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Large windshield and Kawa Vulcan 500 LTD

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 4:24 am
by flw
How much speed loss should someone expect as a % or actual speed on a Kawa Vulcan 500 LTD with a large windshield (from Kawa) ?

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 4:55 am
by Johnj
It's hard to say, there is a trade-off between the weight and drag vs. the aerodynamic advantage. What I mean is the windshield adds weight and drag but its drag coefficient could end up overall being less that when the windshield is off the bike.

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 7:03 am
by flw
Since it acts as a sail on a boat and its weight is very little (plexiglass), its the drag I'm worried about.

Also they (Kawa) sell a small and large one for the vulcan 500. Does anyone know if the small one covers 80% of most drivers? I just want it to keep most of the direct wind off my chest.

Windshield measurements are taken from the top of the headlight
Small 15 1/4" H x 18 1/2" W
Large 17 1/4" H x 21 1/2" W

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 7:07 am
by VermilionX
flw wrote:Since it acts as a sail on a boat and its weight is very little (plexiglass), its the drag I'm worried about.

Also they (Kawa) sell a small and large one for the vulcan 500. Does anyone know if the small one covers 80% of most drivers? I just want it to keep most of the direct wind off my chest.

Windshield measurements are taken from the top of the headlight
Small 15 1/4" H x 18 1/2" W
Large 17 1/4" H x 21 1/2" W
i rode w/ a person who has a really tiny windscreen on his SV.

i asked how much it helps and he said it makes a big difference. you don't need much he said to deflect the wind.

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 7:20 am
by NorthernPete
I have a Memphis Shade on my 500LTD and havent noticed any loss in speed, but it has helped my lower back in that I dont have to fight with the wind all the time.