With 200 miles on my bike, riding back from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Returning Rider Course a headwind picked up. That wind beat the daylights out of me for about ten miles. I knew then that I needed some kind of wind protection.
I looked around on the web for windshields for my Boulevard S40. Everything I came across was above $250 and I wasn't willing to spend that much for something that might or might not work. I did a quick check of Amazon and found Slipstreamer. It appeared that the Slipstreamer “Spitfire S-06C” might just work. The price was right so I went to the Slipstreamer web site to check it out.
It turns out that the Spitfire was just what the doctor ordered. Under $100, good reviews and an easy install.
The Spitfire is fifteen inches from the headlight opening to the top of the shield. Mine is set about three inches above the headlight and comes to about my nose level. The Spitfire was a breeze to install. It took about forty minutes including quick rides to get the positioning just right.
The Spitfire installs via two adjustable bars that attach to clamps on the bike's handlebars. At first glance it appears flimsy but in practice I have no problems at up to 65 mph (I haven't ridden any faster but I doubt that it would make a difference).
To install the Spitfire attach the bars to the windscreen using the included nuts. Then you install the clamps to the handlebars; these install in different configurations so you may have to do some trial and error here.
After installing the windscreen get on and go for a short ride to test the angle and height. Make adjustments and repeat. Once you have it right, re-tighten all the screws and bolts and take a longer ride. If everything is fine remove each fastener one at a time and put some “Medium Strength (Blue) Loctite” and re-install. Now there is no danger of the windshield coming loose while riding.
The Spitfire works great; it deflects the air and wind off of my chest and over my head. It greatly diminishes wind noise and if for some reason I want to ride without the screen it is easy to remove. The shield is made of optically clear acrylic and should stand up to normal motorcycle use. Slipstreamer makes a variety of screens for almost any motorcycle you can think of. They include all needed hardware and are available in either chrome or black finish. The screens are available in either clear or a light smoke tint.
Slipstreamer publishes an Application Chart. The chart lists the windshields and what bikes they are compatible with. They also offer their full line catalog for download.
©Tim Marks 2015 All rights reserved
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