Zero
Gravity Double Bubble windscreen product
review
Motorcycle windscreens: Zero
Gravity Double Bubble
windscreen
I realized early on that the CBR 929 was
going to be a better sport touring bike
than I had imagined. Ergonomically, it
fit me well and felt comfortable for
extended periods. For an open class
sportbike bike, this came as a bit of a
welcome surprise to me.
But I also knew that sport touring for
any distance inevitably means crossing
weather systems. So I began looking for a
motorcycle windscreen that would offer
increased weather protection while also
complementing the lines of the bike.
In looking over the options available in
the marketplace, I set out the following
criteria:
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I was
mindful that I wanted to possibly
improve, not worsen the already
decent airflow over the stock
windscreen. Wind buffeting can be
one of the most tiring aspects of
riding for extended periods. It
adds a constant staccato-type of
assault that is not only loud but
physically draining. |
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The
chosen windscreen had to
complement the lines of the bike. |
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It had to
offer near OEM quality. I wanted
to avoid aftermarket motorcycle
windscreens that offered a lower
quality than stock in either
thickness of material or visual
distortion. |
My research on
the net included local as well as
European companies offering many
motorcycle windscreen options. According
to owner feedback on various forums,
satisfaction seemed to vary.
One of the companies I considered was
Zero Gravity and its Double Bubble
windscreen. The shape of the Double
Bubble windscreen was developed in 1995
for the Zero Gravity race bike team. In
essence, it’s a bubble within a
bubble. It aims to improve the pocket of
still air around the rider without adding
significantly to drag.
There are several tints available. I
chose the dark smoke since the screen is
low enough that I don’t need to see
through the it. I felt that the darker
color would protect the instruments from
exposure to strong sunlight as well as
making the cockpit a visually quieter
area to look at (not as bright).
As motorcycle windscreens go,
installation was a straightforward and
simple affair. Fit and finish were first
rate.
Caution: do not over
tighten the screws as the screen will
crack.
What I found:
There was an immediate improvement in
clean airflow. Less exposure to rain and
cold, a certain benefit when touring
early or late in the season. Riding the
Double Bubble and then reverting back to
the stock windscreen really highlights
the difference.
My initial intention was to later obtain
a larger touring version of the screen
for longer trips. But I’ve never
really felt the need for it. Airflow can
often be a sensitive area to manage. Once
I get it right, I don’t feel the
urge to further explore and risk possible
disapointment.
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The Zero
Gravity Double Bubble windscreen
delivered increased protection by
providing more wind deflection. |
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It looks
great to boot. |
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The
quality of the Double Bubble
windscreen was solid. |
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But more
importantly, I found it to be
very effective in providing a
clean, buffet-free airflow. |
This Double
Bubble windscreen has partnered with me
on many tours. We’ve been through
all types of weather together and
it’s performed great. It’s been
a worthwhile addition.
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