Givi Airstar Windscreen Review

[This Givi Airstar Motorcycle Windscreen review was originally published in the April 2011 issue of Rider magazine]

by James Parchman

Givi Airstar WindscreenThe first-generation Yamaha V-Max (1985-2007) remains one of the coolest machines in motorcycling. Powerful, comfortable, reliable…and very naked. For longer rides, or when the weather gets chilly, as with most unfaired bikes the full force of the windblast can be a bit much. We set out to find a windscreen that would divert wind without detracting from Max’s masculinity.

There are a wide variety of windscreens available for the Yamaha in sizes from flyscreen small to barn-door large, and in shapes from oval to square. I usually prefer a smaller windscreen, and smaller also seemed better for maintaining this motorcycle’s symmetrical lines. Researching the various options, we decided on a Givi Airstar model, made especially for the V-Max.

The Givi A-123 appeared to be exactly what we wanted for Mr. Max. It’s compact at 12.2 inches in height, and 11.6 inches at its widest point, with an oval shaped taper. The screen cups slightly rearward toward the ride, further improving aerodynamics. The Airstar is made of a hard acrylic plastic that meets tough German TUV certification standards. Support is via a wide polished-aluminum plate across its base and lower sides. The support plate extends rearward on each side, ending in hooks that secure the windscreen to the motorcycle’s turn-signal mounts.

Installation took no more than 30 minutes, and Givi’s mounting design deserves credit for simplicity. The screen’s lower base wraps just above and around the motorcycle headlight. Once the turn-signal mounts were snugged up, the screen felt solidly mounted. The Airstar’s light smoked tinting looked great with Max’s silver paint and polished scoops.

But no matter the style points, a windscreen must also perform its primary function. Good news…the Airstar also turned out to be a great air deflector. It’s extremely capable at flipping the windblast over and around the rider’s body. The little Airstar makes a long day’s ride seem a lot less taxing. At its width, air still reaches the rider’s hands, but that’s a good thing on a warm summer day. The mounting system works as designed; no movement at triple digit speeds and no adverse handling characteristics have been encountered.

The Givi Airstar A-123 MSRP is $132, a bargain for the improvements it brought in riding comfort and style. Givi is best known in the USA for motorcycle hard luggage, but the Italian company also manufactures soft luggage, windscreens and crash guards for a wide variety of motorcycles and scooters. Givi windscreens are available for sport-touring motorcycles, cruisers, dual-sports and scooters.

For more information: Contact Givi USA at (877) 679-4484

 

 

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