Thinking back, I've only had ONE motorcycle that I rode any distance without a windshield, and I'd NEVER do that again. I used a face shield but I didn't take very many trips with that bike.

In addition to the obvious protection from the wind ,rain, cold, bugs and rocks that a windshield provides another consideration is that and is also reduces chest pressure and possible muscle strain to your lower back and you'll feel much more relaxed when you arrive at your destination.

 

I have a 2012 RKC. I think windshields just don't look cool. I'm 67 and cool is important to me. One day I was sitting in traffic and looked at myself in the store window next to me. I put the windshield back on and have not taken it off. Apparently not only did my wife marry the fun out of me but also the cool. I blame her for the whole mess that is now me.....being married also drove me to serious drinking and binge eating!

 

Comes down to better ride or looking cool. Windshield goes a long way to making a long ride better.

 

Take your RK on a shorter trip with the w'shield in place. Check for buffetting at various speeds.
I have a w'shield for my Dyna. Used it once. The slipstream hits me right in the eyes. Without the w'shield the air stream is smoother, causing a lot less fatigue for me.
What I'm saying is you need to perform a "shakedown" run, before the trip.

 

4-5 hour ride is all? I wouldn't use a windshield that's just a Saturday cruise

 

Nothing like catching a june bug in the middle of your forehead at 65 mph.

 

I like the looks of the RK better with the shield on especially when cut down a few inches. Just seems to fit with the over all style. Now if you start changing things all up with apes and 21" front wheels etc then that's different...

 

I definitely enjoy a ride without the windshield, but if it's going to be a couple hours, especially on the interstate, I'll put the plexi in front of me. I went out one day in the summer without the shield, and I had a textile/mesh jacket on. I never did get all the bug stains out of that one. So that's another consideration.

 

If you plan on traveling at 65 or 75 mph for more then 3 hour it will definitely save your neck muscles . Just make sure it’s just high enough to see over so it does the right job.

 

I was anti bags and windshield until I hit my 40's. I put a detachable windshield on my FB in 2012, and it only came off for short rides. Now that I have a bike with a fairing, I could never go back. I still have a stripped down bike for short rides, but on longer rides, having protection from the wind really helps. When you do a lot of highway riding it amplifies the need for wind protection.