2012 650 Adventure-Touring Shootout: BMW G650GS vs Kawasaki Versys vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS
Motorcycling is unique in its ability to bring the driver and passenger closer to a sense of freedom elements that the movement of the pilot and the machine as one in the air.
Each individual has their own opinion on how the air should be felt while driving.
What led us to this Quick Look comparison of three for the Kawasaki Versys 650 windshields.
We must first recognize that this effort was again conducted in our endless quest to expand our horizons riding with VERSYS-tility machine.
Although this article was originally intended to focus on the windshield Givi, with mention made of other mounted windshield, it became clear that we advanced the three identified in this submission windshields stand in their own right.
And they all have a specific application for the Versys, mainly based on the function of the user Therefore, head over to the approach of the head is presented.
Three fitted and evaluated windshield were the windshield original equipment; ARM product-to-Kawasaki Vario Touring screen; and the windshield Givi D405ST.
The windshield stock, look good very small, is also very functional.
The slightly larger Vario Touring screen offers additional coverage for a wider range of body types last but not least, the Givi shield is stylish and extremely functional, offering the best coverage in all conditions.
The windshield of the Versys reservation to 28 cm high by 30 cm 5 11x12 inches wide is small, bullet-shaped and complementary in the design of the other front-end components.
The windshield mounting bracket Versys includes a pair of vertical arms, each with six holes for mounting a windshield.
These holes depending on how a particular windscreen is designed and drilled, provides the possibility of adjusting the height of the windshield The standard height adjustment of about 20 mm or a little more than three quarters of inch increments.
The installation diagram on the stock windshield provides two parameters to use low or high, with the higher setting increases the height of a little more than 37 mm.
This in itself may not seem like much, but as with most windshields, it makes a difference by using the windshield stock for more than a month really does prove that this minimalist object could do an adequate job of driver protection.
One of the best features of this object EO is that it is very quiet, largely due to its shape and small overall size.
The best feature is that it is just perfect for riding in hot weather allowing good air circulation, with little buffeting pressure buildup.
When riding in wet conditions, it offers basic protection, but a good outer layer is required every time to keep dry.
However, for all its attributes, for extended driving at temperatures of bad weather and cold, shortfalls of this small screen become much more acute.
Driven So, we literally go bigger and better things, prefaced knowing that more is not always better.
In this case, the following windscreen fitted, the Vario Touring screen is larger and very much better.
Made by MRA Germany Kawasaki stamped on the bottom of the windshield, this concept has been around for some time and is marketed for many other bikes by other suppliers is sold both with and without adjustable spoiler.
full screen very well with smooth, fluid lines and a relatively low height, the front end of the Versys This look is further enhanced by the lower side rocket which project a look that flows to the upper front end of the bike .
The screen measures 33 cm 13 January 5 inches tall with the height adjustable spoiler fully deployed and 31 5 cm 12 4 inches tall with the spoiler pushed to its lowest position.
bottom width is 38 cm 15 inches in diameter at the lower rounded, while the width is greater than about two inches at least 33 cm 13 inches.
The size of the spoiler itself adds a lot to cover the height provided by the Vario windshield But it is the single removable and replaceable and highly functional top spoiler that is the best feature of this screen.
The spoiler seven lowest mounting positions in more than six notch or click adjustments on each window support, allowing both height and angle adjustments, albeit over a relatively short range of motion.
However limited they might be, changing the height and angle of the spoiler makes a difference.
Mounting up the Vario windshield is simple, as long as the instructions based on image base are considered first and all necessary hardware parts are in the kit.
Due to the length of the shield and in that it has only one mounting position, additional clearance or offset is necessary to maintain a clearance between the bottom of the hood and the windshield Versys itself .
As a result, four spacers of different sizes for the top and bottom are provided for mounting points, with longer 5 screws mm 4 mm hexagonal Vice stock head 3mm hex elements Windshield Kit includes a band edge protection, which has not been used.
After using the windshield on both Versys for most of last season riding, we can say without hesitation that this is a very effective windscreen.
We did a lot of playing with the spoiler; It really makes a difference.
Even with the left wing in its basic setting, the display offers a significant advantage over the screen actions, especially in wet weather or cooler weather.
The Vario windshield provides good results in providing good protection at all speeds and under the most diverse climatic conditions.
At very high speeds can be felt some buffeting around the shoulders and helmet area, although the top spoiler adjustment can temper the environment under certain conditions.
Where weather prevails most of the year or late spring, summer and early autumn horses in varying climatic zones, windshield will do the job.
However, when temperatures really start to dive and heavy rain is introduced on a daily basis, our thoughts have turned to seeking the protection of the end even before the wimp factor sometimes is allowed out.
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With a cold and other inclement weather becoming the norm, the realization that Givi issued a windshield for the Versys has come to the forefront.
Although our local dealer was carrying the Kawasaki since mid-summer, two of which were supposedly to us, the urgency was not there.
Windshield Touring Vario has provided more than satisfactory service during the summer and early fall.
But, wanting to extend our riding season Versys as long as possible, all the protective comfort of options were on the table and the windshield Givi was first installed.
Consequently, the last Givi windshield D405ST stock was adjusted to black test Versys.
All the effort, led in the parking lot, took five minutes.
Rating carrying a small hex key tool combination Allen Sears has never been a bad thing.
Our experience with Givi products, in particular, is that windshields of the company did a good job in interpreting the requirements and execution of the product.
First impressions of this screen did nothing to dispel that feeling.
Clean simple lines, excellent fit and finish and easy adjustment using the hardware stock, precision drilled through and ground mounting holes This is a quality element in all respects.
Just a little larger than the other two windshield, it measures 45 cm x 50 cm x 17 July 19 7 inches wide at its widest point, through the lower spindle, a rounded tapered profile above of the upper half of the screen.
Comparatively, it is 18 cm 7 1 inch above and 19 5 cm July 7 inches wider than the shield of the reserve, and 11 5 cm May 4 inches high and 12 cm 4 7 inch wider than the shield tourism Vario with the fully deployed spoiler.
Not surprisingly, the Givi shield offers the best flexibility for adjusting the height between the three too far windshields.
The shield of the stock provides two height settings and the only Vario, although it has the adjustable spoiler Givi windshield allows three different height settings, low, medium and high, in increments of 20 mm.
The effort five minutes was to use four windscreens bolts under license hex 4 mm, and the thin clearance washers that fit between the support arms of the windshield and the windshield itself .
To provide additional space to see quick look look at Zeta deflectors handguards, four thick rubber washers 5 mm were also inserted to compensate for the screen a little more mounting arms.
The lower flared portion of the screen comprises a flat matt black coating to the interior, providing a partial screening effect that lies approximately Versys the mounting bracket and arms, and helps to reduce reflections.
Mounted in one of three positions, a clearance between the bottom of the windshield and the upper curved part of the cover creates a discreet air stream which depressurizes the zone of cockpit.
With temperatures of the ambient air from 26 -3C 6F to 50F 10C, the test environment and evaluation was unfortunately well.
Lowest position 18 cm stock offers much better that cover the stock or vario windscreen and will probably be fine for warmer temperatures of the environment and higher positions result in better coverage which, while expected, is not always the case with windshields.
Low displacement in the middle to upper position moves the coverage area upward of the lower arm just below the shoulders, with only a moderate increase in tremor felt on the shoulders.
Riders with upper body shorter than the 6ft 3in, 34 waited model of non-crash test inseam will probably be in the air quite yet.
Although there is little change in the noise levels between the three altitudes, there is a net air flow change and around the upper part of the windscreen windscreen is moved, but it never resulted in a real buffeting.
We will be the first to admit that the height of the upper body, body positioning and even the type of headphones used, can all effect of creating different situations.
On one of the coldest days 32F 0C, the windshield was moved to the highest position before going on a short walk from the road, which itself generated the significant chill on this parameter, some air is felt on the shoulders, but there was no helmet buffeting at all.
For those who wish to make the base of the measuring head or angularity, the position of the medium used now puts the upper part of the windscreen Givi 35 13 cm 77 inches higher than the highest point of the cover above of the camera body.
Recognizing the differences in height between the three windscreen, the biggest advantage of this ice is provided in the extension of the side cover.
Even without handguard baffles installed, the bottom broad rounded portion of the windshield is highly efficient for the extension of the area of the cockpit to and beyond the ends of the handlebar, especially on low pitch parameters or intermediate.
On the highest setting, this area is moved upward, resulting in most of the protection is lost on the handlebar However, with guard deflectors installed hand, this area is filled again well.
Both accessories are highly complementary, which creates a very effective way to stop the wind, reducing cooling zone.
Kawasaki Versys Compare Bonnette, Kawasaki, Versys, windshield comparison.