catalyst

Hey all, I'm new to FJ 09.org, migrating from KawasakiVersys.com. Still need to sell it! The Versys had a Givi screen on it and it did a pretty good job controlling noise and buffeting. I'd read that the stock Fj 09 was poor in performance, but I really like the look. After riding my FJ, I learned what everyone has been complaining about. I'd also read about the trial and error of many other riders and many other shields. I may have a better idea to atleast know what a shield is actually doing. I taped 10" pieces of yarn to top, upper corners, and lower corners so I can actually see where the air is going at different test ride speeds. That helped me tune the stock screen to best suit me. I'm 6'1" and use the tall seat setting. Screen in highest position. Some of the posts I read suggested that having the shield away from the bike, allowing air under the shield, would release some of the turbulence. The Givi on the Versys was that way. I'd also read about owners using thicker rubber grommets to tilt the screen. I went a different route. I removed the shield's mounting plate, or carriage, and added spacers behind that. I started with four, 1" spacers, that simply moved the shield out. I'm not sure if there was much change, even though there was now a gap for air to flow under the shield. Next, I tried mounting 1" spacers at the top, and 1/2" spacers at the bottom to make the screen more vertical. My redneck wind tunnel test ride showed the bubble, what little there is, and the turbulence as the air came over the screen. I think it's an improvement. Less pressure on the helmet, especially when turning your head to check the lane next to you. After that, I put the 1" spacers at the bottom, and the 1/2" spacers at the top, tilting the screen back. In this position, the air flowed more cleanly over the shield and the yarn moved less as there was less turbulence. The air was hitting me right in the chin and it must be what it feels like to ride the bike with a shorty screen. No turbulence, but no protection either. If I turned my head to check the lane, there was a violent pull as the helmet was suddenly less aero. As far as noise goes, I wear Ear Peace plugs and listen to music. I think noise is going to be different for everyone because of helmet design, tolerance, deafness, etc. However, protection from the wind was what I was after. My conclusion is that using the 1" spacers at top and 1/2" spacers at the bottom with the screen more vertical, provides a small pocket of air for your helmet. Less constant pressure on the face, and way less when turning your head. The mod was simple. Two 1" long, .257 inner diameter, 1/2" outer diameter spacers, two 1/2" long, .257 inner diameter, 1/2" outer diameter spacers, two 6mm x 40mm 1.00 pitch hex head screws, and two 6mm x 35mm screws. I put an angle on the side of the spacers that face the screen to help them fit more flush, compensating for the difference in spacer length. If you think it's an improvement, let me know.