After more than 17 years of driving successive generations of BMW RTs, I recently switched to driving the 2020 R 1250 GS. Even though the new GS comes with an oversized Puig Touring windshield, the amount of turbulence and wind noise at speeds is significantly higher than on my previous RTs. My last one was a 2015 R 1200 RT equipped with the wonderful Werks Quiet Ride windshield, which envelops the driver in an atmosphere of stillness no matter how fast the vehicle is moving. In fact, I’ve held several conference calls about work while traveling on the highway at excessive speed and no one even knew I was moving.
Related: 2021 BMW R 1250 GS | Road test evaluation
To be fair, I never expected this level of protection from the GS, which is designed for adventure travel rather than sports travel like the RT. But for long trips on the highway, and especially on cold days, I wanted more wind resistance than what vintage bikes offer. Searching for solutions led me to Wunderlich Side Wind Deflectors, which is suitable for Models 2017-18 R 1200 GS and 2019-23 R 1250 GSbut not the GS Adventure model.
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Wunderlich deflectors are made of scratch-resistant, shatterproof 5mm acrylic and they are available in clear or dark colors as shown here. This kit includes two deflectors, an installation page and mounting hardware. Two racks on each side provide anchor points for the flaps, which are fixed in place using standard M5 T25 Torx hardware running through a series of stabilizing washers and sleeves. There’s a bit of gameplay to tweak and tweak, if needed.
As expected, it’s easiest if you install everything loosely at first, then only tighten it again after completing the final adjustment. The final installation as shown took less than an hour, methodical operation. The Wunderlich flaps themselves, each measuring about 13 x 4.25 inches at the edges, are slightly larger than the stock deflectors on GS Adventure models, measuring about 10.5 x 3.5 inches.
When on the road, the Wunderlich Side Windshield has a significant impact on wind blow levels, overall turbulence and noise encountered at highway speeds. The original GS had moderate protection for the rider’s torso, but massive airflow into the rider’s arms. I found that adjusting the windshield forward (almost vertically) combined with the installed flaps redirected the air around both my torso and arms noticeably. This offers considerable relief during long days of munching for miles on the slab, which can be tiring if the rider gets blown all over the place. For rides in hot weather or if desired, the flaps can be quickly removed via 3 M5 T25 Torx latches on each side, allowing for maximum airflow.
Overall, the Wunderlich winglets are a worthy addition for BMW GS racers engaged in long trips at constant high speeds, cruising in cold weather or looking for a quiet operating environment. than. They cost $289.95. (They are also available for Models of BMW S 1000 XR 2015-2019 for $271.95.) – Moshe K. Levy
For more information: See your dealer or visit WunderlichAmerica.com
