Is a windshield worth it?

fleurya · 08-06-2007, 03:28 PM

Guys, I've been debating about buying a windshield for my GZ 250. This past weekend I went for a ride and when I hit 50mph the wind was so intense that it felt like I was going at 200mph... I want to know if a windshield would make the ride more quiet and confortable?

If that is the case please let me know where I could get one since I have no dealers in the area.
Thank you again!

**jonathan180iq** · 08-06-2007, 03:35 PM

If I could make my bike feel like it was going to 200mph, I wouldn't change a thing.

I've spent about 1000 miles with each option; windshield / no windshield

I can say that I definately prefer riding long distances with the shield.

There are several good bike stores out there to help you. You want a universal shield that suits your fancy. Just about any style will work with the classic cruiser shield giving the most overall coverage.

www.mawonline.com (try here first. They are usually cheaper)

www.denniskirk.com

www.bikebandit.com

www.jcwhitney.com

www.ebay.com (buy from a person. The ebay "businesses" are getting ridiculous with their shipping)

www.ronayers.com

Stretch · 08-06-2007, 04:00 PM

I have less than a 1000 miles on the bike, but I have to admit, while riding without the shield initially was great, it did give my arms and chest a workout. Please realize that I am 6'2" and about 260 lbs -- so imagine a beer cooler mounted on a GZ seat and you have the wind profile. I put on a Viper shield about two weeks ago, first following the directions and placing the bottom of the shield on the top of the headlight. That removed about all the air pressure on my chest -- which would have been wonderful, but it put all that pressure on my head and neck instead and ramped the wind noise waaay up. I went back and read the posts about windscreens and looked more closely at the pictures that folks provided. Most had their windscreens laying on the speedo rather than the headlight (raising it about three inches). I tried that, less pressure on the head but now the wind comes up from beneath a bit more. I imagine if you were a bit shorter than I am, any of the aftermarket windscreens would really block the wind nicely which would make a much smoother and quieter ride. From reading earlier posts, I would suggest that you not buy the Suzuki stock windscreen, not only is it about twice the price, folks on here said it didn't last very long.

Just my two cents worth.

-Bob

xt477 · 08-06-2007, 06:14 PM

Windshield is definitely worth it, especially if you wear glasses; wind bounces them around like crazy.

You'll see number of posts on here talking about the slipstream06. I ordered one and found it WAY too small to be of any use.

Have since added an old Vetter shield and am now going through the same problems as stretch. Just have to tinker to find the right "sweet spot" for your height.

Dirt_McGert · 08-09-2007, 04:04 PM

The slipstreamer by spitfire works fine, although it's small. It's cheap and gets the job done, gets the wind off your chest, but wind will still bounce your head around if you're under 5'7".

But yes, for long distances and fast riding, a windshield IS worth it.

Easy Rider · 08-09-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirt_McGert

but wind will still bounce your head around if you're under 5'7".

But yes, for long distances and fast riding, a windshield IS worth it.

"if you're UNDER 5'7"............color me confused. O_o

I agree about the shield.......except for the fast riding part. I've got a GZ so I wouldn't know about that! :roll:

Easy Rider · 08-09-2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xt477

You'll see number of posts on here talking about the slipstream06. I ordered one and found it WAY too small to be of any use.

I just did some measuring. To get what I want, I need a shield that is 23" tall (top of headlight cutout to top of shield) and about 18-22 inches wide.

Alas, I don't think anybody makes one that tall. SIGH!

Stretch · 08-09-2007, 06:14 PM

I just checked the Viper, it was 17.5" from crown of cutout to top of shield and 22" wide. Like you, I wish it were about six to eight inches higher. If anyone has a windshield that is about that height -- please share the stats!
-Bob

Sarris · 08-24-2007, 05:04 PM

You bet your ass you need a windshield, you just have to get the "right" one for you.

Here is a cool one that fairly cheap on e-bay. It's less money ($92) & alot bigger with more substantial mounts than the stock Suzuki. Thought I'd let y'all know.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Suzuki-G ... dZViewItem

here is his store. He has several cool GZ windshields

http://search.stores.ebay.com/Motorcycl ... 17QQsofpZ0

:rawk:

Gadzooks Mike · 08-25-2007, 12:02 AM

I'm 5'8" and use a slipstream and it's good. It keeps the wind from getting UNDER my helmet (up the chin) and pushes it up and mostly over my head. I still get wind in my face, but the helmet takes care of that. I think (not proven, just a logical guess) that a windscreen will help top speed and mileage as well, just by smoothing the airflow.

08-06-2007, 03:28 PM	#1
fleurya Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sayre, PA Posts: 8	Is a windshield worth it? Guys, I've been debating about buying a windshield for my GZ 250. This past weekend I went for a ride and when I hit 50mph the wind was so intense that it felt like I was going at 200mph... I want to know if a windshield would make the ride more quiet and confortable? If that is the case please let me know where I could get one since I have no dealers in the area. Thank you again! Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

08-06-2007, 04:00 PM	#3
Stretch Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 52	I think it depends on your size and the size of the screen I have less than a 1000 miles on the bike, but I have to admit, while riding without the shield initially was great, it did give my arms and chest a workout. Please realize that I am 6'2" and about 260 lbs -- so imagine a beer cooler mounted on a GZ seat and you have the wind profile. I put on a Viper shield about two weeks ago, first following the directions and placing the bottom of the shield on the top of the headlight. That removed about all the air pressure on my chest -- which would have been wonderful, but it put all that pressure on my head and neck instead and ramped the wind noise waaay up. I went back and read the posts about windscreens and looked more closely at the pictures that folks provided. Most had their windscreens laying on the speedo rather than the headlight (raising it about three inches). I tried that, less pressure on the head but now the wind comes up from beneath a bit more. I imagine if you were a bit shorter than I am, any of the aftermarket windscreens would really block the wind nicely which would make a much smoother and quieter ride. From reading earlier posts, I would suggest that you not buy the Suzuki stock windscreen, not only is it about twice the price, folks on here said it didn't last very long. Just my two cents worth. -Bob __________________ -Bob Stretch Some of us serve only to be bad examples for others... Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

08-09-2007, 04:04 PM	#5
Dirt_McGert Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 68	The slipstreamer by spitfire works fine, although it's small. It's cheap and gets the job done, gets the wind off your chest, but wind will still bounce your head around if you're under 5'7". But yes, for long distances and fast riding, a windshield IS worth it. __________________ 2003 Suzuki GZ250 - All stock (bought with 740 miles on it) Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

08-09-2007, 06:14 PM	#8
Stretch Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 52	Viper Specs I just checked the Viper, it was 17.5" from crown of cutout to top of shield and 22" wide. Like you, I wish it were about six to eight inches higher. If anyone has a windshield that is about that height -- please share the stats! -Bob __________________ -Bob Stretch Some of us serve only to be bad examples for others...
	0

08-24-2007, 05:04 PM	#9
Sarris Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Florida USA Posts: 1,348	Windshield? You bet your ass you need a windshield, you just have to get the "right" one for you. Here is a cool one that fairly cheap on e-bay. It's less money ($92) & alot bigger with more substantial mounts than the stock Suzuki. Thought I'd let y'all know. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Suzuki-G ... dZViewItem here is his store. He has several cool GZ windshields http://search.stores.ebay.com/Motorcycl ... 17QQsofpZ0 :rawk: __________________ Prudent riders live longer than moron riders.
	0

08-06-2007, 03:35 PM	#2
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	If I could make my bike feel like it was going to 200mph, I wouldn't change a thing. I've spent about 1000 miles with each option; windshield / no windshield I can say that I definately prefer riding long distances with the shield. There are several good bike stores out there to help you. You want a universal shield that suits your fancy. Just about any style will work with the classic cruiser shield giving the most overall coverage. www.mawonline.com (try here first. They are usually cheaper) www.denniskirk.com www.bikebandit.com www.jcwhitney.com www.ebay.com (buy from a person. The ebay "businesses" are getting ridiculous with their shipping) www.ronayers.com
	0

08-06-2007, 06:14 PM	#4
xt477 Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 41	Windshield is definitely worth it, especially if you wear glasses; wind bounces them around like crazy. You'll see number of posts on here talking about the slipstream06. I ordered one and found it WAY too small to be of any use. Have since added an old Vetter shield and am now going through the same problems as stretch. Just have to tinker to find the right "sweet spot" for your height.
	0

08-25-2007, 12:02 AM	#10
Gadzooks Mike Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opelika, AL Posts: 162	I'm 5'8" and use a slipstream and it's good. It keeps the wind from getting UNDER my helmet (up the chin) and pushes it up and mostly over my head. I still get wind in my face, but the helmet takes care of that. I think (not proven, just a logical guess) that a windscreen will help top speed and mileage as well, just by smoothing the airflow.
	0