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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Richard230 on February 28, 2014, 05:25:12 AM
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I (finally) received the Zero commuter windshield that I ordered with my bike. The windshield is made by MRA (www.mra.de (http://www.mra.de)), apparently a German company. I have never owned that brand windshield before, but it seems of good quality and design. It was pretty easy to install and the instructions were clear and well written. All you need in the way of tools is a selection of Allen wrenches and maybe a torque wrench. A strip of rubber molding was supplied to be placed over the edge of the windshield but I wasn't able to get it to fit over the edge, which seemed to be too thick for the molding. Attached are photos showing the hardware kit, the windshield showing the mounting system and a side view to show the rake of the shield.
I might add that the front brake line has been rerouted, compared with the 2013 model, and now no longer interferes with the windshield mounting rods.
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Got a front shot?
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Got a front shot?
Exactly ;)
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that last picture looks like you cant go full lock to the left because of the brake routing?
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Looks good Richard - did they ship it or did you have to ride all the way back to the dealership to pick it up? ;-)
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I had to visit my dealership to pick up the windshield. But I am getting used to going there at least once a week - although so far the trips have not yet given me a working "power tank" and Givi still hasn't delivered the luggage rack or top box that I ordered last month. ::)
The brake line routing has no effect on steering lock and it does not touch the fairing when turning from side to side.
Attached is a photo of the front of the windshield. I didn't include it with my first post because I thought the reflections on the windshield kind messed up its looks. My camera just isn't used to sunshine I guess, and using a flash only made matters worse. ;)
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Nice! Thanks bud.
I wonder if I can get rid of that logo somehow! I like that windshield. Kind of wish Brammo would start launching some of their accessories.....
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Good job Richard230!
Brake line routing has only been an issue on the Zero DS motorcycles. It's not clear on the instructions. I'll work on improving this information.
I have talk to Mission about some options on the Top Box given delays in obtaining them from Givi. We have the rack kits and a top box alternative. It just doesn't have the gloss black insert or back rest.
And sorry about the Power Tank issue. It's being tracked closely.
Regards,
aaronzeromoto
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Good job Richard230!
Brake line routing has only been an issue on the Zero DS motorcycles. It's not clear on the instructions. I'll work on improving this information.
I have talk to Mission about some options on the Top Box given delays in obtaining them from Givi. We have the rack kits and a top box alternative. It just doesn't have the gloss black insert or back rest.
And sorry about the Power Tank issue. It's being tracked closely.
Regards,
aaronzeromoto
The power tank issue was resolved today and I will post the details under my motorcycle's thread.
I spoke to Teresa about the top box and I have no objections to the alternate version.
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I'll just chime in to say I've been using this screen on the DS very happily to get my highway drag down and keep the rain off in winter. I've previously used MRA screens with spoilers on the V-Strom 650 and they are good quality. One nice thing about this screen is that, with the right tilt angle, the light from the display is subtly reflected at night which has a nice look to it without being distracting.
I routed the DS's reinforced cable over the straight mounting bars; so far it seems like the right way to install it, and yes the install instructions were a little confusing on that point. :)
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I have been riding my S between rain showers lately and I do like the commuter shield, although I think I would like it even better if it was a few inches taller.
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I have now done around 1000 miles with the commuter screen and experiences are goos so far. It doesn't introduce any high speed stability problems like many bar mounted screens do, and it is fairly protective taking pressure from my chest. Being a shortie might help here though :)
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Would the dual sport screen be better for highway riding to keep the wind blast off your body and head? Or is the commuter screen sufficient? I see the dual sport screen as being taller so should provide better coverage?
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I haven't seen the "dual sport" screen in person, but from the photos that I have seen I think it should provide slightly more protection and streamlining than the "commuter" screen.
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The Commuter Screen is slightly larger than the Dual Sport Screen. So theoretically it is a little better for commuting (hence the name). The Dual Sport is trimmed to provide more of that Dual Sport look. Although I have seen several customers including our CEO that think the Dual Sport screen looks sportier on their Zero S or Zero SR. I tried to capture the difference in the attached picture. Not sure it gives you a full sense, but I measure the Commuter Screen at about 38 cm W x 36 cm H and the Dual Sport Screen at about 34cm W x 34cm H
I run the Dual Sport Screen on my Zero DS and it really does take the wind off your chest. I am preparing to try the Commuter on the SR to turn it into more a "Sport Touring" bike with side cases. But I am sure either screen will help especially if you commute is 40+ miles like mine.
We are low on inventory of the DS Screen right now as it gets the new heritage mark. I expect more in about 30 days.
Regards,
aaronzeromoto
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Hi,
Here's what the DS screen looks like on the SR.
The screen comes with slightly bent arms, which curves nicely around the new dash.
Pros:
- Riding in cold weather is more pleasant as it reduces cold wind hitting the torso quite a bit.
It keeps rain from hitting the cell phone I've got attached to the handle bar.
Cons:
- I find that riding with it increases wind noise. (due to turbulence). I've played around with different angles and the result changes but it's always noticeable louder than riding without the screen.
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The screen comes with slightly bent arms, which curves nicely around the new dash.
Pros:
- Riding in cold weather is more pleasant as it reduces cold wind hitting the torso quite a bit.
It keeps rain from hitting the cell phone I've got attached to the handle bar.
Cons:
- I find that riding with it increases wind noise. (due to turbulence). I've played around with different angles and the result changes but it's always noticeable louder than riding without the screen.
That matches my experience with the commuter screen, although turbulence may be lower. Also, the mounting is a bit longer (or I've extended it fully) which allows the windshield to go right up to the headlight housing. I can't tuck fully behind the screen without extending the mounting fully, in any case, which makes a big difference for highway rain night riding (I'm sure most people here would find that combination unthinkable but I enjoy it with the right gear).
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Is the Windshield easy to remove on and off - I would like to use the highway occasionally - is this something that would take 10 minutes to install on on off
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Is the Windshield easy to remove on and off - I would like to use the highway occasionally - is this something that would take 10 minutes to install on on off
While there are easier windshields to remove (the National Cycle Deflector Shield DX comes to mind), the Zero commuter windshield can be removed in about 2 minutes and reinstalled in less than 5. But you need an Allen (hex) wrench to accomplish this task.
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Is the Windshield easy to remove on and off - I would like to use the highway occasionally - is this something that would take 10 minutes to install on on off
While there are easier windshields to remove (the National Cycle Deflector Shield DX comes to mind), the Zero commuter windshield can be removed in about 2 minutes and reinstalled in less than 5. But you need an Allen (hex) wrench to accomplish this task.
Richard so the windshield attaches on to the handlebar clamps? For MRI aftermarket the kit attaches on to the handlebar itself. I'm looking at this windshield. What do you think?
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dc5dd, that windshield might work, but its attachment will not be optimum. The problem is that the Zero bars are tapered and the bar clamps on that windshield may not be able to completely conform to the taper of the bars. Also, the Zero bars are pretty short and have a severe curve at the top and bottom of the bars. Plus, they are fouled with attached wires and control housings, limiting your available locations for the windshield clamps. A small windshield, like the Zero-brand, (a Slipstreamer Spit Fire windshield with a Zero sticker on it) that I installed on my 2012 Zero S seemed to work OK with that bike's similar bars but you could tell that the clamps were not happy. However, I never had a problem with the windshield loosening and my daughter is still using it on that bike. However, the attachment method used by the current commuter windshield seems to be a better engineering solution, even if it is something that can not be removed as quickly, or moved as easily to another motorcycle in the future.
My recommendation is to take a close look at the windshield clamps on the MRI windshield to be sure that they will fit on the bars securely and that they will be able to accommodate the taper of the Zero's bars.
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GNU, here is my DS screen tucked in low which I prefer. It also has the new logo and the finishing bead around the top. I assume same physical design?
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Roberto wanted to see a photo of the Zero Commuter windshield and I thought others might be interested in how it mounts, also. Attached is a photo of the mounting system. Note that the angle of the windshield can be adjusted by moving the windshield to most any angle and then tightening the two screws at the front of the windshield securing the black plastic fittings at each side of the windshield. Tightening the screws increases the tension on the ball ends of the securing rods and keeps the windshield at the desired angle. Note however, that the windshield will eventually loosen and the angle will change as you are riding due to vibration. Readjusting to the desired angle and then re-tightening the screws (which will have loosened) will re-secure the windshield again.
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Hi!!
Richard Thanks for your kind and prompt reply.
I'd like to know which model is this screen.
I've searched the MRA website but I have not managed to find.
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Hi!!
Richard Thanks for your kind and prompt reply.
I'd like to know which model is this screen.
I've searched the MRA website but I have not managed to find.
I believe that the plastic windshield is a standard MRA item, but the mounts are unique to Zero and can not be purchased directly from MRA. If you can not, or do not, want to buy the Zero windshield, I would recommend purchasing the windshield (or something similar) shown in the photo attached to dc5dd's message above. It will not look as neat as Zero's mounting system, but should work well enough.
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Sorry to be slow to respond here. We've been busy with the 2015 launch.
The Commuter Screen and the Dual Sport Screen are both custom made for us by MRA and are not standard MRA products. This includes both the mounting kits and the wind screens. They are trimmed from standard screen offerings. Some of the standard offerings might work but I can't say that I have tried them and can confirm that we didn't homologate alternatives. Of course, I am always interested to see what other people try. Always lots of great feedback on the forums.
Regards,
aaronzeromoto
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Here is a perspective prospective Zero commuter screen buyers might want to consider:
I'm disappointed with the commuter screen. 2014 zero S, just installed the screen and have been messing with the angle adjustments. I was so excited for it, was hoping it could help to streamlining highway aerodynamics a little bit better, but the thing changes a quiet, smooth, and pure ride to a ride full of pounding turbulence that gives me a headache and makes my ears ring after the ride. I am constantly moving my head forward, back, up, down, and behind the screen, just trying to find a quieter position with less buffeting.
While before you have an even spread of wind and weather all over your torso, the windscreen just pushes the wind, now faster and with more turbulence, onto your head, shoulders, under the helmet at the neckline, hands, and arms. For summer riding... This then means that chest vents in your jacket don't work.
If you prefer to tuck (was a road bicycle rider, so tucking is familiar to me) the windscreen in your face gets in the way. Leaning forward into the wind used to help take weight off your arms, so now with the windscreen my arms are tired from having to hold my body up.
Was it worth 2 days of pay and hours of fiddling with it? I don't know.
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It was pretty easy to install and the instructions were clear and well written. All you need in the way of tools is a selection of Allen wrenches and maybe a torque wrench. A strip of rubber molding was supplied to be placed over the edge of the windshield but I wasn't able to get it to fit over the edge, which seemed to be too thick for the molding. Attached are photos showing the hardware kit, the windshield showing the mounting system and a side view to show the rake of the shield.
This post is from a long time ago but if you warm the edge-rubber slightly it will be easier to fit.
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Has anyone used the National Cycle Deflector or another with good success? I'm 6'4" and ride a DS, so I'm looking for a taller option than what zero offers...
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
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You could consider a spoiler on the deflector.
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Had the original Zero windshield but it just was not blocking enough wind at highway speeds. It was always hitting my shoulders and middle of my helmet. This new MRA V-Flow VarioTouringScreen (style "VFVT") is perfect for me
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How has it affected your range? More range or less range?
I got more range when I fitter the Zero commuter screen.
Looks great though!
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Thanks for the props. For me my commute is 20 miles each way almost all highway. I usually cruise in the commuter lane at about 72-80mph. With the original commuter shield I would get home with around 55miles left and with this new shield Im getting either the same or a little better. I've seen it around 56-60miles left. Although weather could be a factor since its getting a little warmer here in California. I have the 2014 SR with extra Tank
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Had the original Zero windshield but it just was not blocking enough wind at highway speeds. It was always hitting my shoulders and middle of my helmet. This new MRA V-Flow VarioTouringScreen (style "VFVT") is perfect for me
How tall are you? I'm 6'3 and looking at this as well, but I'm super confused by their dimensions. The mra site says its 450mm (17.7"). Is that just the screen itself, or does it include the extra height from the spoiler?
Which mounts did you get with it? I wonder of the Zero mount would fit.
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I'm disappointed with the commuter screen. ... the thing changes a quiet, smooth, and pure ride to a ride full of pounding turbulence that gives me a headache and makes my ears ring after the ride.
While before you have an even spread of wind and weather all over your torso, the windscreen just pushes the wind, now faster and with more turbulence, onto your head, shoulders, under the helmet at the neckline, hands, and arms.
I'm with you on the buffeting. I've ridden well over a quarter million miles on primarily sport bikes, and I much prefer the smooth, even, steady & direct airflow over almost any faired bike, even larger touring bikes that come standard with a large windshield, presumably tested in wind-tunnels by guys with more research funds and resources than Mr. K & Mr. N have at their disposal.
That said, I've ordered the commuter screen for my dog and hope to angle it down low enough to protect her without sticking me behind the chaotic maelstrom behind the shield.
(http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/images/large/10-05722.jpg)
(https://emptysqua.re/blog/night-of-the-living-thread/night-of-the-living-thread.jpg)
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I have the AF 49 GIVI Airflow, happy with it, no turbulence and 10% more range.
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Finally mounted the commuter screen on my 2018 SR and the front brake master cylinder reservoir severely limits the positioning of the screen. I had to move it about 2 inches farther forward, so that the screen does not sit neatly atop the headlight to get it to lay down at a steeper angle than a garage door.
We'll see how it works for my dog. I can abide a dorky-looking windshield if it means my dog gets to work safely.
(http://www.calamarichris.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/170430-chrnen-zed.jpg)
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I had no problem with the installation of Zero's "Touring" screen when mounted on my 2018 S. :)