No helmet, no windshield. Rode from Maine to Sturgis and back last year.

 

I'm getting old too, I however have no problem keeping upright while having fun.
Short trips " No protection" , long trips protection let's me ride longer and faster!

 

I'm a '41 model. The RK is a '12. The shield has been in a box since after the final prep and before I took delivery. GF took the boxed shield home...I went for a long ride. In 50 years have had only 1 bike with a shield. When and if it gets a little cooler will try it out!

 

I'm 54 and I took the shield off my RKC one time for a short ride because they look so cool without them. It felt like someone was throwing a handfull of sand in my face every 1/4 mi. Haven't done had it off other than to wash it since.

 

Before I bought my SG I rented a RK for the weekend...did a Veteran's rally in the Colorado mountains with the shield on and loved the bike. Saturday night I thought I'd strip the backrest and shield off of the bike and cruise around town a little bit...the problem is there were a LOT of roads 'in town' that have a 50+ speed limit and traffic flows at 60 or better on a lot of 'em...between the bugs, sand, rocks, etc. I decided I really liked the windshield on the bike. No doubt it looks better without it, but at my age I prefer my comfort over looks...

 

I've ridden my '13 RK twice w/o the shield ( have the tallest LRS shield ). Both times I swore it'd be fun ... a few minutes into a 50+ mph ride and I was wishing I had the shield. I haven't taken it back off since the second ride.

 

I rode my first bike a sporty with no shield . When I bought my shovel it came with a small wind shield .
I never put it on for the first cpl months . when I took my first ride to Sturgis I put it on ..............as soon as I got home I ordered a better windshield ,it never came off after that .The shield on my FLHRC never comes off .

 

I very rarely use mine unless it is cold or a long ride. That is why I chose the RK for the option of removing it, I didn't like the fairing on the other touring models.

 

If it's a nice day ->shield off. If I'm know I'm going to be out at night when all the bugs come out and/or a real threat of rain -> shield on!

 

Mine is off all summer. It goes on for colder temps in fall/winter.

I wear a FF Shoei so no problem with the wind. The first day or so after you take it off the wind feels intense, but after that I dont hardly notice it at all - I get accustomed to the wind and it's not an issue. About 85% of my riding is long distance freeway at 75-80 mph.

With a 1/2 helmet I doubt it would be as enjoyable, but with the FF no problem.