Is a windsreen practical on a 50 cc scoot?  By  earlylight160 (Read 2,284 times)

Winter IS the biggie!

I've been riding now for more than a half-century... In the past, I didn't like windshields much (but that was in the 1960's and my only experience was with the old Harley-Davidson Big Twins). They used 1920's technology, and truly were "barn-door" style and while they'd break the wind on your face, that was about all. They also reduced the already-anemic performance of a 30hp 1200cc boat-anchor. In a near-1,000 pound bike, with little horsepower, that windshield killed about 10 mph off its -90mph top speed.

Today things are MUCH different!

I just traded my Xingyue 150cc scoot on a used Kymco 250cc. It came with a GIVI aerodynamic windshield factory-installed. It IS the "cat's meow" as we used to say. For me at least, it's about the right height, allowing me to "hunker down" behind it for total protection, or, sit up straight and look over it while still enjoying about 80% protection in the vortex it creates.

Now, the "winter" part... My hands get cold. Easily... This particular windshield creates a vortex, or "bubble" of protection around my hands as well as my entire upper-body! On my old 150 I was uncomfortably-cold below 60 degrees air-temp. I now find I can ride in comfort clear down to around 50-55 degrees, with only a jacket! Here in Texas, with mild winters, THAT will about DOUBLE the number of days I can use the scooter for transportation.

Even with the limited top-speed of a 50cc scoot, the right windshield could make you much more comfortable in colder weather.

The windshield on mine is quite aerodynamic, leaning back at the same angle as the "nose" of the scooter. But to me, the best part is the protection it gives my old hands! It's great!

The one and ONLY complaint (and it's a minor one) is that above 65 mph the windshield tends to "grab-air" from crosswinds and from oncoming big trucks as they pass. It makes my little scoot want to "change lanes" with a vengeance... LOL! However, that's only for a second or two, and not hard to compensate for. I don't even notice it anymore.

At 50cc speeds of 40mph or less, the windshield would be nothing but great for you! I would recommend you choose one as aerodynamic as possible, and if possible, DEFINITELY one that protects your hands from the rushing air.

I still don't really like the looks of them much, but I surely like what they do!

Here's a picture showing the angle and shape of mine. Maybe it may help as a rough guide.


screenshot software

Best wishes on your project!

Leo in Texas

Just remember, you get what you pay for.

We have installed dozens of the economy windshields that you can get from hundreds of suppliers (and other favorite ones). All have developed cracks within the first few weeks. One customer we ended up replacing the windscreen 3 times under warranty. We won't sell those anymore. I have found another inexpensive windshield that "works" and is about the same price. We get them from a different distributor.

Personally I have a slipstreamer on my scooter. While they are more expensive, they will last years without issues. Also, the plastic is optically clear except where it is really curved. BIG difference from the cheaper ones that you can't even see through.

A windshield will give you more top end and make you more comfortable when you ride. Make sure its installed properly and all the nuts are tightened really well with Loc-tite and you will be happy.

Greg

JerryScript,

Looks GOOD! I know what you mean about the plumber's tape... LOL!

On parts with "questionable" or "marginal" quality, I've had great results spreading the nuts & bolts stress by using large fender washers to widen the area of stress. I actually braced the trunk on my old Xingyue with metal struts bolted to the super-crappy plastic mud-guard that way! After 4 years there were no cracks and I could carry 25 pounds of stuff!!!

You have a nice looking scoot! I'm a real sucker for black and yellow... I'm also a sucker for the styling of the 50cc scooters. I wish the larger scoots could copy the sawed-off nose and general aggressive stance of the 50's. I always rode big bikes in my youth, but now I'm into scooters. And I really like a scooter to look like a scooter... not a motorcycle "wannabe". Just me, but I like the compact look. I even chose the old Kymco Grand Vista partly because it looks and feels VERY much like my old Chinese 150. You can see in the picture that little "Minnie Mouse" could pass for a Chinese 150 if you didn't read the little "250" badge. She's outdated, vintage-styled, small-wheeled and flat-floored. She's carbureted, pre-fuel-injection and pre-historic... But she'll do 80mph and give 70mpg all day long... She just has a lot more giddyup than the 150. I like giddyup... LOL!

Enjoy your newer, dryer, comfier ride!

Leo in Texas

I would agree that if you are doing 50+ on a regular basis, go with a more rigid windshield like a Slipstream. The cheapo universal is great up to 45mph, beyond that it shows it's weakness. Most 50cc don't get above 45mph, so this would be fine on stock 50cc scooters imho.

I feel windshields on a 50cc are ugly and look crazy. I have a full face helmet it takes care of the wind and warmth

I was skeptical about a windshield on a smaller scooter, but wow what a difference it makes! I do wear a full face modular helmet, and together with the windshield, I feel as if I'm riding a touring bike with a full fairing. In the recent rain, I was virtually dry, and on cold mornings I'm not frozen by the arctic blasts. For $35 and 15 minutes to install (or remove if you don't like), I think it's definitely worth it!