Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 250 & 400 => Topic started by: greatmoorred on February 21, 2007, 03:17:59 PM

Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: greatmoorred on February 21, 2007, 03:17:59 PM: Ive just ordered a flyscreen for my B4, i think it will look quite nice ( new indicators and grips too )
But, will it make any noticeable difference to the wind when im riding ?
It would be a bonus if it did.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: Bartjan on February 21, 2007, 04:16:31 PM: short awnser: yep
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: Vidrazor on February 21, 2007, 06:01:54 PM: Any screen is better than none at all. I went from a naked B4 to one with a National Cycle F-15:
(http://www.nationalcycle.com/images/products/webimages/SPSUMN2522SV65099-_600.jpg)
and it was night and day. I now have a Plexistar II:
(http://www.nationalcycle.com/images/products/webimages/PSYASN8262XV110084-99_600.jpg)
(which is probably bigger than most people would like to have on their B4s) and can easily ride in winter with excellent shielding on the head, torso, and (most importantly for me) hands.

Fortunately the Plexistar comes off a lot easier than the F-15, although I leave it on even in summer 'cause it comes in handy if you get caught in the rain.

But the best thing about even a flyscreen is that it smooths out the ride. I used to get my ass kicked going over some bridges in my area with winds buffeting and blowing from all directions. Once the F-15/Plexistar went on, it was smooth as silk.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: interfuse on February 22, 2007, 11:14:06 PM: Check out the seat on that cruiser! Bet you could ride a few miles on that before your ass got sore! Probably as more padding on it then all the B4 seats put together.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: greatmoorred on February 23, 2007, 01:17:42 PM: Looks like a big armchair :grin:
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: gsxr400 racer on February 23, 2007, 09:59:27 PM: seen a sweet fairing on okshon dont remeber if i was searching bandit400 or gk75a tis black
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: Trikksta on February 24, 2007, 11:06:23 AM: Has anyone tried the National Cycle F-16 Sport? I was thinking of getting this one.

(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/trickeyp/Other/f16homn2526919_600.jpg)
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: Vidrazor on February 25, 2007, 01:08:51 PM: >>Has anyone tried the National Cycle F-16 Sport?<<

I almost went for the F-16, but I got the F-15 because it's clear (which I preferred) but more importantly it flares at the top to help minimize buffeting. It never quite fit right, tho, and I had to mod it so it could be at the right position (leaning more forward) to diffuse wind.

Having the F-16 still beats nothing, tho.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: duane on March 04, 2007, 12:05:46 AM: Here's mine with a National Cycle F18. IMHO National Cycle makes the best. I own this and a Plexifairing GT. Here are more pics with the screen. (http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=5120&)

(http://home.comcast.net/~duanelr1/seatbandit/front.JPG)
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: gsxr400 racer on March 04, 2007, 12:44:03 AM: like the corbin seat and the crash bumpers mate :beers:
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: Vidrazor on March 04, 2007, 10:12:30 PM: That's a custom Sargent seat on that beauty.

One other fairing I ran across is made by Rifle. They have this (http://www.rifle.com/stores/showdetl.cfm?&DID=9&Product_ID=1904&CATID=10&Product=Nightflight_Fairing_for_Round_Headlight) model listed for the '400:

(http://www.rifle.com/rifle/images/fairings/00014.JPG)

Nice looking but requires a paint job and can be problematic on the road if your headlight goes out. Good idea I think to put in a fresh lamp if you consider one of these.
Title: It does make a big difference.
Post by: Kenyan01 on March 05, 2007, 03:07:46 AM: I noticed before I put my National F 15, complete with the USA flag on it, that the wind would not allow me to do more than 130KPH! It would be really seriously threatening to pull me back off the bike. But once I put the F15, I could tear the speedometer completely.
I am very happy to have bought it in 2003 when I did. Because I always ask my self whether the price has tripled since I bought it. It was $25 off eBay. Nowadays its more like $80!

Cheers!
Patrick.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: aussiebandit on March 05, 2007, 05:48:28 AM: Quote
Any screen is better than none at all.

Not always

I've ridden a couple of bikes that behaved really badly with a screen on. It can have a nasty effect on the front end - sometimes to the point of being dangerous - besides some bikes just shouldn't have a screen.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: Trikksta on March 06, 2007, 07:43:58 PM: Bike looks good duane,

Did the F18 fit the Bandit, or did you have to mod it some how to make it work?

Also, because of the angle and size of the F16, I'm wondering if it will clear the gauges???
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: greatmoorred on April 02, 2007, 02:30:28 PM: Well its on now, and it does make a bit of a difference. I have to really tuck in though to notice. :motorsmile:
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: cunnibra on July 23, 2007, 02:46:29 PM: Sorry to bring back an old post, but I have a question relating to this thread. I'm looking at getting a National Cycle F-16 sport shield for my wife's Bandit 400. What modifications are necessary to get it to fit? Do I need an extra mounting kit or are they included? Also, since there may be an SV650 in her future, would I be able to transfer the shield to that bike? Thanks for the help guys.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: GooseMan on July 23, 2007, 04:56:28 PM: I bought myself the F-16 a few months ago. It's a good screen, and doesnt need any mods to fit. All the instructions are included, and it all relates to the Bandit 400. Just remove the headlight, put the screen between the headlight and mounting bracket, and thats it! Nothing to cut, drill, grind...fits perfectly!
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: PitterB4 on July 23, 2007, 09:58:46 PM: Based on Goose's description, sounds like it would mount right up to the SV, too.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: Krautwagen on August 01, 2007, 02:19:47 PM: I had to get longer bolts when I put my F16 on. I wasn't too happy with how secure the angle adjustment was(n't). Even with a screen much larger than a fly screen, it didn't help enough to warrant the hassle and looks in my opinion (and I don't care that much about looks).

The new SV's use a different height adjustment setup on their headlight. A brace mounts to the side plates which looks like it would interfere with a universal type screen mounting.
Title: Will a screen make a difference ?
Post by: GooseMan on August 01, 2007, 02:31:00 PM: My F-16 came with longer bolts...yours didnt?

I find the angle mounts solidly enough, but I can still change the angle just my pushing/pulling on the screen. It's not really *supposed* to do that, but I like changing the angle depending on the ride and how much air I want. It doesnt move unless I adjust it though.