windshield... good to have or not really?

[rexolio]

Considering getting a windshield, but not sure why other than looks... seems like it will just force more of the wind into my face / at my head. It's not like I'd actually be seeing through it.

What are your thoughts? Good to have or not worth it?

[alanmcorcoran]

Rex,

There's been tons pro, and a little con, regarding this all over the site. In general, people seem to like the windshield and the bigger, the better. It can slow you down some though.

Search posts for windshield.

I also think it makes a difference if you wear a full helmet or not. I think it is more useful if you only wear the half lid.

[rexolio]

Thanks... sorry for not searching in the first place. It's late and guess I wasn't thinking! I have a full face, so might not need it.

[patrick_777]

It helps no matter what kind of helmet you have.

Some people, however, don't use them for purely aesthetic reasons... :whistle:

[alanmcorcoran]

Originally Posted by rexolio

Thanks... sorry for not searching in the first place.

Didn't intend to be all chastise-y. I routinely ask about stuff I'm aware has already been covered. Just wanted to let you know there's a lot out there already and I was too lazy to regurgitate it all. I have been the instigator of some of it and, generally speaking, people that ride regularly seem to like windshields. I've kind of gotten used to the no windshield deal. The only time the wind is annoying to me (other than the recent 40-50 mph gusts out here in SOcal) is on the freeway and, it's not even in the top three of the things that bug me on the freeway.

I'm probably still going to get one, if for no other reason than to see what it's like.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by rexolio

Considering getting a windshield, but not sure why other than looks... seems like it will just force more of the wind into my face / at my head. It's not like I'd actually be seeing through it.

Form or function, take your pick!

If you get a shield just for "looks" then you are probably right that it won't be very functional.
To be really useful, it must deflect the wind OVER your head. That means that the top of the shield must come up at least to your nose and better to about eyebrow level.

Think about being hit square in the face by a pigeon......or being hit in the neck with a rock. Helmet or no, those things can be life threatening.

[rexolio]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

To be really useful, it must deflect the wind OVER your head. That means that the top of the shield must come up at least to your nose and better to about eyebrow level.

Think about being hit square in the face by a pigeon......or being hit in the neck with a rock. Helmet or no, those things can be life threatening.

Yikes!!

There seems to be a couple of different sizes: 13 1/2" H x 17 1/4" W and 15" H x 17 1/4" W

Does that seem about right / standard?

[rexolio]

Actually, just found another that is 22" H above the headlight, 29" H over all x 32 1/2" W, but that seems REALLY big

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by rexolio

Actually, just found another that is 22" H above the headlight, 29" H over all x 32 1/2" W, but that seems REALLY big

Yes it is......that's about what I have. **I** like it but I also know that it is not right for everybody.

IMHO, you need at least 20" above the headlight. You don't really NEED the extra width but it's kind of hard to find a shield that is tall and skinny. As far as I am concerned, a shield that is too small is just a waste of money.

Like I said before, get a yardstick, sit on the bike and have someone else hold the stick in position to get a feel for the height; you could even make a cardboard simulation.

[rexolio]

I'll do that (yard stick) but last question... I assume yours doesn't look disproportionate for the bike, considering u have one of the bigger ones?