as I have aged, function has taken precedence over form so would , and this is just for me, would rather arrive less tired and beat up but not have my bike look as cool.
I am curious what you do if it starts to rain ? Or more than a few times, we have been riding and it has started pouring down rain and we still would have to ride a bit to get somewhere to pull over.
Tho we obviously ride as many side roads as possible, there are times we will spend very long stretches on the highway getting somewhere.....I could not imagine doing 75-80 for a long stretch down the highway without a shield and worse yet, if it did start to rain.
But , everyone enjoys something different and wants something different.
I know for me, as I put more and more miles on my bikes, the more I discovered I was less concerned with looks then function.
I remember way back when , I sort of scoffed at textile riding gear....strictly a leather jacket for me.
I have not worn that leather jacket now in years. I remember feeling a bit like I had gone on the dark side when I went to a textile jacket....now, as mentioned, my leather jacket hangs in a closet having not been worn in years.
I used to have a 1977 GL1000 - the precursor to the Goldwing. I restored it and loved the naked look of that bike. I thought it was a great looking bike and I always got compliments whenever I stopped. Used to drive some harley guys crazy as people would always ask me about my bike, not theirs.
But as the miles piled on, I broke down and got a windshield. People still always asked about the bike. Then as more miles piled on and a average day ride was 300+ miles, I really bit the bullet and installed a fairing from a 1980's goldwing on it. Had a great paint job etc, but rarely did anyone ever ask me anything about my bike any more, now they would turn to the harley's.....
thing is tho, I did not care one bit. All I knew was I could ride my 300+ miles and smoke a cigarette going 80 down the highway. If it started to rain, did not bother me a bit while a couple of the other guys were looking for the 1st dry place to stop.........and I always arrived home feeling much better than I used to before the additions.
Is then I discovered I was no longer concerned about the looks, but was only concerned about making my ride as enjoyable for me as possible.
Tho some people may enjoy the ride more without a shield and to them I say have at it, do whatever makes your ride more enjoyable for you.
Me, I'll take the shield. I went to Ohio a while back, was 1,008 miles round trip, pretty much all highway miles. Could not imagine that without a shield.
Also doubt I would enjoy riding below 50, let alone in the 30's without one, heated gear or not.
But in the end, I say do whatever is best for you and forget about what anyone else thinks.....
I think I may pull out that leather jacket next spring