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.

Waspie wrote:

Blimey Paul are you trying to keep Givi going on your own?

Looks nice, bike,screen the works. (Just a shame you tax disc is upside down or is it a plot to make life more awkward for plod!!!!!

I already had the top box from the Divvy so had to get the moiunt for it.

Will leave the RFL as it is, being ex-plod i would find it hard to find a reason to make a serious offence out of it

Hi Paul, see you have your camera mounted on handlebar mount. have you ridden with it there for long. taken any videos?
regards
roger

Waspie wrote:

(Just a shame you tax disc is upside down or is it a plot to make life more awkward for plod!!!!!

My tax disc rotates on it's own in the holder when I'm riding, 'cos it's not a tight fit.
(Unless something spooky's going on in the garage!! )

rogerscoot wrote:

Hi Paul, see you have your camera mounted on handlebar mount. have you ridden with it there for long. taken any videos?
regards
roger

Hi Roger

No not yet, I keep moving it as on full lock the mount it keeps catching the screen, when i find the best position I will post a video.

I am send you an email regarding other matters...

Paul

Winger61 wrote:

Waspie wrote:

(Just a shame you tax disc is upside down or is it a plot to make life more awkward for plod!!!!!

My tax disc rotates on it's own in the holder when I'm riding, 'cos it's not a tight fit.
(Unless something spooky's going on in the garage!! )

I will have to put some CCTV in the garage to see id anything untoward is going on

Hi all........I'm new to this forum. I live in IL. a farmer & purchased my 07 swing 4/7/11. I'm in the process of getting my license so haven't been on it much. I did order my AF214 airflow today. I'm not much of a typer but I do like to read everyones post.

Welcome Gary,

Hope you like the forum and since you ordered your Givi you should go to the "Pictorials" section and look at the windshield Pictorial. You can install it yourself. Where do you live in Illinois? I used to live up north on the border of Wis. and then in Champaign. I hope you will be active here and you can create your own folder in the "Album" section so you can put pics there. Welcome.

Jeffr, I live in Marshall along I-70 east of Terre Haute IN. I checked out the pictorials looks like maybe I could handle this, with my wife watching over my shoulder. lol

Should have it by next Wed. With all the rain we are having should have time to mount it . Hope I like it !

You will have an excuse to go for a number of rides with the screen set at different heights.
Even longer rides if you tell the wife the adjustment must be done in the garage!

I haven't found the optimum position for mine yet.

Cheers,

Gary wrote:

I checked out the pictorials looks like maybe I could handle this, with my wife watching over my shoulder. lol

Should have it by next Wed. With all the rain we are having should have time to mount it . Hope I like it !

Hi Gary,
Maybe you should get your wife to do it with you watching over her shoulder, then if it goes wrong it's her fault!

Meldrew wrote:

Gary wrote:

I checked out the pictorials looks like maybe I could handle this, with my wife watching over my shoulder. lol

Should have it by next Wed. With all the rain we are having should have time to mount it . Hope I like it !

Hi Gary,
Maybe you should get your wife to do it with you watching over her shoulder, then if it goes wrong it's her fault!

Meldrew............Never thought of that ! Good idea ! I'll bring that up today if I catch her in a good mood.

I unwrapped my Givi airflow and slide the top shield down in the fasteners. It went down about 2" then got tight. So do I just unloosen the locknut alittle to give it more space to fit ? Or am I just not holding my mouth right . Thought I better ask before I put the wrench on it.

Gary,

Were the fastners pulled all the way out? It should just slide up and down if the fastners are pulled all the way out which would put them at a 90 degree angle to the windshield. I will look at mine to see if they can be loosened and get back to you tomorrow, or possibly tonight.

x

Also make sure you don't try to adjust the shield while riding, it will fly off. Don't ask me how I know.

Wendell

I checked again the fasteners are all the way up I would call it. Still only slides down about 2". I'll try loosening the fasteners after while.

I loosened the lock nuts up to where they are almost flush. Now the top shield slides up & down easily & still locks tight.

Gary,

Glad you are able to lower and raise it better now. How do you like it so far? I think it is a great screen but I live in California where it doesn't really get cold. I'm not sure how the protection is when it is around freezing since it never gets that cold here. But if the temps are in the mid 40's or higher it does great for me.

As soon as I get it mounted I"ll know more about it. I do like the looks of it though.

Not going to be very good riding weather ( rain ) here for the next 5 days. Bummer !! Darn poor corn planting weather too.

Thanks to Jeff & Big bird I got the airflow & metal braces mounted this morning.

I went for a little spin to see what it would do. Worked great kept the wind off my face & my eyes didn't water. But I did get wet ( rain ) before returning home. Thanks again for the help !!!!!!!!!!

x

Gary,

Congrats on the new shield. And you can thank Terry (bigbird) for the metal brace info. I didn't mount it on mine and it hasn't blown off yet. I'm not sure why bigbird used his braces since he only rides it to the end of his driveway to get the mail. lol

x

I purchased the Givi Airflow this spring and put in on my 2002 Swing. I really enjoy the windshield. It is quiet to sit behind while driving. Plus, when it is cold, the air doesn't seem to penetrate my hands nearly as much with this windshield. I agree with JeffR's review on the windshield. I won't go back.

Thanks the time for doing your review Jeff. It was the tipping point for me to purchase one.

Thanks,

Kurt.

Ok, after reading all 16 pages of reviews, I just ordered the Airflow. I currently have the x-large Clearview which I look through. It's an OK shield but I don't like looking through it in the rain. I'm a little concerned about drilling holes in the tupperware but I guess I'll figure it out.

x

Yes - put the brackets on or just offer them up to spot the holes and as bigbird says the drill will find the bosses.
Don't press hard!

Hi to everyone.I'm new in this forum but I had been own silverwing over two year,My wing 2008.after I read about this Givi wind shield,I just order today.I had tall Givi wiend shield but I did not use it because to tall for me.Thank for good new about this wind shield.

Hello and welcome to the very best Silverwing forum!

I replaced my X-large Clearview (no vent) with the Airflow. As I expected there is little more wind noise with the new shield. The air pocket is collapsing into the side of my helmet (a little). What I didn't expect was a better riding SWing. The bike itself is behaving better without that sail-like screen catching every gust. If anyone is interested in buying my Clearview, I'll sell it cheap. The Clearview is a definite improvement over the stock shield (which is the worst feature on the bike) --Scott

Scooterian wrote:

I replaced my X-large Clearview (no vent) with the Airflow.

Scooterian wrote:

If anyone is interested in buying my Clearview, I'll sell it cheap.

If you ride much in the very cold weather, the Clearview is much wider than then Givi Airflow. I wonder if the Airflow would be much colder and less protective ... so it may also depend on your gear and/or heated gear.

That's true. There is definitely less protection but I only ride in the warm months.

Well - Airflow arrived today - fitted this evening after much pre-reading of this thread. Quick spin and I believe it is the first time I have heard the engine when the bike is going faster that about 10mph.

Very different indeed. I managed to naff up one hole so it is held with 5 screws and the metal brackets were awkward - but I think I might have knackered a bit of thread with the drill - apart from that looking forward to a decnt run. Thanks to all on here.
John

Jeff:
Thanks for the great review. The airflow windscreen sounds like it is very well designed. I may need to look into adding one to my bike at some point.
DCC

Make it one more convert! I just installed my Givi Airflow and all I can say is WOW! what a difference from the stock windshield. I just took a short ride but as soon as I'm done here it's off again. Thank you all for helping with the decision to purchase and the install instructions. Like Jeff I choose not to install the metal braces, no drilling holes. :-)

Just my opinion, but companies like Givi don't provide "extras" for fun. I'm sure after testing, they found that the metal braces were neccessary, otherwise they wouldn't bother supplying them. I fitted mine. (very easy to drill and fit)

Ian

"Just my opinion, but companies like Givi don't provide "extras" for fun. I'm sure after testing, they found that the metal braces were neccessary, otherwise they wouldn't bother supplying them. I fitted mine. (very easy to drill and fit)"
+1

x

bigbird wrote:

Skyman wrote:

Like Jeff I choose not to install the metal braces, no drilling holes. :-)

If you're afraid of drilling 2 small holes through the hidden tupperware, don't be. Otherwise down the road you'll be looking at stress cracks in the hidden tupperware from the GIVI's flexing. That big moveable screen was never designed to mount to the stock Honda screen mounts.

Agree regards the drilling holes.

I mean, it's not as if you are actually drilling holes, more removing the cap of material covering the tapped nuts!!! You can remove the covering without a mechanical drill, simply use a drill bit in your hand and twist.

Me personally, I think that the metal brackets are there for a purpose, for the amount of effort involved it really is worth the few seconds of time fitting them.

Ok after reading the reply's I will revisit the decision not to use the metal braces. I keep them of course and have them in the box the windshield came in along with the stock windshield. I have found one position for the windshield that works great for me. I have not needed to change the height at all. Here in Georgia it has been HOT and this is from a guy coming from Florida so my riding the scoot has suffered as it is miserable out. I know most of the US is in the same boat. I guess it is a good time to get the parts out of storage and put the braces on. I did tighten the 10mm nuts when I put the windshield on just to the point that it takes two hands to slide the shield up and down.

After reading this over, I finally decided to order this - tired of getting beat up by buffeting at high speeds. Thanks to all the great instructions here, I'm pretty confident about the install. Without this great forum, I doubt I would have been convinced to order and install it. Should be here in a week or so. Once I get it installed, I'll write up my comments as well. It will be interesting to see how the bike handles in a high cross wind with this shield.

Chris

x

No, I checked their web site from the URL you provided in the thread and they don't have it or any other GIVI stuff listed. Got it from 2nd Gear on ebay.ca. I think they're in Calgary so it worked out ok. They had 3 in stock and shipped via UPS the same day I ordered it. Price was about $205 + $18 shipping plus 5% for good old GST.

Chris

bigbird wrote:

Chris, did you order from Tony at Blue Streak Racing in Embro, ON?

x

I'll definitely check him out next time. I just figured since there was nothing like that on the site he wasn't dealing with them any more. Thanks

bigbird wrote:

cjuzda wrote:

No, I checked their web site from the URL you provided in the thread and they don't have it or any other GIVI stuff listed. Got it from 2nd Gear on ebay.ca. I think they're in Calgary so it worked out ok. They had 3 in stock and shipped via UPS the same day I ordered it. Price was about $205 + $18 shipping plus 5% for good old GST.
Chris

Next time try Tony at www.bluestreakracing.ca
He only lists a small fraction of gear on his website. He can get most anything from anywhere, often cheaper than US prices. I got all my GIVI stuff from him.

Can't say it was super easy. I think it's just that you don't want to screw up a $200 windshield. I had a problem with the screw going in to one of the bosses where I drilled out the plastic, almost like it was cross threaded so it sort of went in at an angle but tightened it up ok anyway. Also used the original honda big headed screw and put the spacer washer on it behind the steel plate, which seemed to make the plate go on with no distortion. So it's all good - will test it tomorrow.

One thing I noticed that though the garnish clipped in fine and all the screws are tight, the rubber seal touching the windshield is not in tight contact at the very frint, almost as though the GIVI shield contour is not exactly the same as the stock one the gap is extremely small, not really obvious at all, you really have to look to see it. I'm guessing that this shouldn't cause a problem if water gets in there as there is nothing behind it anyway, correct?

x

Thanks bigbird, if you're not worried, I'm sure not going to worry about it either

bigbird wrote:

cjuzda wrote:

One thing I noticed that though the garnish clipped in fine and all the screws are tight, the rubber seal touching the windshield is not in tight contact at the very frint, almost as though the GIVI shield contour is not exactly the same as the stock one the gap is extremely small, not really obvious at all, you really have to look to see it. I'm guessing that this shouldn't cause a problem if water gets in there as there is nothing behind it anyway, correct?

Mine installed exactly the same. I'm not worried.

Before I bought and installed mine today, I didn't see anything in the thread regarding a sticker I had on mine that indicates not to leave your bike in the sun on hot days with the sun shining on the back of the screen or it could be damaged. Any comments on this? Seems a little strange that this could cause damage.

Chris

x