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I have a 2005 R1200GS and I run an XL California Scientific windshield on it. I am 6'0" and it keeps the wind off my helmet, rain out of my lap, and minimizes buffeting even at Montana interstate speeds (~80+mph).
The shield is also durable and I would replace it with the same model if I ever have to.


Best Wishes,
Steve

2005 BMW R1200GS
2001 BMW F650GS Dakar
2002 KTM 400 EXC
 
I've used Givi Airflow on all of my previous bikes and I loved them. Givi doesn't make one for 1250GS so I had to buy Wunderlich screen and MRA spoiler. Givi Airflow works by creating invisible screen from air that enters between two screens and gets pressurised. So that pressurised air is projected verticaly and that makes "invisible screen". A lot of people don't know that. I didn'd know it when I bought my first Airflow. So, you need to have as big as possible the area where two screens overlap. It's not about rising the top portion of the screen. If you want to rise the screen, you have to rise both screens. Also, for Givi Airflow to work the best, it needs to be tilted a bit towards the rider. Some of my bikes had adjustable tilt, some didn't. On those that didn't, I had to use spacers on bottom screws of the screen to tilt it a bit.
With Givi Airflow I always achived zero buffeting and still had clean air to my helmet.
Now I own 2021 1250GS and miss Givi AIrflow.
I am looking into this for my 2018 gsa for long tours. are these easy to mount and do you have to buy additional brackets? Smoked or unsmoked? 😳
 
I am looking into this for my 2018 gsa for long tours. are these easy to mount and do you have to buy additional brackets? Smoked or unsmoked? 😳
If you 're asking about Givi Airflow, it doesn't exist for 2018 GSA. If you're asking about Wunderlich, then yes, you need additional brackets as the OEM screen arms may break (it happened to one of the members here) and the screen wobbles a lot.
I have Wunderlich Marathon Screen (clear) + Spoiler MRA VSA-TYP B + Lower Spacers (about 25mm with longer screen screws) + reinforcement brackets.
The spoiler mentioned above is mounted without drilling the screen so it can be removed without leaving the marks on the screen, if you don't like it. And it can be installed on any screen.
I had Puig Touring screen that made my buffeting better but didn't solve it. Then I installed Puig spoiler recommended for that screen and it got a bit better but still far away from solving the buffeting. With my actual setup, I have zero buffeting and still some clean wind onto my visor.
 
If you 're asking about Givi Airflow, it doesn't exist for 2018 GSA. If you're asking about Wunderlich, then yes, you need additional brackets as the OEM screen arms may break (it happened to one of the members here) and the screen wobbles a lot.
I have Wunderlich Marathon Screen (clear) + Spoiler MRA VSA-TYP B + Lower Spacers (about 25mm with longer screen screws) + reinforcement brackets.
The spoiler mentioned above is mounted without drilling the screen so it can be removed without leaving the marks on the screen, if you don't like it. And it can be installed on any screen.
I had Puig Touring screen that made my buffeting better but didn't solve it. Then I installed Puig spoiler recommended for that screen and it got a bit better but still far away from solving the buffeting. With my actual setup, I have zero buffeting and still some clean wind onto my visor.
so is there a spoiler that will help more just for convenience and cost? Just put on the existing windscreen?
 
The only versatile spoiler I know about is the one from MRA I mentioned above. I'm sure there are other spoilers but I don't have experience with them. Look at MRA site and photos to see how it's attached without drilling the screen.
 
How tall are you? I am 5'10" tall and I had my moto lower 1" with Ohlins lower shock. The max to lower R1200GS is 1.5" without sacrificing the riding sag. Sargent regular version seat. Anyway, when I go riding, I could feel tad wind buffer on top of my helmet so I only need 1-2 inches more of windscreen and decided to go with clip-on windscreen for $20. I just ordered it and it's on the way. Seems to make sense over $100-200 upgrade for 1-2 inches more. 🤷‍♂️ I can report back and let you know what I think of it if you like.

How did you get on with your clip-on windscreen?
did it stay on?!
 
The everyday vibrations of the screen at any kind of speed will eventualy lead to broken adjustment arm that is made of plastic. It happened to one of the members here and replacement arm costs more then the screen and bracket together.
However, you know what is the best for you. This was just a piece of advice.
 
The everyday vibrations of the screen at any kind of speed will eventualy lead to broken adjustment arm that is made of plastic. It happened to one of the members here and replacement arm costs more then the screen and bracket together.
However, you know what is the best for you. This was just a piece of advice.
thanks for your concern...I have no qualms about replacing parts if needed
 
thanks for your concern...I have no qualms about replacing parts if needed


Xlntcfp: I have to agree with Bosjno here.... You do not want to replace this BMW bracket at the dealer. Expensive and may not be available right away. It's weaknesses could stop your ride at any time.

Here's a link to the reinforcement brackets I have and another from V-Stream/Z-Technic. They're not intrusive and they really do stabilize everything. If I didn't tell you they were on the bike, you wouldn't see them....Also not expensive. You need to loosen two thumbscrews, one on each side of the screen, before adjusting the height with the BMW knob. BTW, don't try to adjust the BMW adjuster knob while riding with or without these brackets. If there's a lot of force pushing on the screen, the knob just doesn't work and could break. It's not very well thought-out IMHO.

Z-Technic (National Cycle/V-Stream): Windscreen Stabilizer Kit for BMW® R1200GS

Cymarc (UK) - This is the one I have. I paid about 60% freight! Then found these on eBay. I think they're the same thing:

Pair Windscreen Shield Reinforcement Bracket Mount For BMW R1250GS GSA 2013-2020 | eBay

Or, here they are on the Cymarc site: These are the exact ones I got for my '22 1250 GSA. It only took 2 days for shipping, which surprised me: BMW R1250GS(A) Adjustable Screen Strengthening Brackets | Stop Windscreen Vibration

Any one of the above will work. Definitely a good and small investment. I'd buy them for a stock screen but it's a must for an oversized screen. If you come in to a BMW dealer with a broken mount and a touring screen that BMW didn't sell, no warranty coverage. These things make the assembly nice an strong. No shaking while riding.
 
Seems crazy that you would need to buy the aftermarket reinforcement windscreen kit if you are using a stock GS or GSA screen. If true - then this seems like a BMW design flaw and I am surprised that BMW hasn't addressed this issue after many years of selling the 1200/1250 bikes.

Realistically, what kind of a failure rate are we looking at with the stock OEM GS and GSA screens when riding 99% on road?
 
Not using a stock screen. I'm using the tallest of the 2 or 3 V-Stream sizes that National Cycle make but I'd put one of these reenforcement things on a stock GSA screen especially if I added a helper-screen which they desperately need for highway use. They make the screen rock-steady. FWIW, I think the BMW mount is inadequate on both the GS and GSA.

For that matter, I replaced the pot-metal mounts on the last 2 of my RTs (05 and '17) with aftermarket pieces as well. I think they want them to break away for safety or something. I don't think there's much safe about having your screen fall down on an interstate in hard rain while getting around some trucks in Detroit. Call me crazy.
 
Hello. I have quite a bit of experience with motorcycle windshields and can vouch for the California Scientific XL model mentioned. As already emphasized, this is a reliable choice. However, if you are looking for alternatives, my top choice for a motorcycle windshield is the Touring model, some options are provided at www.motorcyclescreens.eu/en/15-motorcycle-windshields-for-bmw . Its design complements the aesthetics of the motorcycle and its high speed performance is exceptional. It's always a good idea to visit your local BMW dealership or contact other riders to see if they have any recommendations based on your height and riding style. Ultimately, the best windshield is the one that fits you perfectly.
 
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