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From:
Tripp Smith <jsmith@hemisphere.neocomm.net
Subject: Gustafsson Screen
I ordered and received a Gustafsson screen for the GPz. I do not think
I will install it. It does not fit as close as I would like. It is
not pre-drilled. A drill bit designed for drilling acrylic is included at
a
nominal cost but it is not of the right size. It is 1/4 inch in size.
The holes in the stock screen are approx 3/8 inch in order to accomodate the
rubber threaded grommets that attach the screen to the faring.
I was not informed that the screen was not pre-drilled. The reason for
this as stated in the instructions is, "Because original equipment
tolerances vary to such an extent, we do not
drill mounting holes in our windscreens. Instead we include an acrylic
drill bit with every order."
They also mentioned that if the included bit is not the right size, give them a call.
Lockhart does not have that problem with their Speedscreens. Mine was a perfect fit. (I was charged $3.55 for the drill bit)
I am going to call Gustafsson to return the screen. The have a 30 day
return policy with a "Return Hotline #" to call for authorization.
The invoice states, "We do not restock. Restock fees may be
assessed." It also states that shipping/handling are non-refundable
which should not
be anyway.
Cost for the screen, the drill-bit, and a UPS 16 lb (dimensional weight) package from FL to VA via UPS Second Day Air amounted to $122.25. I will keep everyone informed as to the level of "customer service" I experience. As of yet, they do not have an e-mail address.
The invoice header reads:
Gustafsson Plastics
"Your Most Complete Windscreen Source"
6310 US 1 North
P O Box 3567
St. Augustine, Florida 32085
(904) 824-3443
--
<<<Tripp<<<
Date sent: Sat, 10 May 1997
15:05:06 -0400
From:
Tripp Smith <jsmith@hemisphere.neocomm.net
Send reply to: jsmith@hemisphere.neocomm.net
To:
gpz@geni34.arl.mil, rsims@ldl.net
Subject: Re: Gustafsson
Screen
Bob Sims wrote:
Tripp,
What is the difference in size/shape of the Gustafsson screen? How
much taller is it? Does it "flip" up or does it follow the stock
lines?
It preety much follows the stock shield but is about 4 inches taller. It does not flip up, have a spoiler, or a lip or border of any kind.
Wow! That's considerably more than what they'd quoted me over the
phone - something like $70-80. They must kill you on the shipping.
Cost breakdown was a follows:
Shield 90.95
Drill Bit 3.55
UPS Second Day Air (at my request) 27.75
Please do - I'm anxious to hear about it. Is the hole drilling the
only reason you're returning it, or is there something else it lacks
in quality? Do you think it would be difficult to drill the holes?
Could you use your original as a guide?
I decided to keep it. The lack of mounting holes irritated me at first but due to a 20% re-stocking fee because my reason for return "was not good enough", I decided not to return it although I did get an RA number.
It is recommended not to use the old shield as a guide since the holes will not be centered since the old shield is either over or under the new one. It is recommended that the new shield be fitted and marked either with a flet tip marker or a soldering iron. Then use the 1/4 inch bit to drill the holes while holding to the windshield with one hand and applying light pressure at a moderate drill speed with th other hand. DO not use any type of backing or bracing with the shield. Since I need large holes for the GPz, they suggested that I use a Dremel tool with the square grinder block to enlarge the holes to the proper size.
The problem I have with this whole process it that I should not have to finish fabricating a part that is supposedly made "exclusively" for the GPz and at the price this thing lists for.
I am also looking at the Givi shield for comparison.
--
<<<Tripp<<<
-----Original Message----- From: Dave and Marie Dempster [mailto:demp@pe.net] Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 1998 11:31 PM To: Kawasaki GPZ1100 discussion Subject: Cheetah windscreen Hi all, I just installed the National Cycles Cheetah windscreen (dark smoke). I have pictures being developed which show stock screen vs. new screen from 2 perspectives, from front with me on the bike, and left side.
Pictures may be seen here
The mounting holes had to be enlarged (drilled out) to accept the mounting screws, otherwise the installation was very quick. The protection it provides over stock is quite noticeable, however it is no cure-all for the bug problem :-( I'm getting used to the new appearance. I like the dark smoke against the red color of the bike. The shield actually is only about 1/2 inch taller than the stock, but the 'flip' starts earlier than the Lockhart-Phillips euro-screens (which aren't available for our bike, anyway). The shield seemed stable up to 140 mph (indicated), however there seems to be some flexing along the thin plastic 'wings' at the top of the fairing. There also was a peculiar yet pleasant sounding buzz at 4200 rpm up to 4400 rpm. Dave Dempster
From:
"Fraser, Jim" <fraserj@aecl.ca
Subject: FW: Windscreens
Date sent: Tue, 6 May 1997 09:06:11
-0400
Hi Everyone,
Here is an email I received from a fellow GPz'er who lives in France. He seems to like the Ermax windscreens. I've just ordered a catalog from M&P, a supplier of motorcycle accessories located in the UK, they carry Ermax stuff. Does anyone know of a Ermax supplier in north america?
Jim Fraser,
fraserj@aecl.ca
Rapides des Joachims, Quebec
'95 GPZ1100
'78 GS1000
'93 DR350P
----------
From: Guy Angelozzi[SMTP:gangelozzi@vnet.ibm.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 1997 10:03 AM
To: Fraser, Jim
Subject: Windscreen.
Good morning Jim,
Here is the phone and address of the factory that sells ERMAX products,
where my tall windscreen comes from.
Take care, they usually do not sell directly to people (but you can try
if you want).
The best way is to ask your preferred motorcycle shop to do it for
you.
ERMAX France
Z.I. No 4,
Avenue Fresnel
13715 CARNOUX - FRANCE
phone (33) 4 42 73 67 91.
They have 3 kinds of windscreen for GPZ1100 95:
1 - same as stock one
2 - same aspect as stock one but taller (the one I have)
3 - a taller one with a border on the top (the tallest)
Advantage of type 2 is that it's far better than stock one up to
160 Kmph, acceptable up to 200 Kmph, and also it does not 'break'
the style of the motorcycle.
Advantage of type 3 is that it's efficiency is perfect up to 130,
but getting worst upper (air shimmies). It also breaks a little
bit the style of the bike.
Ask for the available documentation. Price is about 600 FF (100 bugs).
Have a good day.
Subject: Re: FW: Re: WebSurfer Message
chris.crawford@Cubic.COM wrote:
--- On Thu, 08 May 1997 11:07:33 -0400 "Gi.Vi USA, Inc." <giviusa@mindspring.com
wrote:
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your e-mail. Yes, we do have a replacement screen for the
GPZ
1100 (95-96), it is 2-3" taller than the stock, has a light smoke tint and
there is s spoiler at the top. Part #D172S $72.50 suggested retail.
If you
choose to order this, please have your local motorcycle dealership give us a
call at 704-679-4123 and we'll be happy to service them.
Best Regards,
Natalie
GI.VI USA, Inc.
Date sent: Sat, 10 May 97 17:05:15
-0500
From:
iss <iss@vivanet.com
I just picked up my GIVI windscreen at the dealer today... it looks great, thicker than stock, about 3 inches taller, with a slight "flip" at the top, and the top is lined with a rubber moulding also. And, it's got a meduim tint to it that I think will look nice on the bike.
And yes.... it is pre-drilled, and it even looks like they're in the right place.
I'll report back as soon as I get it installed.... it's a bit cold here today!
Bruce
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce M Javits -- Imaging Support Services,
Rochester, NY
Quality Technical Support for the Photofinishing Industry
iss@vivanet.com --
http://www.vivanet.com/~iss
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Folks -
Installation of the Givi windscreen is complete, and was very simple. All holes are of the proper size and in the proper place. After forcing Kawasaki's little rubber-covered nuts into the proper holes, it simply bolted right into place. Surprised me, actually, I figured I would have to take a file to at least one of the holes, but they lined right up.
The screen itself appears to be marginally thicker than the stock unit, and significantly taller with a bit of a flip at the top. Whereas the stock unit is actually curved downwards across the top ( I guess that would be concave, right?) the Givi is curved upwards (convex) across the top and also appears to flare out a bit to either side as well. The top edge is finished with a small rubber trim strip.
The screen has a medium tint, and looks nice on the red 95, I'm certian it would also look good on the 96's.
I took the bike for a short jaunt out on the highway, and the difference is noticeable. A significant increase in the amount of protection from the wind. With the old screen, I knew the height was wrong because all the bugs that were unfortunate enough to get caught in the wind blast were directed right into my faceshield (yuck....) Now, I'm pretty sure they'll be thrown safely up over my head. Also, with the old screen if I wanted to get down where it was really quiet, I just about had to rest my chin on the tank. With the new one I can get down into the quiet zone with significantly less crouching.
The only catch here is that the possible handlebar mods I'm planning will of course move my head a bit farther upwards again. I'm hoping that I will still be in the pocket behind the Givi screen, even with the new bars. I'll let you know.
Pics of my '95 with the Givi windshield installed are to be found at:
http://www2.rpa.net/~iss/windpics.html
Ride safe......
Bruce
From: Dave and Marie Dempster <demp@pe.net
Subject: Cheetah windscreen
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 08:40:51 -0700
Hi all,
I just installed the National Cycles Cheetah windscreen (dark smoke). I have pictures being developed which show stock screen vs. new screen from 3 perspectives, from (both with and without me on the bike), left side, and from behind.
The mounting holes had to be enlarged (drilled out) to accept the mounting screws, otherwise the installation was very quick. The protection it provides over stock is quite noticeable, however it is no cure-all for the bug problem :-(
I'm getting used to the new appearance. I like the dark smoke against the red color of the bike. The shield actually is only about 1/2 inch taller than the stock, but the 'flip' starts earlier than the Lockhart-Phillips euro-screens (which aren't available for our bike, anyway). The shield seemed stable up to 130 mph (indicated), however there seems to be some flexing along the thin plastic 'wings' at the top of the fairing. There also was a peculiar yet pleasant sounding buzz at 4200 rpm up to 4400 rpm.
Dave Dempster
Date sent: Sun, 12 Apr 1998
06:57:16 -0700
From:
Robert Pierson <RAPierson@worldnet.att.net
Subject: Screens
I also just installed the National Cycle screen , I bought it without seeing one in hopes of getting even better protection than the Givi screen. My impression is that it offers no advantage over the Givi and because of its radical upward bend it does not look as good. Since yesterday was my first day out on the bike this year I would have to put the Givi back on to make a better comparison since it has been 6 @#
!! months since I have been on the bike and my memory may not be perfect as to the Givi airflow.
I am 6'1" and sit as upright as I can so I naturaly catch alot of air. I get full blast at midhelmet with the Givi and the NC. While the Givi did not raise the airflow much, compared with the stock screen, I found that the airflow was alot smoother especially around the shoulders and arms. When wearing a light jacket with the stock screen ,something I don't usually do, the sleeves would flap so much, especially on windy days, that I thought the jacket would rip to shreds.
While the NC sreen does have that upward bend the height is actually less than the Givi because the Givi is longer. The final result I feel that the top of the NC screen is further away from the rider than the Givi so any advantage gained by the upward bend is negated by the extra distance.
I should add that I put my Saeng Stealth Edging on the NC screen before I ever rode, which is supposed to raise the airflow (it worked on the bar mount fairing I had on my old Honda) . I tried the edging on my Givi screen also and found it did nothing at all so took it off. Some old listers may recall some pictures I posted showing my bike with the edging.
I will probably put the Givi back on at some point and make another evaluation between the two. As I said I like the looks of the Givi better but if someone is going to try a new screen the NC costs $30 less than the Givi.
My ideal screen would be as long as the Givi and then have a big upward bend, this just might get the air over the top of my helmet. The only question then would be if such a screen would be stable enough. By the way I think the NC screen is a bit more stable than the Givi.
Bob
Originally posted by Scott Jefferies:
Hello Group,
Have been reading a lot about people who are thinking of raising their
handlebars, well if you want a higher windshield I have found one.
National Cycle makes a cheetah sst designed specifically for the GPZ. I
ordered one since it was 48.00 or therabouts with shipping. Installed it this
last weekend and took it out for a test. It worked! It is designed wit a
radical upward lip which sends the wind directly over yor head. I didn't feel
large mounts of wind until I exceeded 90, and it held it's shape in the triple
digits. I liked it!
By the way Motrcycle Accessory Warehouse carries them.
Scott in Texas,
riding a red on
Date sent: Sun, 19 Jul 1998
13:25:36 -0700
From:
"Mike Reed" <mikereed@infocom.com
Subject: Re: Screens
Bob,
I have the Zero Gravity screen and have had it for about a year now. It provides some relief from windblast (i.e. shirt or jacket flap less violently). I'm 6'2" and it still does not completely raise the bugs here in Indiana above my helmet. It's optical clarity is excellent and so far the screen has not scratched after many cleanings of bug juice. It doesn't show any severe signs of moving around at higher speeds even though it is not as thick as the stock screen.
I can't make a direct comparison with the Givi since I have not ridden with one. However, from what I've read here previously, the Givi is very similar in price and performance. Both screens help, but neither is a cure all.
There is a picture of my bike at last years Midwest Rally with the Zero Gravity screen on it. I could send you a couple of pics if you like but most of them are from a distance. If I had it to do over again I don't think it matters which screen you buy other than your personal preference as to which screen you like best.
Mike Reed The Big Red Bullet Rules (95 Kaw GPz1100) mikereed@infocom.com*
Date sent: Wed, 12 Aug 1998
15:58:58 -0700
From:
Dale Burks <daleb@anv.net
Subject: Zero Gravity
windscreen
Dear readers, I've recently purchased and installed a Zero Gravity windscreen. The cost to my doorstep was roughly $75.00. Installation took about ten minutes—it's pre-drilled. You can order a choice of colors for additional $10.00, or choose smoke or clear for the aforementioned price. I chose smoke, and it looks great. Overall, it looks like the OEM but adds about four inches and a slight lip. Up to 120mph it is sturdy and lifts the air over a 6'2" human. There is a marginally flutter on the sides where the fairing offers those slim appendages, but it's minor. The area within the fairing is greatly increased, allowing for a nice tuck position. Good riding, Dale
Date sent: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 08:49:33
-0700
From: doug@shootfirst.com
(doug)
Subject: PowerBronze
Windshield
I called a Kawasaki dealer in Ramsey, N.J. and inquired about ordering a Givi replacement windshield. "Ray" said they had one PowerBronze windshield left in stock for $80 bucks. I measured the stock shield at 12 1/2 inches. The PowerBronze, (imported from the U.K.), measures 16 1/2 inches. So i bought it and tried it out yesterday on a 250 mile jaunt up the Delaware river and back. I'm 6 feet tall with 34in. sleeves. I also have Gen-Mar risers on the handlebars. The airflow now rises just barely above my shoulders. I still get plenty of bugs on the face shield of the helmet, but I'm satisfied with the performance and look of the PowerBronze. It is stable up to at least 125 mph. It's a light smoke color with just a slight kick up at the top. It also comes with a rubber strip for the edge that gives a nice finished look. It certainly makes the bike look and feel more touring oriented.
Doug Tuero
Ride Safe Ride Often Ride Far
Date sent: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 17:18:42
-0700
From:
Boss_Walker <boss-walker@smallbusiness.net.au
Subject: New windscreen.
If any other Aussies or Kiwis are interested, as winter
seems to be here and I'm fed up with the cold air blasting onto my chest, I have
just ordered a new screen from Hand Craft Fibre Glass in Sydney (phone 02 9674
3586). It will have a small upsweep on the top and have a dark tint. Cost
$85.00. I should get it late next week, I'll let you know how it looks and
works.
Would you believe today is my first day off in three weeks
and it's absolutely pissing down. We have a 300 km ride planned for tomorrow, I
hope it's better then.
Regards
Mike Boss-Walker
Burnie
Tasmania.
Date sent: Sat, 4 Jul 1998 22:21:35
-0700
From:
Boss-Walker home <boss-walker@smallbusiness.net.au
Subject: New screen
Hi all,
For the Aussies and Kiwis I have now got the new screen and tested it.
It,s about 100mm higher than the standard one with a "smoke" finish
and looks great. It has the desired effect of keeping the cold blast off the top
of my chest (I am 180cm tall) but does increase helmet noise. The material is
quite thin but suprisingly shows little sign of flexing at speeds up to 160 kph.
In summary it does what I required but adds noise so I'll use it in winter but
put the original back on in summer. Supplier:- Hand Craft Fibreglass,
Phone 02 9674 3586, Price Aus$85 (COD $97)
Regards
Mike Boss-Walker
Burnie Tasmania
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