FAQs
1. What is the windshield on a motorcycle called?
Motorcycle windshield, windscreen, replacement screen, fairing, wind deflector, custom shield unit, windshield for your bike… It can be confusing. Figuring out “what is a motorcycle windshield” can sometimes be a precursor to learning “what does a motorcycle windshield do,” so let’s start there.
If you’ve got a regular cruiser-style bike from brands like Harley-Davidson, Indian, Victory, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Triumph, Kawasaki, and so on, you’re likely looking at a motorcycle windshield unit.
Models like a Harley-Davidson Dyna, Indian Scout or Honda Fury will require the installment of a motorcycle windshield unit, which includes the handlebar clamp kit, crossbar, face plate kit, screws, brackets, and the windscreen itself, which is the hard piece of material doing the actual wind deflection. These are designed to attach to your bike’s handlebars or in some cases, your risers.
If you ride a larger touring bike, like a Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Victory Cross Country or Indian Chieftain, you likely already have a windscreen or screen attached to your fairing, which is the entire front end of your bike including its nose and sides, and will only need a replacement windscreen. These can come in many shapes, sizes and colors as well, but the base needs to line up exactly with where the original screen was to securely fasten to your fairing. For this, you will use OEM screws and do not need the additional mounting materials.
For custom bikes, choppers, or bikes which you’ve swapped out the handlebars, we recommend our custom kits, which will mount to your risers and include the properly sized clamp kits, crossbar, faceplates, mounting screws, and screen made of high-impact GE Plexiglas Acrylic based on your height, width, and shade of preference.
2. Do windshields help on motorcycles?
Absolutely. Many people wonder if motorcycle windshields make a difference, and the answer largely depends on the type of windshield you’re considering and the brand you’re buying from. The days of tall, floppy, and cloudy hunks of plastic ruining your view, detracting from your style and easily chipping are over, but there are a few general benefits to all windshields no matter which one you choose including protection from debris and the elements, reduced rider fatigue and improved sound and performance.
If you’re wondering how does a motorcycle windshield help, here are the top reasons to get a motorcycle windshield:
Motorcycle windshield benefits:
Protection:
One of the primary benefits of a motorcycle windshield is protection from wind, bugs, inclement weather, and debris. Motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and are more vulnerable to dangerous objects or conditions that do not affect cagers. A windshield provides a protective barrier, keeping riders drier during unexpected showers and shielding them from rocks, insects, random litter and other road grime. This not only enhances comfort but also contributes to safer riding.
Reduced Fatigue:
Riding at high speeds exposes riders to strong wind currents, which can be physically taxing. Long rides can be exhausting, especially when battling against a crosswind. A windshield acts as a barrier, reducing wind resistance and helping riders maintain a more comfortable riding position. Windshields contribute to reducing muscle and rider fatigue by minimizing the impact of wind on the body. This allows riders to stay focused and enjoy extended rides without feeling overly tired or tense and have more energy to party, explore, set up camp, or just take in the view once you reach your destination!
Improved Sound and Performance:
Loud pipes may save lives but the constant blast and pressure of the wind during extended rides can damage your hearing in the long term. Not to mention the reduction in the quality of your music! Hear your bike, your tunes, other vehicles on the road, and your passenger better (this last one is optional ;) while reducing the wind noise around you with a windshield aerodynamically designed to pull the wind up and over you for a smoother ride with less buffeting and friction, which also improves fuel efficiency!
Read more about what makes WindVest Motorcycle Windshields the best motorcycle windshield for Harley-Davidson and other cruiser-style motorcycles here.
3. Are motorcycle windshields worth it?
YES, high-quality motorcycle windshields like WindVest Motorcycle Windshields and replacement screens for baggers are worth the cost when you consider how long they last, how much they improve the riding experience, how committed to customer satisfaction the company is, and whether or not they are repairable and easy to install and remove, all while keeping your bike looking good!
The benefits motorcycle windshields offer, including protection from wind, bugs, and debris, reduced rider fatigue, weather shielding, and improved sound and performance make them a valuable accessory for both casual commuters and avid motorcyclists.
While personal preference plays a role, the positive impact of a high-performing sport or replacement screen is undeniable, making it a worthwhile investment for many riders who have either used their windscreen for many years or purchased multiple windshields to diversify the look and feel of their motorcycles while keeping their bike’s style.
If you’re wondering how long does a motorcycle windshield last, check out some verified WindVest Motorcycle Windshields buyer reviews (we’ve seen 15 and 18 years!) on our Reviews and Testimonials page.
You can also check out our Warranty Information here.
4. How do motorcycle windshields work?
While motorcycle windshields have been around forever, advancements in technology have greatly increased the benefits and improved the design and function of windshields, transforming the bulky hunks of plastic into sleek performance enhancers.
Motorcycle windshields are designed to mitigate wind buffeting, which refers to the turbulence and erratic airflow experienced by riders at high speeds. The best motorcycle windshields tunnel air around you, which prevents it from hitting your head and chest. Essentially, they create a pocket of protection that minimizes buffeting and decreases wind noise.
The goal is to create a smoother, more controlled stream of air around the rider, creating a nice ‘pocket’ in which the biker still feels the wind, but is more likened to ‘riding in a car with the top down.’
WindVest Motorcycle Windshields, designed to work about 3 to 4 inches taller than they are, redirect the wind over the rider's head avoiding the need for the rider to look through it. This not only provides a clearer field of vision but also minimizes distortion that may occur when looking through the screen.
Optimal wind deflection is achieved through a flat surface with carefully crafted depth contours that guide the air smoothly away from the rider's helmet and upper body, reducing drag.
Even though the windshield or windscreen is below eye level, the unique flip at the top of our durable and aerodynamically advanced windshields deflects and guides airflow, precipitation, and other potentially harmful elements up and over the screen to protect the rider. It also contributes to reducing helmet lift, and sunglasses and eyeglasses jiggling, a common issue at high speeds.
5. What are motorcycle windshields made of?
The construction of motorcycle windshields has come a long way, but the main materials used today are acrylic, polycarbonate, and LEXAN.
Acrylic, also known as Plexiglas or Lucite, has long been a go-to material for motorcycle windshields and is best known for its optical clarity, lightweight nature, and impact resistance. It is also cost-effective and in some cases, can be repaired.
Polycarbonate is a sturdy thermoplastic that has gained popularity in recent years for its flexibility and ability to withstand the rigors of the road, while LEXAN, a brand of polycarbonate, boasts exceptional strength and is often treated with coatings for UV protection and enhanced durability.
While Lexan is harder to scratch than acrylic, the benefit of an acrylic shield is that lighter impacts can be buffed out while the polycarbonate competitor brand cannot be repaired. Even tinted acrylic shields can be repaired because the coloring is inside the plastic and not a coating on top of it. This is why with proper care they can last a lot longer.
WindVest Motorcycle Windshields are made from DOT-compliant, high-impact resistant, GE Plexiglas Acrylic that can be treated, buffed out, and are designed to break away rather than shatter with enough force so you can ride safer, longer.
6. How to measure for a motorcycle windshield?
With so many different height and width options for each bike, one of the most common questions is “What size motorcycle windshield do I need?” While the answer is more of an art than a science, which first and foremost depends on what kind of motorcycle you ride, there are several additional factors and helpful hints to consider.
First, get on your bike and assume the most comfortable riding position. Looking ahead, you’ll want to measure what we’ll call ‘mustache height’ or the point at which the top of the screen would reach the level of an imaginary line extending from below your nose and above your mouth.
Second, be sure that your handlebars are stock and haven’t been switched out to another size. If this is the case, you’ll want to find out what diameter the new bar is and request a custom kit.
All of our units are either a handle-bar mount or a riser mount configuration; adjustable up or down as well and forward and back to suit the size of the rider cause we want the top of the screen to be out of your view about mouth level. We have a billet-machined aluminum that holds that screen with the stainless fasteners and it’s got rubber mounts and a unique shape, which is effective for long-distance rides.
Overall, measuring for a motorcycle windshield is a personalized process that involves considering your riding posture, preferences, and the type of riding you do. For optimal visibility, we recommend looking over, not through, the windshield, which is why the WindVest windshield is designed to work 3 to 4 inches taller than it is.
If you’re wondering how to cut a motorcycle windshield or can a motorcycle windshield be cut, we highly recommend selecting a brand and style of windshield that is adjustable a few inches in either direction. This is the case for most WindVest windshield units, but replacement screens will remain fixed to securely fasten to the fairings so you might want to grab your measuring tape for this one for a more precise fit.
While the temptation may be to cut down a windshield that is too high or wide, this can compromise the material's integrity, leading to structural weaknesses, reduced impact resistance, and potential safety hazards. Altering the windshield’s height can also disrupt the intended aerodynamics, leading to increased wind buffeting and decreased effectiveness in deflecting wind away from the rider.
Check out our Size Recommendation Guide and learn more about how to know which size motorcycle windshield to get.
7. Can motorcycle windshields be tinted?
Much like altering the size and shape, we do not recommend tinting a clear motorcycle windshield. Doing so places the color on the outer surface, like a coating, rather than integrating it into the material and can therefore ‘chip.’ It can also erode over time, become damaged, or not stand up well to light scratches or UV rays. It can also degrade the quality of the material, depending on which tint product you use.
WindVest Motorcycle Windshields, designed with integrated color, come in three different shades, offer easy cleaning and repair options, and with minimal upkeep, can last for years.
Scroll down to FAQ #9 to learn more about tint options, or check out all the WindVest Features here.
8. How to clean a motorcycle windshield
If you’re wondering how do I clean my motorcycle windscreen, there are three main steps to cleaning your WindVest Motorcycle Windshield: removing bugs/debris, gentle cleaning and repairing, and polishing.
First, pre-soak a soft, cotton or microfiber cloth in warm soapy water to loosen the grip of dead bugs and other caked-on road grime (mild dishwashing liquid is best; DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR PAPER TOWELS!). Let it soak on top of your shield for a while, and then gently scrub the affected areas with a back-and-forth motion, ensuring you're not applying excessive pressure that might scratch the surface. Use bare hands to feel and dislodge any caked dirt or matter. Rinse and repeat a few times, as necessary, then dry with a clean damp chamois.
Then, using a non-abrasive cleaning solution safe for plastics like Novus, gently wipe the entire surface of the windscreen in small, circular motions, making sure to reach all corners and edges. Again, do not use any glass cleaners, window sprays, or anything with bleach, alcohol, ammonia or petroleum, and do not use solvents such as acetone, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, fire extinguisher fluid, paint stripper or lacquer thinner.
Novus is great because it can also be used on chrome and paint, but confirm which one you’re getting. Novus also conditions the shield.
If you’re wondering can you polish a motorcycle windshield, you can with WindVest!
For added brilliance, and to remove light scratches to the acrylic, use a separate, dry cloth to buff the windshield to a brilliant shine. But be absolutely sure that your WindVest is clean and free of dust particles before applying plastic polish.
Circular motions work well to ensure an even and polished finish so channel your inner Cobra Kai and wax-on, wax-off with products like Novus Plastic Polish. You can even use a buffing wheel if you have one. You can also wax it occasionally.
Note: Steer clear of abrasive cleaners, kitchen scouring compounds, or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface of your windshield. Never, ever use Windex (or Rain-X!), gas station squeegies, paper towels or other products meant for car windshields or other glass surfaces. The best way to clean your motorcycle windshield is to treat it like a motorcycle windshield and follow the above steps to de-gunk the dead bugs and debris, repair any light scratches and polish the screen’s surface with dedicated cloths.
Read our full Care & Maintenance section here.
9. Which color tint should I get for my motorcycle windshield?
While this question matters more if you’re looking through the windshield, we say it’s more dependent on you and your bike’s style.
Our clear windshield is the most discreet, but again, it is not designed for you to look through as our windscreens work 3 to 4 inches taller than they are. When taken care of properly, it will never get milky or cloudy and small scratches can be buffed out.
Our smoke, or light smoke tint is 90% transparent and is designed to reduce glare and match the subtle style of certain bikes, but again, isn’t meant to be used as sunglasses because you will be looking over it. Another added advantage brought to our attention by @BadLsx Garage is that if you do any recording, moto-vlogging, or vlogging in general, your GoPro or other video recording device can film through this with much more clarity than the darker tint.
The dark smoke, or gun smoke lineup goes best with blacked-out bikes to complement the stealth style and look like a part of the motorcycle. These are about 50% transparent and are meant to blend in with your bike, while you look over the top of them from your most comfortable riding position.
Read more about WindVest Motorcycle Windshields' Features here.
10. How to install a motorcycle windshield
All of our WindVest Motorcycle Windshields will come with a set of unique instructions, but as we said in question #1, the answer will depend on whether your bike requires a handlebar mounting kit, riser mounted kit or if it just needs a replacement screen.
If you have a normal cruiser-style bike like a Harley-Davidson Sportster, Honda Shadow or Suzuki Boulevard, you will need first to install the clamps to the handlebar, then attach the assembly (crossbar and screen) to the clamps, and adjust the tilt to your desired angle before tightening the screws. This will all be provided with your WindVest unit.
For bikes like the Yamaha Stryker, Boss Hoss, Big Dog, American Iron Horse or other customs, you will be mounting the unit to the risers rather than the handlebar, so first bolt the swivel clamps to the risers (a diagram will be provided), then bolt the limiter bar to the clamps, center the unit and check the alignment, and then tighten all bolts (provided).
For baggers like Harley-Davidson Street Glide or Indian Challenger, you will be instructed to remove the fasteners that hold the existing windscreen onto the fairing, then to remove any rubber molding, insert the new windscreen, then reinsert the screws/bolts beginning with the center fastener, and then tighten. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN and DO NOT USE LOCKTITE.
Note: The angle at which your WindVest sits is crucial. There is a “sweet spot” where it will be most effective.
Begin with the shield in line with the fork line. Even an inch of movement either way away from this can cause excessive turbulence resulting in fluttering glasses, and little or no performance. Riser-mounted shields will automatically sit at the correct angle in most cases.
The height of your WindVest is adjustable. A good way to tell if your WindVest needs adjustment is to ride along at about 50 mph and hold your hand in front of you. There should be no wind hitting your hand until it goes over your head level. If you feel the wind hitting your forehead, try adjusting the shield upward an inch at a time. The 14” versions can be adjusted up and down 1 inch, while the 16” version is capable of 2 inches of adjustment. Some bikes do not allow adjustment due to accessories such as headlight enclosures, turn signals, etc. It may be necessary to depress the bottom center of the shield to line up the mounting holes. Tighten front plate screws to approximately 30-inch pounds (do not over-tighten). Do not use a Locktite product on the WindVest. When finished, be sure to double-check that all screws are secure before riding.
Then get out and ride!!!
11. Where to buy a motorcycle windshield
WindVest Motorcycle Windshields can be purchased online, direct from our site at www.windvest.com, in-person at our store in Morgan Hill, CA (see map), or through any one of our authorized online distributors like Revzilla, J&P Cycles, Dennis Kirk, and others (see list here).