I had a small Givi on one of my /5's for several years. Not an AF49 as you describe. I have tried a number of windshield/fairing products over the years, and can only offer this insight. Any screen/fairing that attaches to the handlebars or fork has the potential to adversely effect handling at higher speeds. Buffeting , in my experience, has much to do with the height of the screen relative to the rider. The only way to know, for sure, is to try one out. The ideal set up for me to minimize buffeting is to be looking just over the top of the windscreen when riding.

Thanks for that. Right now I have a 70's Twelfth Dimension handlebar fairing (from a Honda four)and I experience some buffeting. I notice that handling is better without a screen, but for long trips I really like the protection of a windscreen. I originally bought my bike in Germany in '77 and put on an Avon handlebar fairing, which was bullet shaped with the headlight mounted out front and a good rake to the windscreen. I don't recall any handling problems with that one, but my memory ain't what it used to be. Do you think a frame-mounted fairing would be a better choice?

Ah... so many possibilities, but these come with trade-offs. If you are talking about protection, like from rain or swarms of bugs, or whatever,... bigger is better. I have ridden behind Vetter Windjammers, Luftmiester equivalents, and a host of other fixed fairings. The trade-off is added weight to the front of the bike and the horsepower lost to pushing the dang thing down the highway. I have a handle bar mounted Wixom Ranger on one of my /5's. It is modified with a cut down aftermarket windscreen, and additional mounting points adapted from a Memphis Shades "Hellcat" small wind screen. I like this set-up and it has not induced a tank slapper in the years I have had it in place. However, it causes the tracking of the bike to "hunt" at speeds over 85mph. Again, the modified windscreen on the Wixom is placed so that I am looking right over the top of it when riding. A frame mounted fairing is much less likely to induce potentially dangerous handling oddities.

Based on what the AF49 looks like in pictures, I'll assume that full sized protection is not necessarily what you are looking for. The afore mentioned "Hellcat" screen is a good compromise on my /5. Part of the reason I have this set-up is so that I can change from fairing to windscreen without spending a day or 2 on the task.

If what you want is some displacement of wind to reduce fatigue on your body as you ride, you might consider going shorter on a windscreen. There is a not-so-sweet-spot where buffeting is maximized based on the rider, on your seated height on the bike, and the height of any given windscreen relative to you. The dimension of distance from the screen to the rider also has an effect.

Too bad like so many things trial and error is the best teacher. I think I'll go naked for now. Thanks again for your input.

I think I'll go naked for now.

Thanks for the warning ! 😛

Naked is good?,... I bought my so called fly screens on e-bay. Never paid much more than $50. If you want to give yourself a break from a wind whipping, you gotta start somewhere. How are you gonna know what works for you until you have tried 'em all? or, ... find what works for you.