Why are windshields uncool?
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
Nice thread revival!
I've never liked them as far back as I can remember. They just remind me of the cop bikes of the 50s and the Elvis dressers of the same era. Now SG fairings, love those. But it's a matter of taste and opinion like anything on a bike.
I've never liked them as far back as I can remember. They just remind me of the cop bikes of the 50s and the Elvis dressers of the same era. Now SG fairings, love those. But it's a matter of taste and opinion like anything on a bike.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 946
Likes: 29
From: my house
My 97 Dyna Convertible came with a "quick" detach windshield and saddlebags. I use the bags maybe 50% of the time. The windshield hasn't been on the bike this year at all, probably won't at all. Last year it was on the bike one time and even then it wasn't necessary. I find that the few benefits of a windshield don't make up for the major drawback of wind buffeting.
Plus, my bike flat out looks 10x better without the windshield. Yeah I said it, looks is a factor. Now I don't care if anyone else likes how my bike looks or not, the only person that I care about satisfying with the way the bike looks is myself. If I felt that the windshield really added a whole lot of benefit to me and the ride I might use it more, but the simple fact of the matter for me is that I really don't notice any extra fatigue riding all day without it.
I ain't a hater though, I don't think anyone is a sissy for rockin' a windshield full time.
Plus, my bike flat out looks 10x better without the windshield. Yeah I said it, looks is a factor. Now I don't care if anyone else likes how my bike looks or not, the only person that I care about satisfying with the way the bike looks is myself. If I felt that the windshield really added a whole lot of benefit to me and the ride I might use it more, but the simple fact of the matter for me is that I really don't notice any extra fatigue riding all day without it.
I ain't a hater though, I don't think anyone is a sissy for rockin' a windshield full time.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: IL
I'll chime on the zombie thread, why not.
To me certain bikes look ok with a windscreen and others really don't. Sportsters look terrible with them IMO.
Also, and this is just me, I can't stand the distortion when looking through them.
If I something to block wind, I'll buy a Street Glide
To me certain bikes look ok with a windscreen and others really don't. Sportsters look terrible with them IMO.
Also, and this is just me, I can't stand the distortion when looking through them.
If I something to block wind, I'll buy a Street Glide
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 474
Likes: 1
Took the shield off my Heritage today to ride. When I came home it went back on. Why? Because with it on I can enjoy the sound of my pipes and engine vs just being deafened by wind noise. Still get enough wind with the shield on to enjoy it.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: USA
My deluxe came with a shield. Took it off when I bought it and it rode home in the truck while I rode bike home. Shield went from truck to garage and that's where it will stay. Would probably take a while to get it out from behind the junk that has accumulated in front of it. I have always though they looked horrible and the wind doesn't bother me. If bugs are bad or it's raining that's what the bandana is for.
My brother won't go anywhere with out his. If you like them use them if not put it in the garage and let **** pile up in front of them
My brother won't go anywhere with out his. If you like them use them if not put it in the garage and let **** pile up in front of them
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I know and understand the benefits of having windshields. To me, it has nothing to do with being cool or uncool, it's about personal preference, to each their own. As for me, I choose not to use one and all I have to do is just lean back on my back rest and enjoy the ride.