Windshield??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 421
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
The real question you are trying to ask is - "is it worth eating bugs to look cool?"
Only you can answer that question. How badly do you want look cool? How many bugs are you willing to eat to achieve it?
As for me, I gave up bugs a long time ago...
Only you can answer that question. How badly do you want look cool? How many bugs are you willing to eat to achieve it?
As for me, I gave up bugs a long time ago...
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
Shouldn't affect you, being new. May actually be easier with it on. Less wind. I keep mine on for longer rides or nighttime when bugs abound. Around town I like to show off the lines of my bike so it's usually off.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,882
Likes: 1
From: NC
If I were you I'd ride as much as I could without it right now. I see too many people get too used to it and they end up never taking it off. It is so much better to me to have that wind in my face. The bugs are not a constant showering and the ones that get you don't kill ya...Experince it for a few days without the windshield to see what I'm talking about. Now when it's cold or raining or you are taking a looong ride...go with the shield..it'll come off real easy when ya get to where your going. Try it both ways and figger it out for yourself. It's all up to you anyways. Welcome to the forum.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 1
From: Birmingham, AL
Try it both ways - I use mine during the colder months but when it warms up it comes off. For me it's not about the look, it's about being in the wind- I like the wind in my face, those little winged protein supplements don't bug me either.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
They really do help you manage your fatigue levels. Lots of things on a bike will contribute to fatigue on a road trip: the wind-noise, the wind, the vibrations, the posture, and more.
A windshield will keep the wind off your chest, which makes a HUGE difference. You won't have to grip the bars so hard and it will take some strain off your lower core.
Depending on what kind of helmet you wear and your riding posture, you may need to have it cut down a touch to prevent buffeting.
A windshield will keep the wind off your chest, which makes a HUGE difference. You won't have to grip the bars so hard and it will take some strain off your lower core.
Depending on what kind of helmet you wear and your riding posture, you may need to have it cut down a touch to prevent buffeting.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 546
Likes: 2
From: Rio Grande Valley, TX
Got very used to mine and love it. Too much wind on the highway without it.
Be carefull when snapping it back on. I broke one of the clamps ther first time I re-installed it. Make sure they are pushed on square, then lock it down. A little off kilter and it can break.
Be carefull when snapping it back on. I broke one of the clamps ther first time I re-installed it. Make sure they are pushed on square, then lock it down. A little off kilter and it can break.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
Need rain? Wax your bike and take the windshield off
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Joined: May 2010
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Thanks folks...good advice and some chuckles as well. Eating bugs? Hmm, is this some kind of H-D survivor? Good lord, what did I get myself into?..
But seriously, I think I will go with the w-shield off at the start to get used to it incase it gets removed some other way, down the road.
Ride Safe People
But seriously, I think I will go with the w-shield off at the start to get used to it incase it gets removed some other way, down the road.
Ride Safe People
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 882
Likes: 2
From: gone 4 good
I've been riding motorcycles for over 35 years. I have never liked windshields on bikes, until I got my Deluxe back in the summer of 06'. At first I almost pulled over to the side of the road, as it was extremely hard for me to get used to. But now that I am used to it, I can't ride any distance without it. I do still ride around town without it after I wash it, just because I like the look without it better. It's also stopped some large objects from hitting me, including rocks and bees, etc, etc...
In the end, it's a personal choice that you'll have to make. It's nice that it's detachable though. You'll really appreciate it on long trips.
In the end, it's a personal choice that you'll have to make. It's nice that it's detachable though. You'll really appreciate it on long trips.