Two questions: Which is better and what is source (W/S)?

[kurnel]

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Q1: What is the main difference(s) between Givi and Clearview W/S and which is better?

Q2: What is the best source for the CV and approximate price, w/vent (6'- 31" inseam - seated height 37") ?

Yes, I know. These questions have probably been discussed ad nauseum on the forum but I tried to do my homework, I promise. I've searched the internet and searched this forum too. Ive spent at least a couple of hours already reading various commentary on this forum, on and on, and while I fairly enjoyed it and learned some things, I didn't get the questions answered.

I think I have decided on a new Clearview and have a request in for a quote from their website, but there is always more to the story, so surely there is probably some stuff I don't yet know.

I will appreciate any help or opinion anyone can spare a minute to give and I apologize for asking the questions yet again.

NOTE: In all the discussion I saw very little comment regarding seated height - a measurement it seems that would be important as to whether the rider would be looking over or through the W/S and for selecting the right model.

Is this an important factor? If not, how is the right W/S model determined - solely on rider height?

Appreciated photo's of re-mounts and descriptions.

Regards to all,

[revkag]

I got a Givi. Ordered from Helmethead.com... I think I got their standard Burgman 650 shield. Easy to install... Works well for the most part... I am 5'11" and it hits right at my eye level. I think I would prefer it to be either a little taller or a little shorter, but the price was good ($149)

Hope this helps...

[Wes]

I have a Givi which I've been using most of the time for the last couple of years. The top of the shield was just about in my sight line, which was annoying. A month ago, I experimented by adding two 1/4 inch rubber washers to the bottom screws that hold the windshield mounting piece to the fairing. This tilts the shield back enough that I see over it easily. It also does a much better job of cutting out turbulence and buffeting. There is a much stronger flow of air up the inside of the shield which is quite welcome in hot weather. I may have to block it with a piece of foam in cold weather. I had to replace the bottom screws holding the windshield mount as the stock ones were not long enough with the extra 1/4 inch. I also had to file the holes in the mounting piece oval so the screws would go into the metal bars on the fairing. This was purty minor stuff but might be major to somebody who is mechanically in-adept.

[WildBillPurdue]

Bisikit has a Givi. He says the shield creates a back draft for him. Not a bad thing, just a pressure coming in from behind. I have the xxl with a vent and love it. I also feel this back pressure when the vent is closed. I have a 30" inseam, and stand about 5'11" or so. I look through the top 2" or so of the shield most of the time. Because it is not distorted, it was easy for me to adjust to. The Givi has better hand protection by far than the cv.

[Buffalo]

From what I can tell, the GIVI cost less and gives better hand protection but scratches easier. The Clearview is made from thicker harder material, has the vent option, and has more options for size. I have the Clearview large with the vent and love it.

[snave]

In all honesty Dennis, each model has its adherents so it's a question of personal choice. There are more than enough threads in these forums - and photos in the gallery - to enable you to make an informed decision.

I did.

Despite having a Givi screen on the 400, I went with a medium Clearview plus vent on the 650. All the reasons were based on the research I did in these forums, feedback from owners - and the comparison shots on the website that is linked from this forum:

http://www.twtouring.com/SuzukiShields.htm

Despite being in the UK (and having a friendship with the Givi UK importers) I decided on the Clearview as the Medium seemed to offer the height I was looking for, and the vent which I KNOW I will find useful!

All the measurements you ask for are on that website, you only have to measure your own sitting height, and decide whether to look over, just over or through the screen. The Givi has one size, and a limited adjustment, so if it suits you then its up for consideration, but if it doesn't you end up with Hobsons Choice anyway! A Clearview with a clear view, or not...

I'm waiting on delivery at the moment, from the UK importer. I will post my subjective evaluation - and probably get Norm to ride it as well for a second opinion!

[gunrun69]

I highly reccommend the Clearview with the vent and the light gray tint. It is tinted just enough to cut glare from headlights at night. I would also reccommend that you get the XXL. I got the XL based on Clearviews reccommendation and wish I had gotten the XXL. I'm only 5'9 with 30 inseam but the bigger shield really does give you more protection. Now I ride the 650 and don't know much about the 400 shield but the vent is well worth the extra $.

[Selias]

Dennis,

I've owned both but on two different bikes. When I dropped my 400 the first time Givi was destroyed (it sticks out beyong the bars when bars turned in - no damage to the bar). Since the Givi is available in only one size it's moot as to your seat height but it is probably close to an XXL Clearview in height (maybe taller?). It is around $120 or so.
I would recommend calling Clearview. They can give you specifics. I've had to leave messages but have always recieved a callback within a day or 2 (3 when they were extremely busy).
I bought an XL Clearview w/vent for a little over $250 (light tint). I am 6'2" with 32" inseam so I am BIT shorter than you I believe. I can see over mine easily (to pavement around 20 feet or so in front of my wheel).
I could probably have gone to an XXL but I want to have good view of road in front of me in rain, etc.
HTH!

[Nake]

I had a Givi on my 2004 B400, and the back-pressure was annoying. Actually initially it felt kinda OK, like I had a cushion I could lean back on, but over time I found it fatiguing.

When I recently sold my 2004 and got my new 2006 B400, I've maintained the horrid stock windscreen until I figure out what I want to do. I know I don't want another Givi, and am daunted by having a choice on ClearView shields and have not taken any measurements to determine which is best for me.

I'm 5'9" with a 29" inseam, and prefer to have as much protection from buffeting and wind noise as possible while still being able to see over the windscreen. Seeing over is important esp. here in Oregon where it rains a lot of the year and I prefer to ride my scooter as much as possible unless it's snowy or icy or frigid cold. Autumn and spring -- it rains when it's otherwise not too cold to ride.

Tried the Laminar Lip without success. Givi was awesome for wind noise and buffeting reduction, with the addition of the annoying back-pressure.

Hoping a ClearView (when I figure out which is the best size for me) with a vent will be the optimal solution for me.

[kurnel]

Thanks guys..............
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Your replies and insights are helping alot...........

Please keep'em coming if you have more to add.

Regards to all,

[Jim]

I have a GIVI, it fits me fine. I'm 6'2"
Northern climate, I like the additional hand protection, and it is less money for about $110-$140. No Options Can be ordered through your dealer or other retailer.

Warmer weather, I would go with the Clearview. More money, but many size options, tint options, and a vent option, thicker and flatter shield. Nice unit @ $160-$240 Can be ordered direct, or some retailers.

[jimbo]

I use a Clearview XXL with vent. I am 5'11" w/ 32" inseam and sit one inch higher on my Russell saddle. I have tilted the shield back a bit with the extra washer technique under the front mounts as mentioned in an earlier post. I kind of slouch a bit when leaning back against my driver backrest. I look thru the windshield a good 2" below the top edge. No buffeting, no dry eyes. Crosswinds still get at me. The backdraft has been reduced with the tilt mounting. I only get it more pronounced when cruising above 75 mph which is rare. At 60-65 I think I could smoke a ciggy (but quit 24 years ago.). When it rains I just get closer to the shield and look thru. It is no worse than looking thru a faceshield and with enough speed the drops kind of blow off quickly anyway. The extra height also reduces the wind on my wife's helmet. If you haul passengers, it will make their ride better too.
One bad thing about having the vent... For the first time in 35 years of riding I rode through a swarm of hornets last month. It sounded like someone threw a handfull of BB's in front of me as they collided with my windshield and tupperware. Thanks to the great protection of the 650's bodywork NONE of them hit me directly but, it was a hot day and my vent was open and I had my faceshield up. One came thru and bounced up into my chin and kind of stung me from the contact. Fortunately I had a sore chin for two days but luckily no reaction since he didn't hit me hard. I now keep the vent closed or the faceshield down. Never have both open at the same time. We never stop learning new lessons. I keep looking at my friends posing on their Harleys with no helmets trying to look like Peter Fonda and think what would happen to them if they hit that swarm. Not a pretty picture.

That's my story, hope it helps. good luck!

[kurnel]

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I do sincerely appreciate all the great comments regarding type of W/S and the experiences with them.....

I note that, for whatever reasons, most of the posts left off any mention of the cost of the new W/S and the source. I wonder if a few more people would mind sharing what they paid for what they got and where they got it.

One site Snave included a link (http://www.twtouring.com/SuzukiShields.htm), appears to have a CV XL, light grey tint with vent, for $232 with $32 s&h, for a total of $264. Seems a bit high to me, but wondering how that compares overall.

Again, thanks a ton.

[Evelyn]

Interesting comment Jimbo, now that I have my vented Clearview and have finally discovered thanks to Bill Meeks after 7 years that, duh, you can ride around with the face shield up! What a difference in coolness. Course I never thought about a swarm of anything hitting me, but I will now.

[Pete]

I bought mine through http://www.twtouring.com

There is a "fitting guide" available at that website that spells out the specs on the CV.

It arrived unscathed with ez to follow install directions.

I purchased a Large, vented, untinted for my 650. Total cost including shipping was 235. It took 4 1/2 weeks to arrive.

Ian Gibbs owns the store and he is responsive to any questions posed.

I do not know which is better. The givi has more hand coverage, but that isn't required in my case.

[preacher]

kurnel, call John at Clearview and see if they have any blems (blemishes) available. Many are hardly noticeable and worth the savings.

[kurnel]

kurnel, call John at Clearview and see if they have any blems (blemishes) available. Many are hardly noticeable and worth the savings.

Thanks, man.

Regards,

[Groovin']

kurnel, call John at Clearview and see if they have any blems (blemishes) available. Many are hardly noticeable and worth the savings.

I second Preacher's comment. I ordered a blemished L from Clearview (cost $101 + $19 s/h), have yet to locate the blemish. This screen in non-vented and provides very good coverage. I have Gerbing's heated gloves for winter so I'll see how the combination works when the cooler weather gets here.

Have fun, ride safely...........peace.

[street doc]

I have a 650. just purchased a xxl clearview with vent from two whell touring very nice guys and and good turn around time. I look through the shield and have not had any problems so far. also it was easy to mount.

[CJConrad]

If I could throw a specific question in -- I am interested in the ClearView. I will definitely get the vent option, but not sure about tinting.

Can anyone comment on the pros/cons of the tinting available on the CV?

Craig

[preacher]

Hey Craig,

I have an XXL which began to crack so I have just received the replacement which I ordered with tinting in it. The 650 is in the shop and so I will not be able to mount it until Monday. Will let you know then.

I just it depends on if you look over, or through it.

[billmeek]

The last windshield I received from Clearview was the first one I've had with tinting. The tint is very light and doesn't noticeably effect vision at night. The tint does cut just a bit of road glare when viewing thru the screen. Personally, I like the tint and will order it on my next screen.

[-terry]

It seems that one ovbious combination is missing, a Givi with a vent. You can add a vent. Has anyone done that? Does it remove the backpressure?

You can also tint them yourself I bet. I've done lots of plastic tinting but never a Givi.

[kurnel]

It seems that one ovbious combination is missing, a Givi with a vent. You can add a vent. Has anyone done that? Does it remove the backpressure?

You can also tint them yourself I bet. I've done lots of plastic tinting but never a Givi.

Good points. Worth a try. I like stuff like that too. But where to get a vent?

[Modshack]

OEM style vents are available here:

http://www.ronayers.com/Details.cfm?PartID=677812