Larger windscreen for C650GT

[Bornfree]

VStream® Sport/Tour Replacement Screen for BMW C650GT Model Z2495

Thanks to all for the good reviews, input and feedback in this thread. I gave me lots to think about.

After 2500 miles I knew I needed to try an aftermarket windscreen for my GT (at 70mph+ I was getting pretty beat up and I think I was losing my hearing) so I went to pull the trigger on an AeroFlow “Standard Height.”
In the “shopping cart” they tacked on $80 for shipping bringing the total to $333.73 USD … so I put the gun down and went to the CalSci website. They only wanted $40 shipping bringing their total to $280.

Then I found VStream® Sport/Tour Replacement Screen for BMW C650GT Model Z2495 with free shipping from NationalCycle.com for a total of $179.95 so I picked up the gun again and pulled the trigger on it instead. BTW they make 3 sizes ... one even bigger than mine. Getting it to Florida took only a couple of days and I just logged 150 miles behind it this weekend!

1st. It’s Plexiglas not Acrylic and just enough thinner that I needed to head down to the local hardware store to collect some hose washers to ensure a tight fit before installing. ($1.49)
2nd. Even though it is similar in size to the stock screen, the mounting holes are cut lower so when mounted it sits higher allowing more control air in from the bottom.
3rd. It works!
4th. It’s less expensive! (and who doesn't like saving over a hundred bucks?!)

Pros: The biggest difference I noticed right away was how little air was hitting my shoulders! At speeds between 35 – 55mph where I would have the stock screen all the way up, I can now ride comfortably with the VStream all the way down … much less buffeting and much quieter. In fact I don’t raise the screen at all until I’m over 65mph and it only needs to come up about 5cm to notice a big difference in comfort and noise. I can hear the engine now on the Freeway! I didn’t know it sounded so cool!
I’m 5’ 10” (wear a helmet) and sit straight up and prefer not to look through the screen but over it to see the road. For me, if I extend the screen all the way up (the way I got use to riding with the stock screen), the VStream is in my line of sight and I’d have to look through it. So for me, I’ll never be riding in the “full-up” position anymore.

Cons: In the full-up position only tall (over 6ft+) riders would be able to see over the screen. Additionally, in that position I could feel a slight but constant back pressure on the back of my helmet. That back pressure decreases as I lower the screen to be able to see over it and decreases more if the lower air defectors are deployed. Took a while to find that “sweet spot” where I was getting the protection I wanted with minimal to no back pressure at 75 mph but I did have to hunt for it.

Conclusion: Big improvement over stock … no question there. Looks great on the bike. Can be kept in the full down position, with noticeably improved results, for all but high-speed travel. At high speed, small incremental height increases make big noticeable differences and the lower air defectors have increased effect. I’m very happy with it!

 

[TwoPort]

Thanks to all for the good reviews, input and feedback in this thread. I gave me lots to think about.

Good review. The original WS gave me back pressure when fully up and crazy buffeting when down so it was all bad.

I'm 5'10" also. I got the CalSci medium: https://calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/C650GTprod.html

It has a hole in the lower section they explained is "Vented for minimum turbulence and back pressure." I experience zero back pressure at any height so maybe it works just like they said.

 

[Bornfree]

Good review. The original WS gave me back pressure when fully up and crazy buffeting when down so it was all bad.

I'm 5'10" also. I got the CalSci medium: https://calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/C650GTprod.html

It has a hole in the lower section they explained is "Vented for minimum turbulence and back pressure." I experience zero back pressure at any height so maybe it works just like they said.

TwoPort, You are a great (active) resource for this site ... Thanks!

Two questions: Do you have to look-through your screen to reap the benefits?

And How is your CalSci in the full down position at speed? Do you ever ride fast with it fully down?

Do you remember how the original would hose you in the chest (starting at approximately mid-chest on up) and in the face with wind-tunnel type blast air if all the way down? This VStream is very productive in the full down position even at speed ... huge improvement over original. I would assume many owners will keep it down always. But I (I live in FL ) don't like bugs being able to commit suicide on my face shield at high speed so to prevent that, my new screen has to come up a bit but not much to push 'em over the top.

ALSO ... I love that yours has zero back pressure at highspeed at any position! I'll never ride while looking through my screen fully up with this VStream so don't think the increased back pressure in that position will ever be an issue for me. But it might be for others who just like to leave it all the way up.

In fact, I found that "my new" "Fully Up" (sweet spot) position with this new puppy at high speed is less than the mid-point of travel for the screen motor. I know that because the screen no longer auto retracts when I stop the engine after a high speed trip to put itself back to middle. I got use to seeing that "cool effect" b/c, with the original, the screen wasn't doing anything unless fully up and that's where mine stayed all the time. I guess I'm going to have to get use to missing watching that little effect.



This is a pic with the VStream in the (normal) fully down position.

 

[TwoPort]

Two questions:

Do you have to look-through your screen to reap the benefits?

No - its well below that.

I've got almost 30K miles as well. With the CalSci I've found I can get zero wind on the helmet raising it about 3" which is also well below getting the way of my vision at freeway speed. Then when I slow down in street traffic I lower it again. Love that I can do that!

When I ride 2up my wife usually wants it fully raised so she doesn't wind buffet with helmet and in that case I am definitely looking through the windshield all the time but she's happy - so I'm happy. The optics are very good.


And How is your CalSci in the full down position at speed? Do you ever ride fast with it fully down?

I find in fully down position I get wind starting near the bottom of my visor - just below the nose. This is okay in that it vents the top of my Schuberth C3 and I'm getting some feeling of air. When it is warmer its usually fully down unless I have a long freeway ride. I get some upper shoulder wind as well. If I get tired of the noise I'll raise it just enough so that I get top helmet vent air and reduce noise. Its about a 2" play situation I'm normally working with that gets me happy.

---

Do you remember how the original would hose you in the chest (starting at approximately mid-chest on up) and in the face with wind-tunnel type blast air if all the way down?

--- Yes. It seemed okay on surface streets but I did not like to feel and hear that longer than 30 minutes.



This VStream is very productive in the full down position even at speed ... huge improvement over original. I would assume many owners will keep it down always. But I (I live in FL ) don't like bugs being able to commit suicide on my face shield at high speed so to prevent that, my new screen has to come up a bit but not much to push 'em over the top.

------- Good point. We get some bug times of year also and I raise the screen just to get them to hit it or go above me so they stay off the helmet visor.



ALSO ... I love that yours has zero back pressure at highspeed at any position! I'll never ride while looking through my screen fully up with this VStream so don't think the increased back pressure in that position will ever be an issue for me. But it might be for others who just like to leave it all the way up.

In fact, I found that "my new" "Fully Up" (sweet spot) position with this new puppy at high speed is less than the mid-point of travel for the screen motor. I know that because the screen no longer auto retracts when I stop the engine after a high speed trip to put itself back to middle. I got use to seeing that "cool effect" b/c, with the original, the screen wasn't doing anything unless fully up and that's where mine stayed all the time. I guess I'm going to have to get use to missing watching that little effect.

------- Hmmm - mine's a 2013 and I don't have an auto-retract feature. I wonder if it is a software update.

 

[JaimeC]

When the Aeroflow windshield started to develop cracks on my K1200LT (after nearly 200,000 miles and 17 years of use) I was disappointed to learn I could NOT get a replacement shield as Aeroflow had discontinued the shield and no longer had it in stock. I did multiple inquiries on the K1200LT forums and was pointed in the direction of the National Cycle VStream shield so I ordered that as the replacement shield.

After riding behind the Aeroflow for so long, it felt WEIRD to be behind the VStream (the fact that it also LOOKS weird to me didn't help matters). Although I got the standard height shield, it sat taller than the Aeroflow I had (which WAS a "tall"). It took me some getting used to, but it feels at least as calm and quiet as the Aeroflow. The true test will be when my wife is feeling up to riding with me again. The stock shield gave her way too much buffeting and she was very happy behind the Aeroflow. I can only hope she feels the same about the VStream.

Anyway, I know this thread is about the C650GT, but I thought MAYBE some of you would find a comparison between the two brands on a different motorcycle might be helpful. I am quite satisfied with the Aeroflow currently on my C650GT. I'm not sure if I'll own that bike as long as I've owned the K1200LT but it's good to know there is an aftermarket alternative if I should hit the same issue thirteen years from now.

 

[Bornfree]

Hmmm - mine's a 2013 and I don't have an auto-retract feature. I wonder if it is a software update.

I don't know. But ... for 2016, If the screen is higher than midpoint when you stop engine, it retracts to the midpoint. When you insert key and turn it to the "on" position (before pressing start) it raises to the last position you had it above midpoint. If you rode with the screen at midpoint or below, it doesn't move automatically.

Hey thanks for all the great feedback!

 

[Bornfree]

I am quite satisfied with the Aeroflow currently on my C650GT. I'm not sure if I'll own that bike as long as I've owned the K1200LT but it's good to know there is an aftermarket alternative if I should hit the same issue thirteen years from now.

Thanks Jaime for the input. Do you also experience zero backpressure with your Aeroflow on the GT fully raised? How about your wife when she is a passenger?

 

[Bornfree]

I'm back at square one! Took the wife for a little I-75 ride today and she hates the backpressure on her as a passenger behind the VStream. If I raise it all the way up, she's better but then I feel the backpressure on me and that's not going to cut it.
Damn ... I was so close!

Called National Cycle, and they will accept returns on their screens for a full refund. I just have to clean it up, pack it up and pay for return shipping.

 

[JaimeC]

Thanks Jaime for the input. Do you also experience zero backpressure with your Aeroflow on the GT fully raised? How about your wife when she is a passenger?

I've never ridden with it fully raised; I'll have to experiment to let you know. Typically, I raise the shield to the point I don't hear excessive wind noise in my helmet. I've never found a reason to raise it above that point...

 

[Bornfree]

I've never ridden with it fully raised; I'll have to experiment to let you know. Typically, I raise the shield to the point I don't hear excessive wind noise in my helmet. I've never found a reason to raise it above that point...

Okay thanks. How about 2 up? Do you have feedback on that w/the AeroFlow? And how about back pressure ... do you ever notice any?

 

[JaimeC]

My wife hasn't been on the scooter since I got the new windshield; she's been having medical issues that make it difficult for her to climb up and back off again. Personally, when I raise it to the level I described earlier, I don't get any back pressure at all. I know on the K1200LT when I raised the Aeroflow all the way up (I did it once as an experiment) there was MONUMENTAL back pressure; but since I never ride with it all the way up, it was never an issue for me. I haven't tried raising the Aeroflow on the C650GT all the way up yet.

The most I ever raised it was once in the rain to the point my faceshield wasn't getting much splatter. It wasn't at full extension (because I hate looking THROUGH the shield) but I don't remember feeling any back pressure either.

 

[Bornfree]

My wife hasn't been on the scooter since I got the new windshield; she's been having medical issues that make it difficult for her to climb up and back off again. Personally, when I raise it to the level I described earlier, I don't get any back pressure at all. I know on the K1200LT when I raised the Aeroflow all the way up (I did it once as an experiment) there was MONUMENTAL back pressure; but since I never ride with it all the way up, it was never an issue for me. I haven't tried raising the Aeroflow on the C650GT all the way up yet.

The most I ever raised it was once in the rain to the point my faceshield wasn't getting much splatter. It wasn't at full extension (because I hate looking THROUGH the shield) but I don't remember feeling any back pressure either.

Thank you ... You probably know where I'm at this point ... hole or no hole

BTW ... hope your wife is well soon!

 

[JaimeC]

Well silly me... I discovered today in this winter weather I HAVE been riding the C650GT with the Aeroflow standard-height windshield in the "Full Up" position. I can still easily look over it, the airflow around it is smooth, and I'm not feeling any back pressure. I also have the lower "flaps" in the fully-extended position as well.

In warmer weather I close the flaps and lower the screen somewhat. Never all the way down unless I'm crawling in bumper-to-bumper traffic and the temperatures are above 90. In the full down position, my helmet gets hammered by the wind if I'm moving at anything above 20 mph.

 

[Bornfree]

California Scientific Windscreen for GT

JAC, I ended up going with the CalSci size Medium (their smallest). It was delivered yesterday. I had to modify it (expand the holes wider and add rubber washers) to get it properly and securely mounted to fit my 2016 model. It's going to work great for me and it is everything the stock screen should have been. I'm very impressed with its absolutely zero backpressure at any height. I'm going to have to get use to how quiet it can be fully up. No joke, so scary quiet, you can even hear the nuances of the transmission whine. Very impressive indeed. I see now why TwoPort likes his so much.

 

[Bornfree]

Howdy,
I own a 2016GT and was about to order the same windshield you just installed. I noticed you said you had to use some washers and modify the holes. The web site did not mention having to do this. My mechanical skills are not professional level and I was hoping I could do this myself. Would you mind telling me exactly what you had to do? And any advice or suggestions before I place my order? Thank you!

Sure happy to help ...
You may or may not have to, depends if they have made any changes yet. ... I called CalSci and spoke to Mark and Steven explaining what I had to do to get it installed. They were surprised and thankful for the feedback and said they would look into it. The issue may be caused by the difference of the (version 2) 2016 model vs 2012-2015, they couldn't be certain until they could get their hands on a newer model to compare.

So what I had to do was to use an electric hand drill with a large high-speed wood drill bit (small enough to fit through the original upper and lower mount holes) and kind of used it as a router to open those holes an additional 1/16" or so towards the outer edges away from the center (meaning the precut holes are just slightly too close to the center of the screen to work and should have been 1/8" or more further apart horizontally from each other). I did this while securing the screen with a piece of soft carpet in my workshop. Took my time and kept checking the screen with the bike mounting brackets until it was open enough to fit properly. The center position holes didn't need any adjustment so no changes there. Problem was that the mounting bolts would not align correctly without this mod. I could have forced them (stripped) into position without moving the holes outward but that would have permanently damaged the threads preventing future removal and replacement options. As for the rubber washers, they are just fresh garden hose washers placed on the mounting bracket (with a little "stick'em") before placing the screen into position before mounting so they are behind the screen at the upper and lower mount holes Do Not use them on the center posts for the CalSci just the upper and lower mount holes.

Hope that helps you

 

[TwoPort]

JAC, I ended up going with the CalSci size Medium (their smallest). It was delivered yesterday. I had to modify it (expand the holes wider and add rubber washers) to get it properly and securely mounted to fit my 2016 model. It's going to work great for me and it is everything the stock screen should have been. I'm very impressed with its absolutely zero backpressure at any height. I'm going to have to get use to how quiet it can be fully up. No joke, so scary quiet, you can even hear the nuances of the transmission whine. Very impressive indeed. I see now why TwoPort likes his so much.

View attachment 1864

Glad its working and you brought this back up in forum which gets more valuable all the time. I felt like it was also unexpectedly quiet when raised up. I also think the optics are good because I don't notice them.

 

[Bornfree]

Glad its working and you brought this back up in forum which gets more valuable all the time. I felt like it was also unexpectedly quiet when raised up. I also think the optics are good because I don't notice them.

Thanks TP, You bring up a great point I forgot to mention ... good call! When full raised, I am (5' 10" guy) sitting behind the screen and looking through it to see the road and this Plexiglas is crystal clear free of any sort of distortion or nefarious light reflections day or night. I wouldn't normally have it up so high but it was pretty windy this past weekend for an American Legion Riders (ALR) event and ride and my (2-up) wife appreciated the extra protection the CalSci provided.

 

[Lee]

Ok, so at 5 feet 8 inches, I am still happy with the stock windscreen. My question to those either with the Aeroflow or the CALSCI brand windscreens, when you have your windshield deployed to its max height, are you looking over the windshield or through it? Please include your height with your answer. With the stock windscreen, with my height and the windscreen deployed to its maximum height, I am still looking over it and not through it. That I like, since there's no optical distortion with that view.

 

[SteveADV]

Off topic....Sometimes when I look at pictures like Lee's I remember how doggone cool these bikes really look.

OK, back to the subject at hand.

 

[Bornfree]

Off topic....Sometimes when I look at pictures like Lee's I remember how doggone cool these bikes really look.
OK, back to the subject at hand.

Steve … you are so right about that!

Ok, so at 5 feet 8 inches, I am still happy with the stock windscreen. My question to those either with the Aeroflow or the CALSCI brand windscreens, when you have your windshield deployed to its max height, are you looking over the windshield or through it? Please include your height with your answer. With the stock windscreen, with my height and the windscreen deployed to its maximum height, I am still looking over it and not through it. That I like, since there's no optical distortion with that view.

Lee, I’m 5’10” w/Calsci medium & fully up I’m looking through it. Like you, I like looking over the top, so I keep it a little lower. But with it raining in Daytona this past weekend, and at low speed, it was certainly nice to have it fully up