Highway rush hour traffic - Windshield or not?

[earwig]

Maybe you can get a windshield and only use it for your commute if you are worried. they make ones that pop on and off in 2 seconds now. a short/moderate highway commute is fine without one.

[Wizzard]

This is solely my opinion , but when I want a windshield I drive the Magic Bus .
I really don't like all that Tuperware.............
Regards , Wizzard

[Loonette]

I use a very low-profile windshield, just to take the edge off. Going 85 MPH, it can be rough to do a proper shoulder check without feeling like my head is going to spin off. My shield is low, with no chrome trim, and I have it angled so that it blends in well with the lines of my bike. To each their own...

Cheers,
Loonette

[VermilionX]

you could get something like this...





i bet you could block a tornado w/ that.

[V4underme]

Sully... I used a screen when I had the Magna (cruiser). Brand was National Cycle, model was the Deflector screen. Not huge and bulky like a garbage can lid, easy to take on and off, and fully adjustable. I had it tilted way back to keep the wind off my torso. You'll probably want some wind around your helmet in the summer for cooling purposes. Below 65 mph the wind isn't much of a factor, above that it becomes a bigger stress on your body. The screen really does make a big difference at higher speeds, and you can get that deflector screen (or something very similar) off ebay for under $50.

[old-n-slow]

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.

Actually I have a STANDARD and a cruiser. Don't see any appreciable difference regarding wind thrust between the two. In fact the standard is worse then the cruiser because it doesn't have the stepped seat to hold your butt in place therefor I end up hanging on to the bars (without the screen) as though I was going to be blown off. Not my favourite riding option.

What I don't have is a sports bike. I presume that's what you are referring to -- as in (599)?

[jmillheiser]

Wizz changed his avatar?

now those are some ape hangers

[Sev]

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.

Actually I have a STANDARD and a cruiser. Don't see any appreciable difference regarding wind thrust between the two. In fact the standard is worse then the cruiser because it doesn't have the stepped seat to hold your butt in place therefor I end up hanging on to the bars (without the screen) as though I was going to be blown off. Not my favourite riding option.

What I don't have is a sports bike. I presume that's what you are referring to -- as in (599)?

i own a standard, it's a 599. It has an upright seating position, pegs right below where I am, a lowered gas tank and a medium/middle center of gravity. It lacks fairings and other accoutrements that would be indicative of a sports bike.

When I rode my cruiser a Suzuki LS650 I found most often that I ended up holding onto the bars to keep me upright rather then being blown over backwards. So a lot of my weight ended up being on my arms, which is very dangerous as it reduces my ability to quickly make directional changes.

When I ride my standard a Honda 599 I find that the slightly forward seating means that I'm leaning into the wind a little, and that means that I'm in a better position to hold myself up against the wind without relying upon the strength of my arms. I actually had nothing to do with the seat for me, because I was just as stable sitting as far forward on the seat as I was with my tailbone against the rise between rider and pillion.

[biker_rach]

I have the same problem, I LOVE the look of a bare cruiser. I have a Shadow ACE and when I bought it it came with saddle bags, back seatrest and windsheild. So lucky for me I never had to decide to buy one Anyway, I never took the windsheild off. I drive mostly in rural roads and when I clean that thing... trust me I would not want all those bugs splatted on my helmet and jacket rather than the windsheild. Have also had a few rocks hit it pretty hard that I'm glad didnt hit me. As for the back seatrest I took that off (I spent my share of time on the back with no backrest and found it very comfortable). And the saddlebags... well like I said, I love a bare cruiser, but there isnt one ride I go on to pleasure or to work or anywhere that I dont need a place to put my blasted purse or scarf or extra sweater (canadian here) or shoes for work etc etc etc. I wouldnt be able to survive without those saddlebags

[old-n-slow]

Stolen from a motorcyle review -- couldn't resist-

But the upright and exposed riding position means high speeds are something you attempt only when your subscription at the gym has expired - half an hour at 80mph into a headwind is worth at least a fortnight's worth of bench presses.