When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've had my 06 RK since new. I only use the windshield on trips over 1000 mi. I also cut 3 inches off of the top. I'm 6 ft tall and the top of the shield was directly in my line of vision. Now I can see unobstructed and still get the benefit of knocking down the wind. The best thing about the shield is the bag I attached to the inside!
Steve
The ability to convert the Road King is one of the reasons I chose it. With a minutes work, I can go shieldless, or put it back on.
I find it interesting that the mass of the bike is such that even without a shield, it moves quite a bit of air around me. Riding say my old XL500 at the same speed I take a lot more wind beating than I do on the Road King shieldless.
I know it is a matter of taste, It must be my age but I have had 3 RKs and after riding a little without, I only took it off for washing and pictures. I am to the point where I would rather be relaxed after a 500 mile day than beat up. Most of my riding is touring. JMO however I do like the looks without.
Likewise the little short shield on the SG looks cool, the first thing I replaced was a 10" one. Once again I am about being comfortable. But you guys do look good on the bikes without shields.
I personally never liked a windshield on a Harley. Mainly comes down to i hate the way they look. Im looking at getting a 2014 CVO king and i actually think that windshield looks good. I think cause its smaller and tinted. Might actually ride with it on!LOL...
That's what's so cool about a road king. They look good with a shield because they are a touring bike and really badass without one.
I just started riding some without the shield just for a change. The bike looks better without it but on longer trips the windshield goes on. Just more comfortable that way. I also just started wearing a retro 3/4 helmet and have a face shield that I attach to it when I'm riding without the windshield. Never have liked helmets much but the 3/4 retro is pretty comfortable and my girlfriend is happier now so...
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.