WINDSHIELDS | Should you ride a MOTORCYCLE with or without one?

#windshield #motorcycle #windbuffeting
The discussion that sparked this video was on my friend, MotoKari's channel. Be sure to check out her video, that was featured on rideapart.com - • Riding a Motorcycle Wi...
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[@dtrizzo]

I ride all seasons. So winter mornings at 35 degrees, the windshield blocks out majority of the cold wind especially on highways and makes it a comfortable ride. My previous bike did not have one and I 100% prefer the windshield on.

[@Land-Shark]

I've never been much of a windscreen user. My Africa Twin came with a decently tall windscreen, but I replaced it with a short & stubby plastic cover that tops out just above the LCD display. For me, having a windscreen just means having extra "sail" for the wind to use against me when I'm riding in crosswinds. And a bike windscreen is one more thing, added to the helmet windsscreen, that's between my eyes and the road, that can get covered in bugs, dust/dirt and water/mist/fog to make it hard for me to see. So, I'm definitely more of an in-the-wind type of rider.

[@thatoneguymoto]

I'm right there with you on all your points. Thanks for sharing your perspective! 👍🏽

[@dolphinride5157]

I have never rode with a windscreen but am thinking that I would prefer that bugs hit it instead of me. That said, I rarely ride at speeds over 60. That is because almost every time I get onto the interstate around here the traffic is just unbearable and is often stop and go.

[@DrowSkinned]

After my scrambler be came my daily driver through the fall, winter, and spring.... through everything but snow I'm getting a decent windscreen to help with the storms I've had to commute through. I have dealt with the wind fine but heavy rain at interstate speeds for an hour gets very tiresome. Thanks for the video dude!

[@thatoneguymoto]

That makes total sense. Thanks for sharing!

[@MyDunnLife]

When I first bought my sporty I didn't want a windshield. After a few long rides, being pelted with bugs and rocks from trucks I bought a used quick release one to see if I wanted one or not. I never went back.

[@thatoneguymoto]

That's definitely something that makes a windshield worth it. I've never drawn blood from a rock, but been bruised and banged up from them. Also, had a bee makes it's way into my jacket and sting me.

[@MyDunnLife]

@@thatoneguymoto yep the bee, that exactly what was the last straw and made me buy one.

[@SeanAedan.007]

Mind if I help you out ole chap ( a rider since 1970, but I've kept up contemporary choices!)? Your ergonomics as you've revealed them fit certain bikes better & certain accessory options too can be chosen fittingly, with all including price! IF you want a Harley-Davidson, the bike that fits all the data you've shared about yourself is the HD Heritage Classic 114. It already comes with a windshield, but not a fering. Plus, it is easily added & subtracted with but 4 extra washers & screws - before every ride, simply choose whether you want to use it or not that given day, given the weather, highway or whatever reason - it just snaps off, snaps on. When you buy it, justmake certain its the removable windshield, and not the bolted on version. The HD Heritage Classic 114 has easily been called the best looking bike that Harley has. Give a follow to "ramblin man" who this Spring purchased a Heritage Classic 114 and each program expertly takes you through his reasoning process. You fit the profile EVEN MORE than Ramblin Man, for both he & I are over 6 feet. In other words, gently put, since the Heritage Classic 114 is the bike that most closely resembles the Road King, but is a tad smaller & more maneuverable, it is THE perfect WIN for you. All you have to do is test ride it for yourself and be willing to TAKE THE PLUNGE on a purchase. Then I'll recommend the smallest accessories; pipes by Tab Performance give you neatly 3 choices to recovering the great Harley sound before they smalched it with FI - fuel injected engines with catalytic converters. The best seats universally chosen as afterward buys is SADDLEMEN. And in most buyer's opinions, the HD sissy bar is crumb bum for looks so look for a sissy that's just a tad longer & leans back a little with a small cushion in the middle for the extasy of your passenger (Sporsters aren't big enough bikes for long highway trips with passengers and the Heritage Classic has been labelled a Touring bike, even though it has a softail frame). Then all I'm going to get more is the Garmin portable Zumo electronic map which attaches to those 'naked' handlebars you spoke of. BTW, its quite likely that mini apes on a Heritage Classic 114 frame will suit your hand comfort alot more than a Road King. Road King's typically are for big guys - hence the term: "Road King." Outside of a Harley there are two bikes that would fit your profile nicely and that's the Indian Scout - like the Milwaukie 8 has a new engine that is a MARVEL in American engineering. But ask yourself if PRICE or highway suitability means more to you. The Scout is way less expensive than an HD softail or Road King (about half the price of a Road King!!), but to have a passenger on it, you'd like a Heritage Classic, which also is less expensive than a Road King. The other marvellous bike out there is the Kawasaki Vulcan S. Don't be fooled by its 650 cc label - the bike really moves with amped torque galore & is somehow engineered marvellously smooth as well. Kawasaki has an Ergometrics protocol after you say you're looking for a motorcycle - they give you 3 sizes arm length (handlebars), foot position (forward, standard cruiser, or back like sportbikes), and height of the seat. Amazing achievement but even moreso is the ride and maneuverability of the motorbike. Its newer than their Vulcan 900 but its there too to try out. If I had to predict, once you've road tested them all, you'll like the HD Heritage Classic 114. My Harley store here offers you up to $2000 more in after buy accessories if you purchase a 2020, which because of covid didn't meet their inventory. But also think about a more advanced air filter and tune-up options after purchase. IF I buy a Harley, I would have gotten the Heritage Classic if I were your size, but since I'm a big guy over 6 feet, the Road King feels right for me. THey are VERY similar bikes. So I sincerely wish you much joy and quiz you with the counsel I have found in this modern age is very difficult - take the plunge and honor it with gratitude after you've done so! Cheerio! From Canada.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Wow, thank you for the advice. That is a substantial amount of knowledge you dropped there. I'm not currently in the market for another bike, and I've tried half a dozen (at least) with windshields of different sizes, shapes and heights and for now, I'm just good without one. Again I appreciate the thought, and time you took to share. Ride safe out there! 🤓✌🏽

[@richardbadish6990]

1,000 Answers, to 1,000 Questions, that he didn't ask! Lol

[@betruly7894]

I ride the XL1200T it comes with windshield, if adjusted to the lowest possible for my height the buffeting has stopped. Because the buffeting remain low. A tall windshield will probably throw the buffeting behind your head. you should read more or watch more videos about the buffeting causes, it is not only related to that windshield. We are supposed to ride with legs tight to the tank, however on Harley it is a bit different, I experienced that when tighten my legs to the tank on my Sportster the buffeting reduces a bit, also the road noise reduces a bit. For me 2 things are important on the motorcycle, the windshield and the saddle bags, at least one bag. for short or longtrip.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Thanks for the tips. I've definitely read a bunch of stuff and watched some videos, but every tip I've heard hasn't made much of a difference to me.

[@GAM5T]

Rode 2 years without a windshield, got a really tall one last week made of 4 layer polycarbonate which covers upto the whole head and arms. While sometimes the bike can be unstable especially crossing bridges or during windy days, overall having a windshield reduces my fatigue a lot. The noise, the cold, the overall drag from the wind especially at high speeds was very tiring for me. A tall windshield effectively removes over 2/3 of that problem. Wind buffeting is evident especially on my back, not too serious though. It actually improved my mileage by about 10% and I know this isn't just a "feeling" because I still stress the hell out of my bike. A lot of people complain about wind buffeting, but this is really dependent on the wind shield design, height, rider's height, type of motorcycle etc., so I guess there isn't a straight answer...

[@thatoneguymoto]

Yeah, I think it's just a matter of preference. A kind of "pick your poison" LOL. I part of me had hoped when I tried a windshield it was going to be a kind of revelation, like "wow, I was missing out!". But, when I finally tried it the buffeting was just too much. Maybe, if I had learned to ride on a bike that had one, it would've just been "something you deal with" when you ride. Maybe it'll have to be something I try for a longer term. Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching! Ride safe.

[@genuineblur7441]

I'm on the Honda Helix now and this is the first bike I've had with a windshield on it and it's HUGE!! Super tall. It does direct the wind right at my helmet which took a bit of getting used to, now it's not so bad. The windshield is cool in low winds but in high winds(especially cross winds) I HATE IT! It blows my bike around so bad. I think I'm going to shop for a lower windshield or just totally ditch it because it's a very scary feeling getting blown around so much. I never had that issue on my bikes without a windshield.

[@thatoneguymoto]

I actually never thought about how a windshield might affect riding with a cross wind, but that makes total sense. Another reason I'm glad I ride without one. 😆✌🏽

[@cowboykram]

I use my windshield when I am on the highway or weather. I bought fork mounted deflectors and it helped immensely with the buffetting(sp?).

[@thatoneguymoto]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing! 🤓

[@defaultuser3410]

It's my first year riding, I tried a National Cycle sport/touring windshield on my MT 07. I noticed the buffeting on my helmet started at only 50 km/h! On the highway, it was much worse, and much noisier as well. Also, I noticed that without a windshield, the bike would hold a straight line in the wind, but with the windshield, it seemed to be more unstable. Again, not very experienced, but that ride with the windshield was miserable...it's like it focused all the wind straight to my head! The buffeting on my helmet was intense, and I had a headache after only about an hour and a half. Awful experience...I thought that if this is what riding on the highway is like, I'd give up riding. I took the windshield off right away, and now enjoy the highway much more. For sure, I need to try other bikes with other windshields to make a more informed decision, but this one experience showed me that clean air all over the body, while it can be strong and tiring, is much more pleasant than blocking some wind from the body, but getting turbulent wind on my head.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Appreciate you chiming in! 🤓 Everything you've said is why I've preferred to just go without a windshield on every bike I've owned. Maybe someday I'll get an adventure bike or tourer that has a windshield that I find tolerable, but for now, I'm happy to go without. ✌🏽

[@defaultuser3410]

@@thatoneguymoto It's funny, I was thinking the same thing, looking at the Tiger 900 GT. The reviewers say the buffeting isn't so bad, due to the hole at the bottom of the windshield.

[@jeffhresan2886]

A windshield is a must as you age, in your 50s and beyond. In my 20s, I wouldn't have been caught riding with one. Today, at 70 plus, riding without a windshield on a cruiser is very tiring, not to mention difficult on both neck and shoulders.

[@thatoneguymoto]

I've heard this a lot. Any advice on the best windshields out there?

[@oclv110sl]

No windshield offers cleaner air to the helmet in most situations. I've had bikes where the wind hit me directly under the chin on the helmet and caused terrible buffeting. Others where the screen is huge and mostly effective (BMW RT), but the bike was morphing into a 2-wheeled car. Best to minimise your screen or drop it, and spend money on good jackets that fit well.

[@LooxJJ]

I proudly ordered a Burly Outlaw fairing and proudly installed it nicely on my 2016 Harley Davidson Roadster 1200. It is an awesome Cafe Racer style~~ Now I get hit on my head directly with a blast of wind…yes…to the point where I strain my neck. Now, I just have to figure out what I need to attach on the wind deflector to make wind go higher over my head…

[@SlowRiderDucati]

I'm in Northern California and ride the interstate 80, interstate 5, etc. In my Diavel V4. I don't use a wind shield either. I usually cruise between 80 mph to 90 mph no problem. I just stay in the clean air away from large trucks.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Yeah, trucks make me nervous in my car, so I'm uber cautious around them when I'm riding.

[@MotoKari]

Been without a windshield almost two years, interestingly enough I found touring bikes sent a ton of air straight to my helmet and it rattled my brain. 😆 Definitely prefer riding without. 👍

[@thatoneguymoto]

I've tried six or seven different bikes with windshields in different heights, sizes and shapes and just can't find a sweet spot that doesn't rattle the crap out of my head. Until the secret is revealed to me, I'm fine without.

[@robertwilliams5015]

I ride a cruiser with a big windshield and the buffeting is HORRIBLE.

[@marvztv6875]

I Always use/close my windshield during riding .

[@francoisjohannes3648]

I took my windscreen of this week, vulcan 900 classic. So much fun, love the wind, the bike and ride is boring with the windshield

[@conchitogarcia7791]

You're riding with a full helmet and face shield in lui of a windshield. You effectively have a windshield. Open helmet with no windshield at 70 miles an hour can be brutal an you should wear ear plugs to prevent damage to your hearing.

[@martincvitkovich724]

I never considered a windshield durring the 1970's -1990's. When I turned 40 I used a windshield. I'm 73 now and w/o a windshield I can't ride more than 20 miles!

[@thatoneguymoto]

I hope I'm still riding when I'm your age. You're an inspiration! Thanks for sharing!

[@chonky4784]

I have a CBF 250 and live in Scotland so I use a smaller windscreen just to shield my body a little from the weather and I ride in groups so it prevents a lot of sprays hitting me from other bikes but I've definitely thought about getting a much taller screen for use on the motorway as I commute for about an hour of straight motorway riding.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Yeah, I've seen some comments saying the same, that it's more than just the wind that a screen helps with. Thanks for sharing!

[@geneclarke2205]

The question is why do manufacturers put windscreens on bikes that are generally a piece of crap and end up getting replaced? My Sport Glide can with a 1.5 inch screen on a faring which looked stupid and did nothing. The dealer put on the optional 5.5 inch screen which reduced buffeting and does help reduce wind fatigue on longer rides. But the majority of bike reviews the reviewer ends up saying the stock windscreen is crap.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Great question about cheap stock windscreens. Do most riders who buy new bikes just take the screen off, so they don't get any feedback? Definitely something I haven't thought of.

[@kelvinknaff9903]

I've always had a windshield its a must..

[@ninowalker1919]

my Sport Glide has a small-ish windshield, and i prefer to ride with it. I find that i relax my shoulders more with i'm not floating away...

[@thatoneguymoto]

Yeah, I've loved the screen on the Sport Glide the couple times I've ridden one. It's just the right size, IMO.

[@cshughes01]

I don't do to wind buffering

[@johnmacri7440]

I have a car when I want a windshield. Never ever on my bike

[@neek__7898]

I'm on my 2nd harley dyna & have had the small t sport fairings on them. I haven't had any issues with them & they block alot of wind & bugs.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Yeah, I'm debating throwing a little speed screen up on the Sporty. It really did help when I had one on my Iron.

[@ecks51]

I’ve yet to ride a bike with a windshield, but I’m thinking of getting one to put on my GL1000 for longer rides.

[@thatoneguymoto]

My Sporty had the windshield I'm holding in the thumbnail on it when I bought it, but same thing with that one, the buffeting was too much. But , I've been fine without one for all of these years, so it's not a big deal.

[@fbja07s40]

I ride with and without it just depends on how far I am going. Ride Safe

[@thatoneguymoto]

Thanks, you do the same! ✌🏽

[@teewhy2602]

I would like to ride with a shield, however the buffeting drives me nuts.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Agreed. I just cannot ride with the buffeting without getting a headache. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@handleygreen]

Windshild free for me

[@handleygreen]

Hay that one guy can i get a shoutout im jumping in the moto vlogoging game ps you video is the bomb

[@thatoneguymoto]

Best of luck to you, @motomonkey! Have fun and ride safe out there. ✌🏽🤓

[@knuckles-3386]

Just ask yourself would you drive your car without a windshield?

[@thatoneguymoto]

No, but that's the point of why I ride a motorcycle without a windshield. It's not my car and I don't want it to be. Just my opinion, though. 🤓✌🏽