Trying to get ready for my first semi long road trip. Long Island to Lake George. I have owned my bike, a 2002 Road King Classic, for 3 years but have never used the detachable windshield. My buddy suggested i attach it for the ride. What do you all say? I understand for the bugs, but I myself love the wind in my face. Is a 4-5 hour ride too much wind in my face? I am also interested if anyone knows of a backpack that will fit the windshield? I was thinking of buying the hd windshield storage bag and attaching arm straps to it. Only issues i'm thinking may occur would be the bag would fall apart or the bag on my back would cause crazy wind drag. Any feedback is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks

BTW- the windshield is 22", meaning 22" above the headlight

 

Less wind burn, wind noise, and you won't feel as beat up after 4-5 hours.
Backpack mounted on it is probably too much weight...might crack the windshield.

 

I guess I'm old school because if I want a windshield in front of me, I'll get in my car. Being on a bike, TO ME, is about being in the wind. Sure, strong winds suck but that, bugs and rocks are part of it. It's like cooking and complaining about the heat.

 

I use a shield on long freeway rides or longer trips
Say 45min or more. Short trips or around town,
I don’t use it. I love the open feeling without it,but
Love the shield to keep the wind and bugs off me
On longer trips.

 

You will be happy you did use the windshield. Cuts way down on wearing on you. You can always leave the windsheild at the hotel/campsite if you are day riding from your destination.

You have a Road King, why would you want to attach anything to your windshield or put a pack on your back? Strap it to the seat behind you or get a luggage rack or Tour Pak.

 

You'll definitely want a windshield for a 4-5 hour ride.

I suggest you bungee cord your backpack to the seat. The H-D windshield bag is useful but it only holds small stuff like sun glasses, phone, etc.

 

I rode bikes without windshields in my youth. Windblast either gets too cold or too hot and causes fatigue, dehydration and hearing loss. Headwinds means you hold on for dear life. Once you sit behind a shield you never go back.
And yes the WS I have on my Dyna is a quick detach, just in case I want to ride naked.

 

 

Don't know how old you are, but when I was younger I never would have a bike with a shield. Nowadays I have a Road King and almost never remove the windshield. The wind just wears me down. On a trip like you're planning I wouldn't even consider leaving the shield home. Plus like another member here stated, you can always leave it off when you get to your destination.

 

Thank you all. I appreciate the feedback. I will most likely use it for the rides to and from but leave it in the room the rest of the week. I wasn't talking about a windshield pouch. I was talking about this bag: