Harley-Davidson® Windshield Upgrades

If your motorcycle doesn’t already come with a windshield, you’ll want to upgrade, as soon as possible! Why? There are a lot of reasons to add a windshield to your bike, but it essentially just makes your ride much easier. But not all windshields are created equally and you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right one for your needs and installing it at the right height. To help you out, Barnes Harley-Davidson® has provided some of the basics for getting a windshield and how to pick one out. If you need help deciding, or if you’re still looking for the perfect bike, stop by our location in Langley, British Columbia. We proudly serve the communities of Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Chilliwack, and Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Purpose of Windshields

So what are those several reasons for getting a windshield? If you’re currently riding without a windshield, whether you only spend a few hours cruising from one errand to another or if you spend all day on your bike hopping cities, you may have noticed that you feel exhausted after riding for a while. This is because your body is fighting the elements and the wind to stay upright. A windshield deflects all of this either around you or up over your head. And when your body is spending less time trying to avoid getting knocked over, you’ll find you’re less tired at the end of every ride, so this is particularly helpful for those who spend more and more time on their bike. Not to mention, it pushes some of the cold or hot air away from you to keep you more comfortable.

Types of Windshields and Deflectors

Now you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing the right windshield and there are some essential ways to break down the market. Firstly, you have fork-mounted windshields, which are specifically designed to push debris and wind up over your head. You also have fairing mounted windshield, like batwing-style fairings, that are better designed to push air around the body, rather than over it. You can often adjust these windshields to compensate for preferred ventilation. Finally, there are deflectors. These take the windshield idea a step further and push hot engine air around your legs, to make the commute less uncomfortable.

Proper Windshield Height

Even the best-made windshields won’t do anything if they’re not set at the proper height. A windshield that’s too low will blow all wind and debris into your face and make it even harder to focus. However, a windshield that’s set too high can interfere with your sightlines, especially as debris sticks to the windshield to create a distraction. The happy medium happens when you set the windshield just below your line of sight. If you’re worried about getting the height right, you can ask about adjustable windshields so you can make tweaks as needed.

Harley-Davidson® Windshields

Harley-Davidson® itself has its own line of windshields that makes installation a breeze and perfectly complements the look of your bike. You can get the King windshield for maximum durability and protection, or you can get a Sport windshield if you want something that gives you sufficient protection but doesn’t detract from your speed or performance. You can also get a Compact windshield if you want to easily adjust or even remove the windshield (perfect for everyday commuters who don’t always want their windshield). Finally, if you want the option of more or less ventilation, you can either get the Ventilator or the Wind Splitter (the latter has a lower profile).

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time for you to decide if you need to upgrade. If you decide the answer is yes, then schedule a service appointment with Barnes Harley-Davidson® in Langley, British Columbia today. We welcome all riders from the areas of Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Chilliwack, and Abbotsford, British Columbia.