Smithy

Every time I go to a VR rally, I'm the only one without a windshield. I refuse to get one because I don't like how they look on the C50. On other bikes, I think they look fine.

I enjoy my rides as much as anyone, but I notice that I'm often cold when other people are talking about how warm it is, and I tend to get more tired from a full day of riding than I should (I'm relatively young). It's especially noticeable when I'm riding in an area with a lot of wind.

I have no doubt you'll be more comfortable with a windshield, but you don't need to feel like it's a requirement to enjoy your time on the bike.

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Mike
Don't ride through western Oregon without stopping to say hi!
www.facebook.com/therealmikesmith



Proud to be a VR Wescalero

Ron Freemyer

Lois I put 250 miles on a bike with no wind shield and along with all the other reasons listed here I found I was getting a sore neck due to the air pressure on my helmet trying to take my head off. I now have my own 2006 c50t and always ride with a clear face shield on my helmet and a windxhield. Love to ride, but can do without the turbulance....Ron

bipestuff

Yup, pretty much a personal thing. I had an old sportster that had no windshield and I enjoyed riding it but most of my miles were back roads and definitely no interstate riding. I was usually going less than 55 mph on the back roads 'cause if you went much faster it would vibrate the h^%& out of you! My C50T came with a windshield and I've since added lowers and clear guards for my handgrip area to help keep my hands warmer during colder riding. I would not ride without them!

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2007 black C50T (current) - PGR Member
1973 HD Sportster (sold 2009 - sigh...)
1972 Kawasaki (first bike)

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gsimmons

On the 400 series highways, I can't ride very long without the shield. It's just too windy.

On the backroads and in town (anything under 100kph speed limit), I take the shield off.

It's just 4 allen bolts, so I just put it on or take it off as required.

SEVEN40iL

I had the stock windshield when I bought the bike. Had it on, along with the bags and sissy bar for maybe a week.

Then off everything came. I like the look of the bike without one, and for the most part, have no issues riding without one either.

I do agree with most that for longer trips on the highway, a windshield would be appreciated.

C50TinAB

Well Lois Mack, what have you decided?

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'09 C50T Black/Grey

donberry

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

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Smithy

I get wet.

Actually, even though I live in western Oregon, I do a fairly good job of avoiding riding in the rain. When I do get caught in rain, it only bothers my face because I don't have a full-face helmet. I'm not sure if a shield would help that or not. I'd like to get a full-face helmet for winter riding anyway, and if I had one, the rain wouldn't bother me too much.

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Mike
Don't ride through western Oregon without stopping to say hi!
www.facebook.com/therealmikesmith



Proud to be a VR Wescalero

Bschlatterer

IMHO-I hwy commute to work 30 mi everyday. I changed out my mirrors to bar end and really like the low sleek look of the handlebars so i took off my windshield for a day and boy did i regret it. The 30 mi jaunt felt like 100 going 75 mph. I havnt taken it off since.


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09' M50 johns forwards, cooleys chin spoiler and 2" risers, saddleman slant bags, memphis shades shield and fork deflecters, kury isos and bar end mirrors, cobra street pipes and crash bars

dfinitlydisturbd

A full face is indispensable for cold and/or wet weather...provided you are lucky enough that it doesn't fog up at every light and breath. Wonder if the bubble front 3/4's are less susceptible to fogging...definitely gotta be easier to grab a cig while wearing em than a full face though.
I have a windshield, a shorty helmet and a full faced helmet the full face always goes on long hauls. My shorty is for short trips out through upper New York. With the exception of riding in foul weather or states with helmet laws I never wear either of them until the temperature drops below freezing at which point the full face sees a lot of use. Even with the full face the biggest benefit of the windshield when it's raining or snowing is that they're deflected over your head instead of making a blinding mess on your visor.