To full wind screen or not to full wind screen, that is the question.

[08087]

I have a full windscreen on my scoot and was thinking about taking it off for the summer months, How much cooler is it without the screen to block the wind, how much more uncomfortable is it with the wind blasting you in the face and chest?

Any other advantages/disadvantage to the windscreen?

[ScooterWolf]

I have a small windshield on my bike so I feel the wind, but I like the aerodynamic profile it gives. If the wind is too much -- straight on in my face, I tend to lower down so it goes over me. I've been wary of large windshields for a few reasons -- it can act like a sail in a crosswind moving your bike in ways unexpected, and two -- this is just me, but a large windshield looks like a rider would ram into in the case of an accident. I'm not sure what's worse -- being thrown off your bike, or thrown off your bike into your windshield (or through it)

Any chance you can change your windshield for a smaller one?

-Wolf

[08087]

I have a small windshield on my bike so I feel the wind, but I like the aerodynamic profile it gives. If the wind is too much -- straight on in my face, I tend to lower down so it goes over me. I've been wary of large windshields for a few reasons -- it can act like a sail in a crosswind moving your bike in ways unexpected, and two -- this is just me, but a large windshield looks like a rider would ram into in the case of an accident. I'm not sure what's worse -- being thrown off your bike, or thrown off your bike into your windshield (or through it)

Any chance you can change your windshield for a smaller one?

-Wolf

I like the full shield for days or months when it'll be colder out, blocking that wind helps a bunch. It's made of plastic and I could bend it with my hands if I needed to so if I hit it in a crash I can't imagine it doing too much damage to me.

[hippiebrian]

I love the wind in my face and prefer, at least on my scooter for around town, no windshield at all.  If you don't ride for long distances (1 hr. stretch at a time) no windshield is fine.  If you generally spend a long time in the saddle, however, the windscreen does cut down on fatigue.  I would not spend a long time inthe saddle without one despite how much I like riding without them!

[ScooterWolf]

I like the full shield for days or months when it'll be colder out, blocking that wind helps a bunch. It's made of plastic and I could bend it with my hands if I needed to so if I hit it in a crash I can't imagine it doing too much damage to me.

Good point. I hope it doesn't break in the event of a crash. Even plexi-glass can be sharp. My brother sliced his finger opened on a sheet once. Have crosswinds ever been a problem when riding?

-Wolf

[streido]

I have a small dark screen on my Agility but its mainly cosmetic. I just dont like the look of the big screens at all on any bike or scoot. I ride all year round so i know what you mean about the wind and cold and how a screen can help reduce this but, all i did was buy a decent set of gloves to keep my hands warm  (heated grips are another option), and i wear a bikers neck scarf under my leather jacket. That works fine for me even when its close to freezing but if its real cold or wet then i wear my M-65 Army Parka on top too, then im real toasty.

I imagine the drag from the windshield would increase fuel consumption and lower top speed too?

[ts1]

Imo depends on the bike. I missed the wind shield riding a HD Sportster and I like it my Kymco Xciting having one. Less use on a 50cc.
A good wind shield (smoothly integrated into the bodywork) will even lower the air drag.

[08087]

My rides are typically 15-20 min in route to and from work, I think I'll take it off once the heat of summer is in full swing and see how it goes. It's only a couple of screws so it should be an easy on, off.

As for crosswinds I def. feel them grab hold of the shield once in awhile but will be a needed evil in fall and winter.