ATVPT

All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests ATV Technical Magazine



 Parabellum History
 
Charly Perethian really cares about windshields and fairings and has dedicated his entire career to this field since graduating from Rhode Island School of Design (Industrial Design) in 1972. The day after graduation Charly was on his way to work for Craig Vetter where he eventually became responsible for design, development,  testing, materials, quality and later wind tunnel design and use.
Craig sold the company in 1979, and in 1980, Charly started Rifle Fairing with four friends. In 1981, Craig Vetter started his famous motorcycle high mileage contests which Charly saw as a great aerodynamic research project, getting 135 mpg (2nd place) in 1981, on his XL250.
And then getting more serious in 1982, Charly won 1st overall with 282 mpg, and in 1983, (1st again) with 372 mpg at 50 mph. This almost fully streamlined 185cc Yamaha that beat all the factory Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki entries can be seen on display at the Smithsonian's American History Museum.
Ongoing aero research in various racing projects continues including Bub's assault on the motorcycle land speed record (more on this later). In 1986, Charly started Parabellum to cater exclusively to riders of his favorite street Bikes — BMW (250,000 miles since 1975).
 
Bottom line, Charly Perethian knows how to design and manufacture windshields!



Facts and Features:
 
Stock versus Parabellum's Shape:
The factory BMW windshield starts off round at the fairing but quickly flattens out at the top creating a lot of turbulence and buffeting.
It's so wide that you don't feel it, but the aerodynamic wake behind the bike is large and so is the air drag.

The Parabellum K1200LT replacement windshield has a much rounder shape at the middle and top allowing the air to slip around the sides cleanly, allowing better fuel economy and less air drag.
 
Optical Clarity Comparison:
Unlike the factory BMW shield, all Parabellum windshields are fabricated from optically clear cast sheet (Lucite L), as opposed to more common cheaper extruded sheet. (Military aircraft specs are the cast sheet).
 
Note:
Parabellum offers the K1200LT windshield in a standard height, (approximately the same height as stock) a 2 inch lower height for riders under 5 ft. 11 in.(like we went with), and a 2 inch higher custom cut shield. 
Parabellum also makes the air balance vent slightly larger.

Parabellum versus Stock OEM




Installation:


a

b

c
a. Carefully remove the chrome protective covers.
b. Remove the bolts that hold the OEM windshield on to the lift rails.
c. OEM windshield removed and we are ready to install the Parabellum.




d

e

f
d. Follow the well written Parabellum instructions to mount your new windshield.
Note: it is very nice to have a second set of hands for this job. I didn't feel like scratching my new windshield too soon.
e. Stock windshield versus the fine fitting Parabellum Sport Windshield.
f. Installed and ready to test ride.

Installed:

Fully lowered position.

Fully raised position.



My Impressions:

Pros:
-2" Windshield has less turbulence at fully lowered position then the stock BMW windshield.

Windshield is much more sportier looking then the oem.

Parabellum windshield fits perfect in the oem mounts, with absolutely no modifications needed.

The height of the -2" model is a perfect position for the single rider.  I can very easily see over the top with no bothersome turbulence, or raise the windshield to avoid any rain or bothersome bug from hitting you.

Cons:
Like any windshield you need to clean it very carefully, or you will scratch it.

Bottom Line:
Although we chose the -2" Parabellum Windshield, it actually blocks the wind better then the OEM windshield. I love to ride by myself and this windshield works perfect for that purpose.

You have to remember if you ride two up, go with the stock size or the 2"+ windshield. Your passenger will thank you for doing so.

Bottom line, I would highly recommend taking a close look at a Parabellum Windshield when you plan on replacing that cumbersome stock windshield on your BMW. With the reasonable cost of this windshield, you could replace it with a new one each season, and experiment with tint or different sizes.



Contact Info:
 
Web Site:
 
Parabellum Ltd.
82 Spring Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
 
Phone:
706-864-8051
 
Fax:
(706) 864-5770
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