I have never owned a fairing bike before. I rode naked cafe racers in my youth and since returning to riding about five years ago I have ridden cruisers with windshields.

Now my stable is a 2014 FHLR in Vancouver and a 2012 FHLX in California. In the summer I did a long trip on the FHLR and despite it being August encountered cold and rain in the Rockies. After some deliberation I put on a Memphis Shades Batwing but really didn't have much time to try it out before putting the bike away for the winter and coming to to SoCal were I traded a Victory Cross Roads (Road King equivalent) for a Street Glide.

The 6 inch shield on the bike was pretty low for me so today I replaced with a Long Ride 8" shield (woohoo for their big discount promo) and went for a 200 mile ride.

What a difference - the shield is perfect height for me. I can see over the top quite easily and the wind buffeting and noise has reduced dramatically. I never knew you could be so insulated from the elements on a motorcycle. I can see long rides being more enjoyable and less tiring for this senior citizen!

Under about 60 mph riding my bike barely qualifies as an outdoor sport and above 65 mph there is some minor helmet buffeting but not very much,

I am a happy camper!

 

I'm like you. I never use to use a windshield let alone a fairing in the days of my youth. As I got older I grew to appreciate the calm behind the plastic.Anymore I don't enjoy rides over 65 MPH without the plastic in front of me.

 

Since I officially became old at 50 I bought my first faring bike, an EG Standard that I turned into my custom cruiser, I love it, riding behind the faring listening to my tunes, life is good

 

On my Vulcan 750, with a small Hellfire Windshield I used to be frozen under 45 degrees. Now with a Batwing, I am good at 37 degrees.

 

I agree with everything but one of the best parts is that you can sit normally and not hang on. No stress on your core fighting the wind, you can sit back and relax. I only take my shield of for very short trips around town when its really hot out. No bugs, no whistling ears and its also better for the passenger.

 

live and learn.
Now its time to try the HD fork mounted wind deflectors. some call'em 'fangs'. Eliminates head buffeting. Nice H-D accessory.

 

I agree to a point..A roadking with a shield is by far the best touring bike out there. I know that guys will tell you that a street glide is better but they are just to pissed to tell you that the wind buffeting is a nightmare! 14? nah that's the same old crap that little vent is BS. Any bike with a good ol Memphis shades shield or something like it is the best bet But you know what they say about opinions...

 

I've been riding Harleys for over 50 years & in 2007 bought my first bike with a fairing & now own a 2011 RG, so I know what you're talking about.

 

It sure helps make a long ride easier not being beat up by the wind and bugs.

 

It's why I put a Reckless Fairing on my Road King. Around town I strip it off and enjoy the breeze. Hitting the hwy. I put it and my tourpak on and LIFE is good.

Except I won't be able to do it for another 6 months because of all the friggin snow up here.

Grrr