09 Sillverwing first report

Quite pleased with my new machine. Wanted a Givi windshield and a backrest. All finished. Made the buttrest into a backrest and the windshield is taller than I thought but I'll appreciate it when it gets colder. Even though I've cut several windshields in the past, most times I regretted it so will let it alone. Thought it rode a little rough around town so I bought a pad from Wal-Mart. It says Gel on the package but its soft rubber made into waffle shapes. Very comforable for $20. First tank of gas 57 mpg then 53 on the next one. Its balanced so perfectly that you can just barely move in a parking lot and still not worry about dropping it. In a 30 mph wind I was bounced all over the place but it didn't feel dangerous. The control was still there. Also, it has to run at least 70 without working up a sweat and it does! It a keeper.

Dale,

Glad you like your new Swing. It is smooth at 70 isn't it. I also have the Walmart pad and it does work great. I also have the Air hawk now but the Walmart special is one really nice pad. You are getting good mileage so you are doing something right. Keep up the reports.

dudes, what is this mystic pad at Walmart, what's it called and where do I find it?

I need a pad, bad. What depaartment is it in? Can I get one online?

ce,

They are located in the automotive isle next to the steering wheel covers. Here is a picture:

Dale, as an experiment, try going back to the original windscreen next time you have a real windy day.

I believe that the funky handling is caused by the GIVI. I went to the original windscreen for some cooling air during hot weather, and think the better handling is a extra benefit.

Thanks, Jeff, I'll find it now. And I'm hoping it'll boost me up a bit so I can look over my Givi instead of through it. I'm within a inch or so now, and it's not so bad, but once it gets full of bugs and scratches and then it rains, it might be a problem.

Or not.

I do agree with Buddy, on a windy day I had an awful backdraft, and was going to cut off the wings on the sides, but it looks like they buttress the shield to keep it from flexing, and they do keep the wind off my hands.

I'd hate to hacksaw up a nice shield that those Italian engineers spent so much time researching and developing, unless they were actually fashion designers, and didn't know dick about aerodynamics.

If that's the case, I'll take a hacksaw, a heat gun, and a hammer, and fix it so it works.

Philip,

I know your right. I think the angle and the height are a definite contribution to erratic behavior in a 30 mph wind. I even installed the brackets just because it was so big. Mine is mostly for around town running errands and visiting. Those trips are usually less than 30 miles round trip so I should be ok.

x

Dale,

I cut mine down about 1 1/2" and it really got rid of any "back pressure" for me. I didn't do a very good job cutting it but I do like it better. I'm 6' with a long torso and it keeps the wind out of my face. You could probably cut some off too. I noticed that when I was riding, and I put my hand up, that i wouldn't feel the wind until my hand was well over my head. So I think the Givi throws the wind over your head by a good amount. It took me about 10 mins to cut it and if I would have taken longer I would have done a better job.

Another option to reduce the windshield back pressure could be the Vetter snap vents ( http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/Online_Store/Replacement_Parts/Details.html )

JeffR, how do you cut it! I'm going to ride it as is for awhile but after your comments I may change my mind later. What I've done in the past is use masking tape on both sides then draw my line then use a sabre saw with a fine blade. Used a rough then fine sponge sander to finish it.