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Ok, so I believe I've whiddled my way down to the kind of cruiser I want to get. My next question is this: Do I get a bike with a windshield or not? This will be my first bike and once I'm comfortable enough, I plan on commuting on the freeway to work as well as doing some road trips. Would you guys recommend I get a bike with a windshield? I know I can always get one later, I was just wondering if any of you have any recommendations or advice about this. Thanks!

This is not intended to offend anyone , however when I want a windshield , I drive my cage .
I love the wind in my face and use to love it in my hair .
Thasss one a da reasons I been a scooter tramp all my life . Don't want to miss that freedom .
Regards, Wizzard

To shield or not to shield??? Is that really a question???

Why don't you go with an after market shield like Memphis shades, just get their removeable one.... One minute it's on, and in under a minute, you're tucking it into a cover so you can go cruisin' in the breeze. The best of both worlds....

Okay I'm speaking completly from "cage" driving here but I would definately use a windsheild if I wasn't using a full-face helmet. But that could just be the NW, it's possible other people actually take care of their roads, and damn dump trucks actually cover their loads.

I imagine a tiny rock coliding with your face at that speed has some potential for damage and pain. If it drew enough attention of yours it could result in more damage and pain hehe.

Bought my bike a few months ago, put on about 2500km's since then. It came with a half windshield, so as I'm riding I can still see over it, not through it. If I lean into the bike, then maybe I get full coverage. Mine is a standard, not a cruiser for the record.

Here's where it gets interesting. Last week I thought, "Damn that windshield is ugly". So I took it off and rode to work for a couple days. Wow. What a difference. Under 70km/h is enjoyable, the extra wind just lets you know you're on a bike. From 70-100km/h, it gets annoying. At about 110-120 km/h I was being thrown around (not the bike thank God) but me, thrown around, neck almost snapping, yours truly feeling like a great big sail.

Will I put it back on? I'm still not sold. But the moral of my story is if you're planning on putzing around town and doing minimal highway, I'd say screw the windshield. If however, you intend to spend most of your time riding at high speed, spring for the shield! Me, well... I can't decide if I want to feel better or look better

I rode with one for awhile, but it wasn't the removeable type. I finally removed it.

I didn't care for the "backwards wind" they cause. I did like the weather protection on colder days, or when it was raining.

I'd opt for a removeable one.

BTW, which bike did you decide to go with the Volusia (C-50) or the Triumph?

I agree with the removable camp. I love having one on longer rides, or on the freeway. Pebbles and bugs HURT, especially at high speed. They're also great when it rains. Also, having the wind blast you constantly on a long trip is tiring.

But as someone mentioned, part of the fun of riding the bike is the wind on you. I love it.

i love the memphis fats i bought. comes off in 10 seconds with no help needed. i agree, long trips with the wind on your chest does a number on you and thats why i got it. not to mention the windshield tri-pouch i picked up is great for keeping sunglasses, keys, etc. some people think it takes away from the look but i have to disagree. when you add saddlebags a shield kinda adds to it IMO. i also feel a bit safer with flying debris(windshield) since i bought a shorty helmet to replace my full face.

I never put one on my cruiser. My parents got me one that I didn't want for christmas, and it ended up getting thrown in, never mounted when I sold the bike.
Now that I have the Honda, I've decided that I want one. It will be nice to get ther 120km/h+ winds off my chest. Yes, I know I shouldn't be going that fast, but the long straights of Alberta seem to require it. And if it ends up looking the way I hope it does, it'll look even better with the shield.

I 've taken out some pretty big bugs with my chest, but not since I got my shield. I ride highways to work and back every day and don't miss getting beaned by bugs and debris.