Windshield or windscreen purpose??????

[Hypno Rider]

What's up guys? I've done a search and still can't find what im looking for on this topic. What is the real purpose of the windshield? How useful is it anyway? Or is it annoying? I understand, overstand and innerstand that 1. It shields you from wind. 2. It can protect you from a rock flying off a big Riggs tire and 3. Protects you from a June bug at 60 mph. However, for a few weeks I rode a 250cc Honda reflex with the big windshield and I just thought it was so annoying. I've also read that wind noise is much louder in the helmet with a windshield. I guess I'm trying to figure out if I should go that route or not. I personally don't like the "look" of bikes with windshields but my safety is always first. P.S. does it slow you down at all?

[alantf]

It seems that around 99% of the folk on here like windshields. I've been riding for nearly 50 years, and I HATE 'em. I've never been able to get them set so that they're anything but a giant sail. Still, if you're so cold without one, I reckon they may be worth the hassle.

[PimpS]

I was thinking of buying it a first, but after a few good rides with GZ, i decided that i don't need it, cause i like the wind on motorcycle. Maybe, when i'll get stronger bike i'll put it on, when going on highway and hit cruising speed 130 - 140kph... Otherwise, i like cleaning my visor from bugs, it gives me feeling i was driving good...

[PimpS]

Just a 2 cents more: i liked the leather windshield inside the crashbar one of the guys had on his honda shadow, since i'm having pains in my knees after a long rides in humid air...

[jomama]

Many a time I can recall a large hard June Bug or some other such insect (or stone) stricking the shield very hard and thought, man I would have caught it right in the face were it not for the windshield .It also lets you know what your engine is doing by reflecting back the sound . Although some times they make some strange noises and you wonder if they are going to come apart.

[mrlmd1]

The pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages will go back and forth like helmet vs no helmet, full face vs. 3/4 vs. brain bucket, ATTGATT, no ATTGATT, "performance" mods. louder mufflers, etc.,etc. It's a personal choice, you get educated, try it, if you like it, go for it, if not, get rid of it -- you make the decision.
All my bikes had a windshield I put on or left on. For little rides around town or slow back roads it may not be as advantageous as on a good faster highway ride - definitely warmer, safer, and much less fatigue without being directly in the wind blast. And noise is abated with earplugs - another decision you have to make.
Basically it's protection from not only the wind but from being hit in the face, neck, chest, by anything on the road, and if you don't think you need that, then don't get one.

[Hypno Rider]

Originally Posted by alantf

It seems that around 99% of the folk on here like windshields. I've been riding for nearly 50 years, and I HATE 'em. I've never been able to get them set so that they're anything but a giant sail. Still, if you're so cold without one, I reckon they may be worth the hassle.

I know exactly what you mean. On a highway overpass with that little Honda reflex, a good gust of wind came by and literally lifted me up in the air. I felt like i was hanging on to a 300 pound kite. For some reason I almost panicked and released the throttle and she straightened herself right out.

[Hypno Rider]

Thanks for the input guys. I will just have to try it out and see for myself.

[bonehead]

On the GZ maybe not, but on a bigger bike, yes!

[northsidegz]

For in town riding I didn't care much. I rode the GZ fine without a windshield. But most of my driving is on the highway and have preferred a windshield when going 65mph for 30 minutes at a time. I just don't like the feel of the wind trying to yank me off the bike personally.