M50 Windshield (Problem) SissyBar/Rack

[ColoRocky]

I got the Suzuki Windshield, Rack, and short Backrest installed yesterday, here's some photos:

Before and After Windshield

Before and After SissyBar/Rack

I really like the SissyBar Rack combination, especially with some bike/tent camping coming up soon.

However, the windshield is causing me issues. Although I like the look, it's too low for me. I'm 5'8" and the top of the windshield is just below my chin level. The rake of the windshield leads to channeling the wind directly into my face and when I pull the helmet shield down quite a bit of noise and turbulence.

Looks like I'll have to return the Suzuki windshield and look at some aftermarket shields a few inches taller. Any suggestions?

[RicoChet]

try ducking down like a sport bike for a little thats what I do

[djump]

My shield is at about my chin and the air hits just above my nose, no problem as it seems to just pressurise the air in my face and reduces the amout of “wind”. That works up to about 60k’s; after that the visor comes down. It will rattle a bit if not shut tight, but that’s a small price to pay for the extra comfort offered by the shield at higher speed.

Please note that there is more noise, but if I’m going a fair distance I put earplugs in. Around town I often have a MP3 player I use.

The Hell Cat I’ve got is adjustable and changes in its angle can have quite a large effect on the turbulence and noise at different speeds

[Time4me2ride]

Colorocky,
I would look at the Memphis Shades sport shield line. The one djump mentioned is the smallest, hellcat, the next size is the Alleycat which I have, but I am going to be changing to the largest which is the Bigshot. My daughter wants the alleycat for her '02 Intruder 800. I find the shield very comfortable, a little turbulence at speeds over 70 but not bad, and a lot better than leaning into the wind for hours.

[AZRyder]

Moccs place has a set of extenders that raise the windshield up about 21/2 inches. costs 25 bucks I think.

Moccs Place I believe is the link

[brad_b94]

Adjust the windsheild. It will deflect enough wind if it's right. Play with it a little bit. It's made to deflect air not block it. Mines not very high but still blows the air over my head.

[droopy170]

Actually Hellcat/Alleycat are the same. Hellcat mounts to handlebars, alleycat to forks. Smallest of the forkmounts is the Poptop. The OEM and Poptop are about the same height if I remember right. By the way I have the poptop am 5'10" and it works fine adjusted right. Also if you search you will find a wealth of info on windshields.

Droopy

[ColoRocky]

Originally Posted by AZRyder

Moccs place has a set of extenders that raise the windshield up about 21/2 inches. costs 25 bucks I think.

Moccs Place I believe is the link

Thanks for the idea and link AZRyder. There are quite a few good tips on that site. I'll try this windshield mount adapter plate, and if it works well post a few pics. Suzuki should make their mounting plate with adjustment capability, its not like one size fits all.

I was out riding yesterday for awhile, and oddly the wind funnel didn't bother me at all. Guess I was just adapting to it, but it wasn't bothering me like the first day.

You guys Rock! Thanks for the suggestions!

[ColoRocky]

Originally Posted by Time4me2ride

Colorocky,
I would look at the Memphis Shades sport shield line. The one djump mentioned is the smallest, hellcat, the next size is the Alleycat which I have, but I am going to be changing to the largest which is the Bigshot.

I rarely return items, but think I'll be returning the OEM Suzuki Shield.

I made the bracket to raise the windshield and tested it out for awhile. Windshield was raised 1 1/2", and felt better. We had some strong winds during the test, and into the wind it still was not as comfortable as I was looking for, still some blast/buffeting. The gap between the headlight and bottom of windshield looks like it increased 5 inches, kind of ugly now.

Think I'll be ordering the AlleyCat, wish I had researched this a bit sooner. I like the sporty look and adjustability. Memphis Shades looks like quite a better deal, you could even get three for the price of one OEM.

Suzuki M50 Windshield 14w x 16h $379

Memphis Shades Bigshot 21w x 20h $ 83
Memphis Shades AlleyCat 20w x 18h $ 83
Memphis Shades PopTop 18w x 16h $ 65
Memphis Shades Mount Kit $110
TOTAL $341

[ColoRocky]

I reluctantly returned the Suzuki OEM shield. Looked so good, but not very functional for me.

Replaced with a Memphis Shades Big Shot, larger size and not quite as sporty of a look. It has many options for height and pitch adjustment though, and you can disconnect fairly quick for times you don't want the shield.

Tested it out, adjusted once, very nice. I've got it set with a fairly steep rake and top of the shield just below the tip of my nose. I ride with the face shield up and get a nice breeze, then drop the face shield about 35mph and had no buffeting up to 70mph.

MEP5729 - Memphis Shades Bigshot, 9" Cutout, 21w x 20h $ 83
MEM9937 - Memphis Shades Mount Kit $110

Here's a photo of the shield. Very comfortable and I highly recommend this model for those looking at a windshield purchase.
__________________

[BlakMfitty]

Has ayone tried to paint a windshield, the wind deflection would be nioce, but the clear/colored plastic still doesn't seem to match the M

[techgesture]

Thats what I need to do.

When I purchased my M used with 1500 miles... the previous owner gave me two windsheilds... the OEM windsheild and a large Highway windsheild. As soon as I got it I took the Highway one off because it thought it to be ugly as sin... but your right, ESPESCIALLY on the highway, I get alot of wind, and when I turn my head before changing lanes, I feel it pushing on my head bad...

Im wondering if I should try to sell the 2 windsheilds that I have on ebay and buy Memphis get-up.

[droopy170]

Memphis shades has different color gradients on all their models

Droopy

[Twistedstallion]

I was going to order a hellcat until I saw the bigshot on your bike. It doesn't look as bad as i thought it would, it actually looks pretty good. I just might have to get that one for my bike.

[dj110965]

What size of head light cut out for the Big Shot on the M50

[ColoRocky]

Originally Posted by dj110965

What size of head light cut out for the Big Shot on the M50

I got the 9" Cutout. Others have tried the 7" and returned it for the 9".

MEP5729 - Memphis Shades Bigshot, Solar, 9" Cutout, 21w x 20h $ 83
MEM9937 - Memphis Shades Mount Kit $110

I'm not totally sold on the Big Shot. The beauty of the Memphis Shades is you can get additional shields, use the same mounting hardware, and fairly easily switch out for either looks or comfort. The Alley Cat seems to have the overall best look/comfort. I was out riding this past weekend and the BigShot was absolutely a perfect performer for comfort.