Highway rush hour traffic - Windshield or not?

Message

Sully · #1 Unread post by **Sully** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 6:08 am

I'm looking to purchase my first bike within the next 8 months and I like the cruiser/standard style. I'll probably be looking at Honda 750 Spirit, Yamaha 650 and maybe HD Sportsters.

My problem is that I love the look of these bikes without a windshield and saddlebags. I think the larger class bikes look better all equipped. I want a bike for weekend cruising, but I don't want to limit myself and not be able to ride to work on Houston highways with a laptop in tow. Any opinions about windshields vs. no windshield, since I'm a newbie?

Sev · #2 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 6:16 am

I've put over 7000 km on this bike, most of it highway, without a windshield. My friends have done the same on cruisers. It's definately possible, though you will get tired faster

Before that I put 4000 km on a Suzuki Savage (cruiser) with out a windshield.

If you don't like the looks of a windhsield don't get one. It doesn't really make a difference in the handling, the wind blowing against your bhest just tires you out faster, though you should still be able to do plenty of long trips.

CNF2002 · #3 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 6:27 am

Id get a windshield for touring...regular highway use no...wind is okay with me.

jstark47 · #4 Unread post by **jstark47** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 6:42 am

I've put 4400 miles on the Bonnie in my avatar, much of it commuting to work up I-295, no windshield. I wear a full face helmet. Get the right gear and you'll be fine.

scan · #5 Unread post by **scan** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 7:16 am

I've done several trips on both the bike in the avatar (the mighty ZRX) and also an FZ6. Neither with any kind of real wind protections. Never been a big issue to me, but I do remember having to get use to it, and on a strong headwind day, it can require a few extra stretching breaks on your trip. For a short trip on the freeway, nah, it isn't worth the money if you wear a full helmet.

DivideOverflow · Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:16 am

I hate the way most windshields look... plus, what is a little wind in your face?

Worst thing about not having one is the bugs, I wear a full face, so it isnt a real big deal. A little wind resistance shouldn't be too much trouble.

old-n-slow · Fri Mar 17, 2006 10:45 am

And I hate being pushed back to the end on my arms when on a decent ride. Much prefer the windshield. You have to decide -- did you buy the bike to ride or look at

Remember, when you're riding it's what other people see rather then you.

Get a convertible windshield, quick to remove when you want it off, easy to replace when you think you need it. Problem solved...........

jmillheiser · Fri Mar 17, 2006 12:28 pm

also consider a shorter windscreen that you can look over the top of. keeps the wind off your chest but you dont have to look through it.

I have a tall screen on my bike and I dont mind the wind protection but hate having to look through it. wanting to put a shorter screen on it

Sev · #9 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 5:04 pm

old-n-slow wrote:And I hate being pushed back to the end on my arms when on a decent ride. Much prefer the windshield. You have to decide -- did you buy the bike to ride or look at Remember, when you're riding it's what other people see rather then you.

Get a convertible windshield, quick to remove when you want it off, easy to replace when you think you need it. Problem solved...........

I found getting pushed back to the ends of your arms was only an issue on a cruiser. Never had that problem on the 599.

jmillheiser · Fri Mar 17, 2006 5:19 pm

never had that problem on my CX. Actually wouldn't mind the bars being a little farther away and a little lower. Im normally sitting well back on my seat and the bars are still quite close.