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Motorcycle Riders: How effective is the windscreen? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 7 months ago by to c/asklemmy@sh.itjust.works
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I don't know much about physics and aerodynamics and all that jazz, so I'm just curious how effective are the windshields on motorcycles? Was kinda wondering if they're actually useful for redirecting the wind while riding, or if it's more for safety from debris that could get thrown up off the road?

ETA: Thanks for the replies, and for entertaining my curiosity!

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[–] 10 points 7 months ago (2 children)

It's for both. Not filling your clothes and visor with bug splats is really nice, as well as the wind that is thrown more around/over you, which also greatly reduces noise.

In higher speeds it will somewhat affect the fuel usage, but hard to say exactly how much. Not a significant amount I'd say, being able to adjust mine.

Personally, I'd say if you're a touring/adventure biker like me, a windshield is really a good thing to have!

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  • [–] 1 point 7 months ago (1 child)

    Did you do any tests regarding the fuel usage? I'd argue it'd be lower since drag is reduced. The human body isn't exactly aerodynamic.

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  • [–] 2 points 7 months ago

    My windshield doesn't change much, only how high it goes (to push air above my head). It seems to add a little bit on my calculated fuel usage in the dashboard when it's extended and I have set the cruise control to higher speeds (90km/h+), but it's not that significant. I'd wager a number between 3 - 5% increase. The windshield has a bigger surface against the wind than my body, so it makes sense (I have the bigger windshield variant installed).

    This is not something I have tested rigorously, only what I recall from personal experience on a Tracer 9 GT.

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