Do winglets really work?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Wedders_Gasman
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Wedders_Gasman

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I have been considering fitting winglets to my 54 plate 1200GS for some time now but, I am not really convinced that they are worth the expense.

Anybody got any constructive comments please. :beerjug:
 
yes they work fine, fitted a set to my 2006 version and an immediate difference at motorway speeds.

buy the BM ones though as they are far better quality than nippy normans version
 
yes they work fine, fitted a set to my 2006 version and an immediate difference at motorway speeds.

buy the BM ones though as they are far better quality than nippy normans version

i fitted the Nippy Normans to my '05 GS, and they are fine, not sure why you say the BM ones are better ?

I do however think that they may cause a little bit of aerodynamic uplift at v high speeds.

Worth the money IMHO. :thumb2
 
I have a late 04 with winglets and would replace them if they got nicked or broken. I have a GSA screen as well for the extra height (I'm 6'4) so I am not sure what they would be like on the standard GS screen.
 
I recently fitted GSA screen and winglets to my 08 GS. After I'd swapped the screen I realised the Rainbow had missed a couple of bits when I collected everything and I had to go back. As far as it felt to me, the ride up the motorway with new screen but no winglets was worse than it had been with the original GS screen, the return trip with the winglets bolted on was a totally different experience.

They're 30 odd quid with all fixings from BMW so hardly a fortune if they don't work, but I agree with cheesysalesman, if they were nicked I buy some more :thumb
 
i fitted the Nippy Normans to my '05 GS, and they are fine, not sure why you say the BM ones are better ?

I do however think that they may cause a little bit of aerodynamic uplift at v high speeds.

Worth the money IMHO. :thumb2

BM are about the same price and have a far better finish to the edges .
 
Yes they work. I was equally sceptical as you as I thought they were just some extra cosmetic clag to GSA-ify a GS so I made some from perspex sheet (heated in the oven to 150 deg C so it bends) and stuck them on with industrial strength velcro. The most unexpected improvement was warmer hands even through this last winter when it went down to -10 some mornings. The airflow is significantly altered and smoothed more than you'd expect given their small size and location. It's even stopped the buffeting I used to get when carrying a pillon.
 
so I made some from perspex sheet (heated in the oven to 150 deg C so it bends) and stuck them on with industrial strength velcro.

:postpics

and full details of materials used, time of heating, precise angles of curves, degrees of leading and trailing edges, or punters could end up with:

raik_ferr_kejere_2009_470313.jpg


Or

2526876213_11bd5198cb.jpg
 
:postpics

and full details of materials used, time of heating, precise angles of curves, degrees of leading and trailing edges, QUOTE]

I agree.

Unfortunately don't think I can post pics as I'm not a proper tosser. As far as full details go it's more Blue Peter than aerospace engineering and simply make it up you go, something like this..

Make a template for the winglets out of a bit of cardboard and try it on the bike making sure that the screen can still move over its full range of adjustment without fouling.

Aquire some Perpex (Plexiglass in US) I used 8mm which worked well and doesn't flex and use a hacksaw to cut it to the same shape as the cardboard. Don't mistake other clear plastics for Perspex, they are not the same and may not bend when hot. File, sand and if you are bothered, polish the cut edges with something like a metal polish until nice and clear. The second winglet is a reverse of the first so you can use the same template.

Be nice to the missus as she'll be vital in a min'.

Bung one winglet in the oven at 150'C. Put it on a sheet of aluminium foil on a flat oven tray. Keep a constant eye on it as if the edges get too hot they will start to bubble. Use an oven glove test to see if it's becoming flexible, it's HOT so take care. As soon as it feels like slightly bendy toffee pull it out and leg it to the bike and lay it in position on the bike allowing it to take up the same shape as the fairing just ahead of the tank. It's worth studying pictures of 'official' winglets that other tossers have posted as this gives an idea of the mounting position and shape you are aiming for. Bend the rear edge down a bit to deflect air in the general direction of the cylinder head.

Now then, this is where the missus is vital. You need a helper to sprinkle cold water on the plastic so it sets in the shape you are desperately trying to maintain. Once this has been done you can feel smug as the only remaining step is to use some serious velcro (Halfords) to attach it to the bike. The advantage is that no drilling is necessary and it leaves a bit of room for adjustment though I've no idea how easy it will be to unstick the glue should that ever become necessary.


All that's left is to reassure missus that the next casserole won't taste of plastic. Job done.
 
Another excuse the bring the GS into the kitchen, brilliant.:D
 
The GS does not have a provision for the winglets as stock... Do I assume you have to drill thru the plastic covers to fit them; or would you use velcro?
 
Winglets......work just great on aircraft......saves 500 KG of fuel on a 4,000 mile flight:hide
 
The GS does not have a provision for the winglets as stock... Do I assume you have to drill thru the plastic covers to fit them; or would you use velcro?

yes just drill thru the plastics with a very small drill to start so the larger drill bit doesnt "wander" then use large washers underneath.

there will be some scaremongers about that say they will rip thru the plastic when at speed but its complete tosh.
 
On the later bikes there's steelwork under the plastics ready to fasten to, seems BMW have tried to build GS and GSA using more common parts.
 


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