VStream ST1300 windshield

Sidekick

Sidekick

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Joined
Apr 25, 2017
Messages
405
Location
Rhinebeck, NY
Bike
ST1300A '05
Just wanted to share my experience with the VStream windshield, thinking that maybe could help some others ST1300 owners to make the move.
I bought the standard 19 inches VStream (same height as the factory shield - $152 on Amazon) and tested it today on a 200 miles trip around the Mount Washington State Forest MA on a chilly 40° day.
I am 5.7 and I used the brackets lower position, my ST is a 05 with 55k.
Glad I did !
Much less back pressure, a lot quieter, better shoulders protection and buffeting no more...
I was a worrying a little about the increased width of the top of the VStream shield, but it is adding more pressure on the front wheel and this is an upgrade by itself.
The bike feel more planted on the road at 3 digits numbers.
I do not know what will be the effect on the mpg for now.

My point is that for years I was unhappy with the factory shield and pushed myself to ignore it, but I regret not having done the move years ago, what an improvement !
 
Love the report Jacques. I’m considering getting a Vstream too. Have you tried it riding 2up? Just wondering the improvements if any 2up.
 
Hi, and thanks for the feedback !
But no, I didn't try it with a pilon yet.
I will soon, and I'll let you know for sure...
Again I am 5.7 and maybe somebody taller would have a different feeling.
For $152 on amazon this looks like a good deal and you can return it if not happy...
Worth a try honestly...
I will post some photos tomorrow.
 
jacques.luiggi said:
Just wanted to share my experience with the VStream windshield, thinking that maybe could help some others ST1300 owners to make the move.
I bought the standard 19 inches VStream (same height as the factory shield - $152 on Amazon) and tested it today on a 200 miles trip around the Mount Washington State Forest MA on a chilly 40° day.
I am 5.7 and I used the brackets lower position, my ST is a 05 with 55k.
Glad I did !
Much less back pressure, a lot quieter, better shoulders protection and buffeting no more...
I was a worrying a little about the increased width of the top of the VStream shield, but it is adding more pressure on the front wheel and this is an upgrade by itself.
The bike feel more planted on the road at 3 digits numbers.
I do not know what will be the effect on the mpg for now.

My point is that for years I was unhappy with the factory shield and pushed myself to ignore it, but I regret not having done the move years ago, what an improvement !
Click to expand...
I agree the VStream is a great windscreen and provides better wind deflection off the shoulders and arms. When you ride on the highway at faster speeds this really makes a difference. Enjoy!
 
Limshady88 said:
Have you tried it riding 2up? Just wondering the improvements if any 2up.
Click to expand...
Definitely a huge improvement for the passenger as well.

I love the VStream.. The only drawback I know is that it creates a lot of turbulence behind the bike. My riding buddy is either in front of me or half a mile behind me... But for me and the Mrs. it's just great.
 
jacques.luiggi said:
Hi, and thanks for the feedback !
But no, I didn't try it with a pilon yet.
I will soon, and I'll let you know for sure...
Again I am 5.7 and maybe somebody taller would have a different feeling.
For $152 on amazon this looks like a good deal and you can return it if not happy...
Worth a try honestly...
I will post some photos tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Can you look over it in all positions ? What's your inseam ? I'm 5' 7" but my legs are short @ 27". Long torso I guess.

JJ
 
Jammin'John said:
Can you look over it in all positions ? What's your inseam ? I'm 5' 7" but my legs are short @ 27". Long torso I guess.

JJ
Click to expand...
I am not sure if I fully understand your question, my inseam is 30 ...
Transparency is very good, some optical distorsion if you look deep to the bottom of the windshield, like looking at the front tire.
The VStream is thicker than the factory windshield and it makes me feel more distant from the road but not to the point of this being a real concern.
The top position is 2 inches higher than my line of view and I rarely use it as long as it is not raining (30 mm riser bar).
I wear an open helmet and I feel comfortable using a setting close to the lowest position under 50/55 mph.
Obviously I wasn't able to do this with the factory windshield !
 
Superdirk said:
Definitely a huge improvement for the passenger as well.

I love the VStream.. The only drawback I know is that it creates a lot of turbulence behind the bike. My riding buddy is either in front of me or half a mile behind me... But for me and the Mrs. it's just great.
Click to expand...
The VStream vacuum is bigger than the one created by the factory shield and I also noticed my Mpg going down maybe by 1 or 2 miles per gallon with it.
 
I've been using a V-Stream for several years and tens of thousands of miles. I'm very well pleased with it. The shape increases the "bubble" behind it, but it doesn't appear to increase drag on the bike. My mileage seems to have remained the same as with the OEM shield. I ride with the top of the shield at chin level, and don't notice any significant optical problems due to the shape. (One looks over a windscreen, rather than through it.)
 
Do NOT use the electric motor to move the shield up/down while underway.
The extra weight, and coverage of the shield can/will damage the shield motor cables and gears etc.
Of the 2 dozen or more shield motors I've replaced, have all had heavier/taller aftermarket shields on them. ;)
 
jacques.luiggi said:
I am not sure if I fully understand your question, my inseam is 30 ...
Transparency is very good, some optical distorsion if you look deep to the bottom of the windshield, like looking at the front tire.
The VStream is thicker than the factory windshield and it makes me feel more distant from the road but not to the point of this being a real concern.
The top position is 2 inches higher than my line of view and I rarely use it as long as it is not raining (30 mm riser bar).
I wear an open helmet and I feel comfortable using a setting close to the lowest position under 50/55 mph.
Obviously I wasn't able to do this with the factory windshield !
Click to expand...

The reason I'm asking is that my bike hasn't arrived yet. Covid. I'm looking for Farkles now. Seat,windshield,highway pegs,etc.
I have a 27" inseam. I'm 5' 7". I don't look through a windshield. I was wondering if someone my size can look over the stock shield.
I see aftermarket ones are 2" and 4" over stock. I usually buy Rifle stuff.

JJ
 
roginoz said:
I've been using a V-Stream for several years and tens of thousands of miles. I'm very well pleased with it. The shape increases the "bubble" behind it, but it doesn't appear to increase drag on the bike. My mileage seems to have remained the same as with the OEM shield. I ride with the top of the shield at chin level, and don't notice any significant optical problems due to the shape. (One looks over a windscreen, rather than through it.)
Click to expand...
I agree about looking over a shield. I see mine will be adjustable. 2016 ST1300 PAG, I also see that a lot of buffeting occurs if you raise the shield much so I would like a shield that I can see over when all the way down and when raised 2 of the 5 inches of travel.
A seat that allows me to touch the ground. Extra lights.

JJ
 
Jammin'John said:
The reason I'm asking is that my bike hasn't arrived yet. Covid. I'm looking for Farkles now. Seat,windshield,highway pegs,etc.
I have a 27" inseam. I'm 5' 7". I don't look through a windshield. I was wondering if someone my size can look over the stock shield.
I see aftermarket ones are 2" and 4" over stock. I usually buy Rifle stuff.

JJ
Click to expand...
The 19 inches VStream has the same height as the factory one. I am pretty sure that you shouldn't have any difficulties to set it under your line of view if you install it on the lowest position on the brackets.
My 2 cents, I am not a big fan of the highway pegs, especially the kind which are supposed to retract.
Am I the only one feeling this way about them?
 
jacques.luiggi said:
The 19 inches VStream has the same height as the factory one. I am pretty sure that you shouldn't have any difficulties to set it under your line of view if you install it on the lowest position on the brackets.
My 2 cents, I am not a big fan of the highway pegs, especially the kind which are supposed to retract.
Am I the only one feeling this way about them?
Click to expand...
I also have the VStream and I really love it. Especially when it rains. I am almost totally dry behind it
 
I'm planning to go with a VStream windshield, one of the reason is the buffeting when it is halfway up, and it seems like the air is making a lot of noise while passing between the windshield and the front, top of the lights. I heard that the VStream is good by reducing the buffeting. Any tips will be appreciated.:thumb:
 
leonides said:
I'm planning to go with a VStream windshield, one of the reason is the buffeting when it is halfway up, and it seems like the air is making a lot of noise while passing between the windshield and the front, top of the lights. I heard that the VStream is good by reducing the buffeting. Any tips will be appreciated.:thumb:
Click to expand...
The rifle addresses the buffeting too !

JJ 1614725723532.png
 
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