Improving Airflow with 3D Printed Spacers
My 2011 Ducati 1200S Multistrada is a fun bike. But on the highway the wind noise and buffeting seemed a little extreme. I soon found dozens of other riders in online user groups complaining about the standard windscreen. Several had tried aftermarket alternatives with mediocre or disappointing results. Taller or wider windshields didn’t really seem to help. Curiously, ditching the windshield altogether in favor of a minimal “flyscreen” seemed to be one of the more effective solutions.
Then I came across the idea of using spacers to alter the position of the standard ‘shield. This seemed to make sense. Raising it up about 15mm would allow airflow underneath the windshield and reduce the turbulence created behind it. At the same time the spacers, being of unequal lengths, also increased the rake a bit. That was something my neck could appreciate. Being 6’ 4″ puts my helmet square in the blast zone at highway speeds!
Most of these spacers for the early Multi use longer screws to attach the windshield. I didn’t like the look of that so my OCD kicked in and I used threaded inserts that are heat set into the 3D printed spacers. This looks cleaner in my opinion as it retains the factory hardware. This video explains my method. Alternatively you could skip the inserts and just substitute longer screws and fender washers.
I created the spacers using Tinkercad, and also shared them on Thingaverse. Note that typical PLA filament does not withstand UV exposure very well. So be sure to print these using PETG with at least a 75% fill. Also note one mistake in the video: my mention of the threaded rod should state a length of 15mm.
Here’s everything you’ll need to complete this mod:
I’ve ridden the Multi about 3,000 miles now with the windshield spacers installed. The improvement is noticeable, especially on long trips. Less neck fatigue is probably the greatest improvement!
