Windshield to have or not to have?

Baligirl · Post by **Baligirl** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:27 am

Help! Brand new to this world of scootering minus my hazy college days. Born again with the love of wind in my hair but thinking maybe I am getting to old for that. How good is a windshield? And if it is what size? I know bigger is usually better....
Oh. If it's not somehow known as this is my first post, I have a new 2009 buddy 125.

trukntommy · Post by **trukntommy** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:30 am

Added a med. Prima windshield and noticed a bit difference. Scooter just wanted to go faster. Good investment.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 4:39 am

Any windscreen will cut down on wind resistance against the rider and will generally make the ride more enjoyable without getting wind-blown. That being said, I dislike them because I do mainly urban riding and I always thought they looked way too dorky! But, again, that's simply opinion on my part. Technically, they make good sense.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 5:38 am

Except in winter, I don't really like a windscreen on a scooter that is primarily for in town riding. At higher speeds a windscreen certainly helps streamline the bike and reduces rider fatigue. The usual advice is to pick an intermediate height windscreen that is high enough to deflect the wind over your head but allow you to see over the top of the screen.

Raiderfn31 · Post by **Raiderfn31** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 11:21 am

What they said. They make riding at 60 a bit smoother, but the looks off-set that with me. They just dont look right. Besides, having the wind in my face is a part of the ride. If you dont mind the look of them I say go for it.

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 4:47 pm

This comes up a lot and if you do a search you will find some other discussions as well. Welcome to the forum, and I have a short Cuppini windscreen. I have had it since I got my scooter, and I love it. Bigger is not necessarily better as too big, with a vehicle this light the wind can catch the screen an push the bike around more. Mine is tall enough to block the wind from my body, but I can see over the screen.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 2:03 am

"Faster" is relative...I didn't like the wind I felt even at 35mph without my windshield.

...and I really like how the bugs tend to end up on the windshield rather than on my jacket...a definite plus, I would think, if you live in areas with cicadas, or just lot's of bugs at night.

MYSCTR · Post by **MYSCTR** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 4:15 am

We have three riders and all agree - the windshield works.

The daughter is not a "must have" for local riding, yet the wife doesn't want to ride anywhere anytime without the windshield on and after 10,000 miles of 45-65 mph, I prefer to have it for those speeds. We do have one scoot without the windshield right now and on short local trips, don't mind not having it yet at higher speeds or longer trips, really like having it.

Here is a picture of my wifes Italia.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:55 am

all relevent to the area you live in and what kind of riding you plan to do. I say no windshield if you have short frequent trips, city riding (less WOT), and sunny weather. Go with the windshield if you'll be riding far and fast, and deal with frequent rain (such as Seattle), or lots of large bugs (Gulf Coast). Me, I go without. My lady had one, but took it off after the first winter and hasn't put it back on since. We can always pop it on if need be. Hot and humid here, mild winters, little bit of rain, mostly short urban trips with some longer casual rides.

T'Pring · Post by **T'Pring** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 1:41 am

Welcome, Baligirl.

The windscreen is a nice thing to have -- makes the ride much more comfortable. That being said, it is also nice to be able to remove it when the mood strikes, and go au natural.

BTW, pics are in order.

Baligirl wrote: I know bigger is usually better....

-- You are treading dangerously close to the abyss of double entendrism.

Tenchi · Post by **Tenchi** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 1:56 am

I know the Buddy feels faster and the wind off my chest is a blessing. You can hear the grunt of all 125 cc's as you travel off the line. It does sit straight up and even diverts wind from my face. Bugs and teeth don't go together too well, and most of the bugs fly over my head; not a splat yet on the shield.

bilyum · Post by **bilyum** » Thu Sep 29, 2011 3:07 am

Just installed a WSBud3 on a buddy 150 (2008).Not so sure it is so great.It went on kind of hard and instructions ,what little there are, are Italian. Not a great fit,but whatever you do make sure windshield is warm for installation.The not so good fit requires some flexing.Another thing,,,the right hand mirror has left hand threads and the hardware comes with one bolt and nut with left hand threads...Interesting?
IMHO a short is a must because after sitting on scoot it seems tall rather than short.Shop wisely!!!~

http://www.scooterloungeonline.com/genuinewindshields

mrandmrslindholm · Post by **mrandmrslindholm** » Thu Sep 29, 2011 3:59 am

Hi Baligirl! Congrats on the scoot. I recently added a Prima medium windscreen to my Buddy. It has really helped me. I am a new rider. Since I am on the small side, the wind can sometimes be a problem for me. I still feel the wind when I am riding and it has not lessened the experience at all. So, I am pro windshield.

bilyum · Post by **bilyum** » Thu Sep 29, 2011 6:22 pm

This windshield is OK but not great. I live in the south but if I were in the north I would have to have more protection from cold wind. It should protect hands too (deflect wind)which it does not. Wider would def be better and taller too. This is my opinion after using . I am 5'8" my nose is above screen.
And ,yes wind does come over shield and the freedom thing not a issue!
This is my second post on this issue.
Installing made easier:
Four rubber washers (grommets) the cup side (indentation) side goes to outside of windshield. The four screws (bolts ) go from outside with nut on the inside of shield ,,the screw side gets flat adapter for cup,,
The chrome rails (two) go with the long end up the short end to handlebar.
Hope this helps,,,mine came with almost no instructions and of course, I had to install twice.
Don't forget "right side mirror has left hand threads,,,hardware includes one bolt and nut with left hand threads.
Good luck on your choice and installation!

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Thu Sep 29, 2011 7:30 pm

I have the WSBUD3 (Cuppini for the 07-and-later Buddy) as well. I'm about 5'7" myself. Yeah, see the road over the shield. My helmet (GMax 68 full face) is in the 'dirty' air coming off the top of the screen: it's quieter if I stick my head out to the side.

It's a compromise - I could go shorter (more flyscreen-like), and take it in the chest all day, get a really tall one but have to look through the windshield, or stick with what I've got - good chest/wind protection with a bit of noise. At 'scooter' speeds, the noise isn't all that bad.

Mulliganal · Post by **Mulliganal** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 2:35 pm

PeteH wrote:It's a compromise - I could go shorter (more flyscreen-like), and take it in the chest all day, get a really tall one but have to look through the windshield, or stick with what I've got - good chest/wind protection with a bit of noise. At 'scooter' speeds, the noise isn't all that bad.

I'm still on the fence about a flyscreen/windshield but after yesterday's ride I'm getting closer to getting one because the wind just beat the hell out of me. I want to get a small windshield but I wonder if it will be effective at keeping some of the evening cold air and wind off my chest which is what I have a problem with.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 2:51 pm

Welcome. I do not think the small (I assume you mean the fly screen) will help much with keeping wind off you face. In fact, I think fly screens make it worse. I like the looks but hate the feel.

Medium windscreens are much better. I removed mine when I moved from a colder,windier, rainier climate to S.Cal (plus it was broken!) The brand I used (slip streamer 66)was high and wide enough to keep me dry in light rain. My scooter did not win any beauty contests with it on, it made a big difference. Gas mileage was better too. If I did not have my Vespa for longer, faster riding I would have a wind screen on the Buddy. Since the Buddy is my urban rider its ok as-is now.

Stormswift · Post by **Stormswift** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 5:50 pm

I have Prima medium. Being as short as i am I had a choice: lower it all the way and look through the edge of it or raise it high and look through it. I chose to look through it. Works fine this way for me. As I was getting more practice and started to ride at higher speeds the wind was becoming an issue. It kept the rain off me but looking through both rain covered windshield and visor added nothing to already poor visibility

smithrw · Post by **smithrw** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:25 pm

I used a Slipstreamer 40 and so far it's been very good

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:06 pm

If you have any back issues, I can't recommend a windscreen highly enough. Even if you're perfectly able-bodied, it really, really helps with rider fatigue.
I had a windscreen on my '09 buddy 125 and loved it (the shorter one). The only thing I would change about it would be to cut it down a bit to correct a helmet buffeting issue.
As far as weather, IMHO that's not the point of a windscreen...besides, you just get wet at stop lights.

Bugs, fatigue, and temperature protection is where it's at.

I don't have one on the motorcycle yet. I miss my windshield.

chaseandme · Post by **chaseandme** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 5:34 pm

Does a windshield help with keeping wind off your hands (so they don't get co cold so fast)?

Lokky · Post by **Lokky** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 5:38 pm

chaseandme wrote:Does a windshield help with keeping wind off your hands (so they don't get co cold so fast)?

For the most part they won't.
My stella rocks the tall shield which does extend over the hands, however I feel that it has too much space between the shield and the grips so the wind just goes around it.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 5:55 pm

Lokky wrote:
chaseandme wrote:Does a windshield help with keeping wind off your hands (so they don't get co cold so fast)?
For the most part they won't.
My stella rocks the tall shield which does extend over the hands, however I feel that it has too much space between the shield and the grips so the wind just goes around it.

Agreed with what is said here by Lokky however you can look at this thread. topic20612.html
Looks to me this bracket will work on the Buddy. http://powermaddstore.com/pm/product.php?productid=220

My simple solution was to add a wind proof layer, vinyl or latex exam gloves in my wool lined gloves between the shells and the liner.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 3:13 am

chaseandme wrote:Does a windshield help with keeping wind off your hands (so they don't get co cold so fast)?

A full windshield isn't a great idea on a Buddy, IMHO. At that size, it interferes with riding too much. The smaller ones may redirect and focus air to your helmet, neck oct chest depending on the windshield and your proportions/riding style. That could be even worse!

DanielPerrin · Post by **DanielPerrin** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 4:52 am

KABarash wrote:Agreed with what is said here by Lokky however you can look at this thread. topic20612.html
Looks to me this bracket will work on the Buddy. http://powermaddstore.com/pm/product.php?productid=220

My simple solution was to add a wind proof layer, vinyl or latex exam gloves in my wool lined gloves between the shells and the liner.

That PowerMaddStore product looks helpful. HippoHands (www.hippohands.com/) worked very well for me for long distances in temps below 20. I don't know if they have a version for the Buddy.

I also found this post of someone who made his own "handlebar muffs": http://obairlann.net/reaper/motorcycle/muffs/

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 5:16 pm

ericalm wrote:
chaseandme wrote:Does a windshield help with keeping wind off your hands (so they don't get co cold so fast)?
A full windshield isn't a great idea on a Buddy, IMHO. At that size, it interferes with riding too much. The smaller ones may redirect and focus air to your helmet, neck oct chest depending on the windshield and your proportions/riding style. That could be even worse!

Agree. Just like the story of the Three Bears - you want the one that is "just right". You want a medium height windscreen that is just high enough to direct the air flow over your helmet, and just low enough so your normal line of vision is over the top of the screen. As far as keeping your hands warm, good gloves are the simplest choice and gauntlets (hand guards) are a workable choice in really cold weather.

andylaiphoto · Post by **andylaiphoto** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 8:35 pm

I think they look dumb. I bought my Buddy with one already installed. I rode with it for a while to see if it was just too unbearable to keep on. It's still on. I do hit the causeway every time I ride and get up to 60mph. It helps then but all the other times it's pointless.

Hwarang · Post by **Hwarang** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:22 pm

Baligirl wrote:Help! Brand new to this world of scootering minus my hazy college days. Born again with the love of wind in my hair but thinking maybe I am getting to old for that. How good is a windshield? And if it is what size? I know bigger is usually better....
Oh. If it's not somehow known as this is my first post, I have a new 2009 buddy 125.

You'll notice far less wind up in your face and chest, and thus, your arms might also be less tired over long trips. Speed and fuel economy get a little bump as well.

I think mine is a minority opinion on this forum, but I do think they don't look good at all.

The top of your windshield should be eye level, I once heard.

teabow1 · Post by **teabow1** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:26 pm

I can't imagine riding without a windscreen. Despite riding a relatively quiet scooter and that I have one of the best full-face helmets that reduce wind noise (Shoei Qwest) I find the wind noise an issue especially for longer rides. And, the windscreen also helps with cutting down on the chill, espeecially riding in below freezing or close to freezing weather as I have been in the past few days, even here in North Carolina.

So, I'd say if you plan on using your scooter as your primary mode of transportation, then a windscreen is a good investment not only to protect yourself from noise but also buffetting from cold air.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Fri Jan 20, 2012 10:15 pm

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:Me, I go without. My lady had one, but took it off after the first winter and hasn't put it back on since.

Change of heart.... I put hers on mine, since I'm riding it all the time and the cold is really starting to get old. So far so good, but plan to take it off when Springtime returns.

Modern Buddy

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