I got a harley, is it true that a windshield makes your bike more aerodynamically more unstable?

Answer 1

Look at the Touring line of Harleys and you will see that every bike comes with a windshield as standard equipment (the Road King Custom didn't). If the windshield hurt the long touring aspect of these motorcycles, would they still be there?The Harley detachable windshields mount to your fork tubes giving it added strength and come right off if you do not like the look once you reach your destination. I own a 2001 Nightrain and to me a windshield hurts the "look" of my bike, so for the function of having a windshield I wear a full-face helmet instead. This helps with any fatigue I might get on longer trips.

The size of the windshield can affect it's function, so get one sized properly to you. If it is too small you will still get some of the wind hitting you.

I have seen a co-worker on his Street Glide ride beside me smoking a cigarette at 100mph in perfect comfort. Heck he could have let go of the handlebars it was so smooth!

Heck I think half-shell helmets affect your stability more!

Answer 2

I've never found that to be true.I've used windshields part time on 4 or 5 bikes. I put on an aftermarket windshield if the trip is more than 250 miles each way or if the temperature is below 50 degrees.
I have never noticed any problem except the annoying wind buffeting around your head.
with the FXR in my picture you can ride for miles on the interstate just laying back on the pack &sleeping bag at 80-85 steering with your knees in the breeze & no hands on the bars,had a Yamaha cruiser 25 years ago you could steer the same way. if anything they may be more stable with a windshield but the buffeting drives me nuts,its a lot smoother without one.I usually take it off when I get where I'm going, only takes 10minutes.

Answer 3

Depends on your bike, windshield, fairing, speed, and angle to the wind.
I rode a Kawasaki Police 1000. At speeds above 60 mph, sometimes, the air would alternately spill from the right and left of the windshield, which caused some wobble.

A friend of mine says that the Honda Police 1300 has a similar problem. See the link.

Answer 4

Well I don't know about aerodynamics, hell I can barely spell that, but I do know it looks gay as hell. Why would you want a windshield on a motorcycle. Isn't it all about being in the wind? Not hiding from it. You should get a convertible car if that is what you're seeking. I would say no to the gay windshield and buy a box of toothpicks for the bugs. Besides, chicks dig bugs in the teeth. It's the sign of a true biker.

Answer 5

wow some long answers there, nearly wore my mouse out. To your question - if your Harley has the windshield mounted to the forks as opposed to the bars - then you should have no problem. Most are mounted to forks.
The Harley standard windshield is not adjustable - but you can have them cut to suit your height and optimize the 'shield to helmet' turbulence. The best way for you to know is to get out and ride the bike....

Answer 6

I know a lot of guys who have them on their bikes, I prefer to go without. In my experience, the problem with Harley Davidson and most other "cruisers" with windshields is that they mount the shields to either the handlebars or the triple clamps. What I don't like is this ends up causing a wobble when you pass a large vehicle or catch a cross wind gust. Frame mounted shields/fairings Ala sport bikes or the Goldwing don't seem to exhibit this problem. If you're ready for it, it's not as bad, you can compensate, and be fine, but the first time it happens to you, it'll scare the s**t outta ya!

Answer 7

A properly sized and fitted one should not.
I had an overly large fork mounted one on one bike. It was like a sail at highway speed. It would also catch the wind from behind.
I had a small handlebar mounted one on a smaller bike. No problems other than it was too small, did not block enough. No stability problems.
My favorite: Vetter Windjammer. Frame mounted. Actually increased the stability of the bike. Tractor trailer blast and wind gusts from the rear are hardly noticable.

I don't have one on my HD. The Windjammer won't fit and would look like____________. I haven't found one I like.

I've decided I like the wind.

Answer 8

Depends on how fast you're going, part 2:

On a smaller motorcycle the front end can get light at high speed if you put a big windscreen on it. I rode such a bike (designed that way from the factory) for forty miles on a freeway, not at all pleasant. An HD at 2x + the weight probably won't feel as bad, but yeah there's some instability introduced.

Answer 9

i ride a 1200 sportster with a detachable windsheild that's from harley. it mounts to the fork tubes with 4 clamps; ez on, ez off.
i have no stability problems at high speeds with it on. it actually makes the ride more enjoyable. that windblast does wear u out after awhile. i can cruise effortlessly on the interstate at 70 no problems.

there's alot of non-riders on this board that dont have a clue what they're talking about. i typically put in 400 mile rides on the times i get a full weekend off from work during the season. get a detachable one, and u will definately see a difference at high speeds. after u do ur first 100 miles on it, it wont come off.

Answer 10

I ride a Kawasaki 1600 Nomad. It's a big bike like a Harley, and it has a windshield. I would say that no, a windshield doesn't make it more unstable.