do I need a windshield for 1500 miles
do I need a windshield for 1500 miles
OK, I am not trying to beat a dead horse, but I am riding from Omaha to Daytona next month. I ride a Fatboy Lo with Carlini Gangster Apes. I do not like the look of a windshield, let alone one with apes. I wear a fullface helmet. Am I going to get beat to death from the wind in 1500 miles? Planning on riding 750 a day. Realistically I will never use the windshield again. I am 8 hours from Sturgis and I won't use it going there. I am not a rich guy, so I would have to buy one, use it once and sell it when I am done. I have not ridden the fat girl for more than 250 miles at one time, but I was starting to get fatigued due to it being real windy. If I have one on, it will come off and stay in the hotel room. Looking for opinions here.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 12
From: Haymarket, VA
I'm not crazy about windshields either, but it really hinges on what the temperature will most likely be on your ride. I have a quick detach which I never use in warm weather but under 50 degrees I slap that sucker on. I stay much more comfortable & I don't get as fatigued without the wind buffeting me on a long trip.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Hershey, PA
Not just temperature, but the rain if it hits too. Which of course begs the question are you a fair weather rider? I ride through it all when taking a road trip, and for me, the windshield was a must when going from New York to Utah and Cali.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 717
Likes: 1
From: Deatsville, AL
I'm gonna go with no. I have a windshield now for longer rides but the longest ride I've ever done was without windshield. 16 hours and by the end I was tired and wind burnt but it wasn't too big of a deal.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
No. I rode for years without one in all weather, rain, freezing temperatures. A windshield helps but you don't need one. Your bike will look better without it.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
I say you're gonna get beat to death by the time you get there. Apes aren't exactly aerodynamic for a long highway trip. I wouldn't worry so much about how you look on the trip as enjoying it.
At least you have a full face helmet, so you could at least be able to tough it out. You'll dread the trip back though.
At least you have a full face helmet, so you could at least be able to tough it out. You'll dread the trip back though.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 3
From: 27°51' N, 082°17' W
Windshield will definetly make the ride more comfortable/enjoyable. Get a quick disconnect and remove it when you get to Daytona. 750 miles a day with no windshield will be a challenge with good weather and more so with rain.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 802
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, GA
Your call. If you can do 250 without one than you'll survive. But for my part, if I'm doing hundreds of miles, the screen is goin' on.
Also, that's the beauty of detachables. You may not ever imagine needing it again, but if you get a detachable it can go on and come off as needed.
Also, that's the beauty of detachables. You may not ever imagine needing it again, but if you get a detachable it can go on and come off as needed.