Laminar Screen PicturesReview at the End |
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ST'ers... I asked for and received many messages concerning my search for a new windscreen for the ST1100. I reviewed all the web material I could find as well. It seemed that the Laminar windscreen and “lip” got the highest marks from a good number of ST1100 riders, so I purchased a set. I was fortunate enough to call Laminar LLP and
find that they had them in stock - so in less than 24 hours, they were
delivered. I was asked by just about everyone to post a
review of the system once I installed and tested it, so here it is… Dealing
with the Company -
Seamless. The website is a little
hard to use, so I just called them and found them very easy to work
with. The guy I spoke with was
knowledgeable and answered all my questions.
Shipping was same day and the screen was well boxed and arrived in
great shape. Installation:
Easy. As with the other
aftermarket screens, the Laminar system mounts using the stock screws. As you know, the screen is actually 2
pieces. The main screen is mounted on
the bike in place of the stock screen.
The “Laminar Lip” is then attached to the main screen by way of 3M
Dual Lock (Super-Velcro). The screens
come with the 3M Dual Lock already applied, so it is just a matter of putting
them together. Quality: Looks
really good - the screens are about the same thickness as the stock one. I ordered the smoked screens. Cosmetics: I
think that the Laminar screens look really good on the ST1100 - they follow
the line of the bike better than the stock screen. The Laminar screen is “longer” than the stock but doesn’t
appear to the eye as “taller” since the rake of the screen tilts more to
(closer to) the rider. Buffeting
and Wind Noise: Again, I am 6’1” with a stock seat and
bars - the Laminar Screen system all but eliminated the buffeting. Wind noise was drastically reduced, but
not eliminated. I adjusted the “Lip”
to what I would call its highest position and there was still enough wind
noise over the top of my helmet to warrant ear plugs (but again, it was a
drastic improvement over stock). Pros: 1. The look - it does enhance
the look of the bike. 2. Buffeting is all but eliminated. This was my main gripe with the stock
screen and the Laminar system does a GREAT job in this regard. 3. Wind Noise - Reduced but not
eliminated. For those 6’ and under -
you’ll have better results (I can dip my head about 1-2 inches and the noise
goes away). 4. Adjustability - when the weather warms up,
the lip can be lowered or removed to allow for more airflow. Cons: 1. The 3M Dual Lock
system. I had to attached and remove
the lip 3 times to perform adjustments.
It is very difficult to detach without damaging either the screen
(scratch it) or the 3M Dual Lock itself - you have to be REALLY careful! I think a much better design would have
been to provide a nut and bolt system with rubber washers. Also, the manufacture says that the lip
will not come off at high speeds, but I would feel a lot better if the
attachment mechanism were a little more “secure”. 2. Smoke Color - It is really dark. So…if you are short in stature and at
anytime need to look through the screen, be careful - at night, the screen is
opaque. I would suggest to the
manufacturer that they reduce the intensity of the smoke by about half. 3. Caution: Also, I ordered both the main screen and the lip in the smoke color. If you install the lip in it’s standard position, there is about a 2” section of your forward view where both the lip and the main screen overlap - even during the day, this makes this section of the screen opaque. It is like having a 2” black line across your field of vision…blocking the view (from my 6’1” prospective) at about 6 feet in front of the bike. Not critical, but worth mentioning. I would suggest that you order the smoke main screen and a clear lip. I was able to eliminate this “black line” by installing the lip in its highest position. 4. Price - it is at the high end of the
available screens. I paid $199 for
the system plus tax and shipping. Summary: I am
very happy overall with the new screen/lip combination. I does what I want it to do and I like the
looks of it. Don Presten 2002 ST1100 ABSII STOC #210 |
