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After market wind screens and MPG
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 10:59 am
by Funderbird
Anyone know if adding a windscreen decreases the MPG? I have been looking for one because i am a huge wind barrier and the wind at 70-80 is a bit uncomfortable. Any suggestions or comments on you MPG before and after the instale?
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:31 pm
by flynrider
It's a difficult question because it depends on what the bike/rider's drag profile looked like before the windshield. On my bike (standard riding position) the drag equation is a wash. It's about the same with or without the windshield (NC's Plexi 3). The main difference for me is that high speed highway riding is much more comfortable with the windshield on. MPG doesn't change when I remove the windshield.
I discovered this while doing some speed tests on a dry lake many years ago. Top speed was the same if I was riding upright or with the windshield. If I was lying flat in a Bonneville crouch without the windshield, I was able to get an extra 10 mph on the top end.
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:52 pm
by HYPERR
Most motorcycles, especially cruisers, have such poor aerodynamics anyway that windshields hardly make any difference in the gas mileage.
Thanks
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:57 pm
by Funderbird
I figured it wouldn't make too much of a differance...Thanks
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:50 am
by baltimorebayside
2008 C50T.......I get just a tad under 54 mpg....I drive between 55 and 65 mph......
dan
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:00 am
by ofblong
On my cruiser I got 47mpg without windshield on the highway and 55mpg on county/city riding. with the windshield I got the same.