Yet another Meanie windshield thread

[deniska]

I am trying to decide between the Memphis Shades Alley Cat and the Kaw MS Windshield. I know there are like 300 threads on this topic (read them all), but I'll ask anyway. I'm 5'8", and would like a windshield that deflects the wind but allows me to look over it.

Question 1: Will the Alley Cat be too tall for that?
Question 2: What the heck is buffering?
Question 3: Why is it that I can't comprehend pricing on the Memphis Shades web site? For the MS application, they have three parts, and one of them (9834 I think) is not even listed on the pricing table!
Question 4: I am not particularly fond of the gradient on the Memphis Shades. Black gradient might work. Does anyone find that gradient irritating?
Question 5: Alley Cat can come in "solar". Is that clear, or tinted, and do they make clear?

Well, that's enough questions for today...

[RED'05 MEANIE]

well hmmmm
#5 I would have to say "solar is not clear"..the memphis slim comes in clear and solar. I would guess solar is a smoked or light tint.
on the Memphis Shades, I was looking at the pop top, big shot and alley cat.... I think I prefer the Pop Top in gradient orange... my MS is pearl magma red... hoping it complaments the color.
#4 I didnt think I liked it much either.... but my dad has the black, and when I have used his bike, I didnt even notice it... go figure
#3 I haven't been to there site, I was using Dennis Kirk....
#1 it says the alley cat is 20" over the head light, dont know if this helps ya or not...

best of luck with your decision

[TBVulcan]

Buffering is actually buffeting I think. It's the turbulance behind the windshield that bounces your head around. I just installed a 17' Kawasaki V-Force winshield on my 800a and the buffeting is pretty intense at speed....it's actually more uncomfortable (tiring) now, than before the windshield. I need to put a few more miles on it befoe I make my final decision but as of now, it may soon be up for sale. I probably need a bigger windshield due to my height, but big windshileds on the 800a just don't look that good imo.

[deniska]

Another question, hope it doesn't sound stupid. I can't figure out whether the Meanie needs a 7" cut-out or a 9" cut-out for Memphis Shades shields. Could someone help me out? Thanks.

[2WheelFun]

Originally Posted by TBVulcan

Buffering is actually buffeting I think. It's the turbulance behind the windshield that bounces your head around. I just installed a 17' Kawasaki V-Force winshield on my 800a and the buffeting is pretty intense at speed....it's actually more uncomfortable (tiring) now, than before the windshield. I need to put a few more miles on it befoe I make my final decision but as of now, it may soon be up for sale. I probably need a bigger windshield due to my height, but big windshileds on the 800a just don't look that good imo.

You'll want to put some lowers on to help stop the buffeting coming from under the shield...then you'll be a happy rider.

[2WheelFun]

Originally Posted by deniska

I am trying to decide between the Memphis Shades Alley Cat and the Kaw MS Windshield. I know there are like 300 threads on this topic (read them all), but I'll ask anyway. I'm 5'8", and would like a windshield that deflects the wind but allows me to look over it.

Question 1: Will the Alley Cat be too tall for that?
Question 2: What the heck is buffering?
Question 3: Why is it that I can't comprehend pricing on the Memphis Shades web site? For the MS application, they have three parts, and one of them (9834 I think) is not even listed on the pricing table!
Question 4: I am not particularly fond of the gradient on the Memphis Shades. Black gradient might work. Does anyone find that gradient irritating?
Question 5: Alley Cat can come in "solar". Is that clear, or tinted, and do they make clear?

Well, that's enough questions for today...

Sorry I can't help you with the Alley Cat shield...but did find some helpful info that may prove useful in the event you buy to tall of a shield. It even helps you with choosing the correct height of a shield...and how to cut one down if needed.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/acc...r/WinshieldBG/

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/Chopwindshields/

[jollyrogr]

havent decided that i want a windshield yet, but i've been looking at a windvest

[flynsouth]

Try these guys, I think they can actually fit you and will help some of your ?'s if you're looking for a shorter shield but with the vertical adjustment on the fork mounts I think you'll be fine. http://www.clearviewshields.com/

I have the MS in solar and like it, just a slight tint, I persoanlly don't like the gradient.
I thought you only order 2 items, windshield with mounts and then the fork mounting kit for you specific bike.

[brady666]

Originally Posted by flynsouth

I have the MS in solar and like it, just a slight tint, I persoanlly don't like the gradient.
I thought you only order 2 items, windshield with mounts and then the fork mounting kit for you specific bike.

flynsouth,

I'm going to go with the Memphis Shades Alley Cat in Solar. The tint isn't overly dark is it? I had the F&S windshield and hated it...the wind was directed right into my face! The alley cat will hopefully solve this problem by being a little taller but I'm hesitant because I don't like the gradient and I'm worried the solar is too dark and looks weird. What do you think?

thanks.

[flynsouth]

Originally Posted by brady666

flynsouth,

I'm going to go with the Memphis Shades Alley Cat in Solar. The tint isn't overly dark is it? I had the F&S windshield and hated it...the wind was directed right into my face! The alley cat will hopefully solve this problem by being a little taller but I'm hesitant because I don't like the gradient and I'm worried the solar is too dark and looks weird. What do you think?

thanks.

Solar has a very light tint to it, really just like a regular factory tint on your car windows. I did not like the clear and the solar has just enough color to look right (my meanie is burnt orange). I think I have a pic of it in the pics section but it may be really hard to tell. I think you'll love it.

[trikebubble]

I have the AlleyCat in solar. i really like it. i am 6'2" and have it adjusted so that I can see over the shield. But the shield moves the wind over my helmet and around my body. I was one of those "never gonna get a windshield" guys until I put it on. I may never take it off.
You can adjust the shield up or down about 6" or so, by moving the fork attachment brackets, so you can get a pretty customized setting.
Definately go for the solar tint, it looks great. I agree, I do not like the gradient shields at all.
As far as wind-buffeting, my shield moves the wind right over the top of my helmet and actually keeps my helmet pushed firmly on my heed. No more being strangled by the chin strap as your helmet tries to take off.
I purchased my Alley Cat from my local dealer for $200.00 Canadian. That included the quick release hardware and the shield.
I got the 9" cutout.

[deniska]

Thanks Carlo. Now I know the right cut-out size

[brady666]

Trike, I went for the AlleyCat on your reviews on other threads (My only concern was the 'solar' color...glad it's not too dark). I'm also glad you don't have the buffetting at 6'2"...I'm 6'0" so I'm comfortable I'll be able to adjust to suit. Now I just need to sell my F&S windshield!
Perfect! I ordered mine and hopefully I'll get it soon. The Memphis Shades website said I needed the 7" cutout so I went with that.

[Phatboy]

Buffeting is caused by air coming under the windsheild trying to catch up with the other air going over the windsheild- kinda like the princple that allows planes to fly. The effect is your head getting hit with wind coming from under your windsheild resulting in what I like to call the bobble-head effect When I drove home from the dealer with the 17" F/S windsheild they recommended I could barely make out an ambulance with its lights on in my lane coming straight for me due to my head shaking around so much

I love my Rifle windsheild, but am unsure if this style would complement the meanie.

[billc5]

Deniska,

The F & S windshield on my meanie works fine for me at 6'0. All the turbulence is front of me and goes over the top of my helmet. I believe the Mustang set has helped with this. I don't get any buffeting from under the shield. A simplistic test is to ride around 50mph, stick your left arm across your chest and see if you're getting any wind effects. This shield seems to work for some and not for others even when some of us are about the same height. It is 16" from the top of the cutout but narrow so there is some shoulder push. It is pretty low on the bike when mounted. The clearview shields whch when I checked did not come with mounting hardware should bolt into the F&S brackets. I believe clearview shields are taller and wider in a couple sizes. They migh also mount in to the Memphis brackets.

Bill

[Trackpoint]

It takes a 9" cut-out. I use the Memphis Shades Alley Cat on my Meanstreak and have been very happy with it. They come in different sizes so you can choose one that is suitable to your style of riding. My preference is to see over it instead of through it but can duck down if needs be.

[jnk]

deniska
the ally cat is plenty low enought to look over however i thought it had plenty of buffeting , solar is a very light tint and i liked it but the buffeting bothered me so i took it off it is for sale now and is listed in the assy swap meet section and there is a picture so you can see what the tint looks like it cost me 158.68 make me an offer if you are interested it is in good condition
that is including ms hardware

[deniska]

Thanks all. I am pretty sure I am going to go with the Memphis Shades Alley Cat, clear. My wife tells me my ISO-Grips, ISO-Wings, and Genmar risers have arrived, so I'll probably spend the weekend getting those installed.

Then onto the shield and finally the bags... I'm trying to decide between Saddlemen Drifter slants and K-Drive bags. K-Drive is a little more expensive, but I wouldn't have to buy separate brackets or to a surgery on them like trikebubble did to avoid the throw-over look.

[jnk]

Originally Posted by jnk

deniska
the ally cat is plenty low enought to look over however i thought it had plenty of buffeting , solar is a very light tint and i liked it but the buffeting bothered me so i took it off it is for sale now and is listed in the assy swap meet section and there is a picture so you can see what the tint looks like it cost me 158.68 make me an offer if you are interested it is in good condition
that is including ms hardware

sorry i thought i had a pic but found i didn't i do now

[deniska]

Originally Posted by Trackpoint

It takes a 9" cut-out. I use the Memphis Shades Alley Cat on my Meanstreak and have been very happy with it. They come in different sizes so you can choose one that is suitable to your style of riding. My preference is to see over it instead of through it but can duck down if needs be.

Hmm, I called Memphis Shades and they said I need a 7" cut-out, which is what I ordered. Will let you all know next week if it fits.