Fitting the MRA Varioscreen to the BMW GS
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ม.ค. 2025
- Fitting the MRA Varioscreen to the BMW GS : In an attempt to stop turbulence at the top of my lid I have just fitted an MRA Varioscreen to my 2014 BMW R1200GS - here's how it went....
Here's a link to the screen amzn.to/2lGyWJr
Mr MissendenFlyer, following your youtube-channel is costing me lot of money and a Mrs that nagging me for upgrading my GS :-) I have fitted many of the upgrades based on your videos and watching this one made me order the MRA varioscreen today. Thanks for a very good channel and ride safe 👍
Little tip, if you remove just the middle screws (access under sat nav bar) push down on the screen the whole thing removes with the black trim attached. Helps when cleaning. Hope this helps
Great tip! Thanks a mill'
Always nice to see a bloke at one with his tackle. Keep 'em coming my friend
Err, not sure how to reply to that one - thanks (I think)!
To remove screen just TWO screws one each on screen supports and screen lifts up and then easy to swop over mounting brackets. Hope this helps.
Thanks Philip...
I use the MRA varioscreen for my Yamaha Majesty 400, and it works superb. It is lower then the original screen, but way less force on the helmet during riding. For a Majesty it looks more "sporty". Ride safe!
Cheers Joppie - yes I find they're great for cutting out that annoying lid turbulence....thanks for watching! - TMF
Jop, your "lower than the original screen" comment, caught my attention. I have a 2016 Honda VFR1200X, but the screens for many bikes seems to use almost the same design/size so I think your feedback will be relevant to me.
I got the MRA vario delivered today. I must have gotten the last one as they are out of stock for 3 months now. However, it is TINY! 3" shorter than stock. I didn't open package yet as I'd like to hear from someone that received one, was shocked at the size--like me, tried it and kept it. Anyone? It says I can't open it or I have to keep it. So I don't want to install it only to find out it provides less wind coverage than the 3" taller OEM version. Yes, it has the extra tilt screen on top, but I think I read it extends 45mm (about 2"). Not sure on that part. But shorter? I dunno about that.
Enjoy your videos immensely; feeds my BMW GSA desire. Also like that squash racket on the wall - when my GSA arrives I will have to get a squash kit carrier 😎
Hi
Thanks for all your videos on accessories for the GS. I bought the same model and colour in december and have fitted the SW Bars and MRA screen today. I have purchased LED Cree lamps and will fit those to a SW Motech light bar next week.
Thanks again
Hi again fjrboy - glad you're finding my efforts of interest. Enjoy the big Beemer, great bikes, defo "a keeper" in my case....
A good screen is worth it. Love my RT screen. For years I had RS bikes (R100RS, R1100RS and K100RS) and I always struggled with poor wind protection and some buffeting off those screens, esp the R1100RS as the standard screen was too short & narrow. I also had an F650GS single and that screen, while good, wasn't good enough and it was hard to get adequate protection behind its screen. The RT screen is as close to perfect as I have experienced. Rode a 1999 R1100RT and that screen offered total protection, even causing a vacuum if at highest setting, that's how effective it was.
Yes, incredible how so many manufacturers get this wrong "out of the box" - luckily easily fixed....
Been searching for a way to apply some kind off corrective lens to the very bottom of my shoei J cruise so I can magnify the guages. They made it for an eagle to see.
Thanks mate, I'm over 6' and wear the bmw system 6, just orderd the vario screen for the Kawasaki versys and I'm thinking about one one for the GS. Will defo post soon with some video stuff. Just got to get to grips with editing stuff. Ride safe and enjoy that green lane machine
....it also worked really well on my old Triumph Tiger 1050 - transformed that bike's buffeting....
I searched high and low for a replacement for my Rallye screen (the tiny one). I don't know how I missed your review but this is the one I got anyway. I too use the lower setting and find that, even with my 6' height, I don't get any buffeting worth noting and I even have my spoiler "crunched" down to it's lowest setting. I couldn't be happier with it. Cheers.
Having the spoiler parallel to the main screen is the key - helps maintain laminar flow... ;0)
Good topical viewing for me this having just spent £50 on a taller touring screen for my G650GS, only to find that it's warped, twisted and wonky! The holes are drilled poorly (wrong size and wrong angle) and also finished badly. I had the vario screen on my last bike but did wonder if the BMW version would be tall enough as its quite an upright sesting position. Needless to say, I wish I'd just ordered it in the first place! The new MRA Vario shoukd arrive this week. As always, thanks for the content!
Would you recommend this screen. Bought the X creek. Very flimsy and a lot of buffeting. Thinking of changing. Just to confirm yours is the touring vario screen. Have Puig touring screen, a little high... Help
X creen ...
There are some MRA Vario's on the market but it looks like it is being replaced by the MRA X-screen which I just purchased. Actually the X-screen isn't much higher than the stock but my stock had a rock hit so I needed a new one. I have not put very many miles on the screen to make serious comments on performance but the spoiler seems to be great although it shakes a bit. I just ordered a Ztechnik stabilizer and I think that will make a significant improvement. I'll let you know. I am 6 foot 2.5 and usually use the shield in the low position.
The key is to mount the spoiler parallel to the main screen....have you tried that?
Yes and that was OK. So far the best thing I tried was to put the main shield all the way back and the spoiler about parallel with the ground. That pushes a bunch of air into the chest and cuts off the air going directly into my helmet. I've found that on every bike I've had, many with adjustable shields, is to get my helmet into clear air. In looking at the Ztechnik stabilizer, in theory it looks like it will reduce screen wobble. Do need to take a long ride and check multiple positions. The test I did yesterday was too short and we've got a hurricane coming ashore which whipped up a LOT of side buffets.
Knocked off about 650 miles over the last two days on twisty mountain roads in the American states of Georgia, N. and S. Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Almost no 4 lane highways. Playing with the angle on the spoiler gave me excellent results. Found that you need to play with the spoiler for different weather conditions like cool mornings, hot afternoons and a bit of rain. I like it.
Very helpful video. Just wanted to know how the tinted MRA screen matched up with the clear secondary OEM screen below? Does it blend in or look a little odd? Thanks
Looks fine - I hadn't even noticed there is a difference!
Just need to remove 1 screw each side screen slides out then remove screen mounts
If only I'd known! Thanks for watching and for stopping by - TMF
Really useful video and I have accordingly just order the screen for my R1250 GS after similarly being disappointed by the OEM and subsequently Powerbronze 'flappy' screen 😊👍
Hi there do you have any wind deflector for F900xr 2020 model like the upper side deflector something like gs deflectors please let me know thanks.
No I don’t - sorry
I've tried two different screens on my Honda VT750 and just can't seem to find a setting without feeling like my head is in a food mixer. The first screen was a no-name, cheapo job. So then I spent a lot more money on a decent Givi screen that looks enormous but that wasn't much better. So I then added a "spooler" to the top of the GIvi this gives me some adjustment to the airflow. I've tried the spooler in various positions but all that changes is the frequency of the buffeting. For an expensive Givi it does seem rather flimsy and I think is the cause of the problem, maybe when the weather warms up a bit I'll be able to go on longer journeys and experiment more. You mention in your video that crash helmet can make a difference, do you have any preference for a full face that reduces buffeting? I've got an HJC CL-SP which seemed OK before I fitted any screen. Thanks for all the vids.
You could make a green house with all the spare screens 😂 👍🇦🇺
True!
Have you tried Autosol on the original screen to remove scratches? Takes a bit of elbow grease but good results. Just brought an old turntable perspex lid back to showroom condition.
No I haven't but good idea!
Hi Flyer, I know this vid is a couple of years old, how is the wind protection or turbulence on your shoulders and upper chest? I get a lot of wind there and the noise in my helmet is insane, Shoes GT air does not really help. Tried Givi screen Puig at wits end and its making me deaf...
Would you say this screen cuts down wind noise and on its lowest setting are you looking through it or over? I'm your height and same bike and have narrowed it down to this screen or the puig.
+heffe40 Yep it cuts down noise and even better turbulence (at least for me it does) - I look over rather than through the screen - TMF
Was just wondering what its like in wet conditions? Does your visor get gummed up, or is there still sufficient wind flow to prevent misting?
Hi, watching your earlier video on fitting the vario spoiler to your previous Triumph it's clear the setting is critical, could you possibly advise how you have it set on the BMW? I guess the spoiler is parallel to the screen, but how far apart are they? Thanks for any help.
Yes parallel is the key, not flipped up - about 10-15mm apart...
TheMissendenFlyer
Thanks for the tip!
Hi TMF loving your video's just so inspirational, Ouch ££££ you must know this but ..!!! A lot of the BMW dealers put the GSA screen "which is bigger" on the GS looks great and work a treat was there a reason you didn't go down that route ?
Didn’t even think of it!
TheMissendenFlyer well at least you know now 😉
I'm 6 foot you reckon I'm safe with MRA? Had two Givi Airflows in the past on different machines and they work a treat. Standard screen is giving fly trouble
Dunno, worth a try though I reckon, brilliant product - I'm a huge fan....
I have a GS same model and year as you. I am looking at the MRA Vario Screen. How do you like it and when your wife rides on the back does she like it? I am 5’11”. I tried the Puig touring screen and it had a really weird vibration so decided against it. Do you recommend the MRA. I have had the spoiler on my old bike and really was happy with it. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Yes I very much recommend it! Hence the video....
Would you be able to tell me if the spoiler is capable of deflecting the wind down. I currently find the stock screen, even in it's lowest setting is putting the wind blast over my head, or at least over enough of my head that my chin vent is completely useless! Hope that makes sense.
I have a feeling, as with all things motorcycle, I am just going to have to shell out and try one but I quite like the look of the original screen and would just like some air to cool me down in the "summer".
Err, not sure on that - the spoiler really just cleans up the turbulence, to lower the wind blast you'd need to lower your screen (or get a lower screen)....
Thanks, I think a lower screen would only cause turbulence around the top of my head. I think the answer is to just get a helmet with a better top vent!
You don't have any videos of a GS 800 by any chance do you??
Not yet....
You must have spent/wasted a lot of money on screens. I am looking at getting an MRA one. It is just over £90, does that sound about right?
Change of subject, do you live in your garage? It is cleaner and tidier than my house.
+Anthony Farrar Yes and yes :0)
Hello MF. Are you planning to do a review of the MRA Xcreen Touring for the GS? I am looking for a bigger screen, but am confused by the multitude of offerings in the market.
Err, did I not do one then?....
I am sorry, but can only find your review for the Varioscreen, not for the MRA X-Creen. Have just ordered a Wunderlich Ergo Marathon 2 screen. Size, 5mm thickness and lots of raving customer reviews swung it for me. I don't do fabulous reviews like you, but will leave a note when the wunderkind has been tested. All the best!
Hi how did you find this screen on long rides. Does it flap around
A little but overall I'm a huge fan of the screen - been riding with these for years now and wouldn't be without one....
Thanks for all the great videos. When I was looking into getting a GSA I must have watched almost all of them and have incorporated some of your improvements to mine. I recently purchased a 2018 R1200GS Adv. I came off an Indian Roadmaster and absolutely love the BMW, so much so that my wife is trading in her Harley Roadglide for a 2018 R1200GS Rally this week.
My one complaint is the windscreen. I'm 6'3" with a 32" inseam and I get blasted with air and noise. It seems like you are very well protected with the MRA screen. If you don't mind me asking, how tall are you? If you are shorter than me do you think the MRA would throw the air over my head?
Thanks!
Hi MF, Need your help/advice. I'm thinking of fitting MRA Vario to my GS. They do a slightly longer one for taller riders. I am 6' 1". How tall are you and any idea how high the turbulent air rushes over the top of your head? Difficult to assess I know, but I don't want to fit a taller screen unless I really have to. Many thanks. Jon.
I'm only 5'8" so your guess is as good as mine! The thing about these vario screens is that (if adjusted correctly) they smooth the turbulent airflow coming off the top of the screen, so you're not protected from the wind blast per set, it's just less wearing as it's cleaner....so you may find the smaller screen is actually fine...trouble is you won't know until you try it!
Difficult one to answer I know, but thanks for the info. Regards, Jon
...the other thing of course that makes a big difference I've found is what helmet you wear.....so loads of variables in this one! Good luck :0)
Hi again,
I ordered this screen yesterday on eBay, and this afternoon it arrived, how's that for service.
Having watched your blog, the change should be simple, so fingers crossed.
I have wondered about getting the Wunderlich Hugga, but, although you had problems you managed to work round them, others appear to have had considerable trouble, so I think I'll give it a miss. Pity really,as it looks like a useful piece of kit.
...really? Others have had considerable trouble?? Makes me feel good that...I must have just got lucky!
Hi TMF, hope you're well, I was wondering if you can give me your thoughts on the MRA vario screen now you have been able to get some miles on it. Do you find it an improvement on the stock item etc ? And are you able to look over the top when riding?
Yep sure do - defo recommended, much better than stock, a good buy if you're 5'9" and wear an Arai Tour X4
Hi there. Thanks for the review.I am currently running a Givi 5108DT tall screen on my GS. It helps with the wind noise but I can only use it in its lowest position. The buffeting is really bad if you raise it, especially for my pillion. Did you do a follow up video on the screen after using it a bit more? Have you tested it with a pillion? Still happy with it?
Regards
Derrick
Yes I'm very happy with it...recommended....
I should have been well PO with the so called 'professional' cleaner - hope you suitably acquainted him with your displeasure. So glad I am not alone when it comes to imperfections and (to me) downright annoyances when it comes to accessories and the like!
Unfortunately I didn't notice the (deep) scratches until a day or two after he'd left so I didn't get the opportunity, just made a promise top myself to never use them (a national network of these ACF50 cowboys) again. I can assure you I was well PO!! Seems OCD is a common problem amongst us biker types.......
Hi, I love your videos. You helped me make up my mind to buy an R1200GS (fantastic bike), but I’m having trouble with wind buffeting at highway speeds. At what height do you use your MRA Vario screen? I’m considering buying one for mine since you seem to like it so much but i’m 6’5” so quite a bit taller than you and am concerned it won’t be tall enough. Is the base shield the same height as the OEM GS shield? Thanks!
...the trick is to fit the "spoiler" parallel to the main screen to maintain laminar flow....
Anyone tried this on a Ktm adventure?
Hi MF, can you tell me what make the ratchet tool you are using in this vid? All the best.
I'd have to go and have a look - stay tuned!
I wish the adjustment brackets weren't black, can't make up my mind to buy MRA windshield with or without the adjustable foil. I think those black hinges would drive me nuts having them in my vision. Oh decisions, decisions. Thanks for the vid.
You can machine polish out the scratches from the original screen failing that tell the person who scratched it to replace it 🙃
Hello Tmf,
I've been looking at your video on the MRA screen,how did you decide which one to get as they show 3 types on the website?
Steveh
+Steve Harrison I just went for the one that I thought looked the neatest and most substantial!
that is the tidiest man cave i have ever seen!!!!,are you a surgeon :-)
A place for everything and everything in it's place :0) ....keeps my OCD at bay.....
Wrong way to unmount/mount the screen :D
You can unmount the screen just by removing two screws, which are good accessible! Than the whole thing comes off WITH the two black trims that are mounted direct to the screen itself.
If you do like that, your eyes will get wide open with a smile on your face... : "GERMAN ENGINEERING"! ;)
Good tip!
Ha, I know how that feels mate. Scratches, crinkles - general lack of perfection!!
Bike accessory OCD.....you got it too huh?
Hello mate it is Nippy Normans not Norman Nippy. That is my OCD lol
Love your attention to detail!
TheMissendenFlyer just to let you know as well, bought a GSA triple black due to your review between the GSA and GS
I like buffeting on my helmet
...careful!
😁