I have had it on long enough I don't remember what the short one was like. I have a 06 original seat to try and I won't trim mine till I decide which seat I will be sticking with. I will be trimming it an inch if I go with the 07 seat though. | ||
| Gsilvernale |
I have the shorter seat (08 standard). I am 6'2, so a taller seat might help get my head up higher, (or I could trim it an inch?) | ||
| Gtmg |
I have the new tall windshield on at "06 with an "07 seat. I really like it. Made riding much more pleasurable at higher speeds. I am 5'11" with 30" inseam long torso. I think it is a winner if you are doing more touring. | ||
| Supertoon |
I am quietly waiting for the Madstad bracket for my tall screen. I really want to believe this will help immensely. It is supposed to be available shortly, perhaps wait before cutting the screen. I know two board members are running prototypes and seem very pleased. FWIW I am running a laminar lip on the buell tall and at 6'-0" it ain't bad, but it flexes the screen alot and is not that attractive.  | ||
| Strada |
Hi, Gsilvernale, I have sold 20 kits over the last 2 weeks (mostly to the States) with 100% positive feedback. I get a constant stream of enquiries about this kit so it's obviously a major concern for a lot of people. I even offer a 'try-before-you-buy' for anyone wishing to visit Essex. My kit really does transform the bikes cruising ability and is very cost effective. I'll do a deal for anyone on this web who emails me. Cheers Iain [IMG]http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg312/Palmer-Bracket/07032008073.jpg[/IMG] (Message edited by Strada on March 07, 2008) (Message edited by Strada on March 07, 2008) | ||
| Fubar |
I am one of Strada's new customers for the "Palmer Bracket". Here are my impressions so far: Ordering process - Painless and *fast*. Was worried that coming from the UK it would take forever. 5 days from order to arrival (including the weekend). Quality - Clearly a well made piece. Brushed stainless. Looks terrific on my *Black* baby. Did get comments from two friends on the look. One loved the post-modern-industrial-chic look. The other just said "And just when I thought the Uly couldn't get any uglier...." Personally, it works for me. Installation - 20 mins with no drama. The illustrated instructions are great, but would like to have had a more easily printable format. The bracket comes assembled in the highest position, so I thought I'd start there. In the standard (high) position it looks a bit funky as it messes with the lovely lines of the bike. Butt hay...if it works I can deal. Riding impression - My first ride was in full combat mode - Silicon Valley rush-hour - so it was kinda hard to tell. It clearly raises the blast from right below the helmet to about eye level. Noise is reduced, as well as buffeting. The ride home was faster and it confirmed the improvement. There was no undue vibration in the screen (CB +4). I had her up to 90 mph several times and there was marked improvement at that speed. When I got home I took *1* minute to adjust the screen to the middle position so it tilted back more. I expect this might smooth the flow a bit and make it even better. Will update post if necessary. Net-net - Money well spent. Great service and terrific product. | ||
| Strada |
Many thanks for the good feedback and glad it works for you! It is very difficult to design a product that suits everybody and every criteria but I think I have struck a good balance between looks, functionality and cost. I did think about instruction sheets but is better to follow detailed pictures but I know that's hard when the bike is outside! However I was also trying to be environmentally friendly and not use paper & ink! I am also working on hand-guard extensions which will be about half the cost of anything available for the Ulysses at the moment - Mudguards and Fender Extensions are also available now if you want more details; again this seems to be a problem area for alot of people as well. | ||
| Bugnut |
I've got to chime in here. The difference I see between Madstads and Stradas bracket is adjustably. With Mark's I can adjust anytime, at any speed for both angle and height. With out tools. In about 4 seconds. Maybe less. One handed. Also, as Supertoon said, "but it flexes the screen allot" - that comes from the plastic flyscreen. Mark is working on fine tuning an aluminum flyscreen that all but totally eliminates that flex. And it will be part of the package with the brackets. As the screen gets taller and the angle of attack steeper that plastic flyscreen takes all the punishment. My test aluminum piece from Mark has stopped almost all the wiggle at idle and eliminated the flex at speed. Again, not to take way anything from Strada, but I feel Mark is addressing every possible issue that the bracket may encounter before putting it out there. Also, for those that are "worried" about going over the bars with these brackets...man up! Your riding a moving target. If I was going over the bars, I'd be worried about allot more important things than these brackets. The windshield! It could, possibly with the right force, cut me in half! Solution - take it off! Oh my gosh, the mirrors could grab my sleeves as I tumble over the bars! Solution - take them off! Come on, drive a car if your that worried that a small piece of your bike will bite you. Man up! Mike | ||
| Strada |
Why do you feel the need to chime in? Nobody is comparing products here. I'm just providing a response to the thread starter and offer a fix that nobody else currently sells. My kit also addresses the flex issue and I don't feel the need to change the plastic cowl because my kit isn't bulky. Also, how on earth can you suggest that you can make adjustments to anything that means riding 1-handed whilst fiddling at any speed? (Message edited by Strada on March 07, 2008) | ||
| Gotj |
Bugnut or anyone, Any idea why there's no adverse feedback on flyscreen flexing for Strada's mount? Maybe it doesn't rise as high as Madstadt's? Or maybe less maximum angle of attack? Something else? I'm either going to a bracket or just the flyscreen and will have to make a choice if I go with the bracket. None of the current windshield options seem to be what I'm looking for. | ||
| Galloper |
My 2 eurocents: Before I got the Strada Brackets I installed a MRA spoiler made for the large Suzuki V-Strom screen.   That same week I saw the Strada brackets and 3 or 4 days later I had those on the bike.  After some riding with the brackets in the middle - most forward position I changed the position to High - most forward.  This was my least favorite. Somehow it didn't feel well... although the Autobahn ride was never as easy. I have it now in Lowest - most forward position but due to being sick I'm not able to ride and comment on it yet. But I'm very pleased with the brackets. | ||
| Bugnut |
Felt like I could chime in. Didn't know you had the power to edit who comments. Oh well. I personally have around 9000 miles with Mark's bracket. It works and I ride allot with one hand on the bar. I have no issues with riding one handed when prudent. Heck, even no handed some times.  If I need to pull over and adjust, it's done in about 4 seconds and I'm off again. I don't need tools. Just commenting on the ease of use for Mark's product. Also, I felt the movement and flex of a tall screen with the tall screens caused too much movement. Even without a bracket. He addressed the issue and I feel he has a solid, safe, and practical solution to us over sized folks. I, in no way, want to detract from your design or the people who wish to use it. You worked hard on it and it shows in the quality of the product. But I know I wouldn't feel done with it if I had to stop, put a tool to it, ride, stop, put tool to it, etc, until it was just right. And if I felt the need to angle it up to go off road and make some jumps, again, no tool, just a quick adjust. I adjust my screen at least twice a day, just due to the type of commuting I do. Freeway, back road, 2 lane, or sometimes, quick squirt onto a dirt road for a stress reliever. And if I want to leave it in one position, I can. But I don't. Big trucks around here cause huge amounts of buffeting. Up she goes. Back on the surface streets, it's back down again. The two of you are way ahead of the aftermarket with these. It's in no way a Beta vs VHS kind of thing. I just don't think you've got what I would be looking for for with your current bracket. The Madstad product came up, I spoke up. Now your mud flap on the front? Oh yeah! Good deal there. Waiting for you to produce. Mark isn't going to make me one of those cool bits. What I like about Madstads bracket, I can go from this:  to this:  to this:  in a what feels like a nanosecond, riding or not. So don't get too riled up. I do like your work. And will eventually pay for it. I think your flap may help my voltage regulator problem - keeps getting too wet. Makes no sense, but I'm on my 3rd one. But a whole other issue. I'm just pointing out another version of the bracket that I happen to have. And like.  Mike | ||
| Galloper |
Both products will do what they are made for. I did not know of the Madstad product before this thread. Does it also work with the larger Buell screen? I'm first on the list for Strada's electric screen adjuster  | ||
| Xbimmer |
Gsilvernale, I've griped often here about my displeasure with my Buell Tall shield. I'm 5'11" and short-waisted so my Tall shield would put buffeting right into my face port at anything above 25mph, freeway speeds were intolerable with my helmet doing a rhythmic side to side wiggle like a bobble-head-dog-thing in the back of a car... Although I think it looks good on the bike I hate it, and I've given it a few chances. My Tall shield looks like Galloper's, with a recurve at the top edge beginning about 2" from the top. Supertoon's looks to me like the shield on the pics of the new XT, without the recurve. I've yet to see one of these Tall shields in person to confirm my thoughts. I'm wondering how the two different-profile Buell Talls compare? Right now I'm perfectly happy with my Laminar Lip on the stock shield, even past 60mph with faceshield up on my helmet, no problems. (Message edited by xbimmer on March 08, 2008) | ||
| Johnboy777 |
I have the ZG +4 and it works great all the way up to 80-85mph or so. I'm 6'2" w/34" inseam. Hits me a few inches under the helmet, and gets the wind off the chest. I do wish it was wider though - i may try a Parabellum 16.5" which is about as high as the tall or ZG +4, but wider.  | ||
| Nav18tor |
Looks like that image could be the UK, wet and miserable! I have a Zero Gravity +4 and have found it works well for me @ 6' tall | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Looks like that image could be the UK, wet and miserable! Shhhh... bean tryin' to pass meself off as a yank! . | ||
| Gsilvernale |
Here is a picture of the tall Buell screen Note that its on the slower blue Ulysses. There is a little flip in the last 2 inches.  | ||
| Strada |
Gotj, if it helps with trying to make a decision, I would just like to say that I believe that there isn't really anything wrong with the standard touring screen shape, it just needs putting in the correct position. Now you have 2 choices on how to do this and there is plenty of info on mine and Bugnut (sorry for my retort - had a couple of beers after spending 3 hours fitting a mates exhaust to his XB9S!!) has also provided a detailed account of his positive experience. There are several larger screen alternatives but most look a bit drastic - although this is probably what you need to do if you don't change the screen location. You've never had it so good! | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Did I miss something? The Madstad brackets are NOT available to the public. So why do we keep talking about this? BTW, if i did miss something, my bad. If not, WTF. . (Message edited by johnboy777 on March 08, 2008) | ||
| Xbimmer |
Here is a picture of the tall Buell screen Note that its on the slower blue Ulysses. There is a little flip in the last 2 inches. Oops! I was referring to Supertoon's flip-less screen...  The one on your blue Uly looks like mine...correction made! | ||
| Gsilvernale |
I ordered a set of Palmer Brackets today. The English Pound to Dollar conversion is a killer. Its more than 2 dollars per pound. | ||
| Bertotti |
Can an individual buy the acrylic for these screens themselves? And how hard is it to form? Slow heat and pressure? I think both these brackets look great what do they run? | ||
| Strada |
Thanks for the order today Gsilvernale and sorry about the crappy exchange rate! I'm sure you will find them worth it though when you've fitted them. I'll email you the link for the on-line instructions (detailed digital photos) so you can look through the process beforehand. Bertotti, forming acrylic or similar is extremely difficult without proper formers and uniform heat - please don't waste any of your hard-earned-cash trying! I think you can get the taller screens for less than £50. | ||
| Jb2607 |
I have the tall factory windscreen and haven't had any issues other than just more bugs to clean off. I am 6' with a 31" inseam, so my height is in my back. | ||
| Muppet |
Just got home today after having visited Iain (Strada) yesterday and getting him to fit his kit. Here's my observations: He does a good job of working whilst you stand around chatting and generally doing nothing  His wife makes a great cuppa. His screen kit is top quality, very professionally made. His mudflaps are also very good, and his handguard extensions too - all very well thought out bit's of kit that simply work. Initially I had the screen adjusted to the highest & furthest forward setting, but this actually induced a bit of buffeting. I think this is more down to the screen I have than anything else, it's a Zero Gravity +3" (I think). It doesn't have the lip that the Buell screen does and so the air wasn't getting pushed quite high enough on my bike. I moved the screen to it's highest but furthest back position and that smoothed out the airflow an awful lot. I still want to play with the other settings to see if I can improve things still further, but ultimately I do think I'd get a better result with the Buell +4" screen with the up sloping lip on it to get good clean air round my helmet! In summary, a great product that makes a definite improvement and is well worth the money, even for you guys in the US with the crap exchange rate at the moment. Thanks for your time and hospitality Iain, a true Gent and a great product.  | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Buell doesn't make the Tall Screen with the upturn any longer. Those were the older style talls - perhaps some dealers still carry these, though. All talls now are just like the ZG screens - no upturn. . |
