While riding my Road King Custom this week, a plexiglass drop ceiling light cover came off the road after a truck drove by it and flipped right in front of me. It hit the headlight, handlebars and landed on my chest, arms and face. I wear a full face helmet, which prevented my face from being cut, but my arms and neckreceived thin cuts along with some scratches on the front end. I live in South Florida, so the weather was warm enough for a t-shirt. The cuts will heal, but the scratches on the chromereally **** me off.

I prefer riding without a windshield as Ienjoy the open view ahead opposed to the barrier in my view. I've ridden for about 6 years and this is the first time a piece of road debris has done this. Have you had a similar experience and if so, did you decide to use a windshield because of it?

 

I deciced to by buy a bike that had a windsheild/fairing for the reasons you mention.The bike has been hit by sand,small rocks a chunck of retread.

 

You got off pretty lucky. If you had been in a half-helmet like most of us wear you could have been blinded and had a heck of a time getting off the roadway safely. Personally I think every vehicle on the road should be held responsible for anything that departs from that vehicle, especially if it damages another vehicle or person.

However, I've been hit by everything from still lit cigarettes to bottles (plastic and glass), rocks and I narrowly avoided a full size metal storage locker that some idiot didn't tie down properly on his dump load. Let me tell you, seeing a double door metal storage locker flying at you at 55MPH is a real pucker factor!

Windshields will help protect you from small debris, but nothing will protect your chrome except some of that clear film stuff. I think there is a site sponsor that sells it, can't remember the name right now though.

 

I said "NEVER" to a windshield for years.

Decided to try a Quick Release in October.

Haven't taken it off yet.

I now ride longer, further and faster.

 

A properly sized and positioned windshield is one that you just look over the top of, not through it. Still affords plenty of protection and doesn't hinder your view.

 

In Illinois we have two seasons, Winter and Road construction. The small rocks kill ya. Windshield? ALWAYS!!!

 

mama likes it,,,,,,,, I like it!?[]

 

What kjmorgan said. With over 35 years of riding, I'm tired of eating bugs and being beaten into submission with the wind. A properly placed windshield will still give you the wind in the face experience and the protection you seek.

 

If your windshield hinders your view that means it's too tall. Take it to a glass shop and have them trim it if you're not inclined to do it yourself.

Personally, I don't leave home without it !!!!

 

This is the first bike with a windshield I've ever owned. I'm spoiled as hell now and wouldn't ride without it.