new14rider
Novice Class
Posts: 76
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posted January 19, 2012 08:06 AM
Double Bubble or OEM for top speed
I just purchased an new 2012 ZX14R and want to take it to Bonneville. I am wondering which windshield is more aerodynamic; double bubble or stock replacement? I know that the Hayabusa double bubble is better because of the curvature at the top and how it mates with the top of the riders helmet, but it seems like they made the 14 double bubble for touring, as it is higher in the wind and does not curve back. Kind of goofy looking. I can go stock replacement and lower the seat to tuck better, so that is not an issue. I have never seen a double bubble at Bonneville on either a Hayabusa or ZX-14. Does anyone have any info???
By the way, Plexux #2 fine scratch remover does not work for swirls on windshields!!! It makes them worse. That is why I have to replace my brand new windscreen on my brand new 14!!!!! Any advice on that issue????? That Plexus just digs right into the plastic. I thought of Meguires Plast X, but don't know if it will even touch the deep swirls.
Thanks
  
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted January 19, 2012 08:36 AM
if you have the maguires handy i guess you got nothing to lose trying it, as far as aerodynamics i would think if you can get behind it the lower of the two shields would be better
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2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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madkawboy
Expert Class
Posts: 398
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posted January 19, 2012 09:05 AM
How big are you ?
I've tried the stock screen and Double Bubble at Maxton and I went faster with the stock screen.
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2007 ZX-14
Stock Wheel Base, footshifting, pump gas
5.94 @ 128 mph
1.50 60ft
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new14rider
Novice Class
Posts: 76
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posted January 19, 2012 09:08 AM
I'm 6' tall. I was thinking of taking off the seat and building a fiberglass seat pan to use for racing sitting low in the bike.
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Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
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posted January 19, 2012 09:27 AM
Novus takes out swirls on plexiglass
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2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted January 19, 2012 09:33 AM
 Edited By: Shane661 on 19 Jan 2012 20:13
The standard windscreen is very good. With a double bubble you have to consider how it directs the wind...I ran 190 mph at Maxton with the Zero Gravity Double Bubble. However, you have to look at the overall aero package...including the rider.
I have since moved away from the taller DB type windscreens. With a jockey onboard another bike, using my DB windscreen, it seemed to lose 1 mph at Maxton.
Shane
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Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
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posted January 19, 2012 09:39 AM
Can't give you any usable info regarding which WS for top speed, but just installed the ZG DB on my 14R last night. Taking me a little getting used to the look. I agree that it isn't the perfect look I was going for given the amount of raised height. From an aesthetics perspective it's a little too tall. I believe the Puig that I was looking at looks a little more sleek, but I have heard fitment and and function isn't as good. I will say that the short ride I took after installing the DB seemed to really smooth out the air as promised, but still feel like it kind of fattens the look of the front end and not sure I'll keep it on or shop for something else.
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2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
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BobK
Expert Class
2012 ZX14R SE
Posts: 195
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posted January 19, 2012 10:31 AM
quote:
Can't give you any usable info regarding which WS for top speed, but just installed the ZG DB on my 14R last night. Taking me a little getting used to the look. I agree that it isn't the perfect look I was going for given the amount of raised height. From an aesthetics perspective it's a little too tall. I believe the Puig that I was looking at looks a little more sleek, but I have heard fitment and and function isn't as good. I will say that the short ride I took after installing the DB seemed to really smooth out the air as promised, but still feel like it kind of fattens the look of the front end and not sure I'll keep it on or shop for something else.
Was the ZG DB specific for the 14 R or is it the same as the older 14?
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shiphteey
Needs a job
Posts: 2529
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posted January 19, 2012 11:59 AM
quote:
I just purchased an new 2012 ZX14R and want to take it to Bonneville. I am wondering which windshield is more aerodynamic; double bubble or stock replacement? I know that the Hayabusa double bubble is better because of the curvature at the top and how it mates with the top of the riders helmet, but it seems like they made the 14 double bubble for touring, as it is higher in the wind and does not curve back. Kind of goofy looking. I can go stock replacement and lower the seat to tuck better, so that is not an issue. I have never seen a double bubble at Bonneville on either a Hayabusa or ZX-14. Does anyone have any info???
By the way, Plexux #2 fine scratch remover does not work for swirls on windshields!!! It makes them worse. That is why I have to replace my brand new windscreen on my brand new 14!!!!! Any advice on that issue????? That Plexus just digs right into the plastic. I thought of Meguires Plast X, but don't know if it will even touch the deep swirls.
Thanks
You can still use scratched up windshields to land speed race...just pay more attention to what you're doing. First time I broke 200 was with scratches, cracks and tape running down the middle. Hard to see.
As for which windscreen is best, you gotta go out there and test. I80 is right next to Bonneville....long enough stretch to test.
A.
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Gemini Motorcycles
Topping out everything from Ninja 250s to nitrous ZX-14s.
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Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
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posted January 19, 2012 12:00 PM
Bob-it is not specific for the 14R. It is the same as pre 12 WS's.
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2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted January 19, 2012 12:05 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 19 Jan 2012 20:05
Be aware that not all Gen 1 14 windscreens are going to be a direct fit. There is an angled locking notch at the front of the 14R screen which doesn't seem to work with all Gen 1 aftermarket parts.
Shane
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted January 19, 2012 12:18 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 19 Jan 2012 20:29
Btw, Larry Forstall gave me this advice:
quote:
Shane: Even though you can tuck better with the double bubble it angles the airflow up more than the stocker. This creates turbulence when it gets to the back of the bike. Having your helmet above the screen does not create much drag. My experience is with the "other" brand but the principles do not change.Try both windscreens this fall and see. LSL
The Forstall team currently has the fastest naturally aspirated non-streamliner in the world. Over 250 mph at Bonneville. Testing is always good, but as I say, you need to look at the setup issues involved. There are some screen designs that are known to be inferior for top speed use. If you have a place that you can safely obtain consistent results, where you can easily measure differences of 1 mph or less, that is great. But research is good too. 
Also, consider joining Landracing.com
http://www.landracing.com
There is a section of the forum devoted to aerodynamics.
Shane
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted January 19, 2012 12:32 PM
quote:
How big are you ?
I've tried the stock screen and Double Bubble at Maxton and I went faster with the stock screen.
Yes, Zack, I think that was my DB! 
Shane
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Oz Booster
Expert Class
Posts: 230
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posted January 19, 2012 01:38 PM
Shane: Even though you can tuck better with the double bubble it angles the airflow up more than the stocker. This creates turbulence when it gets to the back of the bike. Having your helmet above the screen does not create much drag. My experience is with the "other" brand but the principles do not change.Try both windscreens this fall and see. LSL
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I would agree totally with Larrys advise, also instead of putting a lower seat on try adding to it , my best speeds are with my ass on the tail hump does a couple of things
Makes you ride on your feet rather than your ass,if you have ever ridden trailbikes much you will know what i mean, gives better control on a loose surface with the bike moving around under you
And keeps the airflow off the windscreen in contact with your back and presenting a smaller surface area at the rear to detach the air
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Oz Booster
Expert Class
Posts: 230
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posted January 19, 2012 01:41 PM
Another thought
What event and class do you intend running
Run whatya brung is pretty open , to go out there and have fun
DB would be illegal for production classes , ok for modified
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted January 19, 2012 01:49 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 19 Jan 2012 22:06
quote:
Shane: Even though you can tuck better with the double bubble it angles the airflow up more than the stocker. This creates turbulence when it gets to the back of the bike. Having your helmet above the screen does not create much drag. My experience is with the "other" brand but the principles do not change.Try both windscreens this fall and see. LSL
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I would agree totally with Larrys advise, also instead of putting a lower seat on try adding to it , my best speeds are with my ass on the tail hump does a couple of things
Makes you ride on your feet rather than your ass,if you have ever ridden trailbikes much you will know what i mean, gives better control on a loose surface with the bike moving around under you
And keeps the airflow off the windscreen in contact with your back and presenting a smaller surface area at the rear to detach the air
I have also had my best success by getting way back there. This is me at top speed:
It also allows you to get your knees in tighter to the center of the bike, which I think can help if you are a bigger guy. I am 6'+ 200+ lbs suited. It's hard for me to get "small".
From a rider's standpoint, I still think it is hard to beat the layout of the Busa. I've struggled to find the best riding position on the 14.
You can also see by this pic that the stock windscreen is pretty good, even for a larger guy.
Shane
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entropy
Moderator
Posts: 8671
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posted January 19, 2012 10:37 PM
Edited By: entropy on 20 Jan 2012 06:40
on my Busa i tried the stock screen (too low, helmet buffeting), ZG (didn't like the looks bahahahahaha), and the screen shown below which i like a lot. If anyone is interested i can dig up the vendor.
I'm 6'3" around 225# nekkid (hmmmm what did she do with those pix ???...)
Shane, you might think about moving yr pegs back 4-6in, yr kness wouldn't be fighting with yr elbows.
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This moderator uses moderation in moderation
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Rob7R
Expert Class
More balls than brains.
Posts: 190
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posted January 19, 2012 11:36 PM
I got the puig DB in dark smoke for my 07. Quality of plastic and the fit and finish seem top notch, but it did take some work getting all of the holes to line up. I think it looks awesome.
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Current bike- 07 ZX14 black with D&D cans, PC3, 43t rear sprocket, 6 inch extensions, roaring toys lowering links. Muzzy Bonneville Pro, TRE Velocity stacks, Puig DB windscreen, Sargent seat, Heli-risers, and throttlemeisters.
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Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
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posted January 20, 2012 04:54 AM
I have the Puig race screen on my 14R and everything regarding the screen was perfect... Fit, Finish, Quality A+
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2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted January 20, 2012 04:56 AM
quote:
I have the Puig race screen on my 14R and everything regarding the screen was perfect... Fit, Finish, Quality A+
Do you have a picture of that screen mounted?
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Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
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posted January 20, 2012 08:03 AM
quote:
quote:
I have the Puig race screen on my 14R and everything regarding the screen was perfect... Fit, Finish, Quality A+
Do you have a picture of that screen mounted?
I would like to see that as well. ZG DB is growing on me from a looks standpoint, but gotta believe there is something that functions as well and looks better.
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2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
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WARBIRD
Needs a job
Posts: 2739
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posted January 20, 2012 02:28 PM
Here ya go, not a 14R, but it is the Puig DB..........
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I'd Rather Be Roadracing.
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Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
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posted January 20, 2012 03:49 PM
Thx for pics... I wont have my bike back for about a week...
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2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
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fullzx12r
Zone Head
French Guy
Posts: 864
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posted January 21, 2012 06:34 AM
i will have the same PUIG DB but in clear 
pics on my old zzr 1400 :
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zx-12r 01'
zzr 1400 06'
hayabusa 08'
zzr 1400 12'
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brooksie
Parking Attendant
Posts: 23
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posted January 24, 2012 04:57 PM
Many here had had good luck with shields. IMO, however, is the three I've tried all created buffeting around the chest and head with stock bars. Never went with the risers after that. Felt like a sail boat. I love the stock shield for normal riding. When it's time to boogie, I just tuck in and twist. Kawasaki engineers made the bike capable of incredible speed.
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