to windshield or not to windshield that is the question

[redwing]

Thanking about getting a windshield. What's your opinion?

I think there are two materials windshields are made from
Acrylic and Polycarbonate

calsci com has an article on windshields and many other subjects

Does a crosswind have a great affect on the stability of a bike with a windshield?

They come in different sizes so what benefit would a different size make?

Is there a Rain-X product for mc windshields?

I remember reading with no windshield one could lean into the wind like leaning against a wall. And so reduce fatigue... is that true?

[dr_bar]

I think there are two materials windshields are made from Acrylic and Polycarbonate

Mine is made of Lexan, don't know if it fits into either of those two products...

Is there a Rain-X product for mc windshields?

To the best of my knowledge, NO. Some riders use Pledge wipes or spray on to get a similar effect...

I remember reading with no windshield one could lean into the wind like leaning against a wall. And so reduce fatigue... is that true?

I've never been on a long ride where I felt that having "no" windshield reduced fatigue. On the contrary, I've found the inverse to be true, a windshield helped prevent the fatigue of fighting the head on wind.

My

[MTexile]

Windshields are a matter of personal taste. I try and ride up to the first snowfall in Dec/Jan here. Riding when it's 38- 42 degrees F without a windshield and no electric suit defines Masochism, since you're in Louisana, guess that's not something to worry about.

As far as windshield polish, I use Novus plastic clean and shine. Just place a soaked terry cloth towel on your windshield to soften the bug splatter, then spray and polish the Novus on.

On a cruiser sitting almost upright I don't like the drag on my chest w/o a windshield. Mine is 14" high, covers my chest and it pushes the wind over my head, can do 80 mph on I-70 here no sweat. With your Beemer, am guessing you might feel the same.

[gsJack]

I sit nearly upright on my GS500 as you would on a R1200R and still ride year round here in NE Ohio and used to ride in temps down to 20F but have been keeping it above freezing the past couple years. A concession to age, I don't use electrics.

A Rain-X product for windshields is a moot question to me, I keep the top of the shield below eye level and look over it all the time and not thru it. Get a much better view of the world without looking thru a windshield wet or dry.

I use a large National Cycle Plexi 2 shield in the winter and have for many years and wouldn't go thru a winter here with less shield. I put a smaller Spitfire shield on for summers and find it adequate for 70-80 mph indicated freeway travel all day long. It gives more wind in the face and on the arms and legs than the larger Plexi 2 but still takes the load off the chest for comfortable high speed travel. There is a very noticeable difference in the crosswind effect between the two shields, I don't find them objectionable with the smaller shield.

[Scott58]

All I know is i hate looking at them, but they sure do work.

[follow]

All I know is i hate looking at them, but they sure do work.

+1 amen.
You can always get a quick release so you can go both ways, one day ride with the next day ride without.
I took mine off of my old HD once and felt like I was sliding off of the seat, with the wind hitting me square on. I felt like I had a work out so the shield went back on and stayed on except for games. I feel that it actually cuts through the wind, my opinion. As far as cross winds, no issues at all.
However on my FLHX the wind does catch the faring so I have not changed from my 4" windshield I don't want the extra drag for me.

The ST, well the shield is fixed.

[mgdavis]

Lexan = Polycarbonate. Think Nalgene bottle.

There should be a ton of bolt-on options out there for your BMW.

[redwing]

How does a windshield effect mpg?

[Skoal]

I don't think that it will make much difference on your mpg - whatever wind that you don't catch on the windshield, you will catch on your body. I have ridden both ways and I like the idea of having a windshield with a quick release. Sure is nice to have on long road trips.

[havegunjoe]

They definitely help with reducing the buffeting and resulting fatigue you get when riding. They do nothing for or against a side wind. A good plastic cleaner works well and helps bead up the rain, but it’s not RainX. My shield comes about ¾ of the way up to protect me and my helmet does the rest. I have seen bugs sweep over the shield and my helmet so it does a nice job of protecting me there. I thought long and hard about getting one and I am glad I did. I ride a V Star cruiser by the way.