ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Tech => Parts, Mods And Hacks => Topic started by: BamBam on May 11, 2017, 06:55:18 PM
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Hi Everyone………I’d first like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as new member to the forum. I took delivery of a new 2017 Zero FXS a couple of weeks ago and am looking forward to benefiting from all the valuable information here as well as being a contributor.
I’ve recently read through all 10-pages of the “Which Windscreen is OK†thread and learned a lot, but I didn’t see where anyone talked about putting a windscreen on an FXS, so I was wondering if anyone has some hands on experience with doing that. I've been looking at the offerings from all of the usual suspects (MRA, National Cycle, Slipstreamer, and Puig). I’m not interested in any of the Zero aftermarket windscreens. They are all too small and too expensive. The Slipstreamer Turbo that a few folks are using is way too big for my taste. I would like something that provides decent wind and rain protection since I commute to work all year round and the weather in Cincinnati can get pretty nasty.
So far I think the Highwayshield, V-Flow Type C, V-Flow Type Z, and Vario from MRA, the Deflector from National Cycle, the Spitfire from Slipsteamer, the Rafale Universal and Touring Universal from Puig, and finally the Cal Sci prototype screen in post #103 of the thread seem to be good candidates.
So I’m looking for some feedback on which windscreens might work on the FXS model. Is it safe to assume that if the windscreen fits on other Zero models that it will also work on the FXS?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
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I should find out whether the handlebar reach on the FX/S is shorter than the S/DS.
FWIW people go for larger screens because the Zero's cockpit is shorter and lower than most bike's, which means the windscreen has to do more work to clear the rider's helmet.
In case you hadn't noticed, the unofficial manual wiki has entries for the reviewed windscreens so far:
http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Zero_Aftermarket#Windscreens (http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Zero_Aftermarket#Windscreens)
One alternative is to get longer MRA mounting stalks than Zero supplies, so you can support a small windscreen a little higher. The handlebars are 1 1/8" thick near the risers, and taper out to 7/8" near the grips.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/brand/mra-motorcycle-windshields_windshield-mounts (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/brand/mra-motorcycle-windshields_windshield-mounts)
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Don't forget the made in China Fleabay special. Mine is working out very well. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-19-x17-Large-Clear-Windshield-in-All-7-8-1-Handlebars-Universal-US-/172623139132?hash=item283124113c%3Ag%3Aqp4AAOSwHoFXsuTy&_trkparms=pageci%253A5edd72bd-3689-11e7-86bf-74dbd180683c%257Cparentrq%253Af939397815b0ab1c8b0c857dffffaa21%257Ciid%253A24
Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
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Handlebar risers are also recommended to look into getting, as that offers some more flexibility with windscreen mounts. I'll soon be reviewing Rox Speed FX 2" risers for 1-1/8" bars installed on a Zero DSR. Although they were recommended to me I'll be happy to lend them out to any Zero FX(S) rider in the Reno-Tahoe / SF Bay area who wants to do a review of them on the Zero FX platform.
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BamBam, which screen did you ultimately opt for? Review?
I'm in the same situation as you: 2016 FXS which I love and use for commuting across the SF Bay Bridge. It's a short/manageable commute but I'm wondering if a screen would help even just a little bit with the high-speed wind buffeting. Thanks...
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I have ordered a MRA V-Flow X-Creen Sport Typ "Z".
After positionning it on my bike, I found that the shape of the Typ Z screen does not suit well to the FXS. So I will return it.
Probably the Typ "C" is more convenient.
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I have the Puig Rafale (dark smoke) on my FX right now. As a coworker said, "Badass."
Sent from my Z982 using Tapatalk
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I have put some pictures of the MRA V-Flow X-Creen Sport Typ "Z" placed on my FXS here
https://flic.kr/s/aHsm42kdUG
I just hold it with my hands. But it is approximately at the place I would mount it.
I think that using the C shape (instead of the Z shape) and the optional X-CREEN-SPORT deflector would give a good result.
https://www.mrashop.de/com/universal-screens/nakedbike-screens/
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Hey everyone, finally getting back to this thread. I ended up buying the MRA V-Flow "Z" with the Sport X-Creen from Twisted Throttle, but never installed it. After reading GT13013's post I can see how the V-Flow "C" screen might be a better fit so I ordered that one also from TT. I have an RMA from TT to be able to return the one I don't want, but it has to be in the original packaging so I'll just have to hold them up to my bike in the packaging and see which one I think will work best. I think the MRA screen is the best option out there for the FX/S model.
PS - I also purchased the MRA HKSL universal mounting kit from TT.
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Hello
In fact, when I ordered the MRA V-Flow X-Creen Sport Typ "Z", it was said that it should come with the mounting kit. But it was false and I did not receive any mounting kit. Since I have seen that the "Z" shape was not convenient, I returned it, but I have never been able to test which of the mounting kits is the more convenient.
From my previous estimations, I guess that the MRA HKSL universal mounting kit has too long rods.
I will probably order a "C" type, but before I am looking at a way of mounting it like in the following picture, which I saved from the internet some time ago (it is not my bike).
By the way, I am interested by any information about mounting kits for the MRA V-Flow X-Creen on a FXS (or FX).
There exist a lot of kits, but MRA is not able to tell me the best one (I asked them).
https://www.mrashop.de/com/mounting-kits/
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Great photo. I really like that style of mounting system (i.e. where the arms attach to the handlebar riser caps), but I got the impression from the research I've done that that particular system is more bike specific. I specifically ordered the universal HKSL mounting kit because of the longer arms. I read somewhere that you need the longer arms for the Zero because the windshield wants to be further away from the handlebars and I didn't want to end up with them being too short. You can always cut the arms down if you have to so better to be too long.
Do you know what windshield is on the bike in the photo?
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Another option would be to buy the HKSL mounting kit and once you have the windshield mocked up to where you want it, bend the arms to use with the handlebar riser mounting brackets. That is assuming the riser brackets can be purchased separately. That's probably what I will end up doing since my handlebars are already getting kind of crowded with my Tusk hand guards mounted to them.
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No, I do not know exactly which windshield is mounted on the photo. But I have taken some notes when I have stored this picture, and it was a MRA screen. After some research on the MRA website, it could be this "Stealth Shield":
https://www.mrashop.de/com/universal-screens/nakedbike-screens/6426/stealth-shield-stealth-shield-sh-all-years
My handlebar is also a little bit crowded, due to the hand guards (I have those provided by Zero). I attach a picture.
You can also see on this picture that the "Z" shape is not suitable, and the "C" shape is probably far better.
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Right, I'm really glad you pointed out the issue with the Z version not fitting very well. The C version, with the inverted cutout instead of the pointed beak at the bottom, should allow the windscreen to be mounted closer to the handlebars and fit over the instrument cluster. I should be receiving the C version windscreen from TT in a few days.
PS - the windscreen on the yellow S in the photo is most definitely the MRA Stealth, good eye.
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OK. Please tell us about the way you will mount your windshield, and send us photos when it will be done.
I will order mine taking into account what you will experiment.
At the present time, I have to
- select the most appropriate way to mount it between all the mounting kits (https://www.mrashop.de/com/mounting-kits/),
- choose between the normal V-Flow Screen "C" (https://www.mrashop.de/com/selection-by-model/aprilia/125-classic/alle-bj/6123/v-flow-screen-typ-c-v-flow-screen-c-all-years) and add an amovible X-creen-sport-part "XCSA" (https://www.mrashop.de/com/universal-screens/x-creen-part-xcsa-xcta-/x-creen-sport-part-xcsa-/5898/x-creen-sport-aufsatz-x-creen-sport-part-xcsa-all-years), or the complete model V-Flow X-Creen Sport "C" (https://www.mrashop.de/com/selection-by-model/aprilia/125-classic/alle-bj/5627/v-flow-x-creen-sport-typ-c-v-flow-x-creen-sport-c-all-years) which has already holes to fix the X-creen. I love the shape of the V-Flow without the X-Creen, and if it gives a sufficient protection, perhaps I will not use the X-Creen... If you can tell us about the wind protection that you will note, it will help...
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Okay, I certainly will do a follow up.
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I received the MRA V-Flow C version windscreen from Twisted Throttle yesterday and will try to get it on this weekend, but no promises. I heard back from MRA and the special mounting clamp that attaches to the handlebar riser cap to secure the angled mounting rod is available for purchase separately from them. They are going to follow up and send me details of how to order the clamps.
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Perfect. I will follow the progress of the mounting with attention!
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Well I don't have the windscreen fully installed yet, but I did have a chance to compare the MRA V Flow C type to the Z type before returning the Z to Twisted Throttle. The C type is definitely the one to go with. It provides the best fit for the FX/S model. The cutout at the bottom allows the windscreen to be located just above the instrument cluster giving it more height than the Z type. The C type also lets you get the windscreen closer to the handlebars.
I also examined the hardware that comes wit the MRA HKSL mounting kit and it looks like the small clamp that comes with the kit could be adapted to use on the handlebar riser like shown in the photo in post #9. This could be used in lieu of the handlebar clamp. I've included a photo of the clamp. I think all that would be needed to adapt it is a small spacer to fit between the riser cap and the clamp, but you would also need to bend the mounting rod, so I'm going to use the handlebar clamp for now.
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Thanks !
Is this clamp in your picture made from plastic or metal?
I expected that some metallic clamps of this kind could be used:
https://www.mrashop.de/com/mounting-kits/bmw-g-650-x-challenge/6323/hks-d-special-mounting-set
https://www.mrashop.de/com/mounting-kits/honda-cb-600-f-hornet-11-/6329/hks-g-special-mounting-set
After MRA told me that they were unable to help me for the choice of a mounting set, and told me that they had never got any FXS to experiment, I proposed them to buy several mounting sets from their parts (I don't need the commercial packages, only the parts), to experiment myself, to take pictures of the most appropriate mounting and send them, then return them the unused parts, and finally get refunded for these returned parts. I sent this proposition to MRA on October 19th, but I got no answer.
Another possibility could be that some owner of a FXS or a FX could bring his bike to the MRA factory (they are in Teningen, Deutschland, here: https://goo.gl/6chyz4 ), and they could check which is the proper mount...
But at the moment, I expect that you will get a fine solution and show it to us ;)
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Okay, I was able to get the MRA V-Flow C with Sport X-Creen installed over the weekend. The installation was fairly straightforward. The X-Creen was a little challenging at first because there are a lot of parts, but I finally figured it out. The installation instructions are actually pretty good. It's from Germany so what else would you expect.
I used the MRA HKSL mounting kit and mounted the handlebar clamp just below the mount for my Tusk hand guards. Ideally, I would have liked to have mounted the clamp higher up on the handlebars, but I didn't have enough room on the right side because of interference with the front master cylinder. I ordered the mounting kit with the longer straight rods to be on the safe side since I didn't know what length I would need. The rods measure about 9.5". I ended up cutting 2.5" off the end of the rod for my final installation.
I only have two grips which have more to do with the engineering details than anything else. First, the mating surface where the handlebar clamp and mounting rod clamp bolt together should have ratcheting notches so the they lock together when the bolt is tightened. As it is now, you have to get the bolt pretty tight in order to keep the connection from slipping and rotating. Second, I don't know why the attachment of the X-Creen to the windscreen has to be so complicated. There are two holes in the windscreen on each side for mounting the X-Creen brackets. It seems logical that all four mounting points would use the same hardware, but they don't. Two of the holes use an overly complicated press-in bushing and tiny torx sheet metal type screw as opposed to a standard socket head bolt like is used for the other two holes. Really, how many people have that small of a torx bit on hand. I ended up using different screws that I had on hand.
Alright and now for the verdict on the windscreen setup. I had a chance to test it out on my commute to work this morning. The bottom line is I like it a lot. It was about 40 degrees F this morning and I was able to ride with my helmet visor cracked. I am about 5'-11" tall and with the X-Creen adjusted properly, I was able to get the air to deflect over the top of my helmet and still be able to easily see out over the windscreen. The supplemental X-Creen spoiler is a must for taller riders as the main windscreen alone would not be tall enough. The sport version of MRA's X-Creen is really nice because the articulating dog bone connector allows the spoiler to be adjusted for both height and angle. I think this windscreen setup is a really good option for the FX/S model. Overall I'm very pleased with my purchase.
And now for some photos.
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Thanks BamBam ! It will be very helpful.
I planned to install my windscreen a little bit lower than you have done (I am 1m70 tall, i.e. 4" less than you).
I have a question: how are the two rods fixed to the windscreen? It seems that there is a spherical plain bearing there. Can the angle of the rod with respect to the windscreen be chosen freely?
And if you can add a picture showing us the mounting at the right hand side of the handlebar it would be interesting. I realize that I have not the same brake fluid tank as you, and probably not the same hose pathway.
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The rod end at the windscreen is a ball and socket type joint so the rod is able to swivel in all directions. There are screws that allow you to tighten the clamping force on the ball to prevent it from rotating freely once you have it in the final position. I'll include a photo of the right side mount sometime later this evening.
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I left my phone at work so I'll have to take additional photos tomorrow, but the right side mounts right below the handguard clamp just like the left side. The reason I can't mount it higher is because the master cylinder is in the way. The MC is a Nissin 11mm from Webike Japan. Here is a link in case anyone wants more info. BTW, the handlebars I'm using are the Protaper Adventure High Bars.
https://japan.webike.net/products/450472.html
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Well I just completed my second day of commuting with the new windscreen and an annoying issue has developed where the windscreen wants to rotate toward me at the top due to the wind pressure. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the joint at the handlebar mount needs to have serrations or teeth that mesh together when the connecting bolt is tightened to prevent the joint from rotating. I don't dare tightened the bolt any further since the mount is made of plastic and I don't want to risk breaking it.
A friend of mine suggested inserting a serrated or star washer between the mating surfaces. In theory this should work so I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know how it turns out. MRA are you listening.
Other than that problem, which I think is easily fixable, I'm really liking the new windscreen. It has made commuting so much more enjoyable.
And here are a couple pics of the right side handlebar mount that gt13013 wanted to see.
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Thanks for the pictures. It really helps me to take a decision.
I will try to find a solution to fix the windscreen on the 2 front bolts of the central handlebar riser. By this way, I expect to get an all metallic mounting, and avoid slippage.
Clearly, plastic parts are not a very good solution in order to fasten the windscreen securely...
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This page shows interesting mountings:
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=3264.0
Using bent rods adds a lot of degrees of freedom.
I have to figure out, from the very sparse information in MRA website, which could be the most convenient kit...
https://www.mrashop.de/com/mounting-kits/
If they gave pictures and dimensions, it would help...
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Yes, there's some good information in the other thread that you provided a link for. Here are my observations with trying to use the handlebar riser clamps to support the MRA V-Flow C Type windscreen on the FX/S. First, you will need to use a bent arm since the location of the mounting bracket on the windscreen does not line up horizontally with the top of the riser cap. For that reason I don't think a simple straight arm will work.
Second, you could buy the MRA HKSL mounting kit (the one with the longer straight arms) and try to bend the arms. The problem is the arms are 9mm (almost 3/8") in diameter and are solid stainless steel which seem to me would be difficult to cold bend. You also need to make sure the two support arms are bent exactly the same or else the windscreen will be off center since there is no back and forth adjustment. I suppose you could also heat the arms up until they were red hot and bend them that way, but that may melt the plastic ball attached to the end.
Third, judging by the length of the arm that would be needed to work with the windscreen the way I have mine positioned, I don't think one of the special mounting kits with the bent arms that MRA sells will work. I don't think the portion of the arm with the ball attached to it would be long enough. I was planning to take a coat hanger and mock up the arm profile that would be needed for my setup. I'll get back with the dimensions so that can be compared to what MRA offers. I too wish MRA would provide the dimensions for the mounting arms on their website, but I'm sure they would provide that information if you contact them. Their CS has been pretty good with addressing my questions.
PS - the way the guy has the support arms mounted in the other thread that was linked is not really the proper way to position the arms. The proper way is what's shown in the photo in post #9.
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I was able to use a piece of coat hanger and mock-up what the arm profile would want to be in order to mount the V-Flow C screen using the handlebar riser mounts and have attached a photo of it in actual size. Since the total length is 9" you could buy MRA's HKSL mounting kit with the long arms and bend them to shape. However, the arm is pretty beefy so I think it would be really hard to bend. One of MRA's special mounting kits with the angled arms might also work, but the problem is there isn't any dimension information on MRA's website.
As a follow up to the issue with my windscreen wanting to rotate from the wind pressure using the HKSL mounting kit, I put a toothed lock washer in between the joint that is slipping and tightened it up really good so we'll see how that works on my next commute.
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Thanks BamBam for this detailed information.
Perhaps the MRA HKS-I mounting kit (https://www.mrashop.de/com/mounting-kits/ducati-diavel-1200-14-/6331/hks-i-special-mounting-set) could work.
Could you please give me the length of the plastic part (red arrow on the picture), and I will try to estimate the dimension of the HKS-I from this information.
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Good idea, it is 3.5" long so it doesn't look like the long portion of the arm is going to be long enough. I think that's going to be the problem with all of the special mounting kits that MRA sells.
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OK. Last questions.
What is the exact diameter of the arm?
And how is it maintained on the ball?
The other option could be that I take the HKSI, and make longer arms (I can find a way to bend them)...
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The arm is exactly 9mm in diameter using my digital calipers. I don't know how the plastic ball is attached to the rod. It could be glued or it could be threaded. Personally, I think I would try heating up the straight arm and bending it.
PS - another option would be to cut the long portion of the rod and use a die to cut threads on the ends of the cut pieces and then use a threaded coupler to gain the additional length needed.
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Good idea! But 9mm is not a common diameter. I have taps and dies in 8mm and 10mm.
I have now to find 9mm inox bar, tap and die, but it appears that it is more expensive than buying an additional HKSL kit with long arms !
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Right there's no easy solution. I suppose you could cut 8mm threads in a 9mm diameter rod.
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I've now been commuting for about a week with the new windscreen so I thought I would wrap up this tread with a brief summary. The bottom line is I like the MRA windscreen a lot. I think it is an excellent option for the Zero FX/S model. It's not perfect, but I don't think any windscreen will be. The addition of the X-Creen provides decent wind protection for taller riders. I'm still having a little bit of an issue with the windscreen wanting to rotate due to wind or bumps. I added a star washer between the handlebar clamp and rod clamp which helped some but the teeth on the washer I used aren't very aggressive. I think if I used a more aggressive serrated washer it would be fine. Here is what I ended up using. All parts came from Twisted Throttle with free shipping and no sales tax (to Ohio anyway).
MRA V-Flow "C" Windscreen with Sport X-Creen Deflector - $174.95
MRA HKSL Mounting Kit - $43.95
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I have received today a MRA V-Flow Typ C, and the standard HK mounting kit.
I have mounted it quickly (the two arms are not perfectly on the same level and I have to adjust them a little bit later) and have taken some pictures.
I want to try first without the X-Creen. If the protection is sufficient, I will keep it like that.
More pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/lh8jrC5UyWogJwHz1
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Looking good there. ;)
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After some days of experiment with the MRA V-Flow Typ C (without the X-Creen), I am quite satisfied.
The screen did not rotate. But in the bumps, it moves a little bit, and consequently it can hit the bike if it is mounted too close from the bike.
Wind protection is good for me (I am 170 cm tall). Last day I was riding in the cold, and I opened the visor of my helmet a little bit to remove the fog inside. 20 kms later I realized that I was still riding with the opened visor, and, despite the cold weather, I was not feeling the wind at all!
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have you noticed a decrease or increase in range with the windshield?
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No, I have no regular travel, and consequently no way to detect some change concerning the range.