Windshield

Message

Eric C · #1 Unread post by **Eric C** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 7:55 am

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a windshield? I see that some bikes do not have one.

nike_soccer · Sat Feb 11, 2006 7:58 am

advantages:
keeps wind and bugs off you

disadvantages:
wind wash at 110+ is blistering!

scan · #3 Unread post by **scan** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 8:50 am

It also depends on what you mean, and where they are applied. Large cruiser with large windshields are like sailboats in high wind or at freeway speed. On sportsbikes a large windshield is rare, but usuallly a bigger bubble on the aerodynamic shape. On which kind of bike are you refering?

Eric C · #4 Unread post by **Eric C** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 8:55 am

scanevalexec wrote:It also depends on what you mean, and where they are applied. Large cruiser with large windshields are like sailboats in high wind or at freeway speed. On sportsbikes a large windshield is rare, but usuallly a bigger bubble on the aerodynamic shape. On which kind of bike are you refering?

I originally saw that the 04 Alphasports GV250 did not have a windshield. I was wondering if that was a good or bad thing.

scan · #5 Unread post by **scan** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 9:01 am

Well, I'd see what others have to say besides me, but I think a windshield on such a small bike is overkill. But I have seen 250s cruisers (like the one you are looking at) with windshields and gear. I think if you wear a full helmet you should not need the windshield and it will only steal some of your power due to wind resistance. Let's see what others think to though.

canuckerjay · Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:21 pm

For gentle cruising at moderate speeds, takes a load off your body and fewer bugs too. For high speeds, not exactly aerodynamic.

I choose not to go with a windshield for one completely impractical reason. I think they kill the look of the bike. Now before you all flame me for that, I don't care what other people think. I like looking at my bike without one, and hate the look of bikes with them. Again, by my admission, completely impractical, but it makes me happy.

jstark47 · #7 Unread post by **jstark47** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 3:28 pm

I'm with Canucker - I ride a Triumph Bonneville, and a big windshield is incompatible with "the look." Dumb, yeah, whatever.... I might put a flyscreen on the bike, which is a totally cosmetic addition IMO. But for a Bonnie, it's part of "the look." Dumb, etc....

I notice that the big windshield on our Suzuki Marauder suceeds in focussing the wind blast right on the top of my helmet, which I hate. I'm 6'1", a shorter rider probably wouldn't have this problem. I'd rather have the wind stream distributed over my whole body, as on the Bonneville, than focussed on my head. I take the Bonnie up to about 85mph, I lean forward into the windstream, I'm used to it, no problem. I wear a full face helmet, a balaclava underneath, and a jacket with a high collar - very little cold air gets through, even at 80mph and 30 degrees F.

jmillheiser · Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:08 pm

My bike has a large screen on it, I cant stand it. Its coming off as soon as I get a headlight and turn signals to replace the fugly vetter fairing on my bike