Ducati 696 windscreen Round-up

[Mozella]

Originally Posted by Kev696

f........... snip....
what do you think guys?

Since you asked, I'll say I think stock is best. Here's why.

First of all, you already own it, so the additional cost is zero. Second, it looks pretty good, unlike some of your options which look really pretty bad.

But most importantly, I'm not sure any of them is going to do anything wonderful for you. I have a 696 (for me) as well as a Suzuki V-Strom which I use mostly two-up with my wife on the back. It has luggage and all the usual crap including the factory windscreen. Of course, compared to the bikini faring on the 696, the V-Strom windscreen is huge and the Givi replacement I fitted (in a futile attempt to quiet things down) is even larger.

Fact is, it doesn't really make riding any better and overall I'm not sure that it isn't quite a bit worse.

Although I feel the risk of going blind by riding with my visor up behind the V-Strom windscreen is acceptable, the extra noise and buffeting is simply not worth the trade off. When I'm in "rally mode" and have my route book scroll-er and double GPS mounted, the windscreen is a must. But for every-day riding (after I strip off the extra junk) I much prefer the modified stock windscreen which I cut down to essentially zero size; there is just enough left to cover the stock mounting hardware. In other words, I tried to make the V-Strom screen as small as I possible could.

When I get on my Monster behind the standard bikini faring, I invariably find myself relieved to re-learn how quiet and comfortable it is. Not having to deal with that horrible wind noise is wonderful. The only downside is that I can't safely ride with my visor up. I don't know about you, but taking a grasshopper in the eye at 100 feet per second is not my idea of fun.

I suspect you'll go ahead and but an aftermarket windscreen anyway. Just don't expect a huge difference and don't be surprised if it makes things worse.

That's my two cents. Caution: These days my two cents is actually worth less than half the sticker price.

[Duc796canada]

Sorry for the lighting, it is in storage, I hope it gives you an idea. This one is the smoke glass.

[Kev696]

Some Valid points Moz and thank you,

I know my 696 isn't going to be a ducawing conversion. I bought it for the joy of trying to find the best twisty roads ( that are still paved flat ) in Rhode Island. This windscreen is about 70% presentation 20% badass 10% wind protection.

its for when I get on the boards and someone says " you should check out this X road in New England " just for the brief sprints on the highway.

not for cross country jaunts, just for apex's and throttle ups

[Patrick696]

Hey Kev696 - did you get a screen yet? I am looking as well - leaning toward a Givi A780 for a 4 day road trip in July. Went down to the Twisted Throttle showroom in Peacedale yesterday, but they seem to be out of date on Givi stuff that works with a 696.

Patrick696

[Kev696]

not yet my saving angel and my spending demon are locked in combat and I can't decide.

this'll be the first carbon bit on the bike and if I get it'll cause me to have to match it with other bits...expensive bits

[Patrick696]

I ended-up ordering the givi from MonsterParts. $140 - seems to be a decent price.

[Pizzadude2010]

I have the magical racing one and love it.
It looks awesome (IMO) and it is better wind protection for sure which is nice.
It is pricey though.
If the price doesn't scare you I would recommend it for sure.

[mayrel]

As an older rider with over 40 years riding, I prefer to have some protection in addition to my Symax 3 HJC. Here's what I've found: MRA Touring Screen ref: COL57825 @ $152, Givi A780 @ $190, National Cycle Vstream Sport screen @ $289.95, and Lamini from Laminar @ $119. They're all a bit expensive, especially the Vstream. I also considered another issue when refueling. I have the Ducati expandable tank bag which flips up when refueling. Any of the aftermarket screens will make this procedure more difficult; with the OEM screen, I can flip the tank bag up and it rests on the stock screen. I also think the Lamini will require some modifications to the mounting system due to the location of the turn signals; naturally, it's the least expensive of the lot! At this time, I'm leaning towards the Givi A780 and Vstream Sport, but I'm having trouble swallowing the cost for the latter. With that said, I agree with one of the comments made to leave well enough alone. One thing good about windblast is it prevents me from running over 90mph for any length of time; at my age, this is probably a good safety factor. I hope some of you purchase one or all of these and post some photos and comments about performance. One fellow hit it on the head about the Vstrom; I added mirror extensions, handguards and Windstrom windscreen(23 inch high model). This eliminated the buffeting, but at a relatively high cost. I'm not sure Windstrom is still in business? There is one last comment I'd like to make, so far all my accessories are Ducati, and I like that idea. Not to say aftermarket accessories are not good quality, but as some one mentioned, when it comes to windscreens, you never know till you try one.