I am considering some options for my soon to be delivered VRSCR, and have read some opinions from a road test:
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http://www.roadcarver.com/reviews/05_hd_vrsrc.htm
They say the following:
"Some bikes were fitted with the optional screen that proved to be worse than useless with notable vibration and a good buffeting to the head.

Passenger comfort? Don’t know yet, but the rear seat look a bit less frightening than that tapered stub of rubber found on the stock VROD. While the second seat on the Street Rod is no sofa, it looks to be able to comfortable hold a smaller rider for shorter trips. Anything more should have you browsing for a backrest."
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I was considering the windshield for cold weather riding, and the plusher Touring Passenger Pillion and mini sissy bar for passenger comfort, and the luggage rack to hold a helmet and stuff. I've riden bikes with bigger sissy bars that I hit with my leg when I'm swing it over, when getting on board, so I'm not too keen on the bigger "low" sissy bar with it's pad, but I might consider it if it improves the passengers comfort substantially. I want to keep my dates happy.

If anybody has experience with the windshield or seating variations, I'd like to hear your thoughts. :jeannie:

I haven't used a windshield on my R but I would imagine that if it mounts the same way as the A/B windshields then it won't do much for you because with the more forward position you will basically be looking almost down the top of it so the wind will be deflected at your head which is probably what the reporter experienced in the article..
The windshield would have to be mounted way forward (probably in front of the headlight somewhere) to actually be of much use..

The experience on the A&B is that the touring shield provides the best comfort, wind wise, but still has some updraft. (probably as a result of the angle). This is solved by adding Memphis Shade lowers. I have both and it is very comfortable behind, bith for me and the passenger. Looks, however, is another thing entirely. With the lowers mounted to the shield, at least they come off with it, and are at the same angle. V-Fred has one solution, I have posted another. And for the passenger, the A/B solution just won't work work with the R, I'm thinking. (Which is why I won't consider it).

I've riden bikes with bigger sissy bars that I hit with my leg when I'm swing it over, when getting on board, so I'm not too keen on the bigger "low" sissy bar with it's pad, but I might consider it if it improves the passengers comfort substantially. I want to keep my dates happy.

If anybody has experience with the windshield or seating variations, I'd like to hear your thoughts. :jeannie:
Sinbad,
I'm running the Touring passenger pillion with the low (tallest) sissy bar. It's not difficult to avoid when mounting and dismounting. It just requires a bit of practice. H-D won't tell you, but the pads made for the VRSCA & B low sissy bars work just fine with the low sissy bar made for the Street-Rod. I bought the one made exclusively for the Street-Rod, then discovered that one I had used on my previous V-rod would fit too (51569-01). My wife to-be prefers the larger pad from the V-Rod to the one actually made for the Street-Rod. That helps me too. I have a SAC tootsie roll bag that fits on the luggage rack. It is made to fit over the larger sissy bar pad, so everything has worked out perfectly.

It's only my opinion, but I can't see that shortest sissy bar with no pad being the slightest bit comfortable for a passenger. The passenger's tail bone is going to be pushing against that hard bar. I don't see that working for more than a couple of miles. :spank:

Steve

SINBAD...

i have the H-D windshield on my R and it is surprisingly efficient.

i also have a GL1800 GOLDWING and a VFR 800 so i'm familiar with good wind flow managment.

the H-D shield provides for a fairly smooth airflow for the rider. i'm 6'3"

and am pleased with the amount of windblast that is blocked from my chest.
i don't experience any vibrations or buffetting with it at all. i installed mine myself. very easy.

having said all that, if a larger windscreen becomes available, especially one that quickly detaches, i would buy it in a minute for winter and long distance riding. hope this helps

ken

If anybody has experience with the windshield or seating variations, I'd like to hear your thoughts. :jeannie:

I have all the options available at this point having picked up the sundowner riders seat today. The standard seat was more than I could endure. I get a fair amount of noise at speed with the windshield (haven't played alot with adjustments yet though) but it is no noisier than my Beemer. The windshield is othersise pretty effective at reducing buffeting. I'm long waisted and big in the shoulders so I should be more on the worse case scenario side and I'm happy with it. Rear passenger seat (optional) hasn't been tested by my better half yet. Will let you know how she likes. Also, as soon as I get to ride again I'll let you know about how the sundowner rider seat feels compared to stock. :ride:

MrHD1,

IS the sundowner seat The same seat for the V-rods..or specifically for the 'R' ??

Where did yah get it from?

MrHD1,

IS the sundowner seat The same seat for the V-rods..or specifically for the 'R' ??

Where did yah get it from?
The "R" requires its own seat. It is different from the V-Rod. The Sundowner seat for the "R" is sold as separate pieces. You can buy either the rider or passenger sections, and they can be mixed-and-matched with the stock pieces. Actually, the passenger seat is called the Touring passenger pillion, rather than Sundowner. Any H-D dealer should be able to get these seats.

Steve

I have the windshield on mine. My only complaint is I would like it to be taller to keep bugs off of my face shield.

The "R" requires its own seat. It is different from the V-Rod. The Sundowner seat for the "R" is sold as separate pieces. You can buy either the rider or passenger sections, and they can be mixed-and-matched with the stock pieces. Actually, the passenger seat is called the Touring passenger pillion, rather than Sundowner. Any H-D dealer should be able to get these seats.

Steve

Thanks for answering Steve. My bike is in the shop for an oil leak right now but I'll let you know what I think.

I have the touring windshield and the taller (low) sissy bar and touring passenger seat and after renting a Road King on a recent vacation with a similar set-up my wife said the v-rod was as comfortable if not more than the Road King. I too am tall (6' 4") and I reversed the windshield mounting fork clamps to slide them up about 1.25" the end of the bolts show but they don't hit the side covers. I also redrilled the windshield itself for about another 1". For someone long waisted and wide shouldered like me this has helped. I have also seen an ad for Kuryakyn's sissy bar that they said was 2" taller and back 1" which may make for a happy passenger. The updraft on mine didn't seem too bad until over 100-105, then it wants to suck the helmet off your head.

I have the HD windshield and Sundowner seat. They are both worth the money. Easy to remove the windshield if needed.
The Soft HD bags do not hold their shape well. and the plastic pulls on the zippers broke. They need to improve on the bags.

Is it an age thing or do i simply prefer to feel the wind pressing against me and even pushing my legs apart at speed (ooh eerrrrr) :twisted: ...But seriously, i have had many 'naked' bikes over the last few years and never once have i wanted to shod it with a piece of plastic so as to keep the wind off me...if i wanted to do that, i'd errrrr drive a car!! As it is, the wind factor is the VERY reason i now buy bikes WITHOUT big fairings/screens etc.

Mitch......(feeling the wind) :ride:

Mitch,
I have to agree with you, if it wasn't for the wind factor I would probably ride a lot faster than I already do, the wind is like a natural speed control.. :)
Also with the more forward position of the "R" I like the wind at about 70-80mph because it lifts all the weight off my arms and makes it a very comfortable ride..

Each to their own I guess.. ;)

Thats totally it Wipeout, i found when i had my race rep bikes in the past, 70-80 mph was rather dull being cocooned in a little bubble of still air, feeling all my weight on my wrists due to lack of wind pressure unable to lift my weight off my wrists....only when reaching silly speeds of 140mph+ did i get the same kinda comfort that i now get on any of my naked bikes, such as the Street Rod

Well I still get plenty of wind with the windscreen in place. For any kind of lengthy ride the use of a full coverage helmet is a necessity. The sundowner seat is a big improvement. When you get to be my age you realize that each spring after a long winter reconditioning of the body is required. I've ridden the R several hours a day and really enjoy the bike on twisty roads and it purrs on the hi-way as well. My helmet is not getting buffeted and knocked around (which can be hard on the neck) so Im pretty pleased with the set-up as it exists. BTW, my better half is having a hard time getting used to the more rearward placement of the passenger pegs.