Here's how my cards fell...
First off, the needed bolt is a M6x1.00. I went to Lowes and found two new bolts of M6x1.00x25. I then also found some plastic spacers 5/8 x 1/4 x 3/8. I tried to get two spacers stuffed between the brackets (which would have raised the bottom by 3/4" and would have required screws of M6x1.00x30); however, it just wasn't going to happen. I think a 5/8" spacer would have been doable; however, I wasn't eager to go back to Lowes. So, I inserted one 3/8" spacer under each bolt.
From a distance, one would never know the modification occured. But, I can now easily get my hand under the bottom part of the screen. Not altering the bike looks was pretty important to me. And the ease of getting the bugs cleaned around the bracket now was worth the mod in itself (I'm a bit anal about keeping my bike clean).
Went for a test ride and WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! In the full down position, the ride is substantially smoother albeit with more air. But, it's summer and I like getting all the air I can! In the full up position, just a touch of buffeting; however, it's a 100% improvement in my book. I honestly was amazed at how smooth everything became. I used to brace myself when going past an 18wheeler on the interstate -- now it just slices through. SHHHAAWWEEET!
So, I guess you guys can say "I told you so". I should have done this mod last year. Don't get me wrong, I'd still like to get a new screen; however, this $3 mod will more then appease me for some time.
But now begs the question, why doesn't Yamaha just do this from the factory? Surely their engineers know that tilting that screen back just alittle bit more makes a vast improvement in rider comfort. Only thing I can figure is that the modelers demanded the screen match the lines of the nose. But, still, I can't believe the looks on something so slight would over-rule such a big improvement in rider comfort. Silly!
And if you don't like it, experiment with adding more spacers or removing some. I used several thick washers for my spacers.
