Three-wheeled Honda Goldwing with windscreen
If you've ever experienced a lot of pain after a hard day's riding your motorcycle, perhaps it's the wind that's causing your problems. It doesn't matter what kind of bike or windshield you have; buffeting from wind can affect every rider. Fortunately, you do have some options to make your ride more comfortable.
Buffeting Problems
When you ride your motorcycle, especially at higher speeds, the effects of the wind can become increasingly difficult for you to handle as a rider. If you and your bike fit each other so that the aerodynamics of your bike and your body allow the wind to pass right over you, this isn't a problem. However, if you've noticed greater stress and possibly even soreness being placed on you when you ride at high speeds, it's quite likely the pressure of the wind on your head and upper body as you ride. If you've ever gone out for a ride feeling great and then come home feeling as though you got beat by a sack of hammers, chances are excellent that you've been experiencing windshield buffeting problems.
This can happen no matter what type of bike you're riding or what type of windshield you have. Aerodynamics are affected by everything that's exposed to the air as you move through it. That includes your helmet, jacket, and body; as well as how and where the air is hitting them.
Solutions
Since the combination of you, your bike, and your chosen riding gear has unique aerodynamic qualities, there's no single solution that works for everyone. Riders have experienced varying levels of success by utilizing three main methods of attack.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money, use washers to mount your existing windshield a bit higher than it currently sits on your front bodywork. Your success with this will, of course, largely depend on how your windshield attaches to your bodywork currently. In some cases, it may not be possible with your bike's configuration. Evaluate carefully before attempting, and consult your bike's shop manual for specific information on your bike.
Some companies offer aftermarket lips that you can attach to the top of your windshield. These help to deflect the wind away from your head and chest as you ride, and may just be what you need to make the difference between an uncomfortable ride and a smooth ride.
If your bike has no windshield at all, or if you're completely dissatisfied with the job your current windshield is doing, aftermarket windshields are available for most bikes. Research and talk to other people with your model of bike. If you purchase an aftermarket windshield online, check the vendor's return policy to see if you'll be able to return it if you get it and decide that you don't like it after all before you've installed it.
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