If you’re wondering whether riding with a windshield makes a difference, the answer is definitely yes.
The trouble is that while windshields do make a difference, they bring both pros and cons. And that’s where the real issue sits – in that grimy little space between good, bad, positive, and negative.
I’ve talked to quite a few people about this topic and done some research online. While I agree with much of what’s been said, I also think a lot of it is complete nonsense.
With that in mind, we’ll explore 10 key points about riding with or without a windshield. From there, you can decide how important they are for you, your bike, and your riding style or conditions.
The Wind In Windshields
Better sit down for this one, because you might be shocked to learn that windshields actually protect you from—wait for it—the wind.
Believe it or not, they really do.
I learned to ride on a bike without a screen, so when I passed my test and started looking for my own, I didn’t really think about wind protection from one.
Back when I was learning, I rarely went fast enough to enjoy the benefits of a screen. But years later, with countless quick miles behind me, I can confidently say that riding with a screen shields you from the wind—more than you’d expect.
If you mostly commute around the city or travel short distances, having a screen probably won’t make much of a difference.
Temperature Regulation From The Windshield On A Motorcycle
In the winter months, windshields are fantastic for shielding you from icy winds and harsh elements. On bikes where you can lean on the tank or tuck behind the screen, the protection is incredible, especially when riding on the motorway.
I’m not completely sure windshields are the best choice in hot climates. But if you’re riding in the Middle East, where sand and dust mix with scorching 55°C winds, then a windshield definitely makes sense.
In milder climates, like much of Europe, I’d say staying cool is more about wearing the right gear—preferably something vented—than relying on the windshield.
Of course, it does come with its downsides – as you’ll notice below!
Protection From Debris
Over the years, I’ve had vehicles ahead of me fling all sorts of debris my way.
- Cars flicking up loose pebbles on the road
- Riding buddies flicking up dirt and gravel whilst off-roading
- Sand blowing in my face whilst riding on the Spanish coastline
- Gritters (salters and sanders) when the temperature drops
- Almost every bug on the planet
Windshields won’t stop stones from chipping the paint on the front of your bike, but they do a great job of protecting your eyes. This is especially true if you ride with a flip-front helmet, like I do.
The Windshield On A Motorcycle Prevents Fatigue
Another perk of riding with a windshield is that it helps prevent fatigue. On a long day out on the motorway, the constant wind blast can wear you down faster than you’d expect. And it’s not just the physical strain of pushing against the wind—hours of wind battering your helmet can mentally drain you as well.
Riding in especially windy conditions without a windshield can make for a rough day. For touring riders, having a windshield is essential to avoid fatigue and the problems that come with it.
Visibility
I’ve ridden a few touring bikes with tall windshields, and what always gets to me is how they mess with visibility. Sure, they’re clear, so it’s not like you can’t see through them, but I’m always finding myself trying to peek over or duck under the top edge of the screen.
With an electrically adjustable windshield, I kept it raised on the motorway for protection (there wasn’t much to see anyway) and lowered it when hitting the twisty roads.
Noise Reduction From The Windshield On A Motorcycle
Another perk of riding with a windshield is the protection from wind noise, especially on the motorway. On a long day of touring, you’ll really notice the huge difference it makes to your energy levels.
Motorcycle Windshield Aerodynamics
In the first of four debates, let’s dive into aerodynamics.
Plenty of people claim that riding with a windshield boosts a bike’s aerodynamics, but that’s not quite as true as it sounds. If tall windshields really made motorcycles more aerodynamic, we’d see them in MotoGP racing—but we don’t. The truth is, windshields don’t do much for aerodynamics. Even if they did, motorcycles are inherently bad at slicing through the air, mainly because there’s a person sitting on top—complete with flailing arms, legs, and often a pile of luggage.
Unlike a car, which contains everything inside, motorcycles carry everything on them or strapped to them. This creates all kinds of turbulence around the bike. No matter how you look at it, motorcycles aren’t aerodynamic, and a windscreen won’t change that!
The Windshield On A Motorcycle Improves Safety
I’m still not convinced by this claim. The idea is that windshields can ‘catch’ you in an accident, stopping you from flying over your bike and onto the road. While I understand that reasoning, it also makes sense that if you stay close to your bike when it goes down, you might end up underneath it when it hits the ground.
Would you risk sliding across the tarmac with your protective gear on, or get crushed under your own quarter-ton bike with nothing to shield you?
I’ll leave it to you to draw your own conclusions!
Windshields Protect You From The Rain
Sure, if you’re riding into the wind and rain, it makes sense that some of it would hit the windshield instead of you.
How often do you see rain falling straight down to the ground? Never, because rain doesn’t fall sideways! When you’re riding in bad weather and the rain is bouncing off the road, you’re going to get soaked, windscreen or not.
A Windshield On A Motorcycle Improves Economy
This isn’t entirely accurate. People who think this way are basing their opinion on aerodynamics. Sure, if a windshield improves aerodynamics, it makes sense to assume fuel economy would improve as well, right? Except motorcycles aren’t really aerodynamic to begin with. So even if your windshield has aerodynamic benefits, the impact on fuel economy would be minimal since the rest of the bike is aerodynamically inefficient.
Viewing Windshields As Accessories
Think of windshields as accessories that work best alongside your other riding gear. In cold weather, a windshield offers protection, but it’s most effective when paired with winter gear, a heated jacket, and thick gloves. In hot weather, they help too, especially when combined with vented gear, a vented or flip-front helmet, and lightweight summer gloves.
Windshields protect you from debris, bugs, and stones, as long as you’re wearing a helmet with your face covered by a visor or sun visor. They also help reduce fatigue and wind noise, especially if your helmet is designed with aero-acoustics in mind and you’re wearing earplugs.
The Pros & Cons Of A Windshield On A Motorcycle: Conclusion
In the end, choosing whether to have a windshield is all about personal preference and the conditions in which you’ll be riding your bike.
If you’re a commuter who rides for only about half an hour each day, then it’s probably not necessary.
