2010 R1200RT - Aeroflow windshield and Westool brackets installed

[D-Mac]

In prep for some long rides (including the Iron Butt Rally next month), I decided to replace the stock windshield on my 2010 R1200RT.

 

I've had Calsci and CeeBaileys windshields on previous bikes and was impressed with both of them. This time, on the recommendation of another long-distance rider, I decided to go with an Aeroflow windshield instead. It looks more like the Cee Bailey's shield in that it has an upswept top (compound curve). Since relatively few riders have gone with Aeroflow (at least compared to other options), I've post a couple of pics below.

 

Aeroflow makes two sizes for the R1200RT - medium and tall. http://www.aeroflowscreens.com/r1200rt.htm They recommend medium for anyone under 6'2". At 5'11" I went that route, even though my Russell Day Long seat, which raises me up about an inch in the saddle. The Aeroflow is the same for all years of the RT. The only difference is that you don't need to buy the "management kit" if you have a 2010 or later RT.

 

Stock 2010 windshield (top) and Aeroflow medium (bottom).

 

Lining up the mounting holes, you can see that the Aeroflow is still a little wider, and quite a bit taller in the center than stock (about 4" taller).

 

I also followed the recommendations of any RT rides and went ahead and replaced the stock upper windshield support arms with beefier versions from WestTool. http://www.westtoolff.com/index_files/West_tool_products.htm I would STRONGLY recommend that anyone with an RT aftermarket shield consider doing this. You don't want to lose your windshield somewhere on a trip through North Dakota or Alaska! The part number for these brackets has not changed with the newer RTs, so you're taking your chances with the stockers.

 

One of the stock brackets (top) and WestTool bracket (bottom)

 

A stock bracket. They tend to break at the "loop" portion due to vibration-induced stress. Once one goes, the other one seems to go quickly. Note how the spring sits on the bracket.

 

New bracket from the other side

 

Installation of the new arms (=brackets) was easy, although it did take a little time. To make access easier, I removed the entire dash cover (8 screws; two black ones on top, two on each side, and two on the bottom behind the mirror housing). To pull back the dash, I also had to remove the four #20 torx bolts from the inner dash. To access the outer dash bolts on the bottom I had to remove the mirrors, mirror housings, and upper side panels. With good access to the bracket, it was all very easy. Use a small flatbladed screwdriver to remove the circlips holding on the support arms (be careful not to lose them!), remove the little axles with the help of a small hammer and something to tap them out, be careful with the little springs (they're not very powerful and can be manipulated easily by hand). Do one side at a time and use the other as a template. Be sure to grease the little axles well and re-use the plastic bushings from the old arms on the new ones (pry them off GENTLY using a small screwdriver). As usual, if you're forcing something, you're probably doing it wrong.

 

Of course I forgot to take a pic of the bike with the new windshield on! In short, I LOVE IT! At 1/3 up it gives complete coverage and it's much quiet than the stock shield. I didn't mind the stock shield much, but on 1000+ mile days, I'll take every advantage I can get. I can now use my in-helmet speakers with 32db earplugs and still hear ok.

 

I'll add a pic of the bike shortly.....

[ScottT]

I've got an Aeroflow for my RT. It does very good job of keeping the wind at bay. It's the best shield for cross winds that I've tried. BTW... smart move getting the WesTool brackets first! I did the same thing. Anyway the other two full size shields are the stock and a Cee Bailey. The Aeroflow is by far a better shield. The Areoflow is much closer to you and the upsweep of the shield kicks the air over you while still allowing you to see over the shield. 99% of the time the most I ever raise the shield is a about an inch. That's all you need. And you already know it's a lot quieter than stock. One more caveat. The Aeroflow doesn't seem to adversly affect gas mileage like the Cee Bailey did. Cee Baily cost 3 to 4 mpg. I also have the very short Summer V and I've just put it back on. I need the air for local riding. Aeroflow blocks too much for Texas summer heat. I think the Aeroflow is the best combination of protection and fuel economy out there. A very good combo for the Iron Butt. Good luck Mac!

 

[Froy]

For a full peace of mind, I will advice to reinforce your lower swingarms as well.

 

My lower left swingarm broke,(quite a few have reported failure of these lower swingarms as well, and BMW says you will have to replace the whole base carrier unit to get your windshield working again).

 

So before you set out on any trip with a bigger than stock aftermarket screen: Find some suitable plastic strips and reinforce your lower swingarms. Even if they brake, the windsheild will stay put.

 

 

 

[Rob L]

I broke one of my lower arms and repaired it by attaching a steel piece to it with 2 machine screws drilled and tapped into original arm.

This has been in place for almost a year.

[Froy]

Rob,

did yours brake at the top eye part, or lower down?

Min broke at the top part, it seems to me like the top part is the most fragile when the bigger screens is stressed by wind gusts from passing trucks etc.

 

Nice repair by the way.

[ScottT]

Hi Rob,

This is the first I have hear or read about issues with the lower arms. My question for you is what shield do you have? Some of the bigger shields out there are more aerodynamic that others. The less aero the more stress. I got the stronger upper arms for the Aeroflow but in hindsight the "smaller" Cee Baily was likely putting more stress on the arms. The Cee Baily affected my gas mileage (3 to 4mpg less) and the Aeroflow seems to not affect it at all. That no one seems to be making strong lower arms (as far as I know) would seem to indicate that this is a very rare occurance. I have had the Aeroflow for a year and the Cee Baily for three. I also have a very short Cee Baily Summer V shield.

[Froy]

...That no one seems to be making strong lower arms (as far as I know) would seem to indicate that this is a very rare occurance..

 

No on make replacement lower swingarms because

BMW says you will have to replace the whole base carrier unit to get your windshield working again)

The lower arms seems to be permanently attached to the base carrier unit, they are not ment to be replaced. Maybe someone here has managed to do it?

 

So there is a reason to be worried, they can brake. Beware. Prepare. or possibly: Despair!

[Rob L]

The arm broke at the top, right at the eye. I made a simple matching top part from 1/4 steel by drilling a hole to match the original and then carefully grinding to size. I cut the original top part off and attached the new piece using 2 machine screws. This is probably a whole bunch stronger than the original!

[Rob L]

My shield IS a Cee Bailey. It was on the bike when I bought it and it works well. The arm broke at 90+ mph

[Rob L]

Actually they can be removed. They are splined and pressed on. Someone would have to duplicate the spline to make replacements. I would imagine a good machine shop could do this, but it would not be cheap........I am

[Froy]

I have a large Aeroflow and it broke at 60 mph. Both ours broke at the top eye, wich I believe is the weakest part, so me thinks it makes sence to use my plastic strip reassurance whenever one use a larger than stock screen.

I have an '08 model, and BMW accepted to change the base carrier unit for free. My lower arm broke a month ago, and my shop cannot fit me in before the 16. this month, but there is no rush on my side since my temporary plastic strip repair works flawlessly.

 

The base carrier unit is $237,-

[Jbw1971]

I have an Aeroflow and I agree it is a fabulous windshield. It was already on the bike when I bought it and is probably one of the main reasons I purchased my 2005 R1200RT last summer. I rode a stock 2010 that same day and because of the windshield I actually liked the 2005 better. Paying half the price for the bike compared to a new one might have influenced my decision too

Airflow is superb at all speeds, but it cuts so much wind from the upper body that I get hot when temps climb above 90 degrees and lowering the windshield only brings airflow to my neck level (I'm 6 ft tall). Probably need a shorty for local use. On the other hand, I'm comfortable down to 17 degrees or less, so my riding season is much improved from my previous days on a Ducati Multistrada.

[Rob L]

Welcome!

[CopsRT]

Reference having a lower arm replacement machined, contact West Tool. If someone would supply them with a set of originals, they could duplicate them. That is what I did when mine broke and they made the 1st set for me and then began to sell them to everyone else. My cost $0.00 for my set.

[Froy]

Reference having a lower arm replacement machined, contact West Tool. If someone would supply them with a set of originals, they could duplicate them.

 

I did that. I e-mailed West tools about making the lower swingarms, but got no reply.

 

Has anyone actually managed to pry the lower swingarms off the base carrier unit?

[rahbert]

I know this is an old thread but for the benefit of recent R1200RT owners like myself see beemerboneyard for the arms.

 

I wonder if the waterheads have this problem as well?