To windshield or not to windshield, that is the question

Im on the fence about buying a bike with a windshield or not. I could use some opinions on this for or against them.

Thanks!  

I was on the fence as well until I bought a bike with a detachable windshield. I figured if I didn't like it, I would just take it off and ride without. I never take it off!! It really helps to keep the bugs, little rocks, and all the other stuff that hits your face off of you. The only thing about it is that there is something else to keep clean, but the tradeoff for me is worth it.  

I would have never thought I would like a windshield, my current bike came with one and I gotta tell ya' I'm spoiled now, it makes for a smoother ride, you get less noise, and the bugs it catches, man, I don't know how I rode before without it! I will however take it off for awhile in the summer, the bike looks SO much better without it. try it, you'll like it....... if you can stand the look of it.  

There are a lot of sizes and styles. A friend who used to do about 30k a year had a BMW R1200 with a fly screen. Very tiny, just enough to deflect some of the wind away from the chest. My wife's 1st bike- Savage (and the 3rd one - Mean Streak) have mini's. A little bigger, but, again the goal is to deflect SOME of the wind and buffeting. At 6', I didn't find them real useful if you get to highway speeds. The minis are great up to about 55-60 for me.
I had a 3in over stock on my Kawi Drifter, and stock on the GoldWing, and it's a comfortable ride. You can go a long way without being beaten down by the wind.  

i too felt the same. so i bought one and now would never consider riding without. it does divert alot of unwanted debris plus the wind   just make sure that when you adjust it,you're not looking through it. the top of the windshield should be level with your nose. that way,no distortion.  

HI;I have ridden for years. With and with out a shield. I vote for one. Last year I ran through a swarm of bees.  The windshield made all the difference. I only got hit about 15 times.  Ride behind a dump truck with a load of sand or dirt . You will ether speed up and just get blasted or back way off. I like the way you don't have to fight the wind on the torso. I like the way the sheild looks. Mostly I like that it keeps the big bugs off me This is my two cents.. scruffy  

I just bought a v star 1300 and it came with a windsheild boy does it keep the bugs of and the sand 18 weelers kickup now after riding with one I wont go without. It also keeps the wind from beating you tired.  

I AGREE on the don't look thru the shield. It really sucks if you've got rain on your face shield, and rain on the windshield.
Not much better with a shortie. That's rain in your eyes(was stopped by the face shield), and still rain on the windshield.  

I'm a city rider, not a rain rider..not a big long-road rider...LOL..I'm on the fence as well....eveyone tells me..put one on..it'll never come off.   Sorry....LOL I was no help here.  

Hi All I average 30,000k's plus per year on a bike and yes I do use the windshield makes riding long miles a pleasure, would never ride without one now, on the few occasions I have ridden without one i did not enjoy the ride nor could I do as many miles without feeling worn out...If your screen is not set right well you will never enjoy the ride you and only you can set the screen and it may well take you quite some time to perfect it  

Besides keeping the bugs and stones from hitting you, they also help in highway riding. Your arms will become tired quickly at continued speeds above 55 mph. The wind blast on your chest causes you to squeeze the handlebars and also causes a strain on your arm muscles. If you plan on riding on any trips where interstate highways will be used, you'll really appreciate a windshield.  

Another vote for a full wind shield.
Took mine off once for cleaning,and a short ride.
Looks cool but the ride was much better with the shield in place.  

I'll go along with the pro opinions for a windshield for any long riding activities . Its much more pleasant riding at higher speeds without the wind buffeting and certainly deflecting the bugs and road sand.
Around town cruising the boulevard or shoreline at reduced speeds is fine without one and looks cool,  but for the Interstate long hauls and such, windshield or faring is more practical.    

I've had a tall (detachable, but never took it off)windshield on my Dyna and after riding home from a road trip all day in the pouring rain I took it off; couldn't see jack through it.

I'd recommend a Windvest shield, though. Small footprint, sight line is over the top, and concaved to flow the air up and over your head. I love it.  

I won't ride without a windshield. I am a big guy (6'2", 340 lbs) and fighting the wind without a windshield takes all the fun out of it for me. Sure, you will probably give up a little fuel mileage, but the comfort you gain is worth any concessions you will make.

As far as looks are concerned, who cares? Unless you are buying a chopper or some other sort of garage candy, your bike is for RIDING and form should follow function