Does a windscreen reduce wind noise significantly?

T1Cybernetic · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Karma :

I forgot to mention I do this too. I use the foam blue earplugs and cut them a little smaller (To size) and usually remove the connecting string because when they're in they don't move around at all and work great.

blurredman · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Karma :

I love mine.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=103904
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CBT: 12/06/10, Theory: 22/09/10, Module 1: 09/11/10, Module 2: 19/01/11
Past: 1991 Honda CG125BR-J, 1992 (1980) Honda XL125S, 1996 Kawasaki GPZ500S.
Current: 1981 Honda CX500B - 91k, 1987 MZ ETZ250 (bored to 295cc) - 38k, 1990 MZ ETZ251 - 49k, 1979 Suzuki TS185ER - 9k, 1973 MZ ES250/2 - 17k.

weasley · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Karma :

I often see people at bike meets, motorsport events etc putting in their earplugs and they are nowhere near far enough in. I use expanding foam disposable ones - a fresh pair every time - and I roll them thinly between my finger and thumb then quickly get them deep into my ear and hold until they expand into place - there's a technique to it involving over-the-head arm holding the top of the ear. The difference between one just stuffed in and one put in fully is very noticeable.
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~~Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT~~ | BMW F900XR TE

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

Absolutely this.

Methods differ but I wear them for work regularly and I was taught to squish and roll them, then to keep a finger over your ear hole which forces it to expand inwards.

When properly in they're a little tricky to remove.
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Zen Dog · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Karma :

CorriganJ · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Apr 2019 Karma :

Barnoe · Trackday Trickster Joined: 17 Aug 2014 Karma :

to the OP

Are you talking about wind noise only? or are you getting buffeted by the wind too?

If your a big guy your going to struggle on any 125.
Im 6' 4" and 18 stone, 125s are pretty much a waste of time for me specially on a motorway, a head wind and i turn into a massive parachute... obviously what your wearing make s big difference.
Only difference on a big bike is that this still can happen but the bike wont lose speed.

If you are thinking of passing your test, i would just put this down to a problem with your current bike and save your money on screens and tighter fitting clothing.
Truth is, 125s are not designed for motorway speeds, in fact many bigger bikes dont cope well either.
As Martin said, if you are planning on doing lots of motorway riding.. you need a car.

Unless i need to get somewhere super quick, i avoid motorways as they bore me. Get a decent sat nav and use the avoid motorway option, less wind noise, better views and better on your tyres (Motorways square them off)

Regarding ear plugs, i personally dont wear them.
I tried them and it makes me feel vulnerable for some reason, i like to be able to hear whats going on.
Like i said though, i dont do motorway miles and im on a bigger bike thats pretty quiet at them speeds anyway, i just purr along.

You end your post saying you would like to spend 8 hours in the saddle?
Ive rode many bikes and i havent found one that would be enjoyable for 8 constant hours.
On sports bikes i used to pull over every 2 hours or so, just for a few minutes... usually to look at something id seen too.
On big tourers you can double that, but you would still need to take a break for a brew or something.
Plan your long trips with planned stops at something your interested in.

On a bike the enjoyment isnt reaching a destination, its the journey Wink

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You know you are old when you're told to slow down by your doctor and not the police.

GettinBetter · Crazy Courier Joined: 20 Jun 2019 Karma :

Its a 'Yes they definitely make a difference' from me.
Bought a windshield after a close friend told me it was the one thing that would make the biggest difference to the daily commute.

He was right, then a few months later I broke one of the shield brackets trying to tighten it just a little more, so had to remove the whole thing till I could repair it. Going back to shieldless was eye opening as to the difference it made. I've now fixed it by making a non plastic brackets.

Did seven hours from Stoke to Dover the other day, and it was a pleasurable experience, I'd also have to agree with other people about earplugs, they are also a must.
You can test the airflow by moving you hand up over you head till you feel where the wind is flowing faster, it is surprising how much difference there is at the transition point.

CorriganJ · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Apr 2019 Karma :

Barnoe · Trackday Trickster Joined: 17 Aug 2014 Karma :

To be fair i only enjoyed my 125 for the urban commute, which was lots of red lights and short bursts to the next set.
the 125 was great for that.

but longer Journeys was fun at first especially in nice weather, but constantly being called the slow coach and being slowed down by a slight gust of wind took the fun out of it.

I swapped it for a 600cc and the fun quickly came back.
You will know if its the same for you, once you ride the bigger bike on your lessons.
If not, you have a choice to make i guess.
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You know you are old when you're told to slow down by your doctor and not the police.