To shield or not to shield?

Message

Robkhb · #1 Unread post by **Robkhb** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 8:20 am

I am a new ridier, and when I say new I mean I've spent less then a week riding my bike which is a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ltd. My question is this, I bought the bike used and the guy from whom I bought it had installed a windshield. I can see some practical use for the thing, but I just think it looks sorta silly and I wanted to check with other folks and see if they are using them. What are peoples thoughts on this? I don't really plan on doing any highway driving, the fastest I am going is on my way to work and I don't go over about 65.

DJGroove · #2 Unread post by **DJGroove** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:10 am

My opinion: You won't need one. I ride to work, without one, on the freeway at around 70-75mph and it's noisy and windy, but very manageable. It would cut down the wind and noise, but it is by no means required equipment.

I would advise you to wear a full face helmet though. It will cut down the noise and bug splattage.

stock28 · #3 Unread post by **stock28** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:20 am

I'm not a fan of the way they look on most bikes. The wind does get a little strong around 70 mph or so, but I kinda like the feel of it.

Robkhb · #4 Unread post by **Robkhb** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:24 am

Yeah I do wear a full face helment, this is good feedback though I think I will try taking the windshield off for awhile, it looks simple enough to remove.

DivideOverflow · Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:30 am

Yeah, if you wear a full-face, I'd ditch it. I personally like feeling the wind...haha

Mr_X · #6 Unread post by **Mr_X** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:53 am

60-100+ with out a full faced helmet, or a windshield, will make your mouth and eyelids do that flappy thing.. lol

Mag7C · #7 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 10:00 am

Mine had a windshield when I bought it, which I removed. I like being able to feel the wind and rain and even the bugs.

Once the weather gets unbearably cold I'm going to put it back on though. Racing to school in 18 degrees is no fun. One day last year I pulled off my glove and a layer of ice had formed on the inside.

canuckerjay · Thu Sep 15, 2005 12:48 pm

Personally, I hate the look of sheilds on bikes -- I think it really takes away from the beauty of the machines. However, having one that can be easily removed is advantageous, if you're planning to do some long-distance riding.

Robkhb · #9 Unread post by **Robkhb** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 1:32 pm

Agreed...I just got home from work and took mine off per everyones advice...It looks 100% better..

Thanks all!

KingElvis · Thu Sep 15, 2005 2:07 pm

I don't like windshields either on my bike and I do enjoy riding without one in the summer but I just moved out of the city and my ride in to work consists of a 15 minute highway ride. I am probably going to buy one tomorrow for the late fall early spring rides. It is going to be the convertible type where you don't need any tools to remove them...best of both worlds IMO.