View Full Version : curious...how many long rides are without windshields?
timurray2000
07-19-2005, 09:07 AM
I've read about some LONGGGG rides here. I'm a new owner, no windshield. How long are you guys going without the shield?
I've gone 700 in a day without a windshield. Normally I went 200-400 miles a day on my 6800 mile trip last summer. I had a bag behind my back so arm strength was not an issue.
Going 75-80 MPH can really put a strain on your neck though. Add a headwind and your face and neck skin will start flapping. My brother had a swollen cheek after a day of flapping. A doctor told us he has seen people get nerve damage from prolonged skin flapping. A bandana over the face stopped the flapping.
timurray2000
07-19-2005, 09:38 AM
The helmet keeps the cheeks from flapping but causes the head to bobble. There's always a trade off......
BTW, that's a great quote from a great book.........
livfree
07-26-2005, 05:16 PM
Why torture yourself? And then there's always that stupid bird that decides to fly into your face....damn that hurts!!
livfree
I know it breaks all the rules, but I have gone almost 1,100 miles on a few occasions in a day. My neck stiffens up, but I just can't bring myself to buy a windshield. I'm sure one day I will get one, then kick myself in the a** for not doing it sooner.
Why torture yourself? And then there's always that stupid bird that decides to fly into your face....damn that hurts!!
livfree
I'm with you, livfree ... where's the joy in riding at highway speeds without a windshield? To each, his own, but I'm using a windshield.
Been riding for years, Have had one 'shield and took it off to get some air when I was living in Georgia...never put one on again and that was 1981. Its not unusual for me to do a 1000+ miles a day. Usually ride with full face and head buffeting is a fact of life....head buffeting I believe causes tension and stress in the neck and upper back areas (which makes for a bad ride) so learn to relax while cruising or taking an extended trip and the buffeting won't seem so bad. As for being beat up from the birds and bees it going to happen from time to time along with the occasional rock or whatever debris manages to get airborn...remember to duck...MIKE(TTT)
deersleigher
08-04-2005, 12:50 AM
Most I've done is 440 in one day. Got a lot of windburn and bug splats. Ordered my shield and don't take it off unless I'm going on short rides.
Puzzel
08-04-2005, 12:16 PM
I've done alot of 4-500 mile days without a shield, and a few 6-800 days too. Usually I have a CruiserBag on the passenger seat, my arms and shoulders don't get tired. If I do get a shield, it will only be for the colder riding months -- Oct to May -- since I like to ride at least a couple times every month for 100+ miles. :D
Breezy
08-05-2005, 09:19 PM
Years ago I had a Kaw LTD 750, never had a sheild on that and drove that thing all over the US, I road that 12-Months a year, I was living in LA, just south of Baton Rouge at the time, but used to go to NM, CO, FL, GA all the time. Then I always wore my Full-face helmet, those mitties for the handle bar, cruise control... I had 12" ape-hangers and a springer frontend raked out with a 8" extension . It was a wild bike, and lots of fun, had a hippie type of mozaic paint job on the tank. I could write a book on those days.. Wish I still had the bike.
This will explain -some- of those days...
"Mississippi Queen, You know what I mean
Mississippi Queen, She taught me everything
Went down around Vicksburg, around Louisiana way
Where lived the Cajun Lady, aboard the Mississippi Queen
You know she was a dancer. She moved better on wine
:pepper1:
While the rest of them dudes were gettin' their kicks
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was gettin' mine"
Ah, the GOOD old days.........
Breezy
bigwater
08-06-2005, 09:25 AM
Windshields are for pussies. So are Hondas
Windshields are for pussies. So are Hondas
Sounds as though you got an inferiority complex...must be little man syndrome or maybe you just got a little pecker and a little bike...MIKE(TTT)
bigwater
08-06-2005, 06:10 PM
Windshields are for pussies. So are Hondas
Sounds as though you got an inferiority complex...must be little man syndrome or maybe you just got a little pecker and a little bike...MIKE(TTT)
No, I just had a bet with a moderator from another board that I could get banned with one post on this board. You see, we have some prick from this board that's been spamming us, and the administrator of our board got into a pissing contest with him. The cursing ensued, and it went back and forth between the boards. It was funny to me, so I made the bet. You *******s aren't even serious enough to ban obvious trolls.
Oh, all of my bikes are big and fast. except for the tobi (that stands for tow bike) that I use to haul the top gas dragster around at the track. It's only a little 50cc clown bike... but it's fun to ride when you're drunk... and it's a lot less scary than the drag bike.
Windshields are for pussies. So are Hondas
Sounds as though you got an inferiority complex...must be little man syndrome or maybe you just got a little pecker and a little bike...MIKE(TTT)
No, I just had a bet with a moderator from another board that I could get banned with one post on this board. You see, we have some prick from this board that's been spamming us, and the administrator of our board got into a pissing contest with him. The cursing ensued, and it went back and forth between the boards. It was funny to me, so I made the bet. You *******s aren't even serious enough to ban obvious trolls.
Oh, all of my bikes are big and fast. except for the tobi (that stands for tow bike) that I use to haul the top gas dragster around at the track. It's only a little 50cc clown bike... but it's fun to ride when you're drunk... and it's a lot less scary than the drag bike.
Well as for someone from this board spamming... big deal... wonder what percentage that would be....I'm guessing around 1 in 14000 or so around here ...bet that blast the hell outta your board ...so take you imaginary toys and your little boy attitude and go play somewhere else...as for getting banned you gotta be joking right. The only *******s I've encountered lately are you losers coming over to our boards trying to start crap and your not very efficient at that either...It's only a little 50cc clown bike... but it's fun to ride when you're drunk... and it's a lot less scary Bet you got some popcorn and ballons to go a long with your little clown bike...go home loser....MIKE(TTT)
bigwater
08-08-2005, 04:16 PM
Windshields are for pussies. So are Hondas
Sounds as though you got an inferiority complex...must be little man syndrome or maybe you just got a little pecker and a little bike...MIKE(TTT)
No, I just had a bet with a moderator from another board that I could get banned with one post on this board. You see, we have some prick from this board that's been spamming us, and the administrator of our board got into a pissing contest with him. The cursing ensued, and it went back and forth between the boards. It was funny to me, so I made the bet. You *******s aren't even serious enough to ban obvious trolls.
Oh, all of my bikes are big and fast. except for the tobi (that stands for tow bike) that I use to haul the top gas dragster around at the track. It's only a little 50cc clown bike... but it's fun to ride when you're drunk... and it's a lot less scary than the drag bike.
Well as for someone from this board spamming... big deal... wonder what percentage that would be....I'm guessing around 1 in 14000 or so around here ...bet that blast the hell outta your board ...so take you imaginary toys and your little boy attitude and go play somewhere else...as for getting banned you gotta be joking right. The only *******s I've encountered lately are you losers coming over to our boards trying to start crap and your not very efficient at that either...It's only a little 50cc clown bike... but it's fun to ride when you're drunk... and it's a lot less scary Bet you got some popcorn and ballons to go a long with your little clown bike...go home loser....MIKE(TTT)I'm actually not an *******... I just play one on the internet...but I hope you feel better with your rant.
Yeah, the tobi is fun to ride around the track at night when your drunk. You can't get hurt 'cause you're never more than about 15 inches from the ground, and it doesn't run fast enough to create damage when you bump into something.
The bike the tobi hauls during the day though is another matter. It does a 5.7 second 212 mph quarter mile, and I don't ride that drunk. I'm sure if I could get my reaction time down just a wee bit, I could probably outrun you in a race. I'll work on that and get back to you when I get it down to 5.2.
Wanna meet at Beech Bend in September for a friendly race? I'm hoping to have my reaction time down by then.
Never thought about popcorn or BALOONS for the tobi... that would be very entertaining for the crowd. Maybe some big clown feet, a wig and a red rubber nose. I'll run the idea by the team and see what they think.
Oh, and as far as the popularity of the boards, just do a google search, or an msn search or a yahoo search or any other search engine on "rider information" and hit the very first link. You can come play in my sandbox. I'm a pretty reasonable guy over there.
Damn. I still can't get banned. Trying like hell, but making friends instead.
Windshields are for pussies. So are Hondas
Sounds as though you got an inferiority complex...must be little man syndrome or maybe you just got a little pecker and a little bike...MIKE(TTT)
No, I just had a bet with a moderator from another board that I could get banned with one post on this board. You see, we have some prick from this board that's been spamming us, and the administrator of our board got into a pissing contest with him. The cursing ensued, and it went back and forth between the boards. It was funny to me, so I made the bet. You *******s aren't even serious enough to ban obvious trolls.
Oh, all of my bikes are big and fast. except for the tobi (that stands for tow bike) that I use to haul the top gas dragster around at the track. It's only a little 50cc clown bike... but it's fun to ride when you're drunk... and it's a lot less scary than the drag bike.
Well as for someone from this board spamming... big deal... wonder what percentage that would be....I'm guessing around 1 in 14000 or so around here ...bet that blast the hell outta your board ...so take you imaginary toys and your little boy attitude and go play somewhere else...as for getting banned you gotta be joking right. The only *******s I've encountered lately are you losers coming over to our boards trying to start crap and your not very efficient at that either...It's only a little 50cc clown bike... but it's fun to ride when you're drunk... and it's a lot less scary Bet you got some popcorn and ballons to go a long with your little clown bike...go home loser....MIKE(TTT)I'm actually not an :cus:... I just play one on the internet...but I hope you feel better with your rant.
Yeah, the tobi is fun to ride around the track at night when your drunk. You can't get hurt 'cause you're never more than about 15 inches from the ground, and it doesn't run fast enough to create damage when you bump into something.
The bike the tobi hauls during the day though is another matter. It does a 5.7 second 212 mph quarter mile, and I don't ride that drunk. I'm sure if I could get my reaction time down just a wee bit, I could probably outrun you in a race. I'll work on that and get back to you when I get it down to 5.2.
Wanna meet at Beech Bend in September for a friendly race? I'm hoping to have my reaction time down by then.
Never thought about popcorn or BALOONS for the tobi... that would be very entertaining for the crowd. Maybe some big clown feet, a wig and a red rubber nose. I'll run the idea by the team and see what they think.
Oh, and as far as the popularity of the boards, just do a google search, or an msn search or a yahoo search or any other search engine on "rider information" and hit the very first link. You can come play in my sandbox. I'm a pretty reasonable guy over there.
Damn. I still can't get banned. Trying like hell, but making friends instead.
The only thing bigger than your ego is your imagination...anyone running the suggested times and speeds you posted would have more class and definately have better things to do than hang on a off topic board trying to get banned...Bet you don't even own a computer ...using the one at McDs while the manager is taking a smoke break...you aint smart enough to handle any bike making "somewhere in the 700 hp range"...because if you were you wouldn't be here....now thats a reality check...quit embarassing yourself dude and just go away.....MIKE(TTT)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/theoffice/images/yourgallery/troll.jpg
LEVIATHAN
08-16-2005, 07:01 PM
maybe you could get you're r/t down if ya wasn't drunk. Go home TROLL!
doc_cj
08-23-2005, 03:11 AM
The first day I had my VTX was in June of 2004 and I rode from Page, Arizona, to Cedar City, UT (about 160 miles) without a windshield or helmet. I wore some regular wrap around sunglasses, and that was a mistake.
In dry weather spots like Arizona and the west you can dry your eyes out really quick. I actually dried mine to a point that I could barely see. I know, that's stupid, but I hadn't been on a bike in almost 20 years and I simply forgot about that kind of stuff. It took almost 36 hours before my eyes recovered, so be careful if you're driving much without a windshiled and proper eye protection.
Since then I've put on a windshield and I won't ride without one (especially more than 50 miles).
quinch
09-06-2005, 03:47 AM
first link from google:
http://transit.metrokc.gov/cs/rio-hours.html:?:
:a13:
JLMEMT
09-06-2005, 03:58 AM
Oh, all of my bikes are big and fast. except for the tobi (that stands for tow bike) that I use to haul the top gas dragster around at the track. It's only a little 50cc clown bike... but it's fun to ride when you're drunk... and it's a lot less scary than the drag bike.
When you want to ride a real bike, let me know!
That's a brillant statement, it's a great idea to ride when your drunk! Of course if you have no brain to start with, you can't hurt much! :D
Have a nice day!
JLMEMT
09-06-2005, 04:01 AM
No windshield here. Never ride with one.
BufordX
09-10-2005, 05:42 PM
If I didn't venture out on the interstate, I wouldn't have a windshield... but, the VTX lures me out there - or maybe it's the other way around. No matter, I have a very difficult time doing under 80. I'll admit, age (56) has softened me up considerably - comfort is more valuable than it used to be.
Longest ride? My son and I did 6K miles in 12 days this summer, just riding mainly. No particular place to go - spent 4 days in Utah and never meant to go there! The weather determined our course once we got from Destin Fl to Phoenix. Went north to Wickensburg (another poster recommened the route) and then on to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Headed east to Mexican Hat and then things got really interesting. Also went to Zion National Park, White Sands, Tombstone, Las Cruces... and Las Vegas. We made it back from Vegas (splitting up in Birmingham, he lives in Destin, I live in Georgia) in three days. My water pump developed the dreaded "weep hole leak" in Fort Smith Arkansas. Called 4 local dealers - no water-pump in stock. My son rode behind me and kept an eye on my coolant level (advantage of having an '02 R model) and we bogied at our normal 85mph doing 750 miles the last day.
If you're ever out west, make it a point to head for the Best Western in Torrey Utah - not far from Bryce Canyon and the famous Highway 12.
That was our favorite stop - and if you head east, be sure to fill up with gas. We went 129 miles between stations east of Torrey.
It was embarassing when my VTX sprang a leak - my son rides a V-rod... but, my VTX made it home - and all I did was add about 8oz of water along the way. So, if and when your weep hole starts seeping, you're still good for at least 1,000 miles based on my experience. It was still working when I replaced it after riding (while waiting for the part to arrive) for a couple of weeks after I got home.
My youngest son plans to join us next year. We're going to try for the west coast...
CC_Roy
09-12-2005, 05:05 PM
Just did a 7000-mile 15-day circle of the western states (South Texas, Black Hills, Idaho, California Coast and back thru Nevada, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico), and, while I normally don't use a windshield, I mounted a relatively small sheld for this trip. I also wore a full face helmet. Bottom line, I am very glad I mounted the shield because the quantity of flying bugs was a daily amazement. Had I not had the shield I would have been wearing those bugs and that aint my idea of looking cool. Great trip,BTW.
Todd2
09-12-2005, 05:58 PM
"how many long rides are without windshields?"
NONE.
Mine stays mounted on the bike. I rode for a year without a windshield (years ago), but a windshield makes long trips so much less fatiguing. Besides, it gives you something to hide behind when those big old needle sharp rain drops come down, or the hay truck, or the sandstorms, or the hail, or...... Don't leave home without it.
Todd
kimber_ak
10-15-2005, 04:17 AM
I dont know if it qualifies as "iron butt" but rode from Anchorage, ak to Valdez then back and down to homer, alaska.
No shield.
I still havent found one that I like. They really seem to change the look of the bike.
kimber
Merry Prankster
10-21-2005, 05:43 PM
I would ride with you anytime.
PEACE :vtx18:
Merry Prankster
10-21-2005, 05:51 PM
I don't have one, don't like them, enjoy the in the wind, bugs, all the good and bad that come with it.
Have done many miles, to a few and every time, am happy to not have one. Although, I do and have thought about this do dad.
http://www.corbin.com/honda/neofair1.gif
http://www.corbin.com/honda/neofair5.jpg
But I ride a 02 Orange Retro.
PEACE
http://www.clownz.com/images/fire-clown.jpg
http://www.clownz.com/images/valentino.jpg
Cruz'N
10-24-2005, 04:43 PM
I have a National Cycle Switchblade. It's great because you can pop it off in 2 seconds. I ride around town without it but always put it on for the highway. Why get beat to death by the wind.. Besides it's the gravel the cars/trucks throw up at you..
fotodan
12-05-2005, 06:46 PM
Years ago I had a Kaw LTD 750, never had a sheild on that and drove that thing all over the US, I road that 12-Months a year, I was living in LA, just south of Baton Rouge at the time, but used to go to NM, CO, FL, GA all the time. Then I always wore my Full-face helmet, those mitties for the handle bar, cruise control... I had 12" ape-hangers and a springer frontend raked out with a 8" extension . It was a wild bike, and lots of fun, had a hippie type of mozaic paint job on the tank. I could write a book on those days.. Wish I still had the bike.
This will explain -some- of those days...
"Mississippi Queen, You know what I mean
Mississippi Queen, She taught me everything
Went down around Vicksburg, around Louisiana way
Where lived the Cajun Lady, aboard the Mississippi Queen
You know she was a dancer. She moved better on wine
:pepper1:
While the rest of them dudes were gettin' their kicks
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was gettin' mine"
Ah, the GOOD old days.........
Breezy
Breezy, not many people on here will know Mountain.. Beleive it or not, when in high school in the football locker before each game we would play that very same song. Went undefeated imagine that... My fav was Nantucket Sleighride.. Happy ridin..
dhealy50
01-01-2006, 10:30 PM
I did one Boarder to Border/Ocean to Ocean run without a windshield, and one a few years later with a windshield. In the wintertime when the temp drops down below freezing, the windshield is nice. Don
drtrider
01-02-2006, 12:41 PM
I like my windshield for long hauls. It helps from fatique and also weather elements and bugs. :D
thundering zephyr
01-02-2006, 11:21 PM
They call them windshields for a reason...
Yeah, you can tough it out and ride as far as you want, face-first in the wind, and arrive ok, but why beat yourself up just to prove you're a hard guy, when you can make it much more tolerable with a simple windshield?
I rode for years w/o a windshield, including some multi-state trips, and never really gave it much thought. Later on, I made a 900+ mile round trip, (both ways) on a motorcycle with a fairing and windshield, and, to be honest, I was more comfortable and less worn out at the end of the day.
If you're really on the fence about this, then plan a good long (300-400 miles or more) day trip with lots of highway riding, and see how you feel when you get home. If you really feel worn out, then hey, get a windshield!
csmlopez
01-07-2006, 09:05 PM
I dont know if it qualifies as "iron butt" but rode from Anchorage, ak to Valdez then back and down to homer, alaska.
No shield.
I still havent found one that I like. They really seem to change the look of the bike.
kimber
Dang woman is that, is that you on the AVATAR? WOW!! I would have ran behind you all the way! You could call me iron ........... 8)
WOW! WOW!
GR8PHUN
01-25-2006, 08:20 PM
I have a 17" windscreen I bought off a used parts table ago for $10.00 around 14 or 15 years ago.
It takes some pressure off the chest.
I ride rain or shine.
Gone to the keys 4 times with it
Put 136k on a 85 VT1100
and 28 k on the present X with it.
I bought a bike to ride in the wind.
I just suck it up and ride.
Sgt Rock
01-30-2006, 12:07 AM
I wouldn't ride without a windshield and frankly, don't know WHY anybody would. Early on (30 years ago) before I got some sense, I rode without one and took a BAT in the face one night, at 75 MPH. Very nearly knocked me off and almost cost me an eye. At that speed, I would have been toast. Never again.
Call me weak, a pansy, whatever, it's just not worth it, rain, bugs (lots of bugs), bees, birds, debris, rocks, you name it, that windshield may be the only thing between you and disaster. Besides, it keeps the bug guts off my cool leather jacket.
That's the way Sgt Rock sees it.
firedawg
07-09-2006, 09:18 PM
I rode from Michigan to Daytona (1200 miles in two days) not only without a windshield but with a shorty helmet and the rear shocks replaced by hardtale struts. But then I'm tougher than I am smart.
JLMEMT
07-11-2006, 11:04 PM
I wouldn't ride without a windshield and frankly, don't know WHY anybody would. Early on (30 years ago) before I got some sense, I rode without one and took a BAT in the face one night, at 75 MPH. Very nearly knocked me off and almost cost me an eye. At that speed, I would have been toast. Never again.
Call me weak, a pansy, whatever, it's just not worth it, rain, bugs (lots of bugs), bees, birds, debris, rocks, you name it, that windshield may be the only thing between you and disaster. Besides, it keeps the bug guts off my cool leather jacket.
That's the way Sgt Rock sees it.
I'm not stupid! I do use eye protection, usually goggles! But last night I was in a helmet state and had a beetle get blown up into my full face helmet and right into my left eye. I had to pull over. Fortunetly I had another good eye and was just outside KC, and not still in the middle!!
DonOhlin
07-12-2006, 10:03 AM
I ride without a windshield and without a helmet. While not a true LD ride, last Sunday I rode 425 miles, more than half through rain. (I have ridden further in good weather.)
Other riders seemed amazed, but pull a bandana over your face and it isn't bad. Oh yes, I do wear goggles. Especially in bad weather, the goggles are fantastic! Best eye protection money can buy. No bugs in the eyes, no rain or wind slipping in from the sides, etc.
With all of that said, I wouldn't have minded having a windshield on Sunday and will probably have one on my second bike, just as soon as I get around to buying one.
Don Ohlin <><
Let the rider decide!
Vanquisher
08-05-2006, 12:11 PM
I ride around 80 plus miles a day to work. most milage thru farm and open desert ground with two way roads. At first I did not want to get or use a windshield one for the way they look and two because of there expence. But I went ahead and bought a fat boy they are very reasonable and they look nice as well so that settled my own argument on why I did not like windsgields. And also the air flow is just as nice for now I do not have the extensive head buffeting as before with out it. The other added bonus is that I can Smoke a cigar on the way to work will crusing on my X :D
BamrzVTX
08-13-2006, 06:38 PM
Coming back from my first road trip, I did about 700 miles in one day from TN to PA with no windshield. That was on my VLX. I put one on about a year later and found out I could ride in the winter down to about 29F with the shield, my face didn't go numb!
I've had my VTX for about a month with no windshield yet, I forgot how bad my eyes water when it gets chilly! I'll be getting one soon, because I like to ride with my face shield open, and sometimes lidless.
Sue
Klattu
09-14-2006, 12:56 AM
A one day ride to the Dragon...625 miles.
Will not be doing interstate travel without one anymore.
Anything below 50 mph and 200 miles is great without a windshield.
I dislike having it on, and run around locally without it.
Neck was not as bad as arms...had to hold on tighter.
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/6254tb1.jpg
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