Been thinking about a windshield...

[FLBikerchick]

...and wondered what other people thought. I've heard the HD windshields are very durable and don't haze very quickly, but they're also twice the price of some others, like Memphis Shades or National. For those who have windshields (and I know there are a lot of you), what have your experiences been?

[WideOne]

FLB, you're joining the 'dark side' too?

[slamin sammy]

FLB i have a Harley windshield on my Heritage and my wife has a Memphis Shade on her sportster, i realy think the Harley one is better quality, the collared portion of the Shades one has gotten hazy and it is only 2 years old.any way just my 2 penneys

[FLBikerchick]

Originally Posted by WideOne

FLB, you're joining the 'dark side' too?

Trust me, it's gonna be quick release, and it's only going on for long rides.

[LAF]

Wind Vest.

Best optics I have seen on a 3 year old shield I had on my sporty. Chrome is second to none. Customer service second to none. Very adjustable for windage. Nice mounting system, not obtrusive at all.

[jtpnu93]

I hate using a windshield, but I hate being cold more. I only use mine when the temp dips below 50deg.

I went with a Harley one even after a long search on them. I can't complain on the quality. I initially leaned towards Memphis Shades, but after actually seeing one, I wasn't impressed.

Quick lesson I learned from using a windshield... they take getting used to. The bike handles differently, especially on the highway (nothing major, but just expect it). And I struggled with winding roads at first. One eye looking through the windshield and one looking directly at the road as I went through the turns made screwed me up a little bit. The windshield is curved and distorts the view of the road ever so slightly. I have gotten over it, but I absolutely hated my windshield at first because of that.

[Sir Nuke]

I have had BOTH HD windshields and Memphis Shades.....I liked them both.

for you....wanting to maintain "quick detachablilty" the HD will be the way to go. its TRUELY quick detachable and does not require any tools at all to remove it...where as the shades will. BOTH are very durable....and I have never had any hazing problems with either. In vact the windshield portion of the fairing I have on my Road King is the top portion of a memphis shades windshield and its now three years old.

the memphis shades can take some abuse from flying debris too...its a good 1/16 inch THICKER that the HD windshield....but they are both lexan and its almost indistructable anyway.

as for the distortion from lookin THROUGH one....well that can present a problem....which is why I have ALWAYS had windshields of a height that I can look over at all times....they still block the wind and air flow goes over your head...but your eyesight of the road is unobstructed.

[ACfixer]

Ok, I have the stock shield for my heritage and any ride colder than 50 as someone else said, or longer than 50 miles, I put it on. It takes 30 seconds to go either direction and it seems to be a very nice quality. The differences in handling didn't catch my attention as much as the drop in fuel mileage did, be prepared for that.

And yes, I am tall so I can see over the top of mine. If I couldn't, I'd have it trimmed so I could.

[FXR2]

Originally Posted by FLBikerchick

Trust me, it's gonna be quick release, and it's only going on for long rides.

My philosophy on windshields, exactly. I got a HD quick release windshield as part of the deal when I bought my FXR2. It's five years old now and shows no signs of hazing. The quick release is just that--no tools and very easy (but for that reason you might want to think about possible theft deterrence). Mine tops out right below eye level so I don't actually look through it but the wind now goes over my head, as well as not against my torso, so in cold or inclement weather, it's really nice to have. It's also blocked a lot of grit and small road debris. And makes a difference in fatigue if you're on the Interstate for hours.

I still prefer the look of the bike without a windshield, and for the most part I don't bother to use it, but occasionally it's sure nice to have.

[shinbone1028]

I've got a Windvest and a Nat'l Flyscreen and I like them both.Both are easy to install/remove and both are minimal.

[Archon]

THe Road King came with a QD windshied that has been through about 16K miles with no problems. I have a National on my Sportster. It's a bit thicker and has about 6 years of regular use - (maybe 20K miles?). Both do fine but you just can't beat the QD feature of the Road King's when you want to shed the shield. As far as use. I'm riding now and wouldn't think of taking the shield off. Summer, however, is a different story.

[lowrydor]

I went with Memphis Shades Demon style. Its not a quick release, wish it were but its thicker than HD only 19 inches high so I still get to feel some wind which I love. Any rider that goes over 50 miles one way and says they don't need a windshield is down right lying to you girl. First off without a windshield you have to grip the bars tighter which translates into more tension in the arms, shoulders and neck. That translates into sore muscles, being tired faster and a less enjoyable ride. Add to that you get hit more often by bugs, rocks and pelted by stinging rain plus more of that gritty road debris. The down side to a windshield is you don't get the wind in the hot months that keeps you cooler. Its a trade off but one I gladly accept.

[Carrie]

Windvest!!

[FLBikerchick]

Originally Posted by lowrydor

...Any rider that goes over 50 miles one way and says they don't need a windshield is down right lying to you girl...

LOL!! I've never had a windshield, and I've gone WAY over 50 miles one way lots of times!

Still, thanks for all the info, everyone. Once Mark gets the King (Elvis), we'll be taking much longer trips, so I feel a windshield will be a necessary addition at that point.

Kinda leaning toward the HD now, just because I can get it right here at the dealer.

[Nazzdak]

Originally Posted by WideOne

FLB, you're joining the 'dark side' too?

Yeah, Don't Do It!.....j/k

Naw....to each his own, I wouldn't want one on my bike, as it's really a TNT, but I sure wouldn't mind having an additional Electra Glide with all the trimmings.