Some people just can't stop messing with things. Barry is one of those people. He may or may not have been the first person to ask why motorcycle windshields were shaped the way they were, but he was the first person to actually change that shape – and it turned the motorcycle world upside down.
Barry simply inverted the traditional windshield paradigm, putting the widest section at the top, and added a distinctive "V" profile to channel turbulent air. It sounds basic, but it was so uniquely designed and developed that National Cycle was able to get a mechanical patent on the concept. The VStream® was born.
Riders weren't sure at first what they were looking at, but they immediately felt how well the VStream worked. Word got around, and suddenly they couldn't be made fast enough.
Currently there are more than 300 VStream Windscreens for over 150 different model bikes.
This diagram explains the difference between conventional windscreens and VStream® Windscreens. When air passes over and around a windshield, it corkscrews into a turbulent stream.
This is called the van Karman Vortex, and is felt by riders as buffeting under their chin or on the back of their helmets. VStream Windscreens move that vortex out and away from the rider, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable riding experience.
One of the first VStream® Windscreens was developed for the popular FJR1300 sport-tourer.
VStream® Windscreens are made for a wide range of tourers, sport-tourers and adventure bikes, as well as Harley-Davidson® touring bikes, such as this FLHTCU Electra Glide™.
VStream® Windscreens are also offered for the Honda’s flagship GL1800 Gold Wing™.
National Cycle designed and patented the first height-adjustable scooter windshield, something motorcyclists have grown accustomed to though lacking in the scooter market.
In 2007, National Cycle celebrated 70 years in business. National Cycle is one of the oldest motorcycle accessories companies in the world, and the oldest manufacturer of motorcycle windshields.
For bikes that don’t have natural or easy windshield applications, National Cycle developed the VStream+® Windscreens. These include custom designed and specially engineered mounting hardware that makes an impossible installation possible.
The VStream+® on this Ducati M900 shows custom designed two-point points that attach to the upper fork tubes. All mounts are designed to integrate with each bike’s OEM finish.
Tall windscreen options, like this ZTechnik® VStream+® for the BMW R1100GS, benefit from the stability and solidity that our mounting hardware offers.
This ZTechnik® VStream+® on a BMW R1200R shows the elaborate three-point mounts with cutouts for OEM turn signals. VStream+ Mount kits are guaranteed to safely and solidly mount to the bike and to clear all cables and wiring.
In 2008, National Cycle shook things up again with their Peacemakers® Exhausts. Peacemakers offered the best of both worlds – a loud rumble when you want it, but a quiet exhaust when you need it.
Electrically-operated Diverter Valves open and close with a simple toggle switch by the handgrip, so riders can amp it up or tone it down – on the fly, while they ride.
Peacemakers® Exhausts for late model Harley-Davidson’s feature 4-inch diameter muffler bodies and slash-cut tips.
The Peacemakers® Exhausts for the Honda VTX1300C feature 4-inch diameter muffler bodies, and are shown here with the optional SnubNose™ Tips.
The Peacemakers® standard slash-cut tips can be easily rotated down or out to suit the rider’s preference.
2010 saw the introduction of the new Gladiator® Windshields for late model Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This minimalist shield with its model-specific DualPivot™ mounts lets riders adjust both the rake angle and the height for the wind protection or custom appearance they want.
The Gladiator® is available in clear or dark tint. The mounting system is almost invisible.
For many riders, the compact dimensions of the Gladiator® offer all the wind protection they need.
On the heels of the Gladiator came the new Spartan® Windshields – premium quality Quantum® hardcoated polycarbonate matched with understated, flat black hardware for that dark custom look. It mounts to the tried-and-true SwitchBlade® Quick Release Mount Kits.
The Spartan® is offered in two heights so that riders of any size will have the perfect windshield.
In 2011, National Cycle introduced the Wave QR®, a line of quick-release, polycarbonate fairings for late model Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Like the Spartan®, the Wave QR® also uses the SwitchBlade® Quick Release Mount Kits.
In 2012, National Cycle celebrated its 75th birthday with a year-long series of special events and celebrations.
At the 2012 V-Twin Expo, National Cycle president Barry Willey was awarded with a special trophy for 2012 Industry Leader of the Year.
Also in 2012, Barry Willey and National Cycle received a special award from Sabic, the current manufacturers of sheet polycarbonate.
