Removal of windshield

[geo1062]

I have a 95 1200, I do a lot of highway riding with a considerable amount of tractor trailers, the wind shear is horriable ( 1/2 lane shift sometimes). Is it possiable to run with out the windshield or go to a 1/2 ht. Added to that there is usually a head wind on my return trip which seems to throw the bike around a bit at 65-70.
Thoughts ?????

[Tonyvdb]

There is no reason you can't run with a shorter windshield but removing it would make riding les comfortable as the wind would then be hitting your body all the time.
Some members have cut it shorter or you could also get a windshield made by Cree Bailey

[Nails]

I can't stand looking through plastic windscreens. I cut 4.5" off my SlipStreamer, and I'm about to take off another 2.5". I'm fine with having the "slipstream" hit my helmet vents. And I don't care for a lot of wind pressure against my back.
They're easy to cut off with a sabre saw. I used to buy special plastic blades, but last time used some other blade with symmetrical, triangular teeth. Doesn't need to be too fine. Also, a scroll-like blade (about 3/16" thick, front to back, rather than the full 1/4" or so) minimizes the melting -- you might have to cut it twice, the second pass through where it melted and welded behind the blade. But it's really no problem, especially with a stout SlipStreamer.
The edge cleans up easily with a file (I like a fine wood file, which is still kinda coarse), sanding disk on a drill, Dremel, or whatever.

[ghostler]

Got a friend with a Harley Bagger, came with a short stub windshield about 8 inches (200 mm) high mounted to the fairing. He likes it. Nothing prevents you from trimming the windshield, geo1062. I'd suggest cutting and remounting versus removing. Otherwise it will affect front chrome fairing trim fit and might reduce the stability of your mirror mounting area.

[geo1062]

That's was my concern, taking it off and having the front completely open and the chrome looking odd, the other concern was how the front balance would be effected. I know that everything effects everything just didn't want to have a problem at 65-70, thanks for the replies .....

[ghostler]

The windshield isn't that heavy. Removing a pound or two, even three shouldn't affect stability.

[dsmmrm]

I agree that the weight is irrelevant, however, at 65 or 70 I would bet that there is lot more down force created by the angle of the windshield acting as an air foil than its actual weight would indicate. I still doubt it would matter much but I would be mindful of it.

[geo1062]

As I stated in the orig, my main reason is the amount of wind sheer I get from passing trucks, specially tandems. if you have ever been on I85/40 from Greensboro to Durham NC, there are quite a few semi's and it seems to be a consistent headwind, so by the time you ride 30 mins your arms are quite tired from constantly fighting the wind. I see many riders during my trip a small hand full have full wind screens, the majority 1/8 ht. and they don't seem to be struggling with lane stability when trucks are passing or they are passing them.

[Nails]

I just finished trimming mine, and it's about perfect for me. I'd be happy if it were 1-2 inches lower or an inch higher. It's 15" tall now, at the lowest adjustment. Maybe I'll slide it up this winter, but I doubt it.
I don't have to look through it. Little wind on my face -- I usually dump the face shield and use glasses. Less wind pushing on my back.
And less turbulence passing trucks.
If shipping weren't so silly expensive, I'd try to talk someone out of a scratched windshield and cut it down, a lot. Then I'd use the face shield. Wind at my head and shoulders is kinda nice -- it's wind on my torso that gets old on a long ride.
I just can't stand tall windscreens. Your mileage may vary.