Total Motorcycle Community Forums

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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...........

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

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.

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.