Opinions/Thoughts Windshield for Travel

[Pwfyrcat1]

As I consider my annual leave for next year, I am toying with the idea of hitting the road. Nowhere particular, just going.

What are your thought or opinions on riding with a windshield? I don't want to put out the cash for something I will probably only use once.

[twicechosen]

I have a small shield on mine and it helps keep the bugs out of my teeth and at higher speeds keeps my butt in the seat. I like the one that I have but if I was going to do a week or so, saddle bags packed down, duffle bags, etc. What the hey, what's a shield going to do to the looks of the bike then, nothing to hurt it for sure. But that's just me.

[RonM]

Tried one this summer but was too short....need airflow over my helmet or at least on the upper part of it. Will try a larger one next spring...actually thinking of getting the next 2 sizes up and sending one back. Mark is great to work with. Maybe best of all, they fit the Boulevard brackets, for a super clean install/look.
Plus, when I returned it, I pre-paid the return shipping with Clearview and saved about 50% using their account.

Maybe a RSW group discount prospect?

Custom Motorcycle Windshields

[1256day]

I really like the boulevard in the summer. In the winter i throw on the clear alt wind screen on the boulevard brackets. Both are pretty comfy.

Semperfit has a pretty sano looking bullit fairing set up.
G

[Gypped]

I suppose it would depend on how far you're planning on going, and what part of the country. You could probably get by with a blvd without much of a headache if you're not going halfway across the country, especially if you have a good full-face that doesn't cut the air like a brick.

If you're going to do 1500 or more miles one way, or head into the midwest, I would say you'd probably want a larger shield. You may not think it, but even with a good FF helmet, your neck and shoulders will be killing you after 300-400 miles in a day if you're not used to it.

I did a 2900 mile round trip up to Iowa from Florida this summer with a Clearview XL, and there were times I was wishing for a batwing. Mostly in the midwest, although I suppose it'd debatable how much it would have helped there.

If you're just going to meander around, do maybe 200-400 miles in a day at most, the blvd or something similar would probably be just fine. Perhaps the biggest thing you may want to think about is some form of extra cushion on the seat. Even an aftermarket seat isn't perfect, and you're going to want a way to change the pressure points.

[evilrider]

having done several long distance trips without a windshield i would suggest one. on my last trip i decided that i wasnt doing another long trip without a good windshield. i suggest the biggest one you can find. who cares what it looks like.its just for the trip and well worth having. running the highway at 80mph for hours with that wind pushing on you will wear you out . after a couple hours my neck was sore from fighting to hold the helmet up against the wind...not to mention when you hit rain..and you will. if you want to set up your bike for a real trip and i mean more than a thousand miles or even just a trip where your going to be riding for several hours everyday heres what you need to do to enjoy the trip as much as you can.
1- windshield.
2-either a good after market seat or an airhawk cushion
3-a backrest or set your gear up to act as a backrest.
4-a secondary foot position. you can use your rear pegs as long as you have the relocation set up that drops em down and moved em forward.
5-a secondary fuel tank. this isnt a must but if your comfortable and making good time its annoying to have to stop.
6-a 33 tooth pulley. this will keep the vibration down and make the ride easier on you body. it should also increase your mpg's

doing all of these would make your trip cake but if your not ready to do a full kit like that i would suggest doing the pulley,windshield,and pegs. those three will make your trip smoother.

[shoban]

I like the Boulevard and it breaks the wind on my chest well enough to be noticeable. I have a small rifle shield on the VTX and have ridden several 1000+ mile trips on it without a lot of fatigue. On the Warrior, a more comfortable seat and an alternate place to rest my feet from time to time would be crucial before trying to ride 500 miles a day.

[jabo]

Do the windshield. I kept one on my warrior for 8 years. I took it off after I bought the Connie. But guess what... It's back on the warrior now.

[capttwb]

The difference between a windshield or no windshield is 300 miles a day.

[milkman672042000]

Last summer I did a 5000 mile trip with no windshield. I didnt have any problems, then again I stayed off all "major" highways and my speed usually averaged 60 mph tops. Also was riding through Northern Europe, primarily Norway, the speeds in general are a little less than the states.

The only times I thought a windshield would be nice were when I was doing a "catch up" day to get back on schedule. A few days I pushed between 500 and 800 miles, instead of the normal 200 to 300. I was pretty tired at the end of those days.

I did another 2000 mile trip the year before and between the 2 trips I decided after about 60mph you really arent seeing much you just going from one place to the next.