Windshields..revisited

[Flyman32]

I found some threads on windshields but they were outdated. I have an XS1100H Venturer with that Vetter fairing. The windshield is bad, so I found a place with replacements: http://www.motorcyclewindshielddeale...h_query=vetter

They have some with vents and I was wondering if anyone has vents and if they are great or stupid.
Also, some are tinted and I would welcome opinions on that too.
Thanks all!!!

[GLoweVA]

I've got a Windjammer 3 that I got a new lexan windshield for a few years ago. It came with 2 circular vents near the bottom.
When it's hot in the summer, I'll open them up and get some flow thru them.
I don't think it's that noticable, but I guess every little bit helps.

My 2 Cents, if it doesn't cost a whole bunch, I say get them. It can't hurt.
I bought my replacement off Ebay, so I didn't pay a lot for mine.
I just wish mine was a little taller. In the rain I kinda have to squat a little to 'get under' the water coming off the sheild.

[natemoen]

The vents more help with pressure equalization than air flow. without the vents, or if they are closed, there is a bit of a vacuum on the back side of the shield, dont really know how to explain it but you can feel it. Open them and that goes away.

[CatatonicBug]

I agree with Nate. I never feel the flow of air with the vents, but when they are closed, at certain speeds, I can get a loud howling sound from them. So they are definitely doing something. I have a CycleSounds in my fairing, and without the vents, it would be just about impossible to clean the very bottom inside of the shield. I stick a towel in one hole and out the other, and drag it back and forth to clean down there.

As for the tinting, I don't know that I would want that... Tinting on a helmet shield is one thing, where you can flip it up out of the way at night or quickly change it when conditions require it, but the permanence of a windshield would make tinting it rather scary for me.

[jetmechmarty]

Does anyone here have experience with Memphis Shades Roadmaster or Malibu? I saw one on a bike over the weekend and I liked the look of the mounting system.

[cywelchjr]

I keep the vents in my Vetter's windshield open most of the time. I find that less "crap" comes flying back at me from behind if I keep them open. I think I also get a little better mileage with them open than closed. I will close them at the coldest parts of the year, but that's only for a couple three weeks each year. YMMV of course, but I would for sure recommend going for the vents.

[Flyman32]

Vents it is

Wow! You guys are quick! If I get the vents, then the tint is out anyway. I didn't see my size windshield with vents and tint. Reason I thought the tint might be nice was because on the 2lane hwayz out here the freekin' headlights get old comin at me. I've even worn sunglasses at night. A little dark when I do that. Thanks everyone for your info and I'll keep checkin' back!

[Cobia]

I have this windshield on my G for winter use in FL and can definitely feel the effects of the vacuum push on my hands.

[IMG][/IMG]

The wind produces pressure on my back that pushes my body forward onto the grips causing unnecessary fatigue on my hands. So I started shopping around for round vents to help equalize that aerodynamic pressure. All motorcycle-related vents were very costly, in the $30 - $40 range for a pair. Then I remebered that a lot of single engine airplanes have them to ventilate the cabin. They have the same type of vents for about $15 a pair. When winter rolls around again, guess what I'm going to get?

[jetmechmarty]

I have the same windshield. The mounting system is awful. The windshield won't stay in one place. Those aluminum rods keep breaking. I just rode 200 miles behind it coming from Barber. I'd like it if not for the mounts.