Windshield On or Off? - Page 2

OldSchool · 05-04-2016, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by degreaser

I am thinking of removing my windshield, good idea? or bad idea. Anyone ride without a windshield and like it?

Take a guess at which is the easiest way to find out.

**cnc** · 05-04-2016, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldSchool

Take a guess at which is the easiest way to find out.

Now that is probably the best response to the question.

cactusjack · 05-04-2016, 01:45 PM

I rode a Sportster from Orange County CA to Salt Lake City UT when I got discharged from the Marines in 1980. That's the last time I rode a street bike with no windshield.

carpeviam · 05-04-2016, 10:25 PM

I take my windshield off during the summer, but my commute is all surface streets. I need all the wind I can get between lights to stay cool some days. However, after reading these posts, I'm thinking I want to have it on when I make my first road trip this summer.

warrbucks222 · 05-04-2016, 10:42 PM

Been riding 45 years. Knowledge + experience = wisdom. Use a windshield. 1st 2 bikes, no windshield. 2x6 inch piece of truck rubber kicked up & hit me in the collarbone causing me to almost lay the bike down on the highway. I decided a full face helmet is a must after that and seeing a guy whose face hit pavement at 60mph - what face? T
Third bike discovered a small windshield greatly improved ride comfort without any sacrifices. Easier to sit long trips. No stpnes, bugs or truck rubber spooling things. Only didn't like it fogging up at night.
Vulcan windshield is big. Nice shelter in cold and rain. I learned that lowering it to eye level let's me see more clearly over it, but airflow still fully protects me from elements. I can sit back a little to get below it if I choose, with very little siting adjustment. Big Nomad shield sure slows it down with wind resistance, impacting mileage. I've considered a quick release bracket ( not worth 500 bucks), but the best solution would be a slightly narrower, maybe contoured windshield if I ever need to replace it. Many impact marks confirm my belief that the shield is a good thing, even with a G I'll face helmet. Ride more and longer

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Navigator · 05-05-2016, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I rode a Sportster from Orange County CA to Salt Lake City UT when I got discharged from the Marines in 1980. That's the last time I rode a street bike with no windshield.

I rode my 1965 Yamaha 250 home to Sacramento from San Diego Navy boot camp back 1968. I used to ride that thing all over California with no windscreen and sometimes no sun glasses. At 18 years we shrug off discomfort and do some goofy things. A bumble bee hit in the forehead one time felt like a .22 round.

I rode my 2002 HD Super Glide with the windscreen off the other day and as the bugs and road grit pelted me in the face, recalled why a windscreen is an essential accessory. I see Harley riders without windscreens around here all the time though.

**Top Cat** · 05-05-2016, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navigator

I see Harley riders without windscreens around here all the time though.

Harley riders are a much tougher bunch.
I see them around here in short sleeve shirts and vests in 45 degree weather.
Also no windshield and a beanie helmet.

Sent from my HP laptop

**cnc** · 05-05-2016, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Harley riders are a much tougher bunch.
I see them around here in short sleeve shirts and vests in 45 degree weather.
Also no windshield and a beanie helmet.

Sent from my HP laptop

I agree Tim, I often see Harley riders dressed in Harley T shirts and crocs in the winter at Walmart, at least I assume they have Harley's when I see them get in a pick-um-up truck with a big Harley decal covering the back window.

warrbucks222 · 05-05-2016, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnc

I agree Tim, I often see Harley riders dressed in Harley T shirts and crocs in the winter at Walmart, at least I assume they have Harley's when I see them get in a pick-um-up truck with a big Harley decal covering the back window.

Must be brain damage from earlier wrecks. Anyone who rides enough eventually puts one down. Then they quit riding in tank tops, shorts & flip flops. Survival of the fittest.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

hoodooman · 05-06-2016, 02:08 PM

I rode for 15 years without windshields. I can attest to the tiredness comment after riding any considerable distance. The wind pounding your chest can get very tiresome. My 05 Classic is the first bike I've had with a fairing and I can ride all day long and not be tired! I still always wear a full face though.

**Beetrucker** · 05-07-2016, 09:55 AM

I did one week long ride with out a windshield. Ordered one the day I got back. Bug and bird hits aside the wind shear will cut your daily ride time back from hanging on all the time.

Peg · 05-07-2016, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Harley riders are a much tougher bunch.
I see them around here in short sleeve shirts and vests in 45 degree weather.
Also no windshield and a beanie helmet.

Sent from my HP laptop

Subtle Tim... very subtle.

Sent from my tired old desktop using Chrome

tony · 05-07-2016, 11:07 PM

when i was young i didn't want a windshield but now that ive picked enough bug wings out of the pores of my skin, im all about windshields!

**jlreeves** · 05-08-2016, 09:47 AM

I have had these guys hit me on bikes both with and without a windshield. I must say I prefer WITH. Cicada Killer wasp.

**JD Hog** · 05-08-2016, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlreeves

I have had these guys hit me on bikes both with and without a windshield. I must say I prefer WITH. Cicada Killer wasp.

OUCH

05-04-2016, 01:45 PM	#18
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	I rode a Sportster from Orange County CA to Salt Lake City UT when I got discharged from the Marines in 1980. That's the last time I rode a street bike with no windshield. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17 Last edited by cactusjack; 05-04-2016 at 01:50 PM.
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05-04-2016, 10:25 PM	#19
carpeviam Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: SW Chicago Suburbs Posts: 55	I take my windshield off during the summer, but my commute is all surface streets. I need all the wind I can get between lights to stay cool some days. However, after reading these posts, I'm thinking I want to have it on when I make my first road trip this summer. __________________
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05-04-2016, 10:42 PM	#20
warrbucks222 Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 119	Been riding 45 years. Knowledge + experience = wisdom. Use a windshield. 1st 2 bikes, no windshield. 2x6 inch piece of truck rubber kicked up & hit me in the collarbone causing me to almost lay the bike down on the highway. I decided a full face helmet is a must after that and seeing a guy whose face hit pavement at 60mph - what face? T Third bike discovered a small windshield greatly improved ride comfort without any sacrifices. Easier to sit long trips. No stpnes, bugs or truck rubber spooling things. Only didn't like it fogging up at night. Vulcan windshield is big. Nice shelter in cold and rain. I learned that lowering it to eye level let's me see more clearly over it, but airflow still fully protects me from elements. I can sit back a little to get below it if I choose, with very little siting adjustment. Big Nomad shield sure slows it down with wind resistance, impacting mileage. I've considered a quick release bracket ( not worth 500 bucks), but the best solution would be a slightly narrower, maybe contoured windshield if I ever need to replace it. Many impact marks confirm my belief that the shield is a good thing, even with a G I'll face helmet. Ride more and longer Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

05-06-2016, 02:08 PM	#25
hoodooman Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Posts: 110	I rode for 15 years without windshields. I can attest to the tiredness comment after riding any considerable distance. The wind pounding your chest can get very tiresome. My 05 Classic is the first bike I've had with a fairing and I can ride all day long and not be tired! I still always wear a full face though. __________________ 05 1600 Classic Viking hard bags Cobra fatty highway bar Cobra long shots thetrailerstore ebay fairing LRS recurve shield Yaffe 10" mini bagger apes
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05-07-2016, 11:07 PM	#28
tony Jr. Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Raleigh nc Posts: 37	when i was young i didn't want a windshield but now that ive picked enough bug wings out of the pores of my skin, im all about windshields! __________________ 2007 nomad 1600
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05-07-2016, 09:55 AM	#26
Beetrucker Join Date: May 2016 Location: Central Pa Posts: 41	I did one week long ride with out a windshield. Ordered one the day I got back. Bug and bird hits aside the wind shear will cut your daily ride time back from hanging on all the time.
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