Rider Backrest vs. Windshield
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
I agree, riding any distance anymore without the shield just aint gonna happen. I'm 63 and comfort is where I'm at, my shield and my flaps and I'm good to go
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
I had a back rest on my 03 gold wing and it could be adjusted to work very well but if I had to pick only one I'd go with the shield. The shield not only protects against the wind but helps in the rain and I can't tell you how many times it has protected against rocks and big bugs. I have the Harley shield and can remove it easily. I've never noticed any buffeting.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
After about 7 hours at 80+ MPH, I couldn't care less about how a backrest or windshield looks on my bike. But that's just me. I put thousands of interstate miles on an FXR and the most enjoyable ones were behind my detachable windshield, leaning back against a tbag on the passengers seat, my feet on forward controls and earplugs in my ears. I could ride from gas stop to gas stop like sitting in a recliner and not even have to get off to fill the tank.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
As was mentioned, windshields protect you from a lot more than just wind. Rain, cold, rocks, bugs and anything that may fly up and bean you. Backrests just add some comfort. Both works best, but if all your getting is one, I opted for the windshield.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,641
Likes: 1,985
From: Cleveland Zoo
Mike
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: NoVa
After about 7 hours at 80+ MPH, I couldn't care less about how a backrest or windshield looks on my bike. But that's just me. I put thousands of interstate miles on an FXR and the most enjoyable ones were behind my detachable windshield, leaning back against a tbag on the passengers seat, my feet on forward controls and earplugs in my ears. I could ride from gas stop to gas stop like sitting in a recliner and not even have to get off to fill the tank.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Krum, TX
That's exactly me as well. For me, the windshield is most important and something for the back a really, really close second. Then I can do 160-175 miles between gas all day long on my Sundowner seat. Have a Mustang that I'll be trying come spring to see if my butt gets the same kind of mileage.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,199
Likes: 7,743
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
I have a Spitfire removable windshield on mine...it's very small, the top of it is below my line of sight..so it doesn't interfere with my sight....a complaint I frequently see from otheres about windshields. I still get a bit of breeze in my face, yet the low windshield takes the heavy blow from your body.
Goes on and off easily....quickly. 2x large wingnut like screws...takes about 18 seconds to take off or put on.
Goes on and off easily....quickly. 2x large wingnut like screws...takes about 18 seconds to take off or put on.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
Get one the right size (the top edge higher than your chin, but short enough that you look over the top) and you'll be fine. The one that works may not be the prettiest one you see, but you have to decide for yourself whether form or function is the most important factor.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 37
From: SW, FL
I have both a detachable windshield and a removable backrest and would not do a trip longer than 100 miles without either one. If I had to choose just one, it would be easy: the windshield. As already stated in this thread, the windshield protects you and reduces fatigue. The backrest adds comfort is all.
By the way, I do not experience buffeting. Nice loose grip and grin on face is preferred riding position.
By the way, I do not experience buffeting. Nice loose grip and grin on face is preferred riding position.
