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Hi, not sure if this has been addressed...I am a new rider, a week out of MSF and three days in traffic. I have a Suzuki S40 and am considering getting a windshield.

I was wondering about the benefits versus cost, other's preferences, pros/cons, etc.

My riding will mostly consist of short workday commutes on four lane roads @ 50mph, and some weekend trips on similiar roads.

Thanks.

Pros include, the windshield gets most of the bugs...not you. You get less fatigued because the windshield takes most of the force.

They look ugly. And if they're too big (you won't be able to mount one to big on your bike) they can affect handling.

Other then that it's mostly pros... usually better fuel economy, less fatigue, less crap in your face, less wind noise (depending on the shape). All in all pretty good to me.

Sev wrote:They look ugly. And if they're too big (you won't be able to mount one to big on your bike) they can affect handling.

Other then that it's mostly pros... usually better fuel economy, less fatigue, less "crumb" in your face, less wind noise (depending on the shape). All in all pretty good to me.

thats all true... and let me make sure u know at high speeds how much it helps with the wind...helps A lot...

where as i know its good for bugs/wind, a windshield just doesnt look that bad "O Ring" to me. hah, so i unbolted mine. i still have it though, if i were to (ever) go on the highway (one step at a time haha

I hate mine. But I use it when it gets cold because it gives me another 10 degrees of comfort. Other than that, it looks nasty, vibrates in the wind, and since it bolts to the handlebars that vibration is all in my hands.

It's a matter of personal choice, I wouldn't be without a shield of some kind on the road and others wouldn't be caught with one.

I put a Plexi 2 type shield on my first bike years ago and have used that quick removal type for years. Would take it off frequently in July and/or August during the hot spells. I was only 52 yo when I started riding 23 years ago, younger riders might have different opinions.

Now I use the larger Plexi 2 shield thru winter and the spring rains and then put on a smaller Spitfire size for the summer thru fall. Riding year round here in NE Ohio wouldn't be pleasant without a shield, might be OK in southern California though.

Mine is a Memphis Shades Hellcat (Pics Here). I like mine but, I've never ridden without one (other than MSF). It has definitely kept things from hitting me; bugs, road debris and birds. If I wanted to, I could remove it easily with an allen wrench.

nate1714 wrote:

Sev wrote:They look ugly. And if they're too big (you won't be able to mount one to big on your bike) they can affect handling.

Other then that it's mostly pros... usually better fuel economy, less fatigue, less "crumb" in your face, less wind noise (depending on the shape). All in all pretty good to me.

thats all true... and let me make sure u know at high speeds how much it helps with the wind...helps A lot...

Depends on the speed you're doing and the endurance of the rider I suppose.

Thanks for the info...

on my list as a future purchase.