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Author Topic: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR  (Read 3128 times)

JaimeC

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #15 on: October 06, 2017, 11:24:13 PM »

Haven't had a chance to check the website yet, but do they indicate the effect on range with these screens in place?
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mrwilsn

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #16 on: October 07, 2017, 01:36:09 AM »

Interesting.... using the headlight mounts instead of a handlebar mount.

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JaimeC

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #17 on: October 07, 2017, 01:52:11 AM »

I'm waiting on that full-fairing kit from Hollywood Electrics, but these do look good.
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Ashveratu

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #18 on: October 07, 2017, 03:01:41 AM »

I am guessing this will work on a Brammo/Victory Empulse as well since they use the same headlight and mounting points as a Zero.
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Doug S

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #19 on: October 07, 2017, 03:53:06 AM »

Interesting.... using the headlight mounts instead of a handlebar mount.

I'm guessing both. Two points wouldn't make for a stable mount.

Incidentally, I just got a ping, apparently mine has already shipped. How's that for service??
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gyrocyclist

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #20 on: October 07, 2017, 05:34:21 AM »



All mounting hardware included.

Available in 4 heights and 3 widths.

https://calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Zeroprod.html
Some quick notes. (1) The photo is for the prototype on my bike from this past Wednesday (October 4, 2017). This was the first ever build, and after 100 miles (riding home) it's too soon to really tell if/how it affects mileage (that said, I didn't notice any affect, so it's probably minor). (2) The screen cuts off a bit of the rear-view mirror. I didn't notice this until I got most of the way home. It's not much, and you can see the whole mirror by moving your body/head an inch or so. Also, Mark had mentioned making the screen a bit narrower, which would obviate this (um, just re-read the post and see that he's offering three widths). (3) I think there's a problem with the 'hole' in the screen. This is one of calsci's trademarks, and there are reasons why it's there. BUT ... one of the guys (Mark or Stephan) mentioned that ideally the air coming through the hole should hit something (I think to deflect the air up or down -- my interpretation, not their exact words). This is exactly what happens for the shield I got for my new (to me) CB500X. However, the wind coming through the hole on the Zero screen hits me square in the chest. When I put my hand over the hole, completely or partially covering it, the ride was MUCH better (highway speeds). I plan to experiment with either covering the hole or placing some sort of baffle behind it. Mark also mentioned (best I can recall) that he planned to lower the hole and reduce the area. (4) Due to the design of the support brackets the bike's turning radius is reduced. I hope to measure this soon. (5) the brackets that go around the fork are very slightly loose. Mark said he buys them pre-made, and can only get them in 1/4 inch increments. I plan to take mine off and pad them with a bit of rubber from a bicycle tire. Even though they're slightly loose the screen was pretty rock-solid up to 80mph.

All of that said ... I like the screen. A lot. I think "note (4)" could be of concern to some, depending on your riding habits and expectations. Will report back after I've measured the turning radius with/without the screen
« Last Edit: October 07, 2017, 05:51:29 AM by gyrocyclist »
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gyrocyclist

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #21 on: October 07, 2017, 06:18:17 AM »

Damn....my bike's getting a new windshield.

Which size is that? It appears to be tinted, though the website only mentions the "shorty" being tinted. Are they all tinted (or available tinted)?
My measurements for the pictured screen are: WL = 19, OH = 20. I measured point-to-point as opposed to around the curvature for WL, so this best corresponds to the "medium touring." Note, my screen is flat across the bottom, which differs from the blueprint on the calsci website. For reference, I'm 5, 8" (173cm).  I buy jeans with 32" inseam, and they just touch the floor behind my heal if I'm barefoot.

My best guess is that tinting is a safety issue. You're supposed to look over the screen, not through it. But, if your screen is tall enough that you can crouch down and look through it (which I can with mine), then tint may be an issue, e.g, at night. I'm guessing Mark will build whatever you want, if you insist, even if he thinks it won't work for you. Please remember, Mark (and his crew) have much experience designing and fitting windscreens. Their recommendations are  the best ... unless you can stop by their shop for a custom fitting.
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togo

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #22 on: October 07, 2017, 08:23:33 AM »

Do they charge extra for a fitting consultation?
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gyrocyclist

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #23 on: October 07, 2017, 11:02:38 AM »

Do they charge extra for a fitting consultation?
I think not. They're a small operation --  give them a call/email. Mark's in the process of moving from CA to someplace in the midwest, so I'd get in touch soonest. They spent some no-cost time trimming the screen for my CB500X; definitely worth visiting their shop to ensure you get what works best for you, vs ordering off-the-rack.
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BrianTRice@gmail.com

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #24 on: October 09, 2017, 10:05:23 AM »

That is an interesting mount. It definitely attaches at both points to the headlamp, and then bends at top to accommodate four points on the windscreen.

I spent a good amount of time trying to avoid restricting the steering limits, so I’m a little confused by both this and the high placement of the NACA inlet shaped slot.

The slot should be lower on a Zero, because its purpose is to minimize the pressure difference around the upper edge of the screen to minimize vortices.

On my CalSci, made for a BMW, the slot is lower and the airflow through it proceeds upward under the screen. This is the intended effect more or less, and I will say that the CalSci aerodynamics page was part of my reading material figuring out what to assemble.

I will say that I selected my CalSci screen to complement a dustbin fairing, which does most of the work of diverting airflow parallel to the screen. I even picked a shorter screen to do less work on the air... my larger Parabellum was uselessly doing too much work on the air and causing vortices.

If I were you, I’d try to capture more air from under the screen between it and the headlamp, or tilt the screen so the top edge is lower, and add a Laminar Lip curved spoiler to it.

I’m attaching photos of my arrangement to illustrate.

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togo

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #25 on: October 11, 2017, 06:21:33 AM »

Thanks for doing this and reporting about it!

I'm going Thursday, they open at 9.  Looking at this route: https://goo.gl/maps/jsdvLiC9VU22  (More charge stops than necessary but there's no harm in shorter stops, verifying charging station capabilities, adding them to the e-touring collaborative map.  I'd consider more riding off of the big freeway, but sadly there are fires and possible road closures.)
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gyrocyclist

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #26 on: October 12, 2017, 07:27:30 AM »

Thanks for doing this and reporting about it!

I'm going Thursday, they open at 9.  Looking at this route: https://goo.gl/maps/jsdvLiC9VU22  (More charge stops than necessary but there's no harm in shorter stops, verifying charging station capabilities, adding them to the e-touring collaborative map.  I'd consider more riding off of the big freeway, but sadly there are fires and possible road closures.)
Personal visit to buy is best option, if you live nearby. They'll customize/cut down/modify as needed. Am looking forward to your experience.
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Doug S

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #27 on: October 12, 2017, 09:04:47 PM »

I received my x-wide, x-tall windscreen from CalSci on Tuesday, and installed it last night (Wednesday, 11/11/2017). Sad to say, I can't really recommend it at this point.

In general, I like the shape of the screen itself, and the way it fits on the bike, although I wish it provided coverage for my hands the way my old Slipstreamr does. But the mounting bracketry just seems poorly designed to me (and ugly as well), almost to the point of being unusable.

Each side bracket attaches to the lower, forward headlight attachment screw, and to a "cushion clamp" attached to the fork tube on that side of the bike (http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/ShieldInstall.html#Zero , the very last entry on the page). At least in my case (it's possible my 2014 SR has smaller diameter fork tubes than the clamp is designed for) that clamp is so loose on the fork tube that it slides up and down easily, providing essentially no rigid mounting point. This causes the windshield to have a lot of freedom to move around front to back, which is pretty unacceptable to me. I don't want my windshield rattling around as I ride.

Left-to-right motion is also pretty bad. The brackets are relatively thin (I'm guessing 1/4", though I didn't measure them) and completely flat except the portion that attaches to the windshield itself, mounted in a fore-aft direction. The lack of flanges or any side-to-side structure at all gives the bracket little if any rigidity in the left-right direction, so the windshield doesn't resist movement in that direction well, either. It can easily be pushed far enough sideways to contact the mirror stalks on either side. I'm not happy about that, either.

In addition, the brackets do make contact with the "gas tank" plastics on either side, reducing steering lock a bit. It's not much, but it doesn't speak well to the quality of the design. I'm also not impressed by all the Phillips-head screws and bolts, though in fairness they are at least chrome-plated for some weather resistance. But I'd much rather see Allen- or Torx-head hardware, and I'm willing to spend a bit extra for stainless steel as well.

There was also an issue with the attachment of the windshield to the brackets. Large, thick grommets had been installed in the holes in the windshield, which seems like a decent mounting solution, but the thickness of them made the attachment screws too short to engage the "well nuts" on the other side. (Notice that there is no grommet indicated in the sketch on the above link.) If I removed the grommet, I'd have had to use a big fender washer under the head of the nut, which wasn't provided, and I don't want to have metal directly on the plastic anyhow -- I think that's a recipe for cracking the plastic fairly quickly.

I haven't ridden the bike in this condition, and I won't. The windshield is just too insecurely mounted for my taste even if I do sort out the grommet/well nut/fender washer situation. The Slipstreamr is going back on tonight. Perhaps with a better mounting solution, I'd be convinced to switch over, but not as things stand.

I've sent an email to CalSci detailing all this, and I'm more than happy to discuss anything they'd wish to discuss. But I can't recommend their package right now.
« Last Edit: October 12, 2017, 09:07:54 PM by Doug S »
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Doug S

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #28 on: October 12, 2017, 09:12:46 PM »

I posted my review of the commercial package at http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=7408.msg61822#msg61822 . I wish I could say it made a better impression on me than it did, though of course YRMV (Your Range May Vary).
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togo

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Re: New Calsci Windshields for Zero S, SR, DS, DSR
« Reply #29 on: October 13, 2017, 01:00:17 AM »

Windshield was $260 plus tax. $40 of that was for it being custom. If they'd have had to use a taller blank it would have been more.

I got there at 9AM, we tried a couple of radiuses, they adapted a CAD design and they were laser cuttering it by 10.  They cleaned up the edges and heated it in the oven and slumped it over a form, and I had it out the door by 11:30.
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