Update: Windshield

[RocketDaryl]

Recall, I mentioned Triumph now has a Roadster "Blade" that is just the shield without the hardware and, according to the Triumph website, is intended to be installed using the stock hardware on the R3T. The dealer here called Triumph and there was some confusion regarding whether or not that was true. The Triumph rep they talked to on the phone indicated that you had to use some other hardware and that the total price would be more around $600. That didn't make any sense since you can buy a Roadster windshield ready to install on the bike for $499. The dealer went ahead and ordered the blade without any obligation from me to buy it so we could all find out for sure what the straight scoop is.

Well, I'm happy to report that the blade does indeed fit the existing hardware as the website says. This is great news for those of us that don't have a need for two separate windshields. The cost of the blade is $209 plus tax. The full Roadster windshield is $499. And yes, the blade is the same height as the Roadster windshield, which around 7 inches taller than stock. The Roadster is right at eye level as I sit on the bike if I sit with proper posture. If I slouch (usual riding posture for me, lol) a little, it's about an inch over my eyes.

Bottom line, this is a great altenative as I imagine there are a lot of people that have no use for two windshields. But, if you do, you can simply pay the $499 for the Roadster screen and you'll be able to interchange them on your bike at will. If not, you can simply buy the blade for less than half the cost and do whatever with the stock blade.

 

[GPMAZ]

Well sure, now they offer it without the hardware. I do find that I'm using both screens although I use the Roadster screen the most. I've removed the plastic lowers and use the stock screen in hotter weather and for shorter rides.

I've added a sheepskin cover to the seat to allow me to look over the top of the Roadster screen. I've found that looking over the screen is much less distracting and the airflow is still over the top of my helmet. If I sit up perfectly straight I can just get some airflow through the helmets vents.

Given the choice though, I'd sure have taken a pass on the $500 replacement. Congrats to you for waiting.

 

[RocketDaryl]

I'll likely remove the lowers when it starts getting hot. It still drops into the 40s-50s at night around here.

p.s. If it makes you feel any better, I spent some of the savings on other things so I didn't get out of there for $209. lol

 

[wildrooster]

This is great I was wanting a taller shield I may just wait untill summer is over to see about it

 

[Elvis]

I like Both

I enjoy having both as the stock shield is a little wider and looks better on the bike IMO. It also blocks enough wind for a short trip where the riding is going to involve several beer stops.

I like the protection of the taller screen, I just wish it was as wide as the stock screen. They are just too easy to change out, it is worth the extra cash to have a choice to me.

 

[Kmutt]

Daryl how tall are you? Im 6'2" and find I will definetely need the new "blade". Just trying to get a comparison. Thanks for the details and research. It will certainly make it easier for me when I talk to my dealer.

mutt

 

[Nateskate]

I also have both screens and am 6'2". With the stock seat the taller screen offers decent protection. My line of site, if I sit up straight, is just over the top. Slouch a little and your looking through it.

I use the stock shield for around town in the summer. If it's cold or I'm going for a long ride, I switch to the taller screen.

 

[RocketDaryl]

I'm 5'10". I'm pretty much looking through the screen. Again, if I sit with perfect posture, the top is right at eye level. I may have it trimmed an inch or two eventually, but I'll wait and see. I don't like to do things in haste.

I'll say this, I rode with the new shield last night; I could've read the newspaper behind that thing. I got ZERO buffeting and the wind noise was probably cut in half. Those are the improvements I was hoping for. I'm surprised you taller guys can tolerate the stock windshield. It breaks the wind and definitely cuts down on rider fatigue, but my head got quite a bit of buffeting and the wind noise, while not untolerable, was a little more than I care to have.

Next, I wonder if I can mod it to add a windshield wiper, and perhaps a washer fluid setup?

 

[GPMAZ]

I'm surprised you taller guys can tolerate the stock windshield. It breaks the wind and definitely cuts down on rider fatigue, but my head got quite a bit of buffeting and the wind noise, while not untolerable, was a little more than I care to have.

Try lifting yourself about 4 inches off the saddle. You'll find the air is quieter and the buffeting is not nearly as bad. I think there's a zone where its pretty intolerable. Above or below that isn't so bad. At 6'2" the short screen has the air hitting me at shoulder level. I've typically found that having the wind hit you mid helmet is the worst. Any turbulence from traffic and everything starts to blur and a headache isn't far behind.

 

[RocketDaryl]

Try lifting yourself about 4 inches off the saddle. You'll find the air is quieter and the buffeting is not nearly as bad. I think there's a zone where its pretty intolerable. Above or below that isn't so bad. At 6'2" the short screen has the air hitting me at shoulder level. I've typically found that having the wind hit you mid helmet is the worst. Any turbulence from traffic and everything starts to blur and a headache isn't far behind.

That makes sense. I guess my noggin' just isn't in the right place.

Btw, the stock shield is not wider than the taller screen. I just had them stacked against each other (spring cleaning the garage). They are identical. The taller screen becomes more narrow as it reaches the top, but it's the same as stock until it gets a couple of inches or so above the top of the stock screen.