[Texas Jay]

I like the look of a bike without a windshield. I also prefer riding without one. Most of my riding will be on: 1) country roads, and 2) busy, suburban roads at about 45 to 55 mph. I will *not* be riding on interstate highways.

Do I still need a windshield? I don't want one, but most experienced riders tell me I'll go running for a windshield the first time I get stuck behind a gravel truck. If it matters, we do not have a problem with bugs in the Dallas area.

Should I try riding for a while without a windshield? Or is that just crazy?

 

[DrBob]

Just so you know how my riding habits, I ride 15,000-20,000 a year, including a lot of interstates, state highways, and country roads. My hottest day this year was 103, the coldest so far 29 degrees. I ride in the rain, in the cold, and at speeds up to a sustained 85 MPH for up to 800 miles a day. This year I got as far south as Florida , as far north as New Hampshire, and as far west as Texas and Missouri. I wear only a little non-DOT beanie helmet and a pair of sunglasses, but in the cold I add a ski mask.

I HATE a windshield, and have been riding without one for 20 years. I find the buffeting from the windshield, and the way it deflects the wind up into my helmet, so be far more uncomfortable than the wind on my chest.
If the gravel or bugs in your face bother you, get a helmet with a face shield.

 

[hawker]

Windsheild

Similar situation. I just got a VS-800 w/o a windsheild and have ridden it for about a month. Got one on E-Bay and am trying it out. Around locally I think I like it better w/o (I have a full face shield). I'd suggest you run 'naked' for a while and see if it bothers you. 8)

 

[Paladin]

I have a little National Cycle Flyscreen

on my Savage. Stops a substantial part of the wind against the lower body -- enough so that I am not having to hang on at 70mph. Otherwise it is not much better than no shield.

 

[md2lgyk]

I think it's a matter of personal preference/comfort. My current bike doesn't have a windshield, but most of my previous ones did. I prefer to have one, and will be adding it come Spring. I commute about 30 miles each way on the freeway, and the improvement in riding comfort is dramatic.

 

[SuzukiGirl1]

Do I still need a windshield? I don't want one, but most experienced riders tell me I'll go running for a windshield the first time I get stuck behind a gravel truck.

That's what your helmet is for...

 

[sunny]

i live south of fort worth and ride to dallas for work.
my windshield broke about a week and a half ago when i went down in the rain.
i plan on fixing it ASAP.

first off, i hate bugs when they hit me in the chest and then crawl up into my full face helmet. i dunno where you live in dallas...

second, the reduction in direct wind down the neck of the jacket also slightly decreases the chilling effect of that same wind down the neck on cold days.

now, gravel hurts worse than june bugs on the shins. i can't imagine what it would feel like taking a hit to the neck.

that's just my 2 cents.

 

[Texas Jay]

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

I will be riding: 1) occasionally, 2) on country & suburban roads, 3) in good weather. I don't have a long commute everyday on an interstate. I'll go without a windshield for a few months and see how it works. If I have to get one, that's okay.

Paladin: I like the look of yours ... low and tinted.

 

[Gixxerdale]

Do I still need a windshield? I don't want one, but most experienced riders tell me I'll go running for a windshield the first time I get stuck behind a gravel truck.

That's what your helmet is for...

No, that's what your throttle is for, to get the hell out from behind the gravel truck!

 

[axel_2078]

I have a windshield on my Marauder and I really like it. No complaints from me. It's all about personal choice, I think.

 

[md2lgyk]

Which windshield do you have? When I bought my '03 Marauder I had the dealer install the OEM shield without really thinking about it. I ended up taking it off because it was way too short.

 

[Trapper]

I don't have one, but I haven't gone any great distances i one trip. I do like the look without but I will probably get one that I can remove when I want.

 

[tlwisner]

I like the look of a bike without a windshield. I also prefer riding without one. Most of my riding will be on: 1) country roads, and 2) busy, suburban roads at about 45 to 55 mph. I will *not* be riding on interstate highways.

Do I still need a windshield? I don't want one, but most experienced riders tell me I'll go running for a windshield the first time I get stuck behind a gravel truck. If it matters, we do not have a problem with bugs in the Dallas area.

Should I try riding for a while without a windshield? Or is that just crazy?

Try it without, you can always mount one later if you want. Do always wear eye protection! Intruders really don't look right with windshields - it's not very chopperesque. I do like the windshield on my C50 though, it is cool.

 

[SuzukiGirl1]

Do I still need a windshield? I don't want one, but most experienced riders tell me I'll go running for a windshield the first time I get stuck behind a gravel truck.

That's what your helmet is for...

No, that's what your throttle is for, to get the hell out from behind the gravel truck!

You're right Gixxerdale...DANG...schooled again!! :bows:

 

[shumanrog]

Windshield choice

I don't remember seeing a law in the Texas Highway codes saying you had to have a windshield. I have a 2003 Volusia with a windshield and I also ride my son's V-Star without one. I prefer the windshield. That's my choice. Have you seen the windscreen put out by Corbin's that is adjustible and can be painted sme color as your bike? I think choice and indiviuallity is what we all ride for. Good luck and ride safe.

 

[Texas Jay]

tlwisner:

I agree, a windshield (especially a large one) would detract from the Intruder's "chopper" look. Maybe a small one would be okay. I'll go without one for now.

I like your C50 with the windshield. It looks complete *with* the glass.

 

[St0nkingByte]

I put a 19" windshield on my Marauder. It looks nice, very similar to the OEM one but just a little taller and a bit wider. Cruising around on side streets at speeds up to about 45 mph its perfect, I don't really feel any wind at all except from the middle of my shin down and sometimes a little pitter patter of wind on the top of my helmet.

Once I get over 50 mph the wind that comes off the top of the windshield arcs down and hits me from the shoulders up. I'm a newbie rider so the first couple times it sorta freaked me out but now that I remember to keep my helmet strap tight its not so bad. However I was wondering if changing the angle of the windshield, perhaps leaning it forward a bit, would reduce the buffeting I feel at highway speeds?