For motorcycle enthusiasts, a windscreen is an essential accessory that enhances both safety and comfort while riding. A well-designed windscreen can significantly reduce wind resistance, improve aerodynamics, and protect the rider from debris, insects, and adverse weather conditions. Whether you’re looking for a sleek design for your sports bike, a sturdy option for your touring motorcycle, or a compact shield for your cruiser, choosing the right motorcycle windscreen is crucial.
With numerous manufacturers offering a variety of windscreen options, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we’ll explore the top motorcycle windscreen manufacturers, what to look for in a windscreen, and how to choose the right one for your bike.
The Importance of Motorcycle Windscreens
A motorcycle windscreen does more than just add to the aesthetic appeal of a bike. It serves several practical purposes that can enhance the overall riding experience:
- Wind Protection: By deflecting wind away from the rider, a windscreen reduces fatigue caused by constant exposure to high winds at high speeds.
- Weather Shielding: A windscreen provides a barrier against rain, snow, and cold air, allowing for a more comfortable ride in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
- Debris Protection: A windscreen helps protect the rider from road debris, insects, and small particles that can be dangerous when traveling at high speeds.
- Improved Aerodynamics: A properly designed windscreen can improve a motorcycle’s aerodynamic profile, reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.
Top Motorcycle Windscreen Manufacturers
There are several leading manufacturers known for producing high-quality motorcycle windscreens. These companies offer a wide range of styles and materials to fit different types of motorcycles and rider preferences. Here are some of the top motorcycle windscreen manufacturers in the industry:
1. Puig
Puig is one of the most well-known and respected names in the motorcycle accessory market, especially for windscreens. Founded in 1964, Puig is based in Spain and has a long history of producing high-quality, durable windscreens for various motorcycle brands. The company offers a wide range of products, from sports windscreens designed for racing bikes to touring windscreens built for long-distance travel.
Key Features:
- Puig windscreens are made from high-impact acrylic, which provides excellent durability and resistance to cracking.
- The company offers a range of windscreen heights and shapes to suit different riding styles.
- Puig windscreens are designed with aerodynamics in mind, reducing drag and wind noise while enhancing rider comfort.
- Puig also provides various color options and tints, allowing riders to customize the look of their bike.
Popular Models:
- Puig Racing Windscreen: Designed for sportbike enthusiasts, this windscreen is sleek and aerodynamic, perfect for reducing wind resistance during high-speed rides.
- Puig Touring Windscreen: Ideal for long-distance touring, this model is taller and provides enhanced wind protection, making it suitable for adventure and touring motorcycles.
2. National Cycle
Based in the United States, National Cycle is another leading manufacturer of motorcycle windscreens, with a reputation for innovative designs and high-quality products. Founded in 1937, National Cycle has a long history of engineering windscreens that offer excellent protection and durability. They are known for their use of polycarbonate, a material that is stronger and more impact-resistant than traditional acrylic.
Key Features:
- National Cycle windscreens are made from tough polycarbonate, making them virtually shatterproof and highly resistant to impact and scratches.
- Many of their windscreens come with Quantum® hardcoating, which provides an extra layer of scratch resistance, ensuring the screen remains clear and functional for years.
- The company offers a variety of windscreen styles, from sleek sports designs to full touring options.
Popular Models:
- National Cycle VStream® Windscreen: This unique design features a patented “V” shape that directs airflow away from the rider, reducing buffeting and improving aerodynamics.
- National Cycle Heavy Duty™ Windscreen: A large, full-coverage windscreen designed for cruiser and touring motorcycles, offering maximum protection against wind and weather.
3. GIVI
GIVI is an Italian company known for producing a wide range of motorcycle accessories, including windscreens, luggage systems, and crash protection. GIVI’s windscreens are favored by riders for their functionality, durability, and stylish designs. The company offers windscreens for nearly all motorcycle types, from scooters to adventure bikes.
Key Features:
- GIVI windscreens are made from high-quality materials, including acrylic and polycarbonate, ensuring strength and clarity.
- The company offers a broad range of sizes, from small flyscreens to large touring screens, to accommodate different riding styles and needs.
- Many GIVI windscreens are designed with easy installation in mind, with mounting kits included for specific bike models.
Popular Models:
- GIVI Airflow Windscreen: Known for its adjustable height, the Airflow windscreen allows riders to customize the windscreen height to suit their preference, offering optimal wind protection.
- GIVI D Series Windscreen: Designed for adventure and touring bikes, this larger windscreen provides full coverage for long-distance riders looking for maximum wind protection.
4. MRA
Based in Germany, MRA is a manufacturer specializing in motorcycle windscreens with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and rider comfort. MRA offers a wide variety of windscreen shapes and sizes, making it easy for riders to find the perfect fit for their bike. The company is known for its attention to detail and innovation, making MRA windscreens popular among sportbike and touring enthusiasts alike.
Key Features:
- MRA windscreens are made from high-quality materials that are both durable and lightweight.
- The company offers specialized designs, such as spoilers and flip-up windscreens, which improve aerodynamics and deflect wind over the rider’s head.
- MRA offers tinted and clear windscreen options, allowing for customization based on rider preferences and aesthetics.
Popular Models:
- MRA Touring Windscreen: Designed for long-distance riders, this model is taller than standard windscreens, offering enhanced protection from wind and weather.
- MRA Racing Windscreen: With a more streamlined profile, this windscreen is ideal for sportbike riders looking for improved aerodynamics and reduced wind resistance.
5. Zero Gravity
Zero Gravity is an American company known for its racing-inspired windscreens. The brand gained popularity among sportbike riders due to its focus on creating lightweight, aerodynamically optimized windscreens that enhance performance. Zero Gravity offers a range of windscreens designed specifically for racing, but also provides products suitable for street riders.
Key Features:
- Zero Gravity windscreens are made from lightweight acrylic that is durable and shatter-resistant.
- The company’s windscreens are designed to reduce drag and improve top-end speed for sportbikes, making them ideal for track enthusiasts.
- Many Zero Gravity windscreens feature a double bubble design, which adds height to the middle of the windscreen, improving aerodynamics and rider comfort.
Popular Models:
- Zero Gravity Double Bubble® Windscreen: A signature model designed for sportbike riders, the Double Bubble windscreen offers a higher profile that reduces wind resistance and improves stability at high speeds.
- Zero Gravity SR Series: This windscreen is designed as a direct replacement for stock windscreens, offering a clean and simple design with improved aerodynamics.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Windscreen
When choosing a motorcycle windscreen, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure it meets your riding needs and preferences. Here are some key considerations:
1. Material
Motorcycle windscreens are typically made from acrylic or polycarbonate. Acrylic is lightweight and affordable, but it is more prone to cracking and scratching. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is much more durable, offering greater impact and scratch resistance, though it is usually more expensive.
2. Height and Size
The height of the windscreen is one of the most critical factors in determining the level of protection it offers. A taller windscreen will provide more coverage and deflect wind over the rider’s head, making it ideal for touring and long-distance rides. A shorter windscreen, or flyscreen, offers less protection but can enhance the sporty look of the bike and provide a more aggressive riding experience.
3. Shape and Aerodynamics
Different windscreen shapes can affect airflow and reduce turbulence. Windscreens with a curved or flared shape can help direct wind away from the rider, reducing wind buffeting and improving comfort, especially at high speeds.
4. Tinted vs. Clear Windscreens
Tinted windscreens can reduce glare from the sun and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the bike. However, clear windscreens offer better visibility, especially at night. Choose the tint based on your typical riding conditions and personal preferences.
5. Adjustability
Some windscreens, like the GIVI Airflow, offer adjustable height settings, allowing riders to change the position of the windscreen based on their preferences or weather conditions. This is a valuable feature for riders who switch between city commuting and long-distance touring.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Windscreen for Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle windscreen manufacturs is an essential accessory that can enhance both comfort and safety on the road. Whether you’re a touring rider who needs maximum wind protection or a sportbike enthusiast looking for improved aerodynamics, the right windscreen can make all the difference in your riding experience.
