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The GIVI AF260 Airflow windscreen is a good answer to the buffeting issue of the Suzuki V-Strom. Motorcycle windscreens are typically standardized to make the most people happy with a single option. Companies have long created short or tall versions to maximize usage for riders’ preferences.

The stock Suzuki V-Strom windshield is similar in shape to the top screen of the GIVI Airflow AF260.

My unscientific opinion is that the stock V-Strom shield has buffeting issues because it is too short for almost all riders while being pushed too far forward. This pushes the wind up over and around the shield, but then too much distance between it and the rider causes a vortex to be created. This vortex tosses the rider’s head in all directions at speed.

The GIVI Airflow line of windshields is a good option for all riders, no matter your height. Despite the adjustments provided in stock shield placement, the V-Strom engineers did not provide a good wind protection solution for many riders. The addition of a Madstad bracket solved a good part of the buffeting for me. A “good part” does not equal a full solution.

GIVI provided us with the AF260 Airflow windshield for review, and it is the best solution to the V-Strom’s buffeting issues that I’ve found. It is actually a combination of two windshields stacked together. The first screen bolts to the bike and the second slides onto it and is clamped down. The clamped shield includes two tracks allowing approximately six inches of vertical adjustment. The lowest position creates 21 inches of protection while the tallest position provides 27 inches. All riders, from short to tall, should be able to find an adjustment that is just right. Using the single screen only equals 18 inches.

Ease of Install “A”

GIVI Airflow AF260 in lowest position. It can be raised six inches for the tallest of riders.

The AF260 actually has two shields to complete the install. GIVI drilled the fairing bolt holes exactly where they needed to be. To install the shield, simply unbolt the old screen and use the original hardware to bole the new screen on. Loosening the two quick-release clamps allows the second screen to slide right on. Simply find the best height, clamp it down and go for a ride.

Price “B”

GIVI lists the AF260 Airflow at $265. It can easily be found online for $225 (such as this listing at TwistedThrottle.com). none of the lesser-priced alternatives offer the completely custom fit protection of the AF260. The Airflow is more expensive, but is also more likely to fit the rider’s needs.

Appearance “C”

Rediculously High Windshield - GIVI Airflow accomodates short to tall riders

The GIVI AF260 isn’t the prettiest clear plastic wind protection available for your bike. The stacking of the two shields creates an awkward look. Perhaps it is fitting that the shield that solves the V-Strom’s buffeting issues is about as good looking as the bike. After a couple rides, I was ok with the looks of the shield because it performed so well.

Bang for your buck “B+”

It would be difficult to find a better solution. Some riders may find adding a laminar lip to stock or aftermarket screens as a good budget-minded solution. The GIVI AF260 Airflow is staying on my bike. It is the best solution to my bike’s buffeting that I have found. Adding the airflow screen to the Madstad bracket allows for extended raising, lowering and pitch adjustments. The Airflow 260 is almost too effective when temperatures climb. The pitch adjustment on the Matstad bracket allows the screen to drop back to put a gentle breeze on the my face to keep cool. Riders could also choose to only ue the bottom shield during warm months and add the second for cooler months. The single screen is actually quite effective at blocking the wind.

I’m very happy with the GIVI Airflow AF260 windshield.

Packing camping gear on a motorcycle requires flexibility in the thing that will hold the equipment. Often times it isn’t necessarily the weight, but instead the dimensions of camping gear that makes packing difficult on a motorcycle. Many of the popular sidebags and top cases aren’t long enough for tent poles and other long items. This leads many riders to build tubes or just strap things on to the bike.

The Giant Loop Great Basin on my Suzuki V-Strom 650 during a trip last summer.

Personally, I like most items to be stored inside where they are less likely to come loose and fall out while on the road or trail. Strapping things on, such as a sleeping bag is  ok. The fewer items that are left hanging, the more secure I feel.

Hands down, the best solution that I have found for packing camping gear on a motorcycle is the Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag. Those of you who have followed my product reviews for a while may remember the accolades that I gave Giant Loop for the Fandango tank bag. These guys have it going on.

Build Quality – A

The Giant Loop Great Basin is a soft bag with a tough personality. The bottom portion of the bag is made of 1050 nylon ballistic cordura, the top is made of 22-ounce vinyl coated polyester. Top-notch YKK zippers allow easy access to goods and the whole package is sewn together with military-grade thread.

If you hear “vinyl” and don’t think the Great Basin is up to the rigors of off-road and long-distance touring then you’re sorely mistaken. Giant Loop calls it a Bomb Shell material and says it is similar to a trucker’s tarp. That is a very good descriptor. If the material can hold up to hundreds of thousands of miles on a semi-trailer, then you can bet it will hold your gear securely on the bike.

The straps and heavy-duty metal clamps hold the Giant Loop Great Basin securely to any bike.

Speaking of holding it on the bike, this thing isn’t going anywhere once attached to your bike. The compression/attachment straps are made of 1-inch ballistic cordura and Nylike webbing with steel and aluminum buckles. Two similarly constructed straps secure the bottom of the bag to the bike. I’m not sure what the heck “Nylike” is, but these straps are strong.

Ease of Install – A

The straps secure the Great Basin to just about any bike in less than a minute. Racks aren’t needed, which further simplifies the installation process. Some hard bags might be easier to take on/off, but they also require timely installation of racks to hold them on.

The bag sits on the pillion portion of the seat and is then strapped on. The mass is held close to the bike all three directions of the U-shaped bag. This is perfect for adventure motorcycles and their top-heavy nature. The weight is centralized and held close to the bike.

The bag is removed from the bike quickly at the end of the day. I often put it in my tent to rest against it to read at night. Think of it as the motorcycle camper’s big-back-arm-pillow, like the one you had as a kid.

Included removeable and attached internal bags make easy packing of the Great Basin.

Bang for Your Buck – A

The Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag sells for $439. On the surface it seems that there are cheaper products available in plentiful supply. Other dry bag-type saddlebags from high-quality manufacturers such as the Ortlieb Dry Bag Saddlebag and Wolfman Expedition cost $187 and $214, respectively. These bags and others typically require (or at least suggest) the use of side racks to keep the bags from rubbing on the bike. Racks will set you back about $200. The Ortlieb’s 39 liter and Wolfman’s 42 liter capacities are much smaller than the Great Basin’s 50 liter capacity. That is why the Great Basin Giant Loop is a fantastic bang for your buck.

I have not found another product that compares to the Great Basin.

Complaints

A complaint that I do have is that the straps can make access to the contents of the bag more difficult during the day. Pack items that you may need near where the zipper can be opened between straps. Being mindful of where the straps are located will save time during the ride. Another complaint is that the material and zippers of the bag will keep water out, but the threaded areas won’t. Giant Loop provides seam sealer to correct this. Once applied, your gear should stay dry. EDIT: Giant Loop has informed me that the seams are now waterproof. All is right in the world.

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