EDIT: The shield is lowered now, pic posted lower down.


I've had my Sporty XL1200C, my first bike, for 3 weeks. I put 700 miles on so far, which I'm kinda proud of, including about 50 miles of highway. I found the wind at 60 & up to be a little unpleasant, so I figured I'd get a windshield.

Being a noob and all, I figured I'd slap on the windshield, and then I could do 70 and it would feel like being in my car. Ha ha, just kidding. I didn't know exactly what to expect, but I figured it would be a world of difference.

I took a 30 mile ride tonight with the shield for the first time. As soon as I hit 45mph I was like "It's going back!" I only was able to get up to 55 on county roads, and the results were...meh. For non-highway rides, the wind in the face rules. I really didn't like the effect.

Oh, I got the HD Super Sport QR shield (57838-08). It's around 17"W x 23"H.


I guess I have to reserve judgment until I try it on the highway, but it didn't block the wind near as much as I thought it would. I initially had it set all the way up. I stopped mid-ride and lowered it down an inch, and that seemed to improve my helmet from being hit as much.


I'll probably keep it, but I don't think it'll be on a lot, which is why I'm glad I got QR.


What's your take on windshields?

 

Windshields, fairings, hand protectors and foot protectors are not for me. I ride a motorcycle to ride a motorcycle not try to get as close to being inside my car as possible. I like to feel the wind in my face and my pants beating against my legs that's what it's all about to me I like the whole experience not just part of it.

 

I am with this guy. I wear a full face on long trips because of gravel and such but for the most part I just rough it. I had a windsheild on when I first got it because somebody insisted I would like it. $600 I'm never getting back...

 

I understand where you guys are coming from. This is actually why I got a Sporty, because it seemed to be a little rough around the edges to me, in a good way. Fortunately the shield was sub $300 and there's always eBay. But I'm going to spend a little time with it in different conditions first.


So you guys hit the highway at full speed without shields? I guess that would take some getting used to.

 

I like the wind, it makes me feel how fast I am going. Long rides it can get tiring. But 1-2 hours, I love it. I don't see the point in riding a bike with a shield unless you're doing long distance touring. I want to feel like I'm riding a motorcycle. Then I wouldn't bother with a sporty anyways, I'd get something more cushy. I like my sporty cuz it's mean, lean, and slaps bugs in my teeth. If I got a windscreen I'd need to find another source of protein.

 

I cruise the freeway at 80 for an hour, no problem. I'm not riding around with ape hangers though sucking wind into my chest like a parachute.

Do whatever you like and don't care what others think. You like your screen? Use your screen. You don't like it, don't use it. You like it for long rides only? Slap it on once in a while.

 

sheesh that thing is up high!

My windshield sits about a 1/4in above my headlight housing.

 

I lowered it after taking that pic, it's a lot better.

 

I've bought two bikes over the years with windshields and took them off both, just didn't like the feeling of riding in my motorcycle rather than on it.
A good fitting full face helmet and I can ride all day at freeway speeds and enjoy being out in the wind.

 

I really like my windshield. I never leave home with out it.