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Windshield mpg

jamesearl

jamesearl

Well-Known Member
Whenever I take the windshield off,it feels like I'm coasting further,even going a little faster.Which makes me think it's really like a giant speed brake.I wonder if there is a difference in mileage with it off?
 
One sure way of telling for sure, run a tank of gas both ways same mileage same roads then you should be close to final answer:D
 
Depending on the size and shape of the windshield it will create a wee bit of resistance to pushing past the air
Also at higher speeds a vacuum will be created at the rear of the windshield as the air rushes into the vacuum it will cause buffeting it also causes drag the drag will reduce the efficiency of the bike to move through the air
Most vehicles these days are wind tunnel tested to help improve the drag co-efficiency of the vehicle the shape at the rear of anything moving through the air is as important as the front

Brian
 
I ran with mine off for about an hour once. It went right back on and I have never even thought of taking it off unless to clean it. We have so much sand on the road here that it makes it very uncomfortable for my liking. Probably would make a slight difference in mileage though.....
 
I took Mine off once on Road King I owned,got a June bug right in the forehead.Reinstalled and won't ride without one.On 2012 Limited had a piece of shingle fly up from highway and hit My fairing.Happy to have the "protection" of a windshield.JMO
 
I'm sure it has to degrease MPG's put makes for a more comfortable and somewhat safer ride so it is worth the trade off.
 
Follow Jack's experiment above, I don't think you will see any real difference in mpg, although the ride will feel different.
 
Thanks for replies.I have to agree,it's a nicer ride.I initially liked a windshield just to keep warmer at lower temps.And the wind buffeting,lack of wind noise in the ears were just a bonus.One thought about braking and a windshield I got was from when I was a plane Capt. in an F 14 fighter squadron,we would do walk arounds,and on a plane, a thing called a speed brake,is just a flap of metal about 12 in. across,2 of them pop up,on the back of the plane.And greatly reduce the speed.I don't have a batwing or small curved back windscreen.I have the reg. RK,with a wind. up to my eyes.I just thought that someone may have done a test with or without.Something more accurate than I could do.I mean the wind alone could make such a difference.
 
Without the windshield the wind will hit me , and the windshield being a smooth surface , I think that there wouldn't be very much if any difference . I have never tried it but it looks like we are in for some nice weather , and I have been wanting to ride some anyway . Thanks for the excuse. I'll have to get my barkeepers friend and clean the bathroom fixtures first . Everyone have a good ride .
 
there will be a difference for sure. i take mine off for riding around town and back on when long ride's are in order. i notice that with it off i go faster quicker and with it on there is a lot of drag. so its got to hurt the mileage but prob not a whole lot at the normal riding speeds ie around here 55-65 i have a tall wind screen. with it off i get longer ride's on a tank with it on anything above 65mph and i get really bad mileage .
 
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