Why do some people hate windshields?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 3
From: Southern Ohio
For me, not havin a shield was never 'bout looks...I just preferred the wind. That all changed 'bout 3 1/2 years ago when I blew a disc in my neck. After that surgery, I couldn't take the prolonged wind pressure even when wearin just a skid lid...amazin the amount of drag created by even the smallest of helmets. I can ride a good distance without the shield as long as I'm in a helmet-free state...so, I tend to pop the shield off when I get to where I can leave it in the room if I'm in such a state and gonna be hangin in that spot for a day or two...and, then pop it back on when I have to move on down the road. It's not my preference, but age tends to do that kinda thing to some of us...well...apparently 'cept for that perpetually youthful Night Train guy...I'm beginnin to not like him very much. 
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I suppose they're fine for the long trips...but I prefer without. It messes with the look of the bike and I like the way the wind feels. Besides if your not getting smacked in the face by the occasional june bug, then your just not riding.
Madame Moderator
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 25,140
Likes: 12
From: The Peach State
You masochists just keep doing your thing. 
Last edited by GeorgiaGirl; Jun 25, 2009 at 09:21 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas area
I don't hate them, but I prefer without.
I rode about 400 miles on Saturday. It was my first time out with the local HOG group. There were about 23 bikes, and I was the only one without a windshield.
I got the condescending comments all day long. "Ha, ha, ha... that must suck without a windshield!" "Oh, I bet after today you're going straight to the dealer to buy a windshield." Ummm, nope. I have one. It sits in the garage, but thanks.
The morning was pretty nice weather. 80's light wind. After lunch we hit a thunderstorm. Rain and hail that lasted about 30-40 miles. Then it got very hot and windy as we made it back into the valley. Same ol', same ol'.
I don't think it makes you macho to ride without a windshield, but neither do I think that a windshield makes you magically capable of longer rides than someone without.
I rode about 400 miles on Saturday. It was my first time out with the local HOG group. There were about 23 bikes, and I was the only one without a windshield.
I got the condescending comments all day long. "Ha, ha, ha... that must suck without a windshield!" "Oh, I bet after today you're going straight to the dealer to buy a windshield." Ummm, nope. I have one. It sits in the garage, but thanks.
The morning was pretty nice weather. 80's light wind. After lunch we hit a thunderstorm. Rain and hail that lasted about 30-40 miles. Then it got very hot and windy as we made it back into the valley. Same ol', same ol'.
I don't think it makes you macho to ride without a windshield, but neither do I think that a windshield makes you magically capable of longer rides than someone without.
Madame Moderator
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 25,140
Likes: 12
From: The Peach State
Like similar frequent discussions on here: Just do what makes YOU happy and don't be concerned what anyone else thinks. Just ride. 
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 998
Likes: 1
From: Durham, NC
My sportster didn't have one, and I wouldn't have put one on it, just didn't like the look. My Fat Boy has one, I don't mind the way it looks, but think it looks better without. That being said, I leave it on most of the time, cause I am to lazy to take it off. I was surprised though, at the difference in having one vs not, in the amount of wind that your body has to absorb without.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 791
Likes: 36
From: Edmonton, AB