Screens

[frankie]

Im thinking of fitting a screen to my Fatboy before I go to Italy, can anyone tell me if these cause a significant fuel increase, the main reason is to eleviate the wind resistance, Ive just swopped from a Dyna to the Fatboy and I get back ache on the Fatboy, has anyone else found this and if so have you managed to find a cure

[Tony Cross]

I would have thought that if a screen had any impact on fuel consumption it would be to improve it as you would cut through the air more cleanly. When choosing a screen don't get one that is too high. You should be able to see over it rather than through it.

[Battersea]

I have used a screen on my Fatboy and I didn’t notice any significant difference in fuel usage with or without. However using the screen did not help with backache. It made it easier on shoulders and stomach muscles especially on long fast runs, but I still got lower back pain; had to change handlebars for that.

You could try high rise 45’ pull-back risers, cheaper than a screen and may work for you. I tried these and they did work to a degree. I finally fitted Chubby low profile drag bars and back pain went completely but they look shite with a screen so don’t use screen anymore, vanity eh . Now have to keep speed to 70 max for long distances.

Edit: My shoulder and back pain comes from many years doing motocross so my cure may not suit you, trial and error may be the only way.

[Paul & Jax]

Originally Posted by Battersea

Edit: My shoulder and back pain comes from many years doing motocross so my cure may not suit you, trial and error may be the only way.

So it's nothing to do with being an 'old git' then!

[Paul & Jax]

Back on topic though both me & Paul use detachable screens on our standard softails for long journeys and wouldn't be without them, once you get to your destination you can always take them off to potter around on short trips.
Haven't noticed fuel consumption going too mad with them on, it may be a bit higher due to being able to travel at higher speeds due to being more comfortable.

[frankie]

I think your right, certainly feeling it lately too

[Ukkid76]

Using a screen will obviously add to your fuel consumption, but it don’t half make the riding experience much better!!

There are a whole lot of bugs down there and a screen will protect you from them!! Every now and then a massive one will splat all over the screen, god knows how much that would hurt if it hit you in the face, I did have one hit me on the thumb once and that throbbed for an hour or two!!

I for one would highly recommend using one!!

We’re going down to Italy (three bikes) we’re booked on the 10.45 train on Saturday the 19th Dover Calais we're heading to Napoly, when and where are you heading?

[frankie]

Hi we are leaving Sunday the 21st from Newcastle to Holland

[Colin]

I have a 2004 softail with a detachable compact screen and it improved my fuel consumption because I can't ride above 40 mph as the turbulence is so bad behind the screen. The top of the screen is eye level for me which I thought was correct.

[Battersea]

Originally Posted by Paul & Jax

So it's nothing to do with being an 'old git' then!

Thank you for those few kind words, you wait till the Triple I'll have thought of a reply by then .