Posted October 30, 20168 yr We all know the OEM screen isn't perfect, and I like the look of a small tinted screen. I recently picked up a small tinted Ermax screen from another forum member, and during the installation, I thought I would replace the OEM plastic screws with some SS pieces. While looking in my parts stash, I found the SS screws and some small plastic spacers. I don't remember where I got them, but they look like something you would use to mount a piece of pegboard. They're small cylinders about 1/2" tall. With nothing to loose but a little time, I mounted the Ermax screen with these spacers, effectively holding the screen 1/2" off of the mounts. How does it work? Well I only got a few miles before the sky opened up, but I was pleasantly surprised on how much quieter/smoother it was compared to OEM. I have not tried the Ermax screen without the spacers or the OEM screen with the spacers, but based on my brief ride, I don't plan on any more screen mods. Keep in mind, this set up doesn't create a large quiet air pocket, but a very smooth and quiet air flow. Here's my bike with the Ermax;Front Side Close up of spacers One small negative, all full lock, the edge of the OEM handguard touched the screen. I plan to replace them with KTM handguards, and I think that issue will go away.
October 31, 20168 yr Author Update, I installed a set of Renthal bars with KTM handguards and have no clearance issues.
November 12, 20168 yr Author Another update, 1/2" spacers worked well, so I thought I would try 1" spacers. I will be going back to 1/2". Both spacers made smooth air, but 1" spacers was very loud. With 1/2" spacers, the loudness was mostly at higher speeds ~70 MPH.
November 13, 20168 yr Author Switched back to 1/2" spacers and went for a couple hour ride. 1/2" spacers is definitely much better than 1" spacers. Smooth air at all speeds, and the noise become noticeable, but tolerable above 65-70 MPH.
November 17, 20168 yr I've done something similar . But instead of putting the spacers on the screen, I've jusr put 2 spacers on the top of the mounting bracket. This pushes the top out and makes the screen more vertical. The change is amazing, cut the wind noise by 2/3rds. Before the bike was unridable without earplugs.
November 17, 20168 yr Author I've done something similar . But instead of putting the spacers on the screen, I've jusr put 2 spacers on the top of the mounting bracket. This pushes the top out and makes the screen more vertical. The change is amazing, cut the wind noise by 2/3rds. Before the bike was unridable without earplugs. How thick were the spacers you used?
November 17, 20168 yr I've done something similar . But instead of putting the spacers on the screen, I've jusr put 2 spacers on the top of the mounting bracket. This pushes the top out and makes the screen more vertical. The change is amazing, cut the wind noise by 2/3rds. Before the bike was unridable without earplugs. Some pics please
November 18, 20168 yr I used a rubber shock mount cut in half, so it is about 10mm when tightened up. Of course you need longer bolts to do this. Its a bit hard to photograph.
November 20, 20168 yr Author I've done something similar . But instead of putting the spacers on the screen, I've jusr put 2 spacers on the top of the mounting bracket. This pushes the top out and makes the screen more vertical. The change is amazing, cut the wind noise by 2/3rds. Before the bike was unridable without earplugs. I tried your mod today and liked it. Up to about 55 MPH, it was very quiet. At 70+, you could hear the air, but it was not too loud. I used 1/2 plastic spacers and M6x30mm long bolts. The weather turned for the worse and I couldn't try any other variations, but if I get a another chance, I might try spacing out my screen again, like in my original post.
November 20, 20168 yr If we got caught at 70 mph down here in the colonies we would be flogged with the cat'o'nine tails, lose our license for 3 years and sent as convicts back to England.
November 20, 20168 yr If we got caught at 70 mph down here in the colonies we would be flogged with the cat'o'nine tails, lose our license for 3 years and sent as convicts back to England. at 70mph? But thats hardly moving officer? lol.
January 4, 20178 yr I tried this mod with a spacers under the black windshield mount, 1/2" on bottom and 5/8" on top to rake it slightly steeper and let some air in under the shield. I'm going with the theory of the Madstad system and today felt some improvement in both middle and top positions, tomorrow trying low. I'm thinking the little diverters under the black bracket and under the shield are pushing the air to the sides and disturbing the cleaner flow. Has anyone tried cutting these off? I'm tempted to see if it works but it's a commitment at that point.
February 1, 20178 yr Last night I decided to drill four holes in the stock screen to work like the Earmax and let more air under the screen to reduce the turbulence of the stock shield. Today test riding today work in the middle position was much smoother at speeds up to 80 mph and on the way home tried high and was definitely better than before. With the windshield still spaced out and slightly angled more between the adjuster and plastic plate with the drilled holes I feel the stock screen is good enough for me and wont search for anything different. In comparison with the stock setup it buffeted my head so bad if I didn't duck it gave me a headache! I'm 5'10", 30" inseam. It's definitely worth a try as the worst you can do is ruin a windshield you wanted to throw away anyway!
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