windshield or not
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I think it depends on how old you are and if you have given up yet. If your bike has air ride and a big comfortable seat then get a windshield you will like it. But dont listen to the people who say you can always take it off because nobody ever does once they put it on. You can also add a cup holder and cell phone holder too. Just my opinion (of course that isnt worth @$#&.)
Statements like this one it what gets me sometimes and I make it a point to try to avoid using one that means 100% of the people.
When someone says, Nobody, No-one, Everybody, Everyone, ETC... that to me means "ALL-100%" of the people every time..
Well I do take mine off every so often so Ur statement of NOBODY ever takes the shield off it incorrect because at least one of us members do.
And yes I also have a cup Holders.. but I ain't gonna say that ALL of us do.
..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
Sounds like you already have your answer. Make it detachable and you have to option to ride without it.
I rode forever without a shield an can honestly say that if I didn't have one that it would never stop me from riding. Not trying to sound like a tough guy or anything.
That said, I bought the compact version of a windshield for my Crossbones and although it did offer some improvement in comfort, it added another level of discomfort in buffeting on my face. It was really annoying and I would use the shield very sparingly. I then considered that it was just too short and if I had a more standard height shield it might be better so I went with a King Size Springer shield and that totally solved the problem. I had to get used to the top edge of the shield being so close to my direct eyeline but once I did, I really began to enjoy the benefits of it. It best serves me when it rains. Then I am really glad I have it.
I still enjoy riding without it and during certain times of the year when the weather is clear I much prefer to leave it at home. I also notice right away that it does take my scoot a bit more effort to push through the wind with the shield on and my fuel economy drops with the shield on by some 3 or 4 miles per gallon.
I rode forever without a shield an can honestly say that if I didn't have one that it would never stop me from riding. Not trying to sound like a tough guy or anything.
That said, I bought the compact version of a windshield for my Crossbones and although it did offer some improvement in comfort, it added another level of discomfort in buffeting on my face. It was really annoying and I would use the shield very sparingly. I then considered that it was just too short and if I had a more standard height shield it might be better so I went with a King Size Springer shield and that totally solved the problem. I had to get used to the top edge of the shield being so close to my direct eyeline but once I did, I really began to enjoy the benefits of it. It best serves me when it rains. Then I am really glad I have it.
I still enjoy riding without it and during certain times of the year when the weather is clear I much prefer to leave it at home. I also notice right away that it does take my scoot a bit more effort to push through the wind with the shield on and my fuel economy drops with the shield on by some 3 or 4 miles per gallon.
Last edited by Skeezmachine; Mar 21, 2012 at 05:46 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Northern Kentucky
I bought one for my 883 Sporty thinking I would use it in cool weather only. I never took it off except to clean. Same on the Heritage, only comes off when cleaning. Most are quick disconnect so you have the option. Next you have to decide look through or look over. Tons of threads on that subject here also. I'm a look over guy but doesn't mean you will be.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
I do appreciate that my windshield keeps things from hitting me but the only reason I ever gave it enough consideration to get one was the sudden torrential down pours that we get here in FL. If anything bothered me going down the road above 45 mph was heavy rain stinging me in the face and working it's way behind my eye wear. Since I never know when I am going to get caught in a down pour (I commute 84 mile one way and the weather can change two or three time just on my way to and from work) I just ride with it on to play it safe. But if not for that, I would probably still be riding without one. And any time I can safely deduce that I will not be confronted by heavy rain, the shield is staying home!
Windshields are for sissies.........and people smarter than me! 
Bought a detachable with the bike when new. 45,000 miles on the bike since, and maybe 50 miles on the shield. Cross country ride, 7500 miles in 21 days, didn't even take it with me. I don't like the buffeting and visual distortion it creates. I would much rather have wind in my face, and I've riden 85 mph for hours across the desert in 105* heat. But that's just me.
I have a detachable with hardware for cheap if ya want it!
Bought a detachable with the bike when new. 45,000 miles on the bike since, and maybe 50 miles on the shield. Cross country ride, 7500 miles in 21 days, didn't even take it with me. I don't like the buffeting and visual distortion it creates. I would much rather have wind in my face, and I've riden 85 mph for hours across the desert in 105* heat. But that's just me.
I have a detachable with hardware for cheap if ya want it!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
Statements like this one it what gets me sometimes and I make it a point to try to avoid using one that means 100% of the people.
When someone says, Nobody, No-one, Everybody, Everyone, ETC... that to me means "ALL-100%" of the people every time..
Well I do take mine off every so often so Ur statement of NOBODY ever takes the shield off it incorrect because at least one of us members do.
And yes I also have a cup Holders.. but I ain't gonna say that ALL of us do.
..
When someone says, Nobody, No-one, Everybody, Everyone, ETC... that to me means "ALL-100%" of the people every time..
Well I do take mine off every so often so Ur statement of NOBODY ever takes the shield off it incorrect because at least one of us members do.
And yes I also have a cup Holders.. but I ain't gonna say that ALL of us do.
..
I try to remind myself that its just an internet forum and that we're really just a vocal minority on here going on about our passion for riding and motorcycles. But DAMN. Some people just really know how to screw up a soup sandwich with they make their commentary on a subject!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
That ain't even summer time temps here yet unless one believes the "overall temp" that gets reported since the temp can vary about 15F+ degrees from one end of the valley to the other. I guess it must have been one of those other deserts unless it wasn't in the summer here.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 648
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
I prefer the windshield on, and as most have said, the detach feature gives you the best of both worlds.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Eastern WA
Anyone with raked trees ever use a wind shield?
I've always been against them but i'm planning a cross country road trip and thinking of using one but i got raked trees so not sure if a shield would work or not for me.
I've always been against them but i'm planning a cross country road trip and thinking of using one but i got raked trees so not sure if a shield would work or not for me.