Laminar Lip extends your bike's windshield
If your motorcycle is equipped with a windshield, chances are you experience some buffeting from the wind blast at speed. Regardless of what type of bike you ride, a manufacturer can't account for the vast difference in the heights of their riders.
In the case of my 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 650, the wind blast hit me at chin level, and it was annoying. Then I ran across a product called the Laminar Lip, which is a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved, impact- and scratch-resistant, acrylic inverted airfoil that attaches to your current windshield to diffuse and redirect the air flow for a more comfortable ride.
Five minutes after installation, I knew this Laminar Lip was just what I needed. Now I can ride all day in comfort. And at a track day, at nearly 100 mph, the Laminar Lip held firm.
Recently, I decided I wanted one for my Triumph America cruiser. The company makes hundreds of their Lips, and most are specifically designed for the particular motorcycle's stock windshield. In the case of my America, they didn't have a specific shield. However, they also make some Universal Lips for cruiser bikes (and sport bikes) that can accommodate a wide range of different shields. The website tells you how to measure your shield, and recommends a size that is right for it.
The Laminar Lip attaches to your windscreen with four, 3M Dual Lock (really heavy-duty Velcro) tabs the size of nickels. You merely place the Dual Lock tabs on the windshield while attached to the Laminar Lip and you're done. And because nothing is drilled or screwed on, the Laminar Lip is removable, and just those tabs remain on the shield. The Lip may be installed at various heights, so taller riders can move it higher up to direct the airflow above their helmet, and shorter riders can place it lower.
Instead of using their Dual Lock Tabs, I first used my own Velcro to quickly place the Lip on my shield to gauge the best height for me. (That's why you'll see the big black patches in the photo). A quick blast down the road at 40 to 50 mph, and I could tell it made things better. Then I repositioned it an inch higher, and it was perfect. It sent all the air over my helmet, so there was no buffeting at all, and it put a smile on my face. In spring, I'll use the stronger Dual Lock tabs they provided. Laminar also includes an extra set of the Dual Lock Tabs in case you ever want to remount the Lip higher or lower.
Nearly all Laminar Lips cost between $84 and $94. So, if you have any issues with buffeting, this product will improve you comfort drastically. For more information and to order, visit www.laminarlip.com.