Yamaha Tracer GT’s screen test and Panigale V4 S goes on tour
Wind noise is ruining the ride – but is there an easy cure?
When I’ve chatted with owners of this, and the first-generation, Tracer wind noise and seat comfort are the main talking points. I’ve ridden my mate’s earlier version, his screen deafens and I’ve beeen more comfortable sitting on a brick. Yamaha have tried to solve both problems by modifying the 900GT, the seat’s better but there’s room for improvement where the screen is concerned. I’ve spent the summer putting various combinations to the test and my collection is ever growing. I am to screens, what Imelda Marcos was to shoes.
1. No mirrors, no screen
To give me a base to work from I whip off the mirrors and screen, I want to see how they disrupt the airflow. From experience, I know in its naked form the bike will be noisy but it less of an irritation than with the screen in place. It’s not practical to ride without mirrors and with the adjustable screen bracket laid bare the Tracer looks like it’s been vandalised.
2. Standard screen
As I get up to speed the noise is immediately noticeable. The screen is height adjustable, at the lowest of the half a dozen positions, the wind hits me smack in the face and in the highest setting, it’s an improvement but there’s still an irritating whine. Removing the mirrors barely makes a difference.
3. Skidmarx Sports Screen
Aat £79.95 it’s the cheapest I’m testing and as with all the different options it fits to the original screen bracket. Its 19cm shorter than the standard screen and in any of the adjustable height positions, it directs air at my helmet. It’s a similar experience to the bike being naked, but not as comfortable.
4. Skidmarx Taller/Wider Screen
Taller and wider than the standard version and with a curvature at the top, this screen costs £89.95. The extra 9cm of height puts the top of the screen directly in my line of vision and once on the move it wobbles like a blancmange. Noise is still significant.
5. Yamaha High Screen
This genuine Yamaha accessory has integrated moulded wind deflectors, rather than cut outs, to accommodate the hand-guards. It is the same height as the tall Skidmarx screen but more rigid and doesn’t wobble because the wind deflectors make it 12cm wider. The reduction in noise isn’t enough to justify the hefty £143 price tag.
So is there an easy cure?
No. I’d hoped one of the screens would be a miracle cure but none is, each has its faults and for now, I’m going to stick with the standard screen and a good pair of earplugs.