Faster without a windshield

[Thulsa Doom]

All I can say is that this windshield pushes a lot of air. When I take it off it seems SO much faster and nimble. Surprisingly so.
Way fun.
Has anyone else noticed this?



FWIW it's a Memphis Shades.

[X Ring]

Cruisers have less drag without a windshield cause the windshield sticks up like a giant sail.

Marty

[doubletee]

I actually noticed a big difference going from a National Cycle windshield to an OEM. The OEM pushes much more air. (Maybe I had the NC shield raked more than the OEM.) So, I can only imagine how it must feel without any shield at all.

[mark masterman]

I went from a large Memphis Shades to a batwing fairing. Arodynamics, arodynamics...

[Quicksilver]

I make far more of an obstruction to air flow than my Memphis shades Batwing. The batwing sort of redirects the air without actually blocking it. The sensation I get when I ride without it though is what you are describing. Yes, the bike seems to be a lot zippier without it, however I don't ride nearly as fast because the air has a tendency to want to peel me off the bike.

[Hoser]

I took the windshield off at test and tune thursday at the drag strip the time I went there, left the hardbags though, but I emptied them!      Hoser

[Valkahuna]

It's a pretty well known fact that large windshield (and even fairings if not designed optimally) actually create more drag, and slow M/Cs down. I can tell you that any bike that I've owned has become slower with the addition of a full fairing or full windshield.

As far back as 1978, I put a Windjammer fairing onto a brand new Yamaha XS11, and was amazed at how much lower my top speed was. Aerodynamics is a pretty precise thing. Those of us that have Interstate models have an air scoop on the leading edge of the fairing that has the function of putting positive airflow behind the windshield. Many, if not most of us have found a way to block this vent off, since doing so keep the inside of the windshield cleaner, and makes the ride a bit more comfortable IMHO. 
However, I know that blocking it off increases the drag, and slows the bike some, since now there is more back flow of air that tries literally to hold us back. Better said: There is a pocket of negative air pressure behind the windshield that created aerodynamic drag.

But, since riding is about more than just going fast, I keep ducking behind that windshield or fairing and find that the speed loss is more than offset by the comfort gained.

[BF]

I used to ride behind the OEM windshield, but now ride behind a Woodys fairing.  It's just my humble opinion, but I'm pretty sure that both of those are way more aerodynamic than my big ass is.   

[Paxton]

I have both, the OEM and the MS Batwing with the 9 inch shield. BTW, the 12 inch shield is a better choice.

The OEM clear shield retains the best view. After all, it is as if the bike were naked.
As it has been said, the Batwing is more aerodynamic and adds much to the Fat Lady's elegance.

I generally ride w/o a windshield. I love the force of the wind pushing against my chest, especially on a warm day.
I do have a small "windshield" that it's just for looks. So, in effect we ride naked.

Notwithstanding, on a long trip over 300 miles I'd use either one of the large shields. 

[Rams]

It's a pretty well known fact that large windshield (and even fairings if not designed optimally) actually create more drag, and slow M/Cs down. I can tell you that any bike that I've owned has become slower with the addition of a full fairing or full windshield.

As far back as 1978, I put a Windjammer fairing onto a brand new Yamaha XS11, and was amazed at how much lower my top speed was. Aerodynamics is a pretty precise thing. Those of us that have Interstate models have an air scoop on the leading edge of the fairing that has the function of putting positive airflow behind the windshield. Many, if not most of us have found a way to block this vent off, since doing so keep the inside of the windshield cleaner, and makes the ride a bit more comfortable IMHO. 
However, I know that blocking it off increases the drag, and slows the bike some, since now there is more back flow of air that tries literally to hold us back. Better said: There is a pocket of negative air pressure behind the windshield that created aerodynamic drag.

But, since riding is about more than just going fast, I keep ducking behind that windshield or fairing and find that the speed loss is more than offset by the comfort gained.

What he said.     It's all about aerodynamics.  Though hugely different, the aerodynamics issue is the same in this example.  I own and pull several trailers, I had a 20 foot horse van and have a 28 foot flat bed, dove tail cargo trailer.  Not only can I pull the larger (square footage) flat bed faster, I get considerably better fuel mileage with it over the 8 foot tall horse van.  The reason is I'm not pushing that wall of air.  Same principles apply to our Valks.   That doesn't mean I'll go without my windshield on a trip.  That same wind will beat me up, I'll accept the lesser mileage and speed for the comfort and protection from the elements, debris and bugs.   

[jer0177]

I was watching a show on Discovery or History about speed records on motorcycles and it covered the drag coefficient of a motorcycle and how inefficient they are.  The guys attempting to set speed records were experimenting with fairings in attempts to gain those aerodynamic advantages normal motorcycles don't have, but they were having problems with crosswinds catching them and causing accidents - at 200+ MPH, any little cross breeze can be deadly.

As it stands, a bike has a DC (Drag Coefficient) of .7-.8 (no fairing, no shield), while cars are built with a .3 or so target in mind.  Add an "upright" windshield and you increase the bikes CD.  Motorcycle Cruiser has a really well written article on it here.

[Paxton]

QUOTE: "... I get considerably better fuel mileage...  The reason is I'm not pushing that wall of air....   
That doesn't mean I'll go without my windshield on a trip.  That same wind will beat me up,
I'll accept the lesser mileage and speed for the comfort and protection from the elements, debris and bugs."   

+1.

Whereas the Batwing looks fantastic, the OEM clear shield IMHO, is the most efficient and retains full visibility.
However, if I had to choose, I'll keep the Batwing.