Windshields and Gas Mileage

[Calboy]

Do they affect the gas mileage? And if you think they do, by how much. I'm talking about the first generation Valkyrie, not just any bike.
Looking for answers from people who have actually ridden the same bike with and without the windshield mounted.
Thank you.

[Willow]

Yes, but not as simple as windscreen or  no windscreen.  The type and angle of the shield can also make a difference.

A mile or two per gallon normally.

[98valk]

I lose less mpg using a Rifle windshield which is more aero than the oem which I did have.

www.rifle.com

[Moonshot_1]

Do they affect the gas mileage? And if you think they do, by how much. I'm talking about the first generation Valkyrie, not just any bike.
Looking for answers from people who have actually ridden the same bike with and without the windshield mounted.
Thank you.

I would think that they would affect the mileage somewhat. But it is either the windshield pushing wind or you.

The effects it would seem can be mitigated by a sleeker angle of the shield and/or a riding position.

The bottom line for me is the bugs and bees. Windshield every time.

[98valk]

Do they affect the gas mileage? And if you think they do, by how much. I'm talking about the first generation Valkyrie, not just any bike.
Looking for answers from people who have actually ridden the same bike with and without the windshield mounted.
Thank you.

I would think that they would affect the mileage somewhat. But it is either the windshield pushing wind or you.

The effects it would seem can be mitigated by a sleeker angle of the shield and/or a riding position.

The bottom line for me is the bugs and bees. Windshield every time.

the human body is terrible aerodynamically. I use a smaller memphis shades in warmer temps to keep the blast off the upper torso. I get 2 mpg more than not using it.  80+F temps better mpg due to air being less dense easier to move through.  using the OEM during 50F and below I always had 4 mpg loss, with the Rifle I only see 2 mpg loss. that has been my experience mostly mainly based on commuting to work same route everyday, same traffic.

[Moonshot_1]

Do they affect the gas mileage? And if you think they do, by how much. I'm talking about the first generation Valkyrie, not just any bike.
Looking for answers from people who have actually ridden the same bike with and without the windshield mounted.
Thank you.

I would think that they would affect the mileage somewhat. But it is either the windshield pushing wind or you.

The effects it would seem can be mitigated by a sleeker angle of the shield and/or a riding position.

The bottom line for me is the bugs and bees. Windshield every time.

the human body is terrible aerodynamically. I use a smaller memphis shades in warmer temps to keep the blast off the upper torso. I get 2 mpg more than not using it.  80+F temps better mpg due to air being less dense easier to move through.  using the OEM during 50F and below I always had 4 mpg loss, with the Rifle I only see 2 mpg loss. that has been my experience mostly mainly based on commuting to work same route everyday, same traffic.

I am an aerodynamically challenged old guy. Got a ring to it!

[cookiedough]

I would think as well tops 1-2 less mpg, if that even,  with a windshield is all since without a windshield my body being wider than some bucks a lot of wind holding me back some.  I use to have a few months NO windshield on my 98 tourer and when driving it,  my body was horribly pushed backwards due to wind coming at me am sure that my body was darn near the same mpg loss as any type of windshield.  windshields are a near must for me NO bugs splats on my body or helmet is a good thing.. 

even this past summer I hit a blackbird dead center of my windshield doing 60 mph and without that shield,  I would be eating crow probably darn near knocking me off the bike at that speed.