Riding without a windshield
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 116
From: Vancouver BC and Palm Desert CA
Riding without a windshield
I got my 14 RK this week and immediately sent the windscreen out to have it cut down by 2.5 inches so I can see through it. The stock windshield top was at eye level and was driving me nuts as I squirmed around trying to look either through it or over it.
Yesterday was a nice day so I took the King out for about a 250 km ride of which about 100 was on the highway. I have never ridden a cruiser bike at highway speeds without a windshield and I hated it. I used to ride cafe racers with mini or no windshields and they seemed OK but the combination of the cruiser riding position and my advanced years made a big difference. The constant wind buffet is not the worst issue what I really hated was when I was in "bad air' behind or next to a truck. Also the amount of grit and bugs hitting my face was surprising (open face helmet) and unless I really cinched down the helmet it tended to lift and almost strangle me.
I suspect on this bagger forum most people use "wimp shields" at least at highway speeds but I would be interested to know if there are lots of diehards out there who ride without a screen all the time.
Yesterday was a nice day so I took the King out for about a 250 km ride of which about 100 was on the highway. I have never ridden a cruiser bike at highway speeds without a windshield and I hated it. I used to ride cafe racers with mini or no windshields and they seemed OK but the combination of the cruiser riding position and my advanced years made a big difference. The constant wind buffet is not the worst issue what I really hated was when I was in "bad air' behind or next to a truck. Also the amount of grit and bugs hitting my face was surprising (open face helmet) and unless I really cinched down the helmet it tended to lift and almost strangle me.
I suspect on this bagger forum most people use "wimp shields" at least at highway speeds but I would be interested to know if there are lots of diehards out there who ride without a screen all the time.
Moderator
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 107,687
Likes: 20,116
From: Ft. Worth, TX
I always have one on at highway speeds, too many rocks, big *** grasshoppers and cigarette butts coming at you. Besides I really miss my windshield bag where I put my phone and sunglasses. Around town, I could be without it but I pretty much leave it on.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 389
Likes: 3
From: Third Coast TX
I run with mine off occasionally (2014 FLHR)...I will say at 70-80mph it feels like if I let go of the bars, I'll be blown off the bike.
I wear a fullface modular 100% of the time, it helps with bugs & debris.
I wear a fullface modular 100% of the time, it helps with bugs & debris.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 763
Likes: 7
From: New Hampshire
Took my windsheild off last week went right back on
Too much crap hitting me when riding and too much work at highway speeds
Like helmets it's a personal preference - I will be riding with my windshield
Too much crap hitting me when riding and too much work at highway speeds
Like helmets it's a personal preference - I will be riding with my windshield
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 75
Likes: 7
From: Nashville
I took my windshield off about two weeks ago for nice weather riding. I put it back on as it made such a differance when out riding. Protected from the wind, including breathing easier and of course the bugs as others stated.
HOGan
HOGan
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
I use a windshield. It helps keep the bugs out of my teeth. Just traded in my 2012 Street Bob for a 2014 SGS and even that is taking some getting used to since the Bob had a full shield. I traded out the 4" stock shield on the SGS for a 7" WindSplitter and it seems about right. I ride some with a half-helmet but when I wear my Shoei GT-AIR the 7" shield hits the vent on the helmet perfectly.
Last edited by martinjd; May 3, 2014 at 10:17 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I take mine off when it's warm out and love it. When I'm going on long rides on the highways then it's back on. One of the things I love about a King.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 6
From: Issaquah
Guess I am odd man out. I took it off for the test ride and took it off as they rolled it into the garage when I took delivery. I have NEVER ridden a road king with the windshield. I may put it on for a long ride... not sure yet. I feel the windscreen detracts from the experience, it was one of the reasons I got rid of my SG. It didn't feel right..... There is a lot of wind at 70+ but I try to stay off the freeway for long periods. There is always a back way.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 5
From: Cleveland, OH
I think any bike looks 100 times better without it on. Having said that, having the air pressure of your chest and elements blocked makes for a much more enjoyable day, especially on the longer hauls. I always took mine of my FLD cruising around town on hot days. But on the highway or colder days I never left home without it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
Never had a bike with a shield till last year, I bought the bike and rode it home without the shield and loved the ride. One day I put it on for fun and hated it, off it went. couple weeks later tried it again and hated it but this time left it on a little longer thinking I may get used to it and like it. I got used to the shield and now I hate riding without it. Its funny to me that I used to like the wind whistling thru my ears and my body getting beat on. I get just the right amount of wind in my face with the Road King shield and when I pass riders on the freeway without one, they look as if they hate the ride and are looking for that next exit.