I've had the Cal Sci windshield on my GTL For about 3 weeks now, so I figured I have enough miles on it to give it a fair review.
For reference, I'm 6'0" tall, with a 32" inseam. I have the tall seat on the bike. Based on Mark's recommendation, I purchased the Large Touring shield that is 1.5" shorter than stock. I like to look through the shield, but occasionally when it's really hot, I like to put it down and look over.
Windshield Quality
I've seen a few comments about the quality of the cuts on these shields, so here are my two cents on the subject: The outside edges on mine are polished smooth and look nice. The center vent cuts are very rough, though. They're not horribly rough looking when you are standing back, but while riding you can see the rough edges. I can even tell where the laser started by the tiny circular cut that is dissimilar to the rest of the cut marks. IMO, this is the most disappointing thing about the whole shield, although it's not
that noticeable to the average person. The actual shield seems strong and durable, although I believe it might scratch a little easier than the stock shield. With a little light polish and a microfiber cloth, it cleans up nice and clear. It seems very durable.
Windshield Performance
The design of the CalSci windshield out performs the stock GTL shield
in every way. It is quieter, gives better protection to the rider and passenger, and has much less turbulence. With this windshield only slightly up, my Schuberth helmet face shield will stay up while driving at highway speeds because of the reduction in turbulence. With the stock shield, I had to have it almost all the way up to get my helmet face shield to stay open. With the shield all the way down, I have to close my helmet visor for wind protection.
The bike is also more stable at high speeds with this windshield. The turbulence cased by the stock windshield on the GTL causes the bike to be a little twitchy when you get up to around 80 MPH. The moment I put the CalSci shield on, I took the bike out for a ride and held it between 80-100 MPH for 10-15 minutes. I couldn't believe the difference the CalSci made in handling at those speeds. The bike was as stable as could be and it handles like a dream for such a big bike. Since I had just ridden home with the stock shield, the change to the CalSCi was immediately noticeable.
When my wife rides, I need the windshield to create a comfortable pocket of air for her. The stock shield needed to be nearly all the way up to accomplish this. However, with the CalSci shield on the bike, I can put the windshield in whatever position is comfortable to me and she is always happy. We just did a 200 mile ride where I put the shield in just about every height possible and she was never uncomfortable. With the stock shield, she told me that if I put it too low, the wind smacked her right in the face, making her feel like it was going to "take her head off" (her words). Happy passenger = happy rider
Protection Comparison
The CalSci shield has better wind protection than stock. Subjectively, I would say 30% better. I notice better protection on my shoulders and arms, but you still get quite a bit of wind there. I still would like to see someone come up with a design that could greatly reduce or even eliminate the wind on those areas for riding in the cold weather. You don't notice any wind coming through the center hole
unless you put the shield all the way up. At most windshield heights, wind coming through the hole moves up into the slipstream so you never notice it. However, if you put the shield up to it's highest position, the wind from the hole hits me right in the face and is noticeable. It's not really obnoxious or even very hard, but it's there. Honestly though, I'm not sure I ever need to put this windshield that high. If you really want to ride with the shield that high, you should just buy one of the taller models and then you won't ever have this issue.
Summary
In my opinion, the CalSci shield is well worth the money to replace the stock GTL shield. It's design looks good on the bike, although they need to clean up the cut around the vent hole. I don't really like staring at a rough windshield edge that is on my $30K bike. The bike handles better, my wife is more comfortable, it is MUCH quieter (I can actually hear the stereo better!), and there is NO turbulence. It gives better protection, although I still will be on the lookout for the ultimate winter protection shield. (Are you listening CalSci?) Overall I am pleased with the purchase with the noted areas that have room for improvement. I won't go back to the stock GTL shield.
California Scientific GTL windshield review
