Motorcycle Windscreen/Windshield – Do You Need it?

Do you really need it for long motorcycle trips?
For some it is a must-have item for others it’s not so important. So how to ride with or without windscreen? In this video, I will tell you everything I know about it.
There many different opinions about the windscreens and they are all different. One prefers tall another short, the first says that it prevents buffeting, the second that it creates it, and so on… The interesting part is that they are all right!
Hold on Pavlin, what that’s mean “everybody is right”?
It is very simple: For the guy who rides only in the city the screen is not necessary, but for the one who rides on long trips the windscreen will be a must. For short guys, even the stock screen will be fine, but for tall riders like me it’s necessary to have tall windscreen or at least wind deflector.
It’s depends from the bike type, from the rider and the purpose. So to have it or not is going to be only your choice. That’s it, nothing more to say on this topic. The rest of the video is going to be for those who prefer to have it. As I promise in the beginning I will tell you everything I know about it.
I will talk about the purpose of the windscreen what size, what shape, what colour and what material?
Okay, let’s start with the purpose of the windscreen.
Well it is obvious that it will protect you from the wind – you can read it even in the name. The wind is not going to blast you all the time with 100km/h and this will reduce the fatigue, especially on the long riding days.
We all know but it will also protect you from cold weather and more important the rain. Yes, that’s correct, when you have a decent size windscreen the upper part of your body will be very well protected from the rain and cold weather.
With a combination of nice size hand guards you will be like in the small as longer you ride with at least 40km per hour. When you stop on the traffic you will be exposed to the weather condition as you will be without it. That’s why for city riders the screen is not important.
Size and shape
Well as I said already it depends from the rider, but it should tall enough to send the wind at least to the level of your helmet. Some people prefer to be even over the helmet to prevent buffeting. It is a personal choice. You have to keep in mind that the buffeting actually is created from the vacuum behind the screen not from the wind coming straight to your helmet. That’s why most of the new models have some halls on the specific places to reduce this effect.
In some bikes you can see even a special covers between the forks to stop the wind coming from this direction.
Color of the windscreen.

99% of the windscreens are made from plastic. Do you think that this is an accident? No, they are design to brake in the case crash accident. In some of the bikes, even on mine, the bolts were plastic as well. I change it, but I shouldn’t. All of this is with the idea of your safety. I have seen once a guy with old BMW who designed a windscreen from aluminium. I asked him, are not afraid and he said – WHY? Because it will be like guillotine if you hit something. He was surprised and said that he never thought about it, just keep this in mind.
Few words about the wind deflectors, I am sure that you have seen them before. They are usually very cheap, at least some models, and you can attached to any screen make the wind protection even better, so you don’t need to change the stock screen. This is true. More you have better it will be, but at the end your bike will looks like Christmas tree.
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[franklatorraca]

I was 300 miles into a 600 mile trip, mostly highway. I stopped, purchased and installed a windscreen. The next 300 miles was a completely different ride, didn’t feel like I was physically fighting the wind. Easier riding, and more enjoyable. It’s been on ever since.

[Jimo]

Where I live bugs are a huge problem at times. I’ve had my face shield completely covered, so a windscreen is a must.

[andrewl]

Wind screen is a rare topic people talk here. Thanks for making this happened. Cheers from 🇨🇦

[serpidea]

I just found your channel and about to go on my first big trip around 300 miles. I love your no nonsense approach! Thank you for your help :)

[joeegelua]

It's always best to hear from well experienced/ professional riders like you!
I have just installed a tall windshield on my bike to deflect rain and also insects going straight to my visor!
Thank you so much for the very useful information! Salute!

[PatriotNC]

You are correct on all that you said. I too, am very tall, and without the windscreen, the wind pushes me backwards and causes fatigue and discomfort of arms and shoulders. No windscreen is perfect for everyone, but I would certainly rather have one than not have one. The windscreen on my Versys really hasn't subjected me to any severe buffeting, it's done very well for me so far. I get a little bit of wind and some wind noise, but not bad at all. Another excellent video, I really enjoy watching them.

[edmundkonkolich]

Once again, Pavlin, another fine video with valuable information & insight. Bravo.

I ride an '05 Suzuki GSF1200s (Bandit). It has a half-fairing that covers the pretty much just the headtube area forward of the fuel tank and has a clear windscreen. Unfortunately for me, this windscreen is just A LITTLE short for my 6'2" self & I get the wind that comes from over the top right in my upper chest, just below my helmet. As you might guess, this results in my having to fight the wind a bit if I don't hunch over or lean my chest forward, down towards the fuel tank.

The small extentions that I found online seem to all be the same so, I decided to craft my own from clear Plexiglas, Lexan, or polycarbonate. I was able to find hardware at my local hardware store that allowed for a neat & tidy installation as well as some adjustability. A high temperature heat gun, my thigh, & a few other softer items to help shape my custom windscreen extention & after a little of trial & error & adjustment I have MUCH less fatigue from all of that wind, even on shorter rides.

Keep up the goid work & I look firward to more from you in the future. Ciao.

[richardahola]

Have had a windscreen since I bought an old Gold Wing. Can't imagine riding without it. I put one on my dual sport and love it. My nephew rode my bike a few times (he has the same bike) and then put one on his bike. Complained that it was harder to see riding on trails on the farm so he lowered it. The mounts have vertical rods and you can loosen the mounts and slide it up and down. I keep my screen low around town and raise it for highway riding.

[diegofianza]

A very smart topic and I totally agree with you. As for me I usually ride in the dirt or city or commuting on a highway. Several years ago, I bought a naked motorcycle so no windscreen. Then I rode up into the mountains along the highways for an entire day. When I got to the hotel, I couldn't figure out why my neck hurt. That's when I realized that even with an expensive Arai helmet that doesn't buffet at race speeds, the wind pushed my chest and I had to hold my head forward--fatiguing my neck. A windscreen is a must at higher speeds for long periods of riding.

[TheCaretaker]

Simple answer for any adventure rider is yes you need a screen and the taller the better :)

[seekter-kafa]

a must for not super fast bikes, full body windshield, you can ride in winter in summer clothes... hand (wind)shields especially is a must

[soulrebelno]

Nice one Pavlin, some more good advice. My 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 arrives on Thursday, can't wait! 👍

[caroldave]

Hi pavlin only recently I purchased a MRA deflector type and taller screen truly I cannot believe how GOOD it is ...I've never really bothered about screens in past...but yesterday rode many miles with visor UP because of new screen... very warm in UK...cheers from dave

[SteveWKk]

The worst thing about the windscreen is the massive amount of head buffeting. Ive had multiple bikes, and each one was a struggle with my helmet feeling like it was in a paint shaker....lol

[garychandler]

Great video and I got an idea for you; I think a finger from a nitrile glove could
be used for some active sockets. Just a small hole punch or maybe the metal cartridge from an ink pen to make it, stretch over the small plug end and slide down to big end. It's a little raincoat, and you can even find them in black.

[iangadget]

Love your videos. Full of honest, logical considerations. I have changed the screen on my V-Strom twice before settling on a Manta screen. I look just over the top of the screen when riding and the buffet zone is just above my helmet. One thing you didn't mention is angle. I have angled my screen back to create much smoother airflow. I once tried it in a lower position and my helmet vibrated so badly I could not see properly.

[abderrahmanehabbaaina]

All true, I have additional deflector and yes it vibrates to much but just at low rpm. For the moment t works well for me a taller wind screen is not cheap for me 
Enjoy Riding,

[juanms]

Also the problem with humongous screens is that they negate the air flow from the helmet and the jacket, in summertime is a big problem when riding between 50 and 90 km/h. In my opinion is more about balance, if its not tall enough, buy a deflector, if both are not enough get some nice earplugs :P. And if you are in the case of buying an aftermarket one, buy one that is of nice quality, because from time to time, if the material is good, is easier to polish it, and you get a new screen each time you do that (remember that this screen is also defending you from bugs, rocks and debris that is flying all over the place, and it gets scratched)

[gregoryjohnwilson]

Yes agree a screen is great when touring, wish I could get one for my Bonnie

[nuclearwinter]

8:51

That's a funny story, Pavlin!
Big aluminium windshield/guillotine. 😂👍🏼