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Message started by giom-650 on 03/13/06 at 13:39:22

Title: Windshield
Post by giom-650 on 03/13/06 at 13:39:22

I'm thinking about getting a windshield for my Savage.
Is there any advantage to having a windshield? ???

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by lancer on 03/13/06 at 13:42:20

Yes...BUGS & ROCKS

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by 911radioman on 03/13/06 at 14:25:32

I use the National Cycle Street Shield on mine. It does a really good job and isn't very expensive. However, I am toying with changing over to the NC Dakota at some point in the future.

Click below to see the shield I'm talking about...

N2560 Street Shield (http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/N2560?mv_session_id=64oW2Fjg&search_model=su%2d056")

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Savage_Rob on 03/13/06 at 14:26:55

Let's see, bugs, rocks, road-yuck thrown up by vehicles in front of you, (a few weeks ago) diesel fuel spewed by a truck in front of me. It'll also cut down on the cold in cold weather. By the same token, it'll cut down on the breeze in hot weather. I still prefer to keep mine on most of the time though. It's just kept a lot of crap from hitting me in the past.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by magicfairy on 03/13/06 at 14:49:52

Thinking about fitting one for longer trips as I find in a strong head wind I feel like I am being pushed off the bike backwards. I got one for free when I bought the bike, but haven't used it.
Can anyone tell me how much difference it makes to handling, my other half who has a hayabusa keeps saying "it will be like having a sail on your bike, you will be pushed all over the place"

I live in a very windy city.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Paladin on 03/13/06 at 15:06:47

I have a Flyshield -- cuts the wind on the lower chest and down to much reduce the "push off the bike" effect (which means less stress on grips to hold on.)

On my GS450E back in the '80's I had a Vetter Quicksilver fairing and a pocket of still air that allowed me to smoke a cigarette at 70 mph.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by sluggo on 03/13/06 at 15:56:16

windshields, like mag wheels belong on a cage. ;D

if you need that type of comfort buy a convertible. 8)

in all my years of riding i have never felt like i was being pushed off the bike or that i've gotten tired because of the wind. and yes i've been hit with lots of stuff. birds, trash can lids, about 50 cig butts. it's a hazzard i tolerate to enjoy the environment. i protect my head with a full face hemet most of the time.

just my opinion, it's like a ....... well you all know the rest of the statement.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by SavageDude on 03/13/06 at 22:21:37

Believe it or not! When travel on freeway at 65+mph, it will keep your bike more stable(I think it push your front end down and wind away from your chest). I have a rather small 15 1/2 "wind deflector, so it does not overwhelm the look the beast's front. This still give me the breeze when needed(sit up straight ;D). my 0.02.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Reelthing on 03/14/06 at 05:21:57

It may depend on where live and ride - I like Rob find it's a great debris deflector - and some of the bugs along the gulf coast are what you might call full grown, wear armor , and carry spears.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by giom-650 on 03/14/06 at 05:59:06

Good advise! Thanks for the tip 911radioman.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Jim_R on 03/14/06 at 06:51:13

yeah I think 911radioman's shield is one of the best I have seen but Im still not into them tho. Like sluggo I like the whole open wind idea. I wear a full face helmet too. It seems everytime I dont wear it a bug will hit me in the eye or ect.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by red2k1 on 03/14/06 at 06:58:53

Quote:

Ditto SavageDude. The windshield I am presently using is just a bit larger, around 18".

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by 911radioman on 03/14/06 at 07:02:49

I don't have a problem riding without a windshield, never have felt like I was going to be blown off the back of the bike or anything like that. I guess I think the shield just makes for a more comfortable ride, so I use one.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by lancer on 03/14/06 at 07:19:28

[ and ride - I like Rob find it's a great debris deflector - and some of the bugs along the gulf coast are what you might call full grown, wear armor , and carry spears.

I hear that!!

Years ago, while riding in Tennessee on I-40 I had a ...June Bug I presume...hit me dead center of my forehead. At first I thought it was a walnut sized rock from a truck tire. It hurt so bad that I could not see clearly, I had to pull over to the roadside and stop, and then wait about 15 minutes for my eyes to stop watering and my head to stop hurting enough so that I could think and see clearly. I fully expected to find blood running down my face, but fortunately it was not so.

That bug was the worst hit I have ever taken on a bike in 40 years of riding.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by mornhm on 03/14/06 at 07:21:33

I haven't put a windshield on my Savage. When I started looking into doing it, I just wasn't going to be happy with the results - making a purse out of a pig's ear - I think was how one person described what I was trying to do.

I will say that having a windshield on my other MC brings up a whole new set of conditions. One that I have not noticed is that the windshield becomes a "sail." I think even with a real heavy quartering cross wind - and I've seen a lot of those in the past couple of weeks that the windshield is just a mild addition to the rider, and MC. You do have to deal with turbulence behind the shield (if you find yourself in this turbulence it's a lot like being buffeted around behind a truck only much faster I had to change my riding position to feel this, not enjoyable, but it confirmed that it's there, I'm just not riding in it when I'm in my "normal" riding position). My suggestion for this if you find yourself in this position, modify the shield not your riding position (unless you think your riding position is bad). The upside of the windshield is that it allows you to ride in a cushion or bubble which in winter is great. Without the windshield, I don't think I would have been able to ride all winter. I also noticed the other day that it does keep the bugs off of you - must be spring, I had to clean my windshield after riding the other day.
One thing that I noticed on a lot of the "add on" shields is that they attach to the forks rather than the MC. That's one of the reasons that I didn't add one to the Savage. I could see fighting the handlebars in a cross wind as being very tiring.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by pgolden on 03/14/06 at 07:24:37

A few years ago, I had a bumblebee go down my shirt and sting me. I wish I had a windshield that day.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Savage_Rob on 03/14/06 at 07:32:08

pgolden wrote:

A few years ago, I had a bumblebee go down my shirt and sting me. I wish I had a windshield that day.

Some days that happens and even a windshield won't help. I hate that too. Had a honeybee go up my right sleeve once and it shared its unhappiness.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by thumperclone on 03/14/06 at 16:57:25

i have the suzuki "sport shield" on my s40 its only 15 "
or so above the head lite am looking to go taller and wider for next fall and sunny winter days(west slope colorado)..got less than 1k on the od done some 75+ i state runs and one 150 mile round trip hwy and canyon
run with period of givin her all the rein she wanted..(almost 90)
no helmet law here use a flydana or face mask(ski style)
or bennie or cap on backwards..if i wore a fullface helmet id forego the windshield.but lookin for a taller unit to hel[p keep my forehead out of the wind..40mph@ 40deg f= 27 deg...
in the late 70s early 80s i had a suzuki gt 550 had the windsheild which was a blessing in florida esp during luv bug season!!!

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by bikersloan on 03/14/06 at 21:09:02

I have the Memphis Shades Pop Top. Cuts the wind off the chest well. I just bought the Big Shot but it hasn't arrived yet. Wanted bit more of the wind flow off the helmet. When it gets really hot here I will put the Pop Top back on. I find I can ride farther with less fatige with a windshield.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by mpescatori on 03/15/06 at 12:45:43

I like the idea of a windshield, if you cruise at any speed beyond 55-60mph you'll need one. I like ther small ones, that take the punch out of the wind in your chest
http://www.givi.it/downloadfree.asp?lib=Immagini&ID=7984&UT_ID=0
This is GiVi's model 245A
http://www.givi.it/downloadfree.asp?lib=Immagini&ID=793&UT_ID=0
This is GiVi's model 240A
In both cases the screens take the punch off your chest, but leave the wind in your hair.

Maurizio
PS sorry for the huge pics, I don't know how to resize them, they should be 450x450... how do I get them to be 200x200?

========================================

Maurizio,

Go into Modify on this post and look at the code. You basically add width=200 height=200 to the opening img statement. I hope this helps.

Rob

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by clueless on 03/15/06 at 18:12:43

i had one....got rid of it. Rather have goggles or wrap arounds.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by MacAttack on 04/05/06 at 13:06:50

Depends on the riding distance. For short rides - 20-40 miles or so - I'd rather not have one... for anything longer - absolutely.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Trippah on 04/05/06 at 19:51:09

Have been riding behind an "enterprise' fairing by windjammer. It's bigger and provides protection for the hands as well as torso and helmet (head). Years ago, Had a bee land between my glasses and my eye. It was too wacked to sting me I think, but it was the fastest stop ever made on route 128 near Boston.I took of my helmet, glasses and bailed off the bike in one "swift" motion. :D It was a honda 305 superhawk. Straightened the handle bars, found glass and helmet, and after the shaking stopped, went on my way.
Will probably revert to "naked" for the Summer months.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by azjay on 04/06/06 at 08:14:49

i made the switch this year on the harley. i have a little "spitfire" windshield on it now, which came with the bike, but only got installed recently, it clamps on to the handlebars. the first 6000 miles this year, including a 3000 mile roundtrip to oklahoma city, were run without. i have noticed a reduction in chest pressure from wind, which will reduce fatigue on longer rides. a reduction in bugs in the face, which is nice when riding without a lid. a slight increase in turbulance behind the 'shield, more noticeable when wearing a lid. we have lots of wind here, i have not noticed a difference in handling, but i have heard that larger windshields can cause a sail effect. i will probably order a "spitfire" for the wife's bike.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Salad_Shaker on 04/06/06 at 08:27:13

All sportsbikes and tourers have fairings and what is a windshield if its not a cruisers fairing? Don't have one yet but am biddding on one just now on the 'bay. I want to make 50+ mile runs a little less buffeting and prone to bug splats so thought I'd try a small-ish screen.
First time I wore my open-face helmet some insect snuck up the inside and lodged, still alive and wiggly, in my left ear. That was weeks ago but it makes me itch again just thinking about it. Yuk.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by RadarORiley on 04/06/06 at 14:48:30

I have a Spitfire and so does #2 daughter. We love them, but we do live in Texas where the bugs are huge. The bikers around Lake Fork have to stop to clean the windshields because the bugs are so thick, but so do the cars. ;D
I feel like it eases the wind buffetting too

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by russ_g on 04/06/06 at 18:22:24

I think a windshield highly depends on what type of riding you do and for how long. My Savage is just a commuter and I rarely take it on the highway. So a windshield isn't necessarly needed as I rarely get above 70 km. I do have a windshield though and it does make the ride more comfortable in some aspects. In others it can make it worse. My windshield was not set up correctly at first and caused major vibration in my helmet above 70. I had to adjust the angle slightly, but there's still some if I get up to 100. Pluses and minuses to both. I have the S40 windshield currently. I'd like to find an quick off/on model that would look nice on the Savage. Anyone know of one?

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Ed_L. on 04/06/06 at 19:44:54

Been using a windshield off and on now for two years. Like it cause it keeps the rocks, bugs and road crap out of my face. Don't like it because of the extra helmet noise it causes with my full face lid. Doesn't matter what angle I set it at, still causes a lotof noise at highway speed, had to start wearing ear plugs so I can hear after a long ride, not good. I think the windshield gives me a couple more miles per gallon on the highway but would rather eat bugs instead of blowing out my hearing. Planning to loose the windshield for the next long ride and see how it feels. A lot of helmet noise can really tire you out on a long trip, think I would rather have tired arms instead. Just my thoughts on it

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by PerrydaSavage on 04/07/06 at 10:08:49

Like Paladin, I use a National Cycle Flyscreen (e-bay special) and love it ... small enough that it does not take away from the minimalist looks of the Bike ... and when Riding at 80kph or above, it reduces the wind pressure on my chest & forearms ... thru trial and error, I've angled it so that incoming rounds (bugs) more often than not get caught in the slipstream and sail on over my head!

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Reelthing on 04/07/06 at 10:55:16

Ed_L. wrote:

if you can't raise it or angle it enough to toss the air blast above your head it seems like it's too short to me - on both of the savages I can wear a baseball cap bill in the front upto at least 50mph. now on the other bike it's a different story it has a short little sport shield that catches about half the bugs the face shield get the rest - and no matter what I do it's just not going to cut it on long trips - a taller one is going on it.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by SeattleSavage on 04/08/06 at 12:02:49

Good looking a few styles to choose from for the savage

http://www.memphisshades.com/hbar_mount_metric.shtml

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by YonuhAdisi on 04/08/06 at 12:24:17

I like that demon shield. I do beleave I will be investing in a new shield her pretty soon. ;D ;D

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by riptide_fl on 04/08/06 at 14:39:09

No windshield and full face helmet here...cant deal with the noise and buffeting with a windshield installed..Quiet and smooth without a shield...The wind on my chest has never bothered me.. ;D

Title: Re: WindshieldJim
Post by Jim Smith on 04/08/06 at 18:15:44

My 2002 had a Suzuki windshield already installed when I bought it. I had never ridden with one before, but I rather like it. It seems to keep me a bit dryer when riding in the rain. I was afraid it might be a problem in windy conditions, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Hope this helps.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by 911radioman on 04/08/06 at 19:01:44

I guess windshields affects different people in different ways. I've not once had a negative buffeting problem with mine. Yes, you are more susceptible when behind a semi or if one is approaching, but I liken it more to just dealing with crosswinds and just let the bike wander where it will and all is cool.

On the noise issue, I don't notice any more or less noise with the shield. I think that more than it being the fault of the shield, it probably lies more in the helmet one wears. I don't mean FF or Open Face, I mean the brand and how it is constructed. Some helmets are just plain noisy, while others are quieter.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Reelthing on 04/08/06 at 19:35:35

Largest effect on helment noise is where the wind blast hits

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by 44mag on 04/08/06 at 20:38:52

took off when i gotdrag bars some cold montana morns i miss it alittl but its not coming back . tighten up that helment stap,

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by 911radioman on 04/08/06 at 21:02:09

Reelthing wrote:

Largest effect on helment noise is where the wind blast hits

I do know that noise depends a lot on how the helmet is built. Some manufacturers leave a lot to be desired in the quality of the linings of the helmets. Some seal off better than others as well.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Reelthing on 04/09/06 at 05:02:36

Helments make and style do make a difference, but it's more like fine tunning - at speed if you put your hand on the top edge of the windshield find the wind blast and follow it back - it either needs to be blowing over the helment or below it - say below your chin - or from what I can tell they all howl pretty good, in the case of an open face if the wind blast is on it you can't even see after a few minutes.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by ratdog472 on 07/13/06 at 10:01:19

I wouldn't mind having one on my Savage for the longer trips. I was looking at this one:

http://i8.ebayimg.com/02/i/02/dc/bb/a9_1_sbol.JPG

I'd even go for a used one if someone has one laying around.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by DaddySauce on 07/13/06 at 12:55:52

The above pic looks like mine. It's a blessing to have a windshield for long trips. I try to take it off if I know I'm not gonna ride the freeway or go very far, but sometimes it becomes a hassle doing that a lot. Our laws here are weird, but this allows me to go around the corner and not have riding glasses on. AZ requires you either have a windshield or some sort of eye protection, but no helmet. :-/

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by lancer on 07/13/06 at 23:58:11

I have a nearly new windshield with all hardware (not the same model as you showed though), for $60 + shipping. It is a $170 retail setup. Message if interested and I will have some pics for you to look at if you wish.

ratdog472 wrote:

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by Trippah on 07/14/06 at 05:38:56

I have a enterprise fairing on my '03, I find the wind in my hair a waste with a helmut. It's a bit large I suppose and when an 18 wheeler goes by I notice it, as I did without it. But bugs and rain are so much less an issue with the fairing on it. Cost is one downside, the other the mounting system refuses to keep the shield where I put it, pushing it back into contact with the brake resevoir on the right handlebar. Oh well..

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by 911radioman on 07/14/06 at 12:39:49

Here is what is on my Savage. It is a National Cycle Dakota shield.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/911radioman/National%20Cycle%20Dakota%20Windshield/100_0903.jpg

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by MacAttack on 07/14/06 at 17:24:57

I got a small one from National Cycle and I don't care what anyone thinks about it. Harley riders used to pooh-pooh windshields, then bungee their sleeping bag onto their handlebars (same effect). It's the small, thin, inexpensive one (the model # doesn't come to mind) - if I were doing it again, I'd get a larger one. I like wind protection.

Title: Re: Windshield
Post by WKD on 07/16/06 at 05:51:17

I gotta agree with Mac, I have a Stremliner Spitfire and find it is a little small but the difference with and without it is night and day. I live in the country so most of my riding starts down the hwy at speed of 90 - 10 KPH (55 - 62 MPH) and with broad shoulders I felt that after I got over 80 (50) that I was just hanging on with fingertips. It is also very windy here which plays a big factor.

Take into consideration your height and riding position to make sure you don't end up with a windshield that redirects everything smack into your face or that blocks your vision because it is too tall. I wear a full face helmet so it isn't a huge deal that mine is a little too short, it takes the pressure off my chest which is what I wanted.