To windshield or Not to Windshield
Rode with a fellow last weekend out to Youngstown Ohio (more on that later). He was riding a Dyna of ‘05 vintage I believe, nice bike, no windshield. He did complain about the wind when we got to Y-town.
This got me thinking about windshields, My Goldwing has a windshield of course and is incredibly easy to ride. My Shadow-Aero does not have a windshield, I have not rode it in some time but I do remember when riding that at less than the double nickels no real problems. Anything better than 60 MPH and things start getting a bit more difficult. This fact was compounded by the handlebars on that machine, big wide beach bars, all you are is a sail, with your arms holding you against the wind.
When I bought the Softail I rode it home and the first few days without a windshield. Interestingly enough it was the first ride to Medina with the wife that prompted the windshield purchase. She could not believe how much wind you get with nothing in front of you (duh!). I told her a windshield would make things much better. We got to Medina and purchased a windshield, with the help of Ron our salesman and the handy set of tools from his bike we installed it in the parking lot. It was easy to install the docking hardware, installing the shield itself is a little more trouble, this has since been remedied by using a silicone spray on the rubber docking hardware and wearing in the pieces. The trip to Akron after installing the shield was much more pleasant for her. I really do not feel I need a windshield… or so I thought.
When the bike is getting washed the windshield generally comes off. One of the technicians at Century Harley-Davidson told us the best way to get the bugs off of the windshield is to put a towel over it and soak the towel. This moistens the bodies and other carnage, makes them easier to remove. I took the bike for a ride to see if I can diagnose a pulling problem, make sure it wasn’t caused by the windshield. I could not believe what a wimp that I have become. I really like having the windshield, I believe that it has made the first 2750 miles much more pleasant. I believe if I was just running into town and the windshield was not on the bike for some reason, I would not bother putting it on. However anything above the double nickels for extended periods of time, I am going with the windshield.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
did you buy a detachable windshield? I recently bought a HD Roadster. You are on point, on the highway I feel like a giant kite getting ready to take off! I have decided I need a windshield, and am trying to save money and not get the detachable windshield. I want to use the highway almost everyday so I don’t think I need to take it off alot. What do u think?
Thanks for the good info
April 7th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I did buy the detachable old style king sized windshield. The Shadow-Aero has wider handlebars than my Softail, much worse with the wind. Honestly, the motorcycle is so much easier to clean with the windshield removed. The windshield is also easier to clean off the bike. I do like the ability of going full wind when the mood strikes. If you do not see yourself taking the shield off much, I would go for the fixed model. Personally, I like the ability to change the bike when the mood strikes. I wish the saddlebags came off easy.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Windshield Repair
You’re driving along and a rock hits your windshield. Sometimes you are very lucky and it is a glancing blow with no long term evidence of the encounter. Sometimes the event results in a chip, star or bulls eye; and other times the impact results in a major event that requires the replacement of your windshield.
One fact cannot be denied, any damage that is seen will never get better on its own. Like a famous actor said, “Well, do you feel lucky?” If you have an experience that is repairable, it is best that the repair occur as soon as possible. The question is not if but rather when will the impact point run and become un-repairable? Sure it might be a day or a week or a month or even longer but why tempt fate. Even though repairs are not necessarily free, they should cost you much less than your normal windshield deductible
Just get the repair done. The clock is ticking or “do you feel lucky?” Eventually luck runs out. Contact your windshield repair professional today!
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