[coyotelance]

windshield? do I need one?

I would like to know the pros and cons about getting a windshield for my bike. I have a EN500 (see 'pic of my bike' post) and I use it to go to and from school every day. I am thinking that a windshield would make it much more comfortable. What are some of the bad things of having a windshield? Is one design better than the others? I was looking at some, and I think the type that cover your hands would be nice to have, even if they do not look as good. I am more thinking function over fashion on this decision, and money is a very big concern, so if there is a good value out there, let me know.

 

[frogstr]

I've ridden about 30 years without a windshield. I put a windshield on my current bike after having had it about a year. I wouldn't ever think of taking it off. Can't think of any down sides to having one. I was a little concerned about what it might do to gas mileage, but haven't seen any adverse effects. I ride the bike daily and having the reduced wind and the protection from the rain is the only way to go IMO.

 

[yamahagirl]

I ride the bike daily and having the reduced wind and the protection from the rain is the only way to go IMO.

+1

Same here...i love mine on the star. I wouldn't go without it.

 

[jerky1280]

I have a VFR750 and a Shadow 1100T, and the windshield on the Shadow is great. It keeps the rain off of every thing but the knees down and my hands, and keeps the cold air off of me, which makes riding in the cold a whole lot more bearable. They do decrease gas mileage, reportedbly 3-5mpg on my bike.

Aside from being kind of ugly, they are great. If you can find one that detatches easily (mind comes off with 4 easy-to-access bolts, less than 5 min), that's a huge plus.

EDIT: I'm getting a set of Rifle Lowers to get the rain off my boots; soon the only thing getting wet will be my hands!

 

[v65rider1]

The only negative that I can think of is wheb riding in the heat
it keeps the air off of ya, but that is the only thing I can think of.

 

[Red Dawg]

Having a windshield is great. No more catching bugs/etc. to the face. Your body takes less abuse with a windshield, especially on longer rides and faster speeds. I have to agree with v65rider1, the only bad thing that I have noticed is if it's a hot/muggy day youi don't get much air to cool yoiu off setting behind the shield. IMO - get the shield. :thumb
The windshiled I bought was from National Cycle. About $100 less than the Yamaha one. IT was also about $100 cheaper than the Memphis Shades one like it. I paid about $189 + s+h. That included all mounting hardware too.

 

[Racing Rice]

One thing to think about is what size windshield you want. If you get one that is to small, you will get a lot of wind buffeting. A lot of buffeting can really wear your out. General rule of buying a windshield is that the windshield should come up to about mid nose. You should still be able to see over the top of the windshield. However, if dont mind looking through the windshield all of the time you can get a taller one, the choice is yours there. A lot of people dont like looking through windshields all of the time.

Also, consider buying a set of lowers as well. Buffeting is a combination of the wind coming from the top and bottom of the windshield. It is said, that lowers will REALLY decrease wind buffeting. I dont have any lowers yet, but I would like to get some. I love having a windshield to hide behind, especially when it rains! Sitting straight up on a cruiser, you really take a beating if you dont have a windshield. It really will make longer trips a lot more enjoyable.

 

[frogstr]

v65rider1 said:
The only negative that I can think of is wheb riding in the heat
it keeps the air off of ya, but that is the only thing I can think of.

Riding daily in 90 degree plus temps in the summer is actually more enjoyable to me, because you don't have that hot blast beating on you as much.

 

[psychoklr]

My virago 1000 had a windshield when I got it and I f*cking hated it. Buffeting / noise was terrible and I've been much happier without it (that was 2 years ago). I wear a half shell and find that you get used to the bugs etc... and I have a snapon face shield for when it rains really hard. In the summer I ride 50miles to work one way so I put a lot of miles on and have ridden CBR's etc... with full face but find the half shell with no windshield to be the most comfortable and least noisy.

 

[claudiajohnston]

I have a VFR750 and a Shadow 1100T, and the windshield on the Shadow is great. It keeps the rain off of every thing but the knees down and my hands, and keeps the cold air off of me, which makes riding in the cold a whole lot more bearable. They do decrease gas mileage, reportedbly 3-5mpg on my bike.

Aside from being kind of ugly, they are great. If you can find one that detatches easily (mind comes off with 4 easy-to-access bolts, less than 5 min), that's a huge plus.

EDIT: I'm getting a set of Rifle Lowers to get the rain off my boots and utv windshield; soon the only thing getting wet will be my hands!

Hello. My windshield is cracked up pretty good, does anyone know if I can still participate at Fun Ford, cause I cant really affors to have it replace and go to FFW