Givi AirFlow Adjustable Windshield Review

First topic message reminder :

Hi,

I was given the opportunity to test the new Givi Adjustable Windshield for a review. They sent this to me on June 30th which was just a day after I spoke with the Givi representative. This will be a shorter review since I only put about 50 miles on it with my initial ride. But I did go on the interstate, state roads, and the city. And I also tested it out in the lowest, middle, and highest postions in all of roads.

Packaging

The windshield was very professionally packaged. There were 2 smaller boxes in 1 larger box and everything was put in where it would be very difficult to damage anything on the shield. And all of the parts needed were in there, although there really isn't much that is needed.

Pictures of Shield







I removed my Givi Windshield that I cut down about 1 1/2". Measuring from the handlebar cover to the top of the Givi screen I cut down was 20 1/2" (measured from the Honda emblem on the handlebar cover). After I installed this Adjustable Givi at the highest position it measured 20 3/4", so it is about 1/4" of taller than the Givi that I took off.

The parts of the shield seem to be very sturdy and easy to use. Here are a couple of close up shots of the fasteners. I'm am calling them fasteners but Givi may refer to them by a different name.







The Ride

I started the ride with the screen in it's highest position which allowed my eyes to be about 1" to 2" above the top of the screen. I started on the city street to ride out to the interstate about 1 1/2 miles. I merged onto the interstate and quickly got up to 65 mph (all speeds will be actual in this review) and I didn't notice any buffeting whatsoever. The top part of this windshield seems a bit narrower than the stock Givi shield but it seems a smoother ride without any turbulence at all. I think the gap between the screens really helps out to eliminate buffeting or back pressure. There was no back pressure that pushes your body or helmet forward at all. The single piece Givi shield that I removed would give a small bit of back pressure that would push your helmet or even your body forward a bit. But there was none of that with the new Givi Adjustable shield.

I rode up and down the highway in about 3 mile sections to try out the different height adjustments. I started out in the highest postion.

INTERSTATE

Highest Position

In the highest position it was a nice quiet ride like the single piece (original) Givi shield. But it seems to be a smoother ride since there is no turbulence at all. I ride with a 1/2 helmet with the fighter pilot visor and when I raised my visor all the way up I didn't feel the need to have to wear glasses at all. Except for safty issues. I don't feel comfortable at all riding without some type of eye protection. But I wanted to test it out to see if glasses are needed. Well, they aren't. I felt a very small amount of wind/breeze but I think it was from some of the wind that came from the side or from around the shield.

I raised my hand up to see where how far the wind was being pushed up and it was at the top of my helmet. It seems that it pushes the air up about 4" over my eyes and gave absolutely no buffeting at all at 65 mph. I also tried to ride close behind semi-trucks and also to the side of them to see if I felt any of the "sailing" effect that I would get with the single piece Givi shield. Sometimes if the wind was right I would feel the wind catch the shield and give some turbulence or that "sailing" effect. Well, as much as I tried I couldn't get that effect with this new adjustable shield.

Middle Position

I then rode with the shield at the middle positon and I did find a bit more wind hitting my eyes but not much more than at the highest position. It was also pushing the wind to just an inch or two below my helmet but there was no buffeting at the middle position either. It seems to push the wind in a very friendly manner. I also didn't get any of the turbulence or buffeting either at the middle postion, even when trying to ride close to semi's.

Lowest Position

The lowest position would give me more wind, of course, but it was still a smooth kind of effect. Even though the lowest position is probably close to the height of the stock Honda screen it didn't seem to produce any buffeting, that would cause my helmet to be pushed around. The stock screen would push my helmet around pretty bad on the interstate but this Givi adjustable screen didn't do that.

As a side note: I'm 6'0" tall and when I sit on my SWing in my normal riding position my eye level is 31" from the seat. I have a longer torso than an average 6 footer so I was concerned that this adjustable shield may not be tall enough.

I have to say that this windshield on the interstate is a very nice shield that produces a nice smooth ride. There is no turbulence or buffeting at all, even when trying to ride as close to semi-trucks as I could to get that effect. I also didn't notice that "sailing" effect that I would get with the stock Givi or the XL Clearview that I had on at one time.

STATE ROAD

Highest Position

The state road that I road on had a speed limit of 45 mph and it was in very good condition with nice curves on it. I started out with the screen at the highest position and it was very smooth. I didn't really keep it at this height for very long at all. It was about 80-85 degrees there so I pulled over to adjust it to the middle position.

Middle Position

I pulled over and adjusted it to the middle position and rode about 5 miles this way and it is a very smooth ride too. Since the speed limit is only 45 mph it is really nice to have the option to adjust the screen. It felt like a very relaxed ride and gave more wind to my body which helped make the ride more enjoyable since I could stay cooler. I then pulled over to adjust it to the lowest position.

Lowest Position

I rode about another 5 miles with the screen in the lowest position and it was also a very nice ride. I think this is the height I will have it at when I ride on these types of roads at these speeds. When I would raise my visor I would feel more wind, of course, in my eyes but it wasn't alot. But it provided a nice breeze to my body and face and it still didn't produce any buffeting to my helmet/head. It was really a very nice ride that kept me cooler.

I also rode one part of my ride on a 5-6 mile stretch where the speed limit was anywhere from 15 mph to 45 mph due to the tight turns. I started the first 2 miles at the middle position and then dropped it down to the lowest position. With this type of ride it was very nice to be able to adjust the shield. Since the speed was slower, and it was hot out, this made the ride much more comfortable.

Adjusting the Screen:

As for adjusting the screen...it is very, very easy and quick. I would adjust it at stop lights or stop signs and it only takes about 5 seconds. It is just that easy. I wouldn't try to adjust this as you ride but I guess it would be possible, but not very safe. You really need to use 2 hands to do it quickly and safely.

Conclusion:

I know I only went on about a 50 mile ride but I have to say I like this new Givi adjustable screen more than the other screens I have had. I don't know if it is the "air-foil" or what, but the ride was very smooth and without any turbulence or buffeting. Even at the lowest heights I still didn't feel turbulence or buffeting. I know that there was more wind at my face at the lowest setting but the wind didn't push my helmet around. It is hard to explain but this shield seems to push the wind up a good amount of distance. When I had my Majesty I put a Laminar Lip on the Givi shield I had and it did help. I think that this shield gives that effect of the Laminar Lip but to a much better extent.

I will give additional updates but if I were in the process of buying an aftermarket screen this is the one that I would choose. I think that if you are a bit over 6' tall it will still do a good job for you. I'm not sure how it would do in the rain so I can't comment on that but it doesn't rain much out here in California.

I can say that when I am in the hills/mountains and on some nice curvy roads I will be keeping it down in the lowest positon, if it is warm out. It is really nice to have these options available to you when riding. The highest position is great on the interstate but I think I will be keeping it in the lowest or middle position in the city or out on my country rides.

Here are some more pictures:




This how the screen fits into the fastener.





This a side view of the screen at the highest level.



This is a picture at the lowest setting. My eyes are probably 5" over the top.



This is the screen at the highest level. My eyes are 1" to maybe 2" over the top.

I would like to thank Givi for giving me this opportunity to review this new shield of theirs. It really is a very nice shield and gives the rider the ability to adjust the screen as needed. If you have any questions please reply to this post and I will keep them in mind for when I give updates. I'm sure i forgot some things so please just respond and I will do my best to get you an answer, if I can. Thanks for reading.

"edited on July 5th"

I'm not sure who all sells these but I have seen them on

www.scootertrap.com and I know Matt is a great guy to deal with.

Just an a FYI, when I installed mine over the weekend I did remove the top cover over the instrument cluster. It allowed me to see where I was drilling so that I did not drill into the boss and screw that up. Doesn't have to be done, however, just was a bit easier for me. (These things happen when you get old!)

x

Thank you!

Panic mode!

Two holes each side to drill?

clarinet wrote:

Just an a FYI, when I installed mine over the weekend I did remove the top cover over the instrument cluster. It allowed me to see where I was drilling so that I did not drill into the boss and screw that up. Doesn't have to be done, however, just was a bit easier for me. (These things happen when you get old!)

I agree - it's nice to be able to see what you're drilling into (and I don't think it has anything to do with age ).

MikeO wrote:

Panic mode!

Two holes each side to drill?

One each side, two total (unless you're really having fun and want to drill more )

Thanks!

I was confused by having to remove one of the big shiney bolts from either side and replace them with the two supplied.
Job's jobbed without any real hassle, not least because of the wealth of information and support here - the supplied instructions are very clear.......when they've been explained here!
I dropped only one washer - one of the plastic ones - so made one from a piece of plastic I had in my workshop.

My hand guards do push slightly on the screen at full-lock; I shall go for a ride later and assess the situation.

Thanks again to everyone.

Im STUCK already.
i have take the 2 screws out of the front air intake and the 2 at the back the plastic is lose but how do you get it off .
it feels like its clipped in near the indicater lights .
anyone ?
Rob.

GOT it just found BigBirds way of doing it
Rob

All back togather it took about an hour.
i did break one of those hooks at the front afterall but easy to repair ,that bit was the hard bit the hooks were so darnd tight .

we have rain now so a test will have to waite ..

i do like the look of it as it give the bike more prominanc .
Rob

Just back from a little ride and the screen is a great improvment over the standared honda one .
the wind noise with my helmet is 70% quieter, befor i could not stand the noise i got with my viser down it was a constant roar NOW i can easyly ride with my viser down .

Thanks for the views on it here as it helped me decide to try one .
very happy
Rob.

As I have stated before--- the new shield works ok up to 65 or maybe 70mph.
Works better than others I have tried/ wasted money on.


Today----Monroeville, AL to Chattanooga---early AM back roads----was able to ride thru several ground FOG conditions.-----Of course both sides of shield end up foggy....but no big drops roll off in my face/eyes so passes test. Those looking thru are putting themselves in good position to getting killed-----look over worked great.

Next have trip to DC and one to MO and letter upper MI, bound to run into rain....snow in UP?

John Grinsel

oops

Givi recommends you use the metal brackets, which provide additional stability.

My review of the Givi screen is this:

Noise and buffeting are reduced beyond measure, even in the gale-force wind I experienced on the motorways.

There is some wind-noise at speed but the pounding on the ear-drums has vanished and it's a motorcycle so is never going to be completely draft- and noise-free.
My ipod was at just over half the volume than with the original screen and that was at speeds over 70MPH.

I think it's altered the handling a bit; I'm guessing that the venturi-effect is pressing the front of the bike harder on the road, causing the rider (me) to have to be a bit more positive in recovering from HGV bow-waves - the screen is less 'slippery' from side to side so appears to be caught by cross-winds. It may be my imagination and is certainly not a problem, my having adjusted to it. It hasn't spoilt the ride.

I set the height in the garage and didn't try moving it up or down. I might lower it a fraction to see what's what but on the few occasions one has to look at the road directly in front and therefore look through the screen, there is no distortion at all.

Sorry this is so short - there's really not much to say.
It is not perfect but very nearly and I'm very pleased I made the decision.

It's also very easy to attach - I was panicking about drilling the two extra holes but it's a piece of cake.

Not important but it hasn't spoilt the look of the bike - Silverwing and Burger rider-friends with whom I was in Brittany commented on that very point.

If you can scrape together the cash, buy one - that's my recommendation.

MikeO, cut and paste - great invention.

Been following the exploits of the Givi screen all over the net!!!!!

Nice review, will def. get one in the next couple of months.

It took me enough effort to write one - I'm not doing a new one for each set of fans on the net, Doug!

Have you found the one with a UK supplier's link?

x

Thanks BigBird
I will go back and install the braces. I don't want it to break.

x

MikeO wrote:

Have you found the one with a UK supplier's link?

Yes thanks Mike, saved for future reference.

Finally after near 4,000 miles with this windshield, got to ride in some rain today.

Seems to work ok in lower position---no large drops directed to my face. Lower position for me about one inch from lowest possible.

I can see in west, you could raise it some for all day rain ride----I had to contend with idiots today going to TN football game in their pickups and SUV's. Not good or considerate drivers---guess they don't know it can be slippery when wet. Was not good time to experiment, better to concentrate on staying alive.


So Givi adj shield works as good or better than I have tried----does make up for some of the design flaw in basic scooter, your nose being too far from tip of screen.
At slower speeds beautiful-----at speeds above 65-70mph can still be a little bothersome----but much better than stock or other after market windshields


John Grinsel

what windsheild did you replace it with John?

Hey John,

I'm happy to hear you like your new GIVI AirFlow windshield. Makes me, really want one. Maybe some day soon, I hope.

Thanks for taken the time to write a little something.

The Givi replaced Clearview, cut to see over with GoldWing vent, prior to that stock with laminar lip and ears......that combo didn't provide much buffeting relief. Clearview a little better, but not good enough for real riding, assuming you have standard to compare to. I do.

Givi will stay with bike until I get rid of....it is
09.....so always thinking of next one.


John Grinsel

MikeO wrote:

It took me enough effort to write one - I'm not doing a new one for each set of fans on the net, Doug!

Have you found the one with a UK supplier's link?

Sorry, i won't ask again

No apology needed, but thanks.

Doug's point was that he'd seen my review on several forums that we both frequent.
I'm happy to answer any specific questions about the screen although other members have given far more details than I have - I just think it's very, very good.

Windrider wrote:

MikeO wrote:

It took me enough effort to write one - I'm not doing a new one for each set of fans on the net, Doug!

Have you found the one with a UK supplier's link?

Sorry, i won't ask again

Sorry to cause confusion Windrider. As Mike said we both frequent several sites and I was having a humorous pop at Mike cut and paste skills.

It was by no means a response to anyone on this site and appologise for any confusion or distress it may have given. Sorry.

for UK guys this is were i got my airflow from.£126
Rob.
http://www.bykebitz.co.uk/acatalog/Givi_Airflow_Screens.html

I bought the Airflow in early August after my former GIVI windshield broke.

Basically I’m pretty happy with it and recently put on about 2,000 miles in all kinds of weather including torrential downpours. I found that if I kept my speed above 110 kph (about 68 mph) that the rain went right over my head and didn’t land on me anywhere. Was feeling really great until an oncoming car went through a massive puddle and drenched me from head to toe! Oh well, no bike windshield is perfect.

But a month ago I was traveling up a deserted highway when I noticed something the size of a football moving on the side of the road. Before I could do anything the thing turned out to be a partridge and it flew up right in front of me. It struck the upper part of the Air-Flow and smashed it. I was lucky to keep the SWing under control. The partridge, apparently none the worse for wear, flew off into the bush.

When I got home I called the GIVI distributor in Canada and asked if an upper replacement was available. He wasn’t sure but when I called him back a few days later he indicated that they weren’t stocking replacement parts. WHAT…???!!! You gotta be kidding!

After several more phone calls to the distributor I was told that one of the high mucky-mucks was on his way to Italy and would look into the matter.

He returned a week ago and I still can’t get a clear answer.

But they did give me a part number… 076-Z1997R Cost is $68 Canadian. Very reasonable!

I also learned that all of the Airflow windshields regardless if they are for the SilverWing, BMW, Piaggio, Suzuki or a Yamaha, all share the identical upper windscreen.

As many of you know the Airflow arrives in two boxes. I pointed out to the GIVI rep that all he’d have to do is walk back into the factory, break open the large box and remove the smaller one. He indicated today he still has not received permission to do that. I further pointed out this is likely their slow season so cannibalizing one of the boxes shouldn’t be a big problem.

Over the past two years I’ve spent over $1,200 Canadian on GIVI goodies – a top box with brake lights and a side box, top rack and a side rack, plus two windshields. My brand loyalty is being rewarded with disinterest.

I wonder if GIVI USA treats its customers thus…?

I, too have spent a lot on Givi Stuff----call US GIVI direct and see what they can do...as long as you are willing to pay, you should get what you want. They sent me stuff I needed as my 500,000 box has had parts fall off over the years.



Now I have over 5,000 miles on the new adjustable shield---ok in rain, ok in fog looking over, terrible after 70 mph - -headwinds make it worse. Keep speed down ok. Does the best it can to oversome basic design flaw of scooter.


John Grinsel

Just took my 2nd ride today in cold temps here in Colorado (37 degrees this morning). Put in my silk glove liners, but my hands were still cold. Does anyone know if this windshield can help with that (as opposed to the stock windshield), or should I look for another solution?

Thanks!

--Russ

Before heated grips all I used to use was a pair of multi layered silk inners and a pair of Gore Tex Alpinestar WR1 gloves and my digits rarely got cold.

Now I am spoilt by Mr Honda's excellent heated grips so don't bother with the glove liners any more.

Well, today I received the replacement upper windscreen for my AIRFLOW. I had asked the Canadian distributor way back in August but they screwed around all this time trying to decided if they would even offer replacement parts. I had to cajole them into stepping up to the plate.

So, again, the replacement part number is 076-Z1997R. Cost is $68 Canadian. Very reasonable!

And to those of you wondering about keeping your paws warm – the AIRFLOW does a better job than the stock factory windscreen and about the same as the older GIVI windscreen with the side wings.

This spring I installed a pair of hand guards that I saw on either this SWing site or the other one. A chap from England had found out that the left hand guard for a 1000cc Suzuki VStrom and the right hand guard for a 650 Suzuki VStrom fit with only minor modifications. I bought them from my local Suzuki dealer for about $100 Canadian, 13% taxes included. Contact me at ianross@sympatico.ca for instructions if you can’t find them on either SWing site. They look cool as well as being very functional.

My hands still get cold, but not nearly as much as when they were fully exposed to the wind. I live in Northern Ontario so it’s getting pretty cold right now.

Furthermore I found that wearing snowmobile mitts as opposed to gloves keeps my hands nice and toasty, but the hand guards definitely help a lot.

Won’t be too much longer before I have to put my ’06 away.

Ordered my Givi airflow screen last night.

Sitting waiting now. Inane whistling and general strumming of fingers on table!!!!!

Is it me or is time going slow?

Waspie - be sure to install the two stainless steel brackets that come with the AIRFLOW. The instructions are hard to read, as are all GIVI instructions, but it's worth taking the time to do this as the brackets supprt the AIRFLOW properly.

Good luck!

Laker wrote:

Waspie - be sure to install the two stainless steel brackets that come with the AIRFLOW. The instructions are hard to read, as are all GIVI instructions, but it's worth taking the time to do this as the brackets supprt the AIRFLOW properly.

Good luck!

Thanks Laker, already made my mind up that I would be doing a full install, with brackets. Having disassembled the bike down I may as well spend a bit more time and do the whole job.

Givi AF214 arrived today. All I need now is my Wing back from the garage with a serviceable ignition barrel then I will be able to fit it.

Not expecting any problems after the wonderful advice and pictures you guys have supplied.

Givi - read this site and add the info on here to your fitting guide!!!!! Especially the pictures.

bigbird wrote:

Wendell, don't give up. You will have to remove the large shiny bolt with stepped washer that attaches to the steel frame. That's one of the mounting points for the bracket. Do not re-use that big shiny bolt. You will use the round head GIVI bolt in that location. The other holes will align properly with the existing Honda mounting holes for the windshield. There is only 1 hole you will drill. With the bracket correctly aligned, you will see the bent part of the bracket is now towards the rear of the bike, and is angled inwards 45 degrees towards the the centre of the bike. You will drill through that angled hole. Behind that hole is a boss which holds the threads for the other GIVI bolt. That bolt is the socket head bolt as opposed to the pan head bolt.
Try again. As they say in the movie "The Waterboy", you can do it!

I am generally okay with things like this - but I am confused on the hole to drill.
The brackets that came with mine have an oblong hole on the angled end, not a perfectly round one. I understand that there is a boss somewhere and that the drilling is to gain access to attach the bracket there. I am not sure where to EXACTLY drill within the bracket hole, what size bit to use, and how deep to drill.
Sure would appreciate some guidance, I am afraid to screw up by drilling a little bit off.
Thanks

xx

bigbird wrote:

All the info is in this topic. Just start reading through from page 1.
Here's a snippet of what to expect:

"This is the easiest mod you'll do. You're only drilling through the tupperware. About 3 revolutions of the drill bit and you're through. As Clarinet said you can remove the top cover from the instrument panel to see the angle that you should drill. You need to line up the template holes with the bosses attached to the Swing frame."

Thanks Bigbird. Too late now (East Coast TIme). Tomorrow I will remove top cover to ensure I don't drill in wrong place, and complete install. It should be warm enough to ride tomorrow.

I am a wimp; I freely admit it. I have all but lost my nerve when it comes to dismantling things, especially my Silverwing, so I avoid it as much as possible.

Therefore, unlike bigbird and others who haven't, I didn't take off the top cover but bolted-on the plate and eye-balled the angle for the hole.

Using the correct-size drill-bit I allowed the drill to find its own way through the plastic by pressing very gently on it and feeling when it just touched the metal underneath.

As they say, 'You pays yer money.......!'

MikeO wrote:

I am a wimp; I freely admit it. I have all but lost my nerve when it comes to dismantling things, especially my Silverwing, so I avoid it as much as possible.

Therefore, unlike bigbird and others who haven't, I didn't take off the top cover but bolted-on the plate and eye-balled the angle for the hole.

Using the correct-size drill-bit I allowed the drill to find its own way through the plastic by pressing very gently on it and feeling when it just touched the metal underneath.

As they say, 'You pays yer money.......!'

Installation done - perfect! Thanks everyone.

Going out riding . . .

This is a really interesting article. Thanks for doing the review. I have the Clearview on my Swing and it does a good job, however I still do get that pushing effect on my back.I can really notice it when I am riding when it is colder out.

I'm probably being a little premature seeing how it's still chilly here, but has anyone who has ridden behind the Givi Airflow tried it with just the lower screen? I'm curious about riding on really hot days when wind in the face is sometimes desirable. That said, would the upper screen fit in an E52?

x

Thanks, BB.

One more question -- I've never actually seen an AF214 except the one picture on the Givi UK site; do the latches stay with the base screen, do the come off with the upper, or do they come off independently?

From the comments in this thread, it seems as though this is a really versatile screen. That's what I'm looking for...

x

What great posts. Thanks everyone. I'd like to take a stab at the question John raises about looking through vs over. First, it's a great question that lots of people have but few really ask. Here's my 2 cents worth. Two years ago I flew to North Carolins and picked up a bike and started back to Oklahoma across the mountains. The bike had a tall windscreen (I had to look through vs over) on it and the optics were fine, good wind protection, etc. Problem came when I was crossing the mountain at night and it began to rain. A downpour. There was no place to pull off and no traffic other than semi trucks. Lots of trucks, no shoulder to speak of. I was absolutely blinded by the lights through the windshield. I had to look around the screen to see at all and finally made it to a turnout/exit ramp where I holed up for the night. So,,,,if you're never gonna be riding at [b]night the "look through" works fine. If you're ever caught like I was then I bet it'll be the last time. I ordered a new, shorter screen as soon as I got home. Hope this is helpful.

Jeff, I'd really be interested in how this thing works in the rain. I know none of us likes to ride in it but since some of us get caught every once in awhile it would be really great info. I'm shopping for a new shield right now for my 02. My 09 has a tall clearview and seemed to work pretty good and I was about to buy another one until I read this post today. Come to think of it, given how much it rains where you are I might be waiting another year or so before you see any rain out west.