I'm picking up my Road King today and we are having 30mph gusts. Is it going to be worse riding with the windshield on the bike? I'm just wondering if it is going to act like a sail and pull the bike in one direction or another. My wife will be following me home, so she could take it if need be.

 

It won't make much difference either way as long as you are ready for it. I've ridden in 60mph gusts and was glad I had the fairing/windshield on my 08 Ultra.....was glad when I could finally park the bike after that one though.

 

Personally, I like it better when the wind hits the bike. I can control that better than when it hits me and feels like it's trying to pry me off. Also much less fatigued at the end of the ride. Use a firm but not death grip or you're hands will go numb very quickly.

Ride well,

Jim

 

Thanks, i'll try it with it on,I got about 40 miles riding before we have to get on the hiway for the last 50 miles or so.

 

I like my windshield catching windgusts, bugs and debris better than my face doing it.

 

If it was me, I'd feel better with the windshield on, especially on the highway. 30 mph gusts aren't too bad so you should be okay. Just take it easy and ride up to the speed you feel comfortable with.

 

When I had my Heritage we were coming back from Key West and the wind was gusting upwards of 40-50 mph. Was glad to have the shield, but because it was removeable it made me real nervious when the gust came from behind. Fortuntely I carry a supply of zip ties and used them to secure it at the connection. After that I just left the zip ties on, just a little added security and it was still easy to remove when needed.

 

Cross winds are your biggest danger when riding in a windy area. A windshield does not really affect winds hitting you from the side so you should be just fine with the windshield on. I too prefer the windshield on when there is a lot of wind so the blowing debis hits the windshield and not my face.

 

I was riding my Ultra Classic in the Palm Springs area on Calif 62 between Yucca Valley and Interstate 10 last weekend. (It is where all the wind power machines are.)Strongest winds I have ever ridden in. 40 MPH gusts minmum (according to weather reports) maybe even 50 mph or more; hard to tell. They were strong crosswinds; I had to lean into the wind and my head was constantly jerked upwards from wind blasts. I had a passenger and it frightened her as the gusts were so strong. I was wondering if the wind would have affected me so much if I did not have the fairing, bags, etc.

 

Man just stay focused and hold on,catching cross wind on a curve can send you into a ditch,or the oncomeing lane if it hits while your relaxed and sight seeing!!![]