Why do some people hate windshields?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
No thanks
Each to their own, and sometimes there are reasons other than the look why a windshield is used.
But they're aren't for me and I never use the one on my RKC. I like the wind and accept the bugs and rain, I tour fastish (around 80/85mph) and can cover a lot of ground in a day. I have shoulder problems generally (dislocations a couple of times a year from kayaking - painful) but never any pain on the bikes and have always ducked under birds and stuff (except once at night when I hit a large owl with my chest).
I did try the screen with the RKC but the buffeting was spoiling it for me as well as losing me a little confidence in the handling and visibility.
Now you know.
But they're aren't for me and I never use the one on my RKC. I like the wind and accept the bugs and rain, I tour fastish (around 80/85mph) and can cover a lot of ground in a day. I have shoulder problems generally (dislocations a couple of times a year from kayaking - painful) but never any pain on the bikes and have always ducked under birds and stuff (except once at night when I hit a large owl with my chest).
I did try the screen with the RKC but the buffeting was spoiling it for me as well as losing me a little confidence in the handling and visibility.
Now you know.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Punta Cana
I don´t have it because of just an aesthetich reason. But when you ride long distances is a great idea. After 300 miles with wind in your chest, you can´t hold a glass of water with your arms. Instead I have crash bars for protect my legs.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 1
From: Little Apple, Iowa, U.S.S.A.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo, CA / Salt Lake City, UT
Hate is too strong but putting a windshield on a Sporty or a V-Rod (to me) doesn't look right. I ride the freeways to work in So. Cal which often hits 90 MPH, but I guess I'm small enough that the wind isn't that big of a problem? I like the feel of the wind. Just my two cents.
Lisa
Lisa
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
I read posts from a couple of guys that think that with a shield you can't see what's within 30-50 feet in front of your bike. I had never given it much thought so I checked it out this afternoon. Looking through a stock HD windshield there was no obstructed view looking over or through the windshield. The hardware does block the view immediately under the wheel, but if you're looking there for a problem, it's already too late. You need to be looking as far ahead as you can for debris and traffic changes. Watching what is 10 feet in front of the bike is why so many new guys run into the back of cars.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
with a helmet on, I did't like the buffering the stock shield had.
This past winter I cut about 2 3/in off, when I sit on it now the line of view is about 35-40ft in front of the bike. Sitting up real straight its abut 15ft.
now my 07 shield is about the same height as the 09's and it has helped the buffering.
I get little a lot less buffering without the helmet on. In Ind, we don't have to wear one, and I usually don't..
but early evening & night riding here with all the farm fields, the bugs are really bad and a shield is needed.
This past winter I cut about 2 3/in off, when I sit on it now the line of view is about 35-40ft in front of the bike. Sitting up real straight its abut 15ft.
now my 07 shield is about the same height as the 09's and it has helped the buffering.
I get little a lot less buffering without the helmet on. In Ind, we don't have to wear one, and I usually don't..
but early evening & night riding here with all the farm fields, the bugs are really bad and a shield is needed.