To windshield or not to windshield, that is the question

Warm climate = no windshield
Cold climate = windshield  

I live in Wyoming where the riding season is way to short as it is. I go with the quick release brackets and a good solid wind screen however I find that I leave it on more than off. Its great to get back from a long ride and not be so worn out by fighting the wind all day. Also I ride in strong winds most of the time and have never had a problem because of the windshield. I have been riding in this Wyoming wind for 22 years and in my opinion, the windshield does more good than harm.  
2008 Kelly Blue Raider S. OEM Windshield, Stock for now but goodies in the works.

I agree. Sure, it doesn't look as hard core, but at the end of the day, you are the one sitting on that motorcycle; not the people watching you  

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Your auction site for motorcycle trikes  

I've only had one bike with a windshield, my last previous one. Didn't really think about it when riding, although I didn't like the look of it on the bike and, as mentioned, one more thing to clean.

Bought a new Triumph America last year. It doesn't have a screen, and no one (except Triumph) sells a aftermarket screen for it. I haven't really missed it. I wear a 3/4 helmet with face shield, so bugs and grit in the face isn't a problem. So I probably won't go out of my way to get one. I'll spend the money on other stuff.

One curious thing I noticed, however. After a few hours riding at times when bugs are very prevalent, windshield would be splattered and need a good cleaning. Riding the same time frame without a shield, my face shield isn't as splattered, and my jacket isn't marked at all??? Are bugs just naturally attracted to windshields??  
Your mount, your weapon, yourself,
- the Cav mantra

I have a vstar 1100 silverado with stock windshield. I am a short rider and have to look through it. Does anyone know how to adjust it lower. I am a fan of windshields and it does make the ride better.  

If it's at the lowest setting, take it to a glass place. they can cut it down, and maintain the curves on the shield. Probably cost you 35-50, cheaper than a replacement windshield.  

IF YOU LIKE THE WIND IN YOUR FACE THEN NO, IT PERSONAL PREFERANCE, I HAVE HAD WINDSHIELD BEFORE & FOUND IT'S NOT FOR ME BUT THEN IN HEAVY RAIN I SOMETIMES WISH I HAD ONE, JUST REMEMBER REAL BIKERS DON'T NEED THEM. HAHA LOL.  
MY RIDE: 2009 Pearl Black  Suzuki Boulevard M109R (VZR1800K9)
MODS: Cobra Dragster pipes/ K&N High flow air filters/ K&N High flow oil filter/ Dunlop E3 250 rear/ Chrome Grill

In '06, when I went to Americade, in the middle of a tropical storm, I didn't see any "real bikers". I go there, and I saw a lot of Harley's, and a lot of trailers. Ok, the fact that HD has it's base camp at the same hotel I was staying at may have some impact. 35-45 mph winds, at least an inch of rain per hour, for 6 hours. I'm glad I had a windshield. Just wish I had ABS...  

Good call, I test rode a V-ROD muscle in the wet I'm glad it had ABS should be on all bikes  
MY RIDE: 2009 Pearl Black  Suzuki Boulevard M109R (VZR1800K9)
MODS: Cobra Dragster pipes/ K&N High flow air filters/ K&N High flow oil filter/ Dunlop E3 250 rear/ Chrome Grill

Agreed, it would be nice if all street bikes had ABS. Then, the tires wouldn't have to be so soft that they wear out almost as fast as the motor oil does :-)

regards,
Joe  

I say yay for cruisers, nay for street rides.  

Windshields help protect against the fatigue of wind resistance and also take a lot of road bugs, rocks etc.  

I guess 5,000 mile weeks on the road just isn't enough miles to experience the 'fatigue of wind resistance', so I can't speak to that aspect other than to advise you adjust your posture, but the jacket, gloves, helmet and visor do a fine job of protecting me from bugs, rocks & etc. Are you one of those bikini clad riders I see near the beaches? I certainly approve of their choosing a windshield instead of wearing protective riding gear :-)

I think JimF51 might be right, I've noticed I can still see past the lovebugs on my visor, when people behind windshields have to stop and clean them off. I have a feeling it might be due to the visor being so much closer to my eyes though, rather than some strange additional attraction the bugs might have for a windshield.

regards,
Joe  

I currently rides sans shield and don't mind it except after a rain when the spray from cars is so bad. A shield would definitely help then.

I also usually ride with a 3/4 helmet but sometimes use a full-face and was glad I did the day I got smacked by a big, juicy bug that hit me in the lower right jaw and splattered all over my right shoulder. I had to go to the restroom and clean it off on my first stop, and lemme tell you it was a mess. A shield would have helped that.

I plan to get one but am in no big hurry. I'm the only "naked" rider in the group I usually ride with and can;t say I've ever noticed much of the fatigue factor, either.

That's my 2 cents worth. Ride safe, watch out for cagers on cell phones, and thank The Man Upstairs for every safe ride.  

I also debated with myself about shield/no shield, and now that I've got one, I'm sold. A big bunch of years ago a bird flew out of a hedge and hit me square in the middle of the chest, right on the solar plexus and completely winded me. I was doing about 50mph at the time and it was as much as I could do to haul to a halt on the verge and half lay, half drop the bike as I collapsed on the grass gasping for air. Fortunately the road was empty at the time. Dunno what happened the bird...