Hi all,
Here's one for all you techo's that like to know how and why things work.
I just recieved a genuine Kawasaki spoiler windscreen from Germany that I ordered and have been waiting a while for.
I chose this one because when the speeds increase i would like a little less air over the top than the original screen allows, I don't like the look of double bubble screens and also was keen to get a screen designed by the manufactures of the bike if possible.
When I opened the package to install, I was surprised to see 2 big holes in the screen shaped like eyes looking straight back at me. I thought I'd been sent the incorrect item but when I went back to the original picture in the ad, the holes were there but just kind of hard to see.
Now Kawasaki have done this for a reason.
But buggered if I can figure out why!
A pressure reduction thing maybe?
Interested to see what replies come of this...

* Last updated by: yannih on 9/29/2014 @ 2:26 AM *

Very nice...holes?IDK...I had one as well....MRA makes em.E-mail MRA and ask about it...they'll probably be happy to explain.They also have those cutouts on their double bubbles.Interesting though...the DB cutouts are shaped different....that screen has no 'lip' on it...while this one does.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 8/29/2014 @ 6:24 AM *

One of my riding mates just sent this though.

These vents are part of the aerodynamic design of the shield, to reduce turbulence and noise. They are not there to make a flow of air onto the rider. When you're riding on the highway, any windshield is pushing air away from the rider. This leaves a low-pressure pocket between the windshield and the rider. Some riders feel this low-pressure area as a push on their shoulders, "back pressure." The air flowing past the windshield wants to drop into this low pressure area. If the outside air is allowed to spill into the area between the windshield and the rider, the result is turbulence, noise, and drafts. When outside air spills into the rider area, it almost always falls in a curved path, causing spinning vortices of air. These vortices are noisy and can cause the battering and hammering on your helmet reported by some riders. Screen vents are designed to funnel air into the rider region to relieve this low pressure area and greatly reduce the tendency of outside air to spill in. The vents are designed so that the air coming through them is quickly dispersed, leaving almost no detectable air flow at the rider. The goal is to produce almost completely still air on the rider with no back pressure.

Looking forward to testing at speed next time I head out with the boys or onto the track.

* Last updated by: yannih on 8/29/2014 @ 11:26 AM *

That sounds very right.Thanks;)

I guess when you get the speed up you will let us know the actual function of the windscreen

I like this idea. I get a lot of buffeting at high speeds.

Interested in your real world test results

Expensive?

Everything is expensive when you purchase from Australia!
With freight $205AU.
I will definitely post results after I have given the screen a good solid test...

BTW just really noticed the blue of your bike. Man that's an awesome color!

Thanks for that.
It's actually the main reason I replaced a blown engine recently rather than trashing the bike and starting over.
That and the bike being in almost mint condition.
I really love the Candy Plazma Blue colour and without trying to sound too smug it's looks much better up close than in pictures.

I will definitely post results after I have given the screen a good solid test...

Please do! If you notice a marked reduction in buffeting I'll probably want one too.

No problem and stay tuned.
If i dont get away sooner to test I have a track day on September 28 that has a 300km/h straight (I only get to
260-270 because the fast turn 1 at the end of it scares the living daylights out of me).
Should be a good test right there.

I do know that spoiler screen will allow a smoother airflow towards the outside area of windflow.You can feel it when you're tucked in and cornering.Leaning into the corner with your torso and head.I do believe it does exert some downward pressure(from the lip on it)(more than the stock screen) on the front of the bike...which is good.Probably not too noticeable at legal speeds...but definitely at the one ton range and up.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 8/30/2014 @ 11:21 AM *

Managed to get out for a quick run today on the freeway and for an initial test can report that tucked in behind the new screen is quiet as a mouse at 140km/h.
Couldnt go any quicker as i never got out of the city limits.
Problem is I have only ever tucked in behind the old screen at speeds quite a bit faster than that so can't really compare.
Anyone else have any feedback on what they feel tucked in behind a non vented screen at 140km/h?

Will advise again when I have the opportunity to go a little quicker.

* Last updated by: yannih on 8/30/2014 @ 10:02 PM *

Buffeting on the top of the helmet....backdraft(reverse flow in the pocket) tucked in behind(stock screen).I did notice today(I have a spoilerscreen on mine)that the windblast is higher up in my case.Almost missing my helmet...sitting upright at 100mph.So it definitely DOES change where the flow is going.AND...that pocket area...NO backdraft.Nothing.(this is without cutouts on mine)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 8/30/2014 @ 10:10 PM *

With no vents?
Interesting.
So maybe the spoiler shape of the screen is the key?

The only thing that doesnt add up for me is mine is a genuine Kawasaki screen and I'm assuming a fair amount of development would have gone into it and the vents deemed necessary.
Plus a ventless screen would be easier and cheaper to manufacture so if there was no substantial advantage to the vents Kawasaki would not have added them?

I don't know.
Confused again, but then that's not a rare thing with me...

* Last updated by: yannih on 8/30/2014 @ 11:20 PM *

I said before they were made by MRA in Germany...I really don't know(I was assuming again...since the MRA's came out first with that cutout design)... the fitment and all are virtually identical...The vent cutouts definitely are there for a reason.And Kawi surely must see something 'helpful' by selling that particular screen....they do work....I think for slightly taller riders they're a good change from the stock shape.

The 'spoiling' effect is the same as a spoiler on a car...pushes down on the rear end to help traction.In the bike's case...it's pushing down on the frontend.But it doesn't affect things much until you hit the upper range(90 and over I'd say).Can't really see how much unless you could statically have the bike not moving but blowing the same amount of air across the frontend..at different speeds,and measure the fork movement.Without the road imperfections moving the chassis.Course,that would change as well according to the suspension setup and such.

it looks like it just provide more air to the rider and once it get a little chill outside that cool breeze might not be so good

GDay SlomoZX14,

" The vents are designed so that the air coming through them is quickly dispersed, leaving almost no detectable air flow at the rider."

I have the MRA version of this screen which should be better. It's a really sturdy windscreen and in the Winter I can ride in lower temps. I have done 150 + (on a closed course of course) and it's the most quiet and aerodynamic bubble I have ducked under. It's great for tall riders

Thanks dragking.
You also have the vented screen version right?
I'm looking forward to expereincing the difference you have found with the new screen myself...

Like the looks of the screen! Where did you order from? I checked a US accessory book and they aren't listed, would love to order one and try it. I tried a search but was unable to locate this particular screen, any help would be VERY appreciated. Also, where did you find th ZX plug in your steering stem? Great looking bike!!!

yannih"""" The vents are designed so that the air coming through them is quickly dispersed, leaving almost no detectable air flow at the rider."""

dragking"""I have the MRA version of this screen which should be better. It's a really sturdy windscreen and in the Winter I can ride in lower temps. I have done 150 + (on a closed course of course) and it's the most quiet and aerodynamic bubble I have ducked under. It's great for tall riders

have any of you guys ever ridden at say 60mph and put your hands in front of the vent/hole in the fairing....to see which direction the air is blowing.....also if for street use it may collect plenty of buggggggs

* Last updated by: SlowmoZX14 on 9/3/2014 @ 4:17 PM *

G'day Rktsled (and anyone else who maybe interested),

As you've probably read on this thread, I believe there are 2 major options for these spoiler screens.
The MRA version and the genuine Kawasaki version that is actually made by MRA.
I decided I wanted the Kawasaki version as it was a genuine product and knew it would be designed to Kawasaki standards. It comes with the front of the screen smartly blacked out with small dots to cover the empty space in front of the instrument panel plus a flat secondary plastic piece that is mounted between the inside of the screen and the instrument panel. Not sure what this is for but I mounted it as per the instructions anyway. I think it looks pretty cool. You can just see this extra piece if you look at the picture taken from the riding position.
I can't say what the MRA version looks like or comes with.
The genuine screen also comes in full genuine Kawasaki packaging.

Please note I understand you can get the MRA spoiler version with or without the screen vents, but if you choose the Kawasaki version it is vented only.
I know there is consensus and differing opinions on these 2 screens.
Its something you will need to research and decide for yourself.

The Kawasaki/MRA screen was pretty hard to find for me as well.
However I did find options in the end.

If you decide on the genuine Kawasaki version, Kawasaki Vista sell them.
The link is
http://www.kawasakivista.com/accessories/index.php?page=sportbike1400
However I couldn't buy from these guys as they wouldn't ship to Australia.
So I ended up finding the screen on eBay.
Type in
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Sports/Tour Windscreen Screen Smoke Grey Windshield New
into your eBay search bar and you should be right.

If you choose the MRA version, I'm sure their website will have all the detail you'll need.

With the ZX engraved head stem plug, type
ZX engraved head stem plug to suit ZX6R, ZX10R ZX14
into your eBay search bar and you should be right.

I received great products and good service from both these eBayer suppliers though the screen came from Germany so it did take a fair bit of time to arrive.

If I have left anything out or not been correct anywhere I'm sure the more knowledgeable will add corrections.

Hope that helps.

* Last updated by: yannih on 9/3/2014 @ 6:10 PM *

yannih, Thanks for the links, appreciate it very much!!! I currently have a Zero Gravity Corsa windscreen which I like for the most part but am always looking for better ideas. Thanks again!

Vista Kawasaki is located in Dayton, Ohio which isn't to far from me, will probably call them in the morning.

* Last updated by: Rktsled on 9/3/2014 @ 8:11 PM *