Windshield/Fairing or not
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Windshield/Fairing or not
Okay here is the dilemma. I am currently shopping for a new Harley and I am struggling with the type of bike to get. I know everyone says that I need to get what i want, but that is the problem.
I really like the StreetGlide and the Road King Classic and feel they both have their advantages. I like the full fairing and radio on the StreetGlide, but I like the fact that I can remove the windshield if I want on the Road King. Almost every rider I know that has a windshield tells me they very seldom, if ever take it off because of the beating you get from the wind without it.
So my question to all you bored members is... if you have a windshield on your bike do you ever take it off? Would you ever buy another bike without a windshield? Do you prefer a fairing over just a windshield?
Your input is appreciated.
HD_Maxima
Central PA
I really like the StreetGlide and the Road King Classic and feel they both have their advantages. I like the full fairing and radio on the StreetGlide, but I like the fact that I can remove the windshield if I want on the Road King. Almost every rider I know that has a windshield tells me they very seldom, if ever take it off because of the beating you get from the wind without it.
So my question to all you bored members is... if you have a windshield on your bike do you ever take it off? Would you ever buy another bike without a windshield? Do you prefer a fairing over just a windshield?
Your input is appreciated.
HD_Maxima
Central PA
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,682
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
RE: Windshield/Fairing or not
I have a quick-off w/s on the 'Bob, and it comes off for any nice day where I am not going on loooong trips. Same w/the bags.
The w/s makes a big difference in the cold, and even the rain.
The w/s makes a big difference in the cold, and even the rain.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 226
RE: Windshield/Fairing or not
Spent the first 17 years building choppers and running without a windshield everywhere. Loved every minute of it, (and still do as long as I'm not doing any Highway miles.)
Now that I have an E'Glide with a full fairing and tunes, I would never go without it out on the Highway. There is no comparison. You can knock down so many more miles per day with a full fairing and extend the riding season more with a Full fairing.
Now that I have an E'Glide with a full fairing and tunes, I would never go without it out on the Highway. There is no comparison. You can knock down so many more miles per day with a full fairing and extend the riding season more with a Full fairing.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Windshield/Fairing or not
My quick detach only comes off when I'm detailing the bike. I wouldn't have a bike without one. Fairings obviously give you more protection (I've had both) but for me the windshield is more than adequate.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 0
From: Salem, OR
RE: Windshield/Fairing or not
I have a RKC andonly take off the windshield when I am riding around town at low city speeds. At higher speeds due tothe upright riding position, the wind hits you square in the chest, your helmet strap is tight against your chinwith the windupdraft and you have to grip the handlebars tighter. I guess some riders either don't mindit or like "the wind in their face" feeling, so to each his own I guess. It is all a matter of preference. Having a fairing or windshield helps with not getting fatigued on longer rides, protects you from getting hit in the face by bugs,small rocks andbird crap.Fairing or windshield? Only you will know what is right for you. Good Luck
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,823
Likes: 2
From: THE MARITIMES Canada
RE: Windshield/Fairing or not
From a safety point of view, I can appreciate a windshield, but I've never used one on any cruiser I have had (I have a Honda ST1300, so that shield isn't coming off). I don't think I would be comfortable if I had one on my RK.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: Union City, California
RE: Windshield/Fairing or not
I like the fairings because it protects you from ROAD HAZARDS and Some Weather. They have windshields from 4" to 12".
They also have windshield vents to open up,and let the air in. And side deflectors to push the wind into the driver.Others could tell you the BRAND Names of these features.
They also have windshield vents to open up,and let the air in. And side deflectors to push the wind into the driver.Others could tell you the BRAND Names of these features.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
RE: Windshield/Fairing or not
I never thought I'd want/like a windshield...Until I had one. And on my bike (FLHS), removing itincreases the 'ugly factor' quite a bit. On a RK it looksfine without the shield. I seriously doubt, if you do any sort of high mileage touring, that you will either. Damn bugs hurt at 80mph. Rain isn't must better.
You will get some buffeting at speed from the windshield. And at least on my bike anything above75mph the bike requires a bit of'attention' on the handlebars. Probably the combination of the Dunlops and the big windshield. I've never rodeone with the batwing or frame mounted fairings...So I can't comment on them. Butanything that will keep the elements off you is a good thing when the temps start dropping.
You will get some buffeting at speed from the windshield. And at least on my bike anything above75mph the bike requires a bit of'attention' on the handlebars. Probably the combination of the Dunlops and the big windshield. I've never rodeone with the batwing or frame mounted fairings...So I can't comment on them. Butanything that will keep the elements off you is a good thing when the temps start dropping.
