A Guide to Selecting the Best Long Ride Shields
Everyone who loves taking their motorcycles to the countryside knows how nice the wind feels while riding. However, we often find ourselves riding in harsh weather conditions or unpleasant terrains. While these can be difficult situations, they also can impose safety issues.
A windshield can protect you from rain, debris, bugs, and many other road particles. It is a good idea to be prepared rather than to go through the discomfort of riding without a proper windshield to protect while riding for long periods. Here are some essential factors to consider while selecting the best long-ride shields:
- Height
- Mounting
- Tint
- Durability
- Easy installation
- Compatibility
- Price
In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know when choosing the best long-ride shields. We also have here our top 5 picks, along with a description of their best features, pros, cons, and our overall evaluation. This, we hope, would help you narrow down your choices into choosing only the best out on the market right now. If you want to know more, read on.
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| Sled Shields Harley Davidson Road King Light Tint Windshield | | |
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What Are the Two Techniques for Using a Windshield?
Choosing the best long-ride shield is just as important as having a car windshield. You need to know which suits you, your needs, and your motorcycle. For that matter, you need to determine which technique you want to use when riding your motorcycle: use a helmet or glasses to help with visual protection. Now let’s talk about what they are, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Over the shield
For those of you who like watching the road over the shield, look “over the shield” by an inch or two. This would be advantageous for you because the wind blows just up the windshield and usually goes right over the helmet. Your view of the road will be fairly clear, especially in times of heavy fog or rain. However, a disadvantage is that low-flying objects might go over the windshield and get in your way.
Through the shield
On the other hand, the shield technique is for those who watch the road right through the shield, with the top around 2 or 3 inches above the rider’s field of sight. What’s great about it is that small objects and obstructions don’t get in your way. However, a disadvantage is that the rider’s vision might be compromised in the event of heavy rain or fog.
Why Are Long Ride Shields Important?
If you are wondering why long-ride shields are important, it all comes down to these two reasons: to tone downwind and to protect the rider from gravel, rain, bugs, and debris, both without affecting the rider’s line of sight. It is important because it protects from obstructions, which is handy, especially if you know you will be riding for extended periods.
Once you have successfully installed a long-ride shield, you should expect less wind blast when riding down a highway, which eventually translates to less fatigue and a more comfortable ride. You can also say goodbye to bugs flying off your helmet. Lastly, you can hear your motorcycle’s engine much better and clearer due to the reduced wind noise.
Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Long Ride Shield
You need to take note of several considerations when selecting a long-ride shield, and we are here to help you narrow down your choices if you have a difficult time deciding which one to buy. Decide which features are most important for you, and take a look at the reviews for a bit of help in determining what is best for you. Here’s what you should consider:
Height
To determine the correct height for your motorcycle and your particular posture, try placing an object on the ground about 50 feet away from your front tire. Then, sit on your bike and look over the top of the shield, about an inch or two.
You may also look through the shield if you prefer. If you can see the object just above your windshield, you are just about at the right height. You can now adjust your windshield about 2-3 inches up so it will be about two inches above your line of sight. This height helps you get good protection and still have an unobstructed view.
Mounting
The best way to determine the mounting is to ensure that the shield rake goes along the fork rake. The proper angle would help in getting rid of the wind blast, as well as bugs and other debris over the rider. Whether you use the shield or through the shield technique, the mounting should be proportional to your preferences.
Tint
Some motorcycle riders are blinded by road glare or headlights. A tinted windshield is able to reduce this glare and help riders have an easier time viewing their surroundings. Decide what conditions you will be riding in when considering if you need or want a tinted windshield. If you are likely to ride in low levels of glare, then a non-tinted windshield might be best.
Durability
Most windshields have a certain level of strength. Some are made of more durable materials. When choosing a good long-ride shield to mount on your motorcycle, you should also consider the materials used in making them.
You might want to consider choosing one that is made of durable and scratch-resistant polycarbonate material. Some are made of Dot-certified acrylic. After all, a durable, long-ride shield is guaranteed to perform well for a long period.
Easy installation
A good long-ride shield is easy to mount and install on your motorcycle. You might want to choose a product that already comes pre-drilled, allowing you to mount it a lot quicker and easier. Installing it yourself is usually not too difficult. You might also save a lot of money by doing it yourself and be able to position it the way that works for you.
Compatibility
Before you buy your motorcycle windshield, you must first check if it is compatible with your bike. You may check the owner’s manual first, or you can visit your local dealership to see if they have long-ride shields available. Not doing so might be a costly mistake. Spend time checking to see if it will work as a long-ride windshield.
Price
The products presented in this review depend on the model. Clicking on the link will inform you of the price and extra features not mentioned here. Doing a careful evaluation of the best features will allow you to make a better buying decision, even though it will ultimately depend on your budget and preferences.
Top 5 Picks for The Best Long Ride Shields
1. Klock Werks Dark Smoke Flare Windshield
ADThe Klock Werks long-ride shield is made of hard-coated polycarbonate material, making it highly durable. It features the original and patented design and creates a down-force that significantly improves front-end stability. Another great thing about it is that it has already been pre-drilled, which helps you to mount it easily. Lastly, it comes in a variety of tints and heights.
Pros
- Durable
- The patented design adds stability.
- Tested on wind tunnels
- It comes pre-drilled for easy mounting
- Available in different tints and heights
- Great airflow and protection from bugs and debris
- Suitable even for taller people
Overall
While the Klock Werks long-ride shield has some of the best features to look out for when looking for a good long-ride shield.
2. Slipstreamer S-06C Spitfire Shield
ADThe Sliptreamer long-ride shield is made of a clear hard plastic material that makes it easy to use. It features a 15″ height and 17 1/4″ width that is to adjust to your liking. Another great thing about it is that it has already been pre-drilled, which helps you to mount it easily. Lastly, it has both round and square headlights.
Pros
- Anodize aluminum hardware
- Adjustable in minutes
- Good range of wind protection
- It comes pre-drilled for easy mounting
- Great airflow and protection from bugs and debris
- It can work for some taller people.
Overall
While the Slipstreamer long-ride shield has some good features, it does work for everyone for full wind protection.
3. Slipstreamer S-06C Motorcycle Windshield
ADThe Sliptreamer Spitfire long-ride shield is made of a clear hard plastic material that makes it easy to use. It features a 15″ height and 17 1/4″ width that is to adjust to your liking. Another great thing about it is that it has already been pre-drilled, which helps you to mount it easily. Lastly, it has both round and square headlights.
Pros
- Anodize aluminum hardware
- Adjustable in minutes
- Good range of wind protection
- It comes pre-drilled for easy mounting
- Great airflow and protection from bugs and debris
- It can work for some taller people.
Overall
While the Slipstreamer Spitfire long-ride shield has some good features, it does work for everyone for full wind protection.
4. Sled Shields Harley Davidson Road King Light Tint Windshield
ADThis long-ride shield offered by Sled Shields for Harley Davidson is made of high-quality and durable Makrolan 7130 polycarbonate material, assuring you that it will last for a long time. In addition, it also allows up to 50% light transmission. What’s great about this product is that you will find it fairly easy to mount it on your motorcycle’s brackets.
Pros
- Durable
- Made of high-quality polycarbonate material
- CAD-designed
- Features a chamber-finished edge
- Easy to install and mount
- Features a light tint
Overall
We consider this long-ride shield offered by Sled Shields as one of the best out there because of its awesome features.
5.Windvest Windshield
ADThis windshield manufactured by Windvest is a high-performance sports windscreen and one of the best long-ride shields on the market. It can create a smooth airflow of about 3 to 4 inches higher than its original height. It also comes in various sizes that will surely accommodate every rider. Lastly, the screen is made of DOT shatterproof acrylic material.
Pros
- Great airflow
- Comes in many sizes
- Made of shatterproof acrylic material
- Durable
- Fits perfectly
- Easy to mount and install
Overall
Overall, the Windvest is a great bang for your buck, especially if you are looking for a long-ride shield that creates great airflow and is easy to assemble.
Conclusion
Choosing the best long-ride shield might be difficult for you if you do not know exactly what you want. Lucky for you, there is a lot of information to help you make the right decision for you. Hopefully, this review gave you the information you needed quickly and easily to sort out some options that might work for you.
