Motorcycle Windshields

Many modern motorcycle riders use windshields, and there are some very good reasons why that’s the case. Motorcycle windshields can be extremely helpful for certain types of riding, and when correctly incorporated into the bike’s overall design, they can look great!

Below, we discuss the benefits of motorcycle windshields and cover the basic types of windshields available. If you’re new to motorcycling and in need of a new bike, or you’re just looking to try something new on your current bike, read on to learn why a windshield might be a good choice. For all your motorcycle needs, stop by Cross Country Cycles. We’re located near Staten Island, New York, and we proudly provide top motorcycle brands like BMW and Ducati to the areas of Metuchen and Bergen County, New Jersey.

Why Use a Windshield?

If you’re new to motorcycle riding, you might not be aware that there’s a major debate about motorcycle windshields. The more you read about it, the more you’ll realize there’s no shortage of people who are willing to enter the debate on whether or not windshields belong on motorcycles. But the truth of the matter is windshields have some major practical value, and for certain types of riding, they’re extremely helpful.

Windshields help to screen the rider from the elements that would otherwise drive into the rider’s upper body while riding. When it’s raining, a windshield will help redirect the water around the rider which will help to keep the rider much warmer and drier. If the weather is even a little bit on the cold side, the driving wind and rain can make hyperthermia set in a matter of minutes, but a windshield (paired with appropriate riding gear) will mitigate most of the chilling effects. By diverting the wind around the rider, a windshield will also help to reduce the amount of fatigue a rider experiences battling the driving winds. With less wind, the rider won’t have to use as many core muscles to stay upright.

Types of Windshields

There are many different designs of windshield that are meant for different types of motorcycle. Purpose-built touring bikes often have windshields that are built into the bike’s front fairing. These windshields are more of a design feature and contribute to the bike’s overall look and style. This type of windshield is often highly effective at diverting wind. Some touring bike windshields can even be raised and lowered with the touch of a button. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find a wide variety of fork-mounted windshields that are designed to be temporary and clip into place when the rider needs them. This type of windshield can be relatively small and is mostly designed to offer a little bit of protection, but not be completely shielding from the wind.

Finding the Right Windshield Height

For a windshield to serve its purpose, it needs to be set to the right height. If the windshield is too low, the head or upper body will still experience a major portion of wind. Due to the nature of air currents, this can sometimes lead to “head buffeting,” the phenomenon through which a rider’s head is stuck in a repeating pattern by the wind. If a windshield is set too high, the bottom structure of the windshield can encroach on the rider’s sight lines. The ideal placement reduces buffeting and wind drag without reducing visibility.

Is a Windshield Right for You?

Are you considering buying a windshield for your current motorcycle or even buying a new motorcycle with a windshield? Whether or not a windshield will be helpful to you depends on how you ride and why you ride. For long distance riding, a windshield is an invaluable feature. If you ride frequently, as commuters do, a windshield is also helpful. If you have a vintage bike or a bike that was custom designed without a windshield, it’s probably best to forego the windshield. If your bike is more of a showpiece and less of a daily rider, there’s no reason to mess with the aesthetics.

Stop by Cross Country Cycles to learn more about motorcycle windshields. We carry motorcycles from top brands such as BMW and Ducati and we proudly serve the areas of Staten Island, New York, as well as Bergen County and Metuchen, New Jersey.