Question for those that run without windshield
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
Good rule of thumb with the 50 and up you are at least in 5th. I have a 6th and I think I've used it once. Lol
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Newburgh IN
I have the HD QD windshield on my 07 custom for me it's a must for night rides and interstate cruising and I never get into 6th unless I'm on the interstate doin 75-80
Oh forgot to mention 5th gear on your bike may sound bad/different almost like a chain clanking. It can be quite alarming at first, dont worry about it. 5th gear on your bike has a different cut than the others and sounds odd
I did switch to syth when I did my 5k service and while I still have that 5th gear sound it's not nearly as alarming sounding lol
Oh forgot to mention 5th gear on your bike may sound bad/different almost like a chain clanking. It can be quite alarming at first, dont worry about it. 5th gear on your bike has a different cut than the others and sounds odd
I did switch to syth when I did my 5k service and while I still have that 5th gear sound it's not nearly as alarming sounding lol
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 7
I have a question for those that run without a windshield. I just bought a 2007 Softail Custom and I love the way it looks without a windshield. I had a shield on my sporty back in 1995 so I didn't seem to have this issue.
I do not have an rpm gauge on the bike so what do you guys do as far as shifting around 45 -60mph? I have mainly been running around town the last few daya, rarely getting out of 4 or 5th gear and when I get about 45-50, I have a hard time hearing the motor to know when to change gears. Lower gears is really no issue but above 3 or 4 the I have a hard time hearing because of the wind.
Thoughts?
I do not have an rpm gauge on the bike so what do you guys do as far as shifting around 45 -60mph? I have mainly been running around town the last few daya, rarely getting out of 4 or 5th gear and when I get about 45-50, I have a hard time hearing the motor to know when to change gears. Lower gears is really no issue but above 3 or 4 the I have a hard time hearing because of the wind.
Thoughts?
Now for hearing gears....stage up on that baby. My V&H's stage 1's were loud and clear.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
I have the HD QD windshield on my 07 custom for me it's a must for night rides and interstate cruising and I never get into 6th unless I'm on the interstate doin 75-80
Oh forgot to mention 5th gear on your bike may sound bad/different almost like a chain clanking. It can be quite alarming at first, dont worry about it. 5th gear on your bike has a different cut than the others and sounds odd
I did switch to syth when I did my 5k service and while I still have that 5th gear sound it's not nearly as alarming sounding lol
Oh forgot to mention 5th gear on your bike may sound bad/different almost like a chain clanking. It can be quite alarming at first, dont worry about it. 5th gear on your bike has a different cut than the others and sounds odd
I did switch to syth when I did my 5k service and while I still have that 5th gear sound it's not nearly as alarming sounding lol
I just realized that I didn't even ask the dealer is my bike has had its 500 service yet since it only has only 4700 miles.
Do you run premium gas? I used to run premium all the time on my 93 sporty but I wonder if its necessary for these newer engines?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
If you want a full shield HD makes a nice quick release one. Its what I got but no pics. Longrideshields makes some good minimalist ones. In a stock 07 6th gear is like 65 and above. For sound i use the cheep ScullCandy ear buds. Like 10 bucks.
I will never run a windshield again, but I tried one is the past so I understand your concern. Truth is I go by feel, not sound.
I wear a full face helmet and either listen to music (helmet speakers), or ear plugs for long rides. I don't hear the engine at 60+ MPH, but I can feel it.
I wear a full face helmet and either listen to music (helmet speakers), or ear plugs for long rides. I don't hear the engine at 60+ MPH, but I can feel it.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
I assume they are an easy install? I can't imagine what a stealer would charge to install it.
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Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
I will never run a windshield again, but I tried one is the past so I understand your concern. Truth is I go by feel, not sound.
I wear a full face helmet and either listen to music (helmet speakers), or ear plugs for long rides. I don't hear the engine at 60+ MPH, but I can feel it.
I wear a full face helmet and either listen to music (helmet speakers), or ear plugs for long rides. I don't hear the engine at 60+ MPH, but I can feel it.
