National Cycle F-15 Touring Windshield - Light Tint N2522
: National Cycle F-15 Touring Windshield - Light Tint N2522: Automotive
Giving this 5 stars since it is the only shield of this size and shape available for my bike (ZR-7). It's also American made, local to me. The mounting is obviously designed to fit a variety of bikes, and required a little creative thinking to get installed. Overall, a purpose built quick change would be far superior, but this was very reasonable in price, and does a decent job. I do get buffeting around the head at high speeds, but tucking down a bit or laying back solves that. Would it be comfortable for sustained highway riding? Maybe, if you could keep the angle more vertical, but the mounting system slides around too much and doesn't allow it to fix in place very well. With highway wind, it pushes back to its lowest position. Still better than not having it though. It does catch sideways breezes, but not as bad as some. Keeps the air off your chest for cold or fatigue, but it will make for a loud ride at your helmet vents if you are really moving. Glad I have it. Next bike will hopefully have something a bit better though.
Though not listed, it will also fit a Triumph Legend TT (derivative of the Thunderbird).
This shield is awesome, particularly for the price... once you manage to get it installed.
The instructions are poor, but, I supposed being a "generic" fit, its hard to get TOO specific. I do, however, think the description of how to use the pinch brackets could be a lot better. I was literally guessing and figured it out. Once I understood that the bracket is really just a bolted on "arm" that goes against the mount and the headlamp to pinch and add a 2nd layer of support, then it was fine.
Annoyance #2 was that the darn screws for the windshield into the wellnuts are simply too short. 5/8" was supplied and no matter how much I tried to smash the nut up towards the screw, they simply would not grab. I went to the store and bought 3/4" and they worked perfectly. Yeah, they stick out 1/8" when fully seated - but there was no alternative.
Getting the bracket bent into position was a chore too. This I can't really blame the kit on, its universal and could fit a variety of headlight mounting depths/widths/styles. Just be aware that you will have to bend the brackets both "out" and the angle of the bolt plate portion to get the windshield to fit and be centered left/right and without twist.
Finally, I think it should be supplied with rubber gaskets to go against the metal of the bracket mount, front and back. I fashioned my own by simply cutting them out on some thin rubber, tracing with the cover plate. Easy, but I shouldn't have to do it.
Now, once installed - awesome. That's what saves this review. The screen is thick enough/durable enough - about the same as the one on my Trophy for thickness and that one has done 10s of thousands of miles over a decade. Yes, it will likely stress crack around the bolt holes - but I can't tell you how/when till I get some miles on.
I am 6' and the wind comes right near the top of my helmet. I know its moving air because my helmet now fogs when it didn't used to -no big deal, just pop it a click open. Of course, I am no longer holding on for dear life at higher speeds. You can adjust the angle to change the buffeting. I thought the buffeting would annoy me in the first 10mi or so, but over the course of the rest of the ride I became accustomed. I ended with the lip at the top vertical.
I noticed no drop in fuel economy (nor improvement). My first 200mi, my average speed was easily 20mph above where it used to be (because I can now comfortably ride the speed limit) - so maybe my wrist ate up and savings.
As long as you are creative and persistent, this screen is an excellent value. If you want something easy and straightforward... choose something else (or get a creative friend to install it).
This is much better wind protection than the slightly smaller windshields (like the National 'street shield'). On my 1981 cx500, the brackets fit to each side of the headlight bracket. It fits nicely, and looks like it was made to fit over round headlights.
Because the brackets are so far forward, the top of the windshield did vibrate a little, but it didn't make any noise or disrupt vision, so it was fine. What was nice about this mounting scheme is that you don't have the rods coming down to attach to your handlebars so the view of your tach and speedo are unubstructed--very clean looking cockpit.
But what I really liked was the additional wind protection, the side 'bulges' on the lower screen definitely help keep buffeting winds off me on the freeway going 70mph. I've had smaller shields on this bike and there is less wind noise with this shield versus smaller ones.
What I really didn't like is the installation instructions. Totally unclear how the grommets are supposed to sandwich the shield between the brackets. This upset me because this is made in the USA, you'd think they'd be able to get this right! I don't want to say which way is right, honestly, I'm not sure, but I did get it set up to work for me.
As far as other reviews saying it is not stable, you really have to align the brackets well and have them solid BEFORE installing the windshield on the brackets. The alignment can be tricky but the windshield should not be taking any strain--the mounting holes in the shield need to line up exactly to holes in the bracket. The brackets can be bent slightly to fix the alignment.
I'm not sure why this is listed as "does not fit" for a Honda CX500 Custom. It fits great and looks great. Installation was easy but don't do it if you are in a hurry. Mount the brackets first then bend them to the shield. The tricky part is bending the part of the bracket with the holes in it in such a way to lay flat with the shield. If you try to force it flat with the screws I feel certain the constant strain will accelerate cracking. I was able to bend it using non marring Channel Locks but I was wishing I could find my Vise-Grip benders. I'll eventually snap a couple of pics and post them.
Put this on my 1981 honda CX500C. It looks awesome and blocks a surprising amount of air. I am definitely more comfortable while riding and it even makes me feel a lot safer at highway speeds. It seems a little flimsy and and mounting could probably be better but so far its holding up great. It was also easy to put together, took me about 15-20 minutes.
My only advice is that you should get some rubber washers or gasket of some type to go between the plastic and the outer plates, cause the metal rubs on the plastic and makes a clicking noise.
Price: US $94.46
Rating: 4.4 / 5.0 from 24 Reviews
Specification
Direct Mount F-Series fairing is available in different styles and heights
Direct Mount means the Lexan polycarbonate fairing mounts directly to the bike (in this case the headlight bracket), without any additional brackets, uprights or arm extensions
No other structural mounting brackets are needed
Lexan polycarbonate allows enough flex in the width to accommodate most all naked bike front ends
You get a clean uncluttered look on the front end of your motorcycle with absolutely no mount arms going to handlebars or other points, making installation a breeze
Description
Direct Mount F-Series fairing is available in different styles and heights
Direct Mount means the Lexan polycarbonate fairing mounts directly to the bike (in this case the headlight bracket), without any additional brackets, uprights or arm extensions
No other structural mounting brackets are needed
Lexan polycarbonate allows enough flex in the width to accommodate most all naked bike front ends
You get a clean uncluttered look on the front end of your motorcycle with absolutely no mount arms going to handlebars or other points, making installation a breeze
Sport 12 high. Touring 17 high
Larger windscreen made from high impact acrylic is not a Direct Mount hardware system but mounts to the motorcycles headlight mount point using platinum colored aluminum uprights
The F15 is the largest of the F-Series Fairings
This Item Fits the Following Applications:
2008 Triumph Scrambler
2008 Triumph Bonneville T100
2007 Triumph Thruxton
2007 Triumph Bonneville T100
2007 Triumph Bonneville
2006 Triumph Thruxton
2006 Triumph Scrambler
2006 Triumph Bonneville T100
2006 Triumph Bonneville
2006 Suzuki GSF1200S Bandit
2006 Ducati Monster S2R
2006 Ducati Monster 620
2005 Triumph Thruxton
2005 Triumph Bonneville T100
2005 Triumph Bonneville
2005 Suzuki GSF1200S Bandit
2005 Ducati Monster S2R
2005 Ducati Monster 620
2005 Ducati Monster 1000
2004 Triumph Thruxton
2004 Triumph Bonneville T100
2004 Triumph Bonneville
2004 Suzuki GSF1200S Bandit
2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200
2004 Ducati Monster 620
2004 Ducati Monster 1000
2003 Triumph Thunderbird Sport
2003 Triumph Thunderbird
2003 Triumph Bonneville T100
2003 Triumph Bonneville
2003 Suzuki GSF600S Bandit
2003 Suzuki GSF1200S Bandit
2003 Moto Guzzi California Stone Metal
2003 Moto Guzzi California Stone
2003 Moto Guzzi California EV
2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200
2003 Kawasa
This visor is nice. I got the dark smoke, look really nice. The installation is easy for HJC. I use it on a CL-17.
Pros:
- great value
- easy to install
- fit well, similar to original
Cons:
- do not fit as snug as the original. There's a small edge that isn't seal as much. This is very minor and the wind is fine.
- finger print magnet. I have to wipe it each time. This is the reason I knock off 1 star.
I love this visor. I took a gamble on it but i've been very impressed. It snaps right in, goes up and down smoothly, and locks if you need. It's about the perfect amount of tint too, not too dark not too light. Originally I bought it because wearing sunglasses under a clear visor is a pain and this thing totally eliminated the need for the sunglasses. I only ride during the day so I cant speak to how dark it is at night but it would be very quick and easy to carry the clear one along and change out when needed - yes it's that easy to do, no tools, no fuss. Highly recommend this one if you have this helmet and want a darker visor.
Not much to complain about. Seller is good. Product is good. Product arrived with Genuine HJC packaging and imprints in the side of the shield. No scratches.
There was only one thing wrong, but it's not so much a problem with the product, as much as the shipping method. The package that the shield arrived in was unbelievably small; so small that I thought I'd made a mistake and ordered the wrong item. To my surprise, once I opened the box, the shield was inside. The only problem was, the tight fit warped the shield into a very narrow form. This is probably why some of the other reviewers have experienced a not-so-smooth opening and closing of the shield. It's nothing that a little overnight bracing can't fix. I considered giving it four stars for this, but I don't believe my situation warrants hurting the product rating. I'm sure after some work, it will be just as smooth as the stock clear shied. Also, the lock worked perfectly and held with substantial pressure.
P.S. I am using a size Medium CL-16 helmet. I think it would be helpful if all the other reviewers would add what model and size helmet this does or does not work with.
Product information
Technical Details
| Manufacturer | National Cycle |
|---|---|
| Brand | National Cycle |
| Model | National Cycle |
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 21.6 x 19.6 x 8 inches |
| Item model number | N2522 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Exterior | Smooth |
| Manufacturer Part Number | N2522 |
| OEM Part Number | N2522 |
| Vehicle Service Type | Cruiser/Touring, Street Bike, Adventure Touring |
Additional Information
| ASIN | B000GROHVK |
|---|---|
| Customer Reviews | |
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