Windshield vs No Windshield

Windshield vs No Windshield

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a windshield? I have a 2005 Harley Sportster custom. I've ridden without one so far...but everyone says once you ride with one, you won't ride without it. Thanks!

Comments for
Windshield vs No Windshield

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 13, 2011

Windshield + Lowers
by: John B

Alot of bikes are different. On my Vstar 950, I had no windshield for awhile. The chest wind at highway speeds (75 speed limit here...but...you know) made me feel like I was hanging onto the handlebars for my life. Once I got the windshield, the head buffeting at highway speeds was unbareable. Felt like I was going to get shaken baby syndrome. It was really bad. Then I got some memphis shades lowers. Put those on and went for a ride on the highway. WOW what a huge difference. All that wind that was coming from below the windshield, around the tank and knee level area and up into my neck and head is gone now. I just have a small amount of wind that hits me coming from up over the top of the shield. I currently have a 17" shield but have ordered a 20.5" shield from the manufacturer. I have a Slipstreamer ss-30 classic windshield.

May 30, 2011

No Windshield for Me
by: Wanda

I rode with a windshield for the first time today just to try it out. It is a mixed bag. Yes, it kept some of the wind off my chest, and I can see how it might prevent fatigue on long rides; however, my face and chest were hotter. It feels stuffy sitting behind the windshield. I didn't notice any buffeting on my helmet which was good. My BMW G650 GS is a dual sport motorcycle and came with a short windscreen that barely sticks up above the instrument cluster. I prefer the shorter stock windscreen. I will take the wind. I wear a full-face helmet, an armored mesh jacket, and gloves, so I do not need a windshield to protect me from bugs. It is a personal preference sort of thing, and what works for one motorcycle might not be best for another. I recommend trying it for yourself to see what works best for your situation.

Apr 25, 2011

No Shield for Me
by: Anonymous

I've always hated the look of a windshield, but heard from a lot of riders than once I rode with one, I'd never ride without one. After buying the windshield, taking the time to mount it, then damn near having my eyes rattled out of my head from buffeting on a 10 minute ride, I added a set of lower deflectors, which apparently help for a lot of riders. Not for me. Same problem. Back to the message boards to find that lots of riders were playing trial and error with different shields and lowers. Luckily I kept the original box. It will be on Ebay as soon as I get the chance to pack it back up. Better to ride with some wind on my chest, than spend my free time on the internet and in the garage attaching stuff to the bike. AND the bike looks the way I want it. Yes, put me in the "if you want a windshield, drive the car" group.

Mar 16, 2011

Doesn't always help the way you think it would.
by: Anonymous

Getting the right shield and adjusting it properly can be a pain in the backside with a ton of trial and error, not to mention the expense of finally finding the right windshield. They do block the wind, but sometimes they create strange effects behind the windshield. Sometimes you need to add lower deflectors to avoid wind coming up from under the windshield and slamming you in the head. In my case that didn't even work. I got tired of installing and adjusting stuff, taking a 5 minute ride only to return home and make another adjustment. I removed the windshield and am once again a happy camper. Like someone else mentioned, if I want a windshield, I'll take the car.

Mar 14, 2010

Sounds Like a Bunch of Babies
by: Anonymous

It kind of defeats the purpose of riding a motorcycle. Get a car if you want a windshield.

May 27, 2009

windshield
by: kenberlyc

I love the way most bikes look without a windshield, but for safety and comfort reasons I have a windshield. They do shield against a lot of bugs, and bugs do hurt. They also block the wind which does make you more tired on long trips.

May 27, 2009

Love My Windshield
by: Ourika

My first bike came with a teeny, tiny windshield. I rode a Suzuki GZ250 for my first year. That windshield was small enough to keep some wind from my body, but it didn't block my face or anything. I was happy with it, but my new bike, a Virago 535 was so gorgeous that I didn't want to ruin the lines with a windshield. I rode it for a week and bought a windshield. Riding at faster speeds, I could feel the winds more, and I was more tired at the end of the ride. Who knows, maybe it was my imagination. I purchased a small windshield that is not meant for blocking my face (my husband's got a huge, touring bike windshield, but mine's a small one that just blocks my body and not my head). This does catch a lot of bugs, but it doesn't block my face from getting bugs. That's what my full face helmet is for! See Picture Here

May 26, 2009

Windshield
by: Anonymous

I had no windshield on my first bike and now have one and since I went from a 400 to a 750, I don't like the windshield at all. It actually feels less stable then the 400 was in the winds.

As for the bug comments, cmon - I have been riding for a year and only recall a few times that anything hit me hard enough to hurt at all.

May 26, 2009

Bugs vs Fewer Bugs
by: Jacee

I hope you're wearing a full-face helmet. Getting smacked in the face by bugs hurts. A windshield helps to keep bugs out of your face and off your face shield. To me, it's a safety issue - both because of bugs and feeling beat up by the wind.

May 26, 2009

Windshield vs No Windshield
by: Anonymous

To me it depends greatly on the type of bike I'm riding. I have a Harley Davidson Fat Boy and wouldn't put a windscreen on it if my life depended on it - I just love the feeling of riding this bike without a screen. Even in the middle of winter I don't have any issues.

My husband on the other hand rides a Suzuki V-Strom and riding that without a windshield is nasty.

Perhaps it's the riding position? cruiser vs dual sport?

May 26, 2009

Most I Have Talked to Vote for a Windshield
by: Rene L.

Hi,

I am a new rider. Have only had my bike a few months and have not yet gotten a windshield. However, I plan to get one as many experienced riders have told me that, particularly on long or windy rides, having a windshield can help to minimize the amount of fatigue one feels on the ride.

I can imagine this is true because I know that even in my limited experience, when I have been riding at higher speeds or on windy days (especially riding against the wind) it really feels like I am getting kind of beaten up by the force of the wind.

Hope this helps. Oh, I was also told that I should make sure to get a good quality windshield.

Paz,
Ren'e

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask (or answer) a Question