To shield or not to shield?

[Airgunner]

This is my third post here, so I am still new at this. I just got my Vulcan 800B last month. It seems after looking at some of the posts here, some riders prefer a windshield and some prefer not to have a shield. I am looking for opinions, advice, and reason for each arguement. My first bike had a windshield and after not knowing what it was like to ride without one for three years, it surprised me when I got on my Vulcan and felt the wind trying to push me off my bike. Because of this, I just ordered my first accessory (the windshield) and I should have it by the end of the week. I would still like to hear pros and cons and others riders opinions on why they prefer to shield or not to shield. Thanks in advance.

Paul

[Frankt07]

pro- it keeps the wind from pushing you all over the place. it also helps with wind noise.
con- for me is the looks. they look nice, but not the look im going after. plus i like the wind in my face and bugs in my teeth..lol

[sly1]

I had one on my meanstreak and then sold it. It was nice for wind protection but I prefer the better handling without it. turn in to corners felt much smoother with it off. I also prefer the twisties much more than just cruising so it depends on your style. Just my .02

[Cabo]

It's personal choice. Small rocks hurt at 80mph.

[wvKawBoy]

Read my Blog:

http://www.metricthunder.com/news/20...not-to-shield/

Now my project bike that is being turned into a chopper will be full in the wind.

[stew71]

I havent used my windshield on my Meanie in over a year. Looks better and handles better without it. Haven't missed it one bit.

[Mycruiser]

I installed a shield an my Vulcan 800, took it rite off, there was more wind then without directed at my face, it was horrible! I did chose a shield that I could look over and not through! And I did try a couple of different adjustments!

[Spok]

i agree it looks better without but being a function over form guy, i couldn't stand the wind on my chest so i windshielded it up and haven't looked back

[bross]

Originally Posted by sly1

I had one on my meanstreak and then sold it. It was nice for wind protection but I prefer the better handling without it. turn in to corners felt much smoother with it off. I also prefer the twisties much more than just cruising so it depends on your style. Just my .02

Same here. I have a windshield for my mean streak as well but only use it when the temperature is around freezing. How much wind you feel pushing you off the bike is different for every bike as well. I can comfortably ride my meanstreak up to about 130km/h (80MPH) without feeling like I'm getting blown off. But hop on my wifes Honda Shadow Spirit and anything over 90km/h (55MPH) and you're hanging on for dear life without a windshield.

I too prefer the look out over the bars without the shield, it just looks better. And I thought the same thing, the bike just corners better, without the shield on. I thought it was just my imagination but if you're feeling it as well there must be something to it.

Now having said all that about my meanstreak and loving the ride without the shield, I also love the electric windshield on my BMW. When it's down all the way you get full windblast in the chest so your helmet is in nice clean air, but when it gets chilly or starts to rain, you just press the button and in a few seconds you've got this nice calm little bubble of calm air. I'm starting to get used to it. So sorry, can't really answer your question, both are good.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by bross

Same here. I have a windshield for my mean streak as well but only use it when the temperature is around freezing. How much wind you feel pushing you off the bike is different for every bike as well. I can comfortably ride my meanstreak up to about 130km/h (80MPH) without feeling like I'm getting blown off. But hop on my wifes Honda Shadow Spirit and anything over 90km/h (55MPH) and you're hanging on for dear life without a windshield.

I too prefer the look out over the bars without the shield, it just looks better. And I thought the same thing, the bike just corners better, without the shield on. I thought it was just my imagination but if you're feeling it as well there must be something to it.

Now having said all that about my meanstreak and loving the ride without the shield, I also love the electric windshield on my BMW. When it's down all the way you get full windblast in the chest so your helmet is in nice clean air, but when it gets chilly or starts to rain, you just press the button and in a few seconds you've got this nice calm little bubble of calm air. I'm starting to get used to it. So sorry, can't really answer your question, both are good.

is that button right next to the wave button?

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by spok

is that button right next to the wave button?

no, it's beside the Auto-Gortex Rainsuit switch.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

no, it's beside the Auto-Gortex Rainsuit switch.

Oh...thanks for the clarification. the wave button must be next to the coffee pot?

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by spok

Oh...thanks for the clarification. the wave button must be next to the coffee pot?

isn't the espresso machine inside the rear trunk, under the vanity mirror?

[Darmar]

The vanity is in the trunk, but the expresso is in left saddle bag next to stereo & GPS.

Got a shield (alley cat) on my meanie. Yes it looks better without but bugs in the teeth gets old with me real quick!

[Spok]

Originally Posted by Darmar

The vanity is in the trunk, but the expresso is in left saddle bag next to stereo & GPS.

Got a shield (alley cat) on my meanie. Yes it looks better without but bugs in the teeth gets old with me real quick!

do they still offer the wine chiller option for the right saddle bag?

[bross]

Originally Posted by spok

do they still offer the wine chiller option for the right saddle bag?

Heck just add grapes and it'll make you a nice glass of wine. Just waiting for trike to send some nice Okanagan grapes.

Just saw the first flock of geese tonight, can't believe summer is over. I'm gonna enjoy flicking all those switches that turn on all the heat as it starts to get cold. Jodie's away visiting her family and I installed heated grips and a plug for her heated vest so we're all set for the last 2 months of riding!

BTW last time I checked the FJRs had electric windshields too, sheesh! cruiser guys, don't know what to do with a few amenities. Gotta admit I am enjoying the streak again and it was 29C today so very enjoyable cruising around. After all the ribbing I wanted to see what the beemer would look like naked, whadya think?




Here's what's left...

[trikebubble]

Brent,
We have grapes coming put our ying-yang. I don't know the variety, they are white and sweet.
They taste great, come on over and pick a few buckets.

[JacksonW]

Get one that's easy to put on and take off. Some of the guys at work have them. Just as your choice of bike, it's a matter of preference. To me, less is better. I like a sleek, clean look. However, if I rode a lot of long distance highway miles, I'd have one. For me it's the same reason I waited so long for Easy Brackets. I need the bags for work, etc. but I don't want them on all the time. Same reason I'll wait to get the Corbin seat with removable backrest. Bottom line, you're ridin' the bike.
Weren't you talkin' about a shield here?

[bross]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

Brent,
We have grapes coming put our ying-yang. I don't know the variety, they are white and sweet.
They taste great, come on over and pick a few buckets.

Man I'd love to, but I'm not sure about picking them out of your ying-yang??? That sounds a little personal.

Originally Posted by JacksonW

Bottom line, you're ridin' the bike. Weren't you talkin' about a shield here?

Uh shields protect you from falling grapes, yeah that's it. Officially un hijacked.

[Johnny5]

Everyone pretty much covered all the pros and cons already. For me, I want a shield to keep the cold wind off of me in the morning drives. Bugs dont bother me that much since I wear a full face helmet. When I do get a shield it'll have the quick releases on it so I can remove it and put it in when needed.

There's a lot of people that will say, once a shield goes on, it doesnt come off. Im itching to ride a bike with a shield, the difference has to be huge.