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!
It depends on your riding position and what kind of roads you’re riding on and at what speeds. If you’re planning on doing long stretches of highway (yuk), you’ll want wind pressure relief pretty quickly. Smaller windshields tend to protect your torso and leave your head in the flow, some do almost nothing and some shield you so well you can ride in the rain without getting wet, while listening to music. From experience, the wind pressure gets to you after a while and your neck will hate you. You also want to remember that air resistance increases at the square of the speed, you’re quickly fighting a lot of pressure!