Buying A Motorcycle Windshield
Your motorcycle is a tough, powerful machine, and it symbolizes the freedom of the open road. Unfortunately, the open road is windy, and sometimes a helmet isn’t enough to keep the wind and airborne debris out of your face. We here at Chicago Harley-Davidson want you to stay safe and comfortable, so we’ve put together some tips for buying the right windshield for your motorcycle. If you want to know more, contact our store in Chicago, Illinois, today!
Permanent Or Removable
It might sound strange, but there’s a lot of variety in motorcycle windshields. First, you need to decide whether you want a permanent installation or a removable option. Permanent windshields, also called fixed mounted windshields, are exactly what they sound like—a one-and-done installation. If you know exactly what you want, these are great options. For those still uncertain about the kind of windshield they’re looking for, the removable, or quick-release, options give you the flexibility to test out a few types. Removable options also make for easier transportation and storage.
Material
Next, you have to pick the material. The most common and affordable option is acrylic. Acrylic windshields won’t yellow over time, making them a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option. However, acrylic scratches and shatters relatively easily. For something a little more durable, polycarbonate windshields are sturdier. Polycarbonate is used in motorcycle helmets and race car windows for this exact reason—they’re flexible and don’t chip easily. However, the material will yellow over time.
Other Considerations
No matter what material you use, there are a couple of factors that you’ll still need to consider. The first is how tall you want your windshield to be. This will depend on your height and riding posture. Ideally, you want a windshield that’s below your eye line, but is still high enough to create an air current to protect you from the wind and precipitation. Generally, you can align your nose with the top of the windshield you’re looking at to know if it’s the right height.
Finally, you’ll want to decide if you want a tint or not. Tinting can help you see when it’s sunny or other motorists have their brights on. Local laws might affect how much tint you can legally have, so make sure to read up on them before you buy the windshield.
We hope these tips help you find a windshield that works for your motorcycle and for you! If you have any questions, or you need some help finding or installing a windshield on your motorcycle, contact us at Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville. We proudly serve the people of Chicago, Illinois—let us serve you today!