Best screen for motorway blasting?

Message

ReggieGasket · #1 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 8:00 am

Hi everyone. I'm getting used to my Falco and will be using it for a long motorway commute. I can't find any touring fairings for sale. Just wondering if anyone has a double buble which is good for the motorway? I'm also keen to go down 1 tooth on the front sproket, but wondering how this will work on the motorway?

HisNibbs · #2 Post by **HisNibbs** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 8:13 am

I think you will find 15t gives about 90 - 95 at 6k rather than the standard 100 - 105. It (15t or 16/44 in my case) worked ok but I went back to standard when doing a lot of motorway work. If you cruise at 70 ish then I think 15/41 ratio would definitely be the better option.

Now no putting 2 + 2 together ok.

I have a double bubble with a continuous curve, without any flips etc. but I've never tried the standard screen so I can't compare the two. Works fine though, tucked in with your chest on the tank....

ReggieGasket · #3 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 8:25 am

Thanks for that. Hmmm. That's quite a big difference. My guess is I'll be sitting at about 85-95mph, so the standard gearing may be better. Is it easy to switch the front sproket over? In which case I could use both depending on the time of year. Do you know if all DBs are the same height and give similar protection?

back_marker · #4 Post by **back_marker** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:17 am

I too have a double bubble on mine that came with the bike (looks the same as standard but has a bigger 'bulge' in it).

Never compared it to the standard one but compared to the wife's VFR with standard screen it makes a massive difference - you don't even really need to tuck in under it.

I don't know if all types are the same but to be honest I think it will be a case of who makes one for the Falco more than anything else as aftermarket parts for these bikes are relatively thin on the ground due to them not being that common.

jayboy · #5 Post by **jayboy** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:27 am

I'd still go for the -1T all day every day.
She sits nice @ 6k, plus with standard gearing I reckon the roll on from 75-100 would be crap - as it is overtaking is good in 6th, but awesome if you drop to 5th!

Screen is on the shopping list still for me, so I can't help there.

HisNibbs · #6 Post by **HisNibbs** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:35 am

ReggieGasket wrote:Thanks for that. Hmmm. That's quite a big difference. My guess is I'll be sitting at about 85-95mph, so the standard gearing may be better. Is it easy to switch the front sproket over? In which case I could use both depending on the time of year. quote]

I know things might vary a bit depending on add ons etc. but by my bike i'd say you would be sitting pretty much in the 6k cruising sweet spot, which would be fine. Get it above 6K and it starts to snarl and want to play. I ran 16/42 for a while and probably would have stuck with it if the 42 had been in stock.

I have seen double bubles with deflecting flips etc. which probably are better for touring.

Dusty · #7 Post by **Dusty** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:39 am

When I read all the rave reviews of the 15/41 setup, I thiught that was what I needed. I had replaced my Triumph's 19T front with an 18T and it was a fantastic low-cost mod. Fortunately, I checked my sprockets before buying a new front as it was already on 15/41. So, I certainly don't feel that it's undergeared for motorways at 80-85MPH. Regarding screens, I find the standard one suits my 5'9" frame well. I tried all sorts of screens on my Triumph and reverted to the standard because I found that double bubbles and higher screens just directed the wind at my head instead of my chest and shoulders. It's almost impossible to predict how screens will be for you because small differences in height, torso length, arm length and even leg length will affect your position relative to the airflow. Your helmet type will also have an effect. Trial and error is the only way; it just happened to be error every time for me! Good luck.

D-Rider · #8 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 11:01 am

I've a double bubble (in answer to your PM, I'm not sure of the make - bought it from ebay ..... think it might be a Skidmarx).
It certainly looks like the one on the Skidmarx website:
http://www.skidmarx.co.uk/section/scree ... rilia.html
I prefer the look of the bike with the standard screen but the double bubble adds the practicality of easily fitting a navigation system - which is why I bought the double bubble.

I know a number of people on AF1 have the Puig DB screen - that has an upward "flip" at the back edge and I wonder whether that is even more effective at re-directing the wind blast.
Puig's website (search for Aprilia, Falco, Replacement Screens, Touring Screen):
http://www.puig.tv/
There's a picture of it on a bike at the AF1 shop - here:
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/ ... oduct=1531

Hope this helps

Gio · #9 Post by **Gio** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 5:26 pm

I have a spare for the Falco, but personally as I'm 6'5" double bubbles are useless as the bike is a dinky toy with me on it.

PS No its the 2nd best bike I've ever ridden so its not up for grabs lol. (I don't own it any more, just have the use)

Dalemac · #10 Post by **Dalemac** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 6:30 pm

Gio wrote:I have a spare for the Falco, but personally as I'm 6'5" double bubbles are useless as the bike is a dinky toy with me on it.

PS No its the 2nd best bike I've ever ridden so its not up for grabs lol. (I don't own it any more, just have the use)

is the spare double bubble up for sale? and what colour is it? after a clear one...

ReggieGasket · #11 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 7:17 am

Thanks for the help with this. The Puig screen looks good, but thinking about it more carefully, I realize I'm mostly concerned about being cold and minimizing the wind blast on my helmet. I wonder whether any of these screens is going to take wind off my chest and arms and indeed whether I want it too, as it will put more pressure on my wrists. Also, a big flip like the one on the Puig screen may create turbulance which could be frustrating. Solutions - get a heated bodywarmer from Blazewear to deal with the cold and get a double bubble to control airflow onto my helmet - think I'll try the Skidmarx one.

D-Rider · #12 Post by **D-Rider** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:50 am

Sounds like a plan

Aladinsaneuk · #13 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 1:27 pm

skidmarkx one is fine for me - and i am 5 foot 9 if that helps