No Windshield?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
I see a ton of pictures on here of people without a windshield and I just wonder, am I missing something? I have a windvest on my 01 Dyna and I took it off once because it looks so much nicer w/o one. I just did a short ride to the store (10 miles) and I felt the whole time I was about to be blown off the bike, the wind was killing me. Is it just something you get used to?
Basically i could not live without it unless riding in the city all day, and how much fun is that?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
I'm an "old school" guy who came up on nekked bikes, so I'll probably never have a windshield. Tried 'em a few times, and thought that they created more problems than they solved. Took the windshield off the last bike I purchased. Much improved in regards to comfort, and also the "fun factor".
Maybe I'll feel differently when I'm 110 years old or so.
Maybe I'll feel differently when I'm 110 years old or so.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 475
Likes: 55
From: SC
I always said I would never put a windshield on my bike and then after a few long rides the wind got harder to deal with, well, first ride with the HD quick detachable I was riding back towards town from the coast and caught a bat on the windshield, well, the bike doesn't look as cool with the windshield but my grill is still intact, for now anyway.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 141
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
No windshield on my wg. I would have one if it wasn't for my fiancé. But she hates the look and I agree with her and at 22 I'm still young haha I'll just pick bugs of my face. The wind doesn't bother me though
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
I use the windshield when it is cold because it makes for a warmer, more comfortable ride, when it is raining because I don't like feeling like I am being peppered by pea gravel, or I am heading down the freeway because some of the road debris flying up around here can really hurt......other than that, it is off and put away.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 9
From: Williamsport, MD
if you have a back rest that's better than a windshield, at highway speeds just constantly trying to hold on to the bars against the wind can be tiring on the arms, but a back rest will hold you up.
a sport windshield reduces drag a bit and can improve mileage.
I still some more time with my bike to determine if I like it better with or without the shield, it's a totally different ride between the 2.
a sport windshield reduces drag a bit and can improve mileage.
I still some more time with my bike to determine if I like it better with or without the shield, it's a totally different ride between the 2.
Last edited by LunaticFringe; Jan 5, 2015 at 09:00 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Never had a windshield but the wind can be brutal on the highway with 14" apes. I'm thinking about picking up a detachable one that clamps onto the forks for cold or rainy days or long highway rides.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 21,413
Likes: 18,030
Love my Memphis Shades fairing. Comes in 3 sizes: cafe, gauntlet, batwing. They are detachable and all use same hardware
Last edited by user 7172984932; Jan 6, 2015 at 01:01 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 460
Likes: 20
From: Manitoba, Canada
I have ridden with and without. Now, at age 65, there is no doubt that comfort comes first!!! But then again I am putting a sidecar on an FXD so I can ride with my dog so my "taste" is in question any way! LOL!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 979
Likes: 83
From: S.W. Oregon
I use a 14" quick release, but it stays on my bike all the time. Without a windshield riding into a headwind just wears me out. I also don't like all the flying crap when passing a truck that they kick up on the road. Your style of helmet plays a big role in how much head buffeting you get. I wear a full face now.