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Would a windscreen help in a Naked bike?

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  • Would a windscreen help in a Naked bike?

    Hi guys,

    This question has been going on in my mind for quite sometime now and i thought what better place to get a clear understanding, with so many first hand experience holders than here. I own an Kawasaki 2016 ER6N and wanted to know whether changing the stock windscreen be of any good.

    This question comes to mind from an experience and would want to get a clarity on the same. Couple of weeks back i was riding and the moment i crossed 140 km/hr, i started experiencing this tremendous pressure on the upper torso and with the increasing speed it kept on increasing and at 175 km/hr i had to let go off the throttle and that was because of 2 reasons which were firstly there was too much wind pressure for me to able to control the bike properly(it felt as if you are riding a wild bull) and secondly because there was no more throttle left. So would the windscreen change play any role in tackling this?

    I am guessing that because of the tremendous air pressure, the riding jacket started acting as a wall and not letting the bike speed further and that's how i finished my throttle play and if i change the windscreen, the bike will be able to speed further and handling will also become easier as the air will now be deflected away from the upper torso. I am 6.2 ft.

    Would request fellow riders who have faced this problem and been able to resolve it to throw some light on it.
    2004 Bajaj Discover
    2005 Indica XETA GLX
    2009 Chevrolet Spark
    2013 Maruti Suzuki Swift VDI
    2014 Hyundai Verna 1.6 SX CRDI
    2015 Royal Enfield Classic 500
    2016 Kawasaki ER6N

  • #2
    Re: Would a windscreen help in a Naked bike?

    [MENTION=86087]Navneet.321[/MENTION] Topic approved and moved to the right section.

    I hope you were on a racetrack or an authorised/ private road, because Xbhp doesn't recommend breaking the law.

    Anyhow, I own a Duke 390, and I've taken it to 172 kmph on the Buddh International Circuit (on the back straight of 1 kms or so). From my experience, what you said is true, the wind force ends up so severe beyond 130 or so, that any rider easily feels why they give it a name as extreme as "windBLAST".

    Throttle could be at its end for a variety of reasons, maybe you shifted too early or something. Maybe it was 4th or 5th gear and not top? But Yes, Throttle may be pulled and the Revs may still be low, if the bike is on slope or under any other pressure.

    So, the struggle against windblast is definitely a lot on naked bikes, and is present even on faired bikes a little, but there are solutions too:-
    1. While riding, keep crouched on the tank. This is exactly the way to ride a naked bike fast. For example, Yamaha FZ1 and KTM Superduke 1290R both touch speeds so abnormally high for a naked bike, but chin down crouched is the only way you'll actually see them, probably...
    I did not experience significant problems on my Duke, when I was at around 170~ crouched down on the tank. It was not a choice, it was basically the only way to ride this fast.

    2. You could use slipstream to ease windblast. It means to follow someone by being directly behind them riding at a similar speed to avoid full power direct windblast on your face... So while they're ahead, they face the stationary air, while you (behind them) face the forward moving air, due to their speed.
    This technique is often used for overtakes in racing. In longer journeys, it can help with comfort, but distance must be maintained and it's risky if you don't brake or react in time.

    Now, I too have a Fazer fairing Modi-fitted on my Duke. And yes, it does help...
    But do not expect full fairing dynamics. You're still expected to crouch a little at warp speeds, and there may be problem if you can't see ahead... Choose a transparent visor in my opinion.. And one made specifically for your bike.
    Last edited by Samarth 619; 10-21-2016, 11:24 PM.
    ---
    Brotherhood, Rules, Freedom. Xbhp.
    Indian riding = Alertness, Anticipation and Adjustment.

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    • #3
      Re: Would a windscreen help in a Naked bike?

      To achieve top speed it is better to bend head and back forward as much possible. That will reduce air drag. Windscreen is for comfort in upright riding for long distance touring purpose, unless windscreen very much slanted backward and short like in high end sports bikes.

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