Just trying to get a consensus from everyone. My bike will be my main mode of transportation (even to and from work everyday) and I'll be putting in a minimum of 100 miles a day. I don't currently have a windshield and have never ridden behind one but with all the miles some people have told me I should invest. Of course I'd get a detachable but I'm not sure if I should even spend the money since I don't know how much of a difference it makes. Any thoughts?

 

I've got a bagger, so the screen is always there, but on my last bike I had a detachable and liked it for cold or rainy days. It's great for buggy nights, but they aren't mandatory for long rides.

 

Given you are using your bike as main transportation, I would strongly consider a windshield.

It will protect you from the ever changing weather conditions and UFO's.

 

You are going to enjoy the long rides much better with a windshield. I have a 1992 FXSTC that I rode for about 6 months before I installed a hard mounted H-D Windshield and now that I have that on there, I will never ride without it again. I just bought a 2004 FLHTCUI and the batwing and windshield are not removable and I like the smooth ride with the wind protection. I think a detachable shield is the best idea as you can pop it off in seconds for the days when you want the wind in your face, but at night and long rides you are going to definately like the windshield much better. Good luck and ride safe. Be careful in the rain until you get your windshield.

 

I've had bikes without shields and loved it as long as I wasn't going on a long trip. Now that I'm older and since my wife goes with me a lot I really like the windshield. I'd say a lot of it depends on the part of the country you live in also.