[Jeff in Kentucky]

Wind protection is all about how tired you feel at the end of the day, and if the 10-wheeler in front of you throws a big rock towards you, it is better if it hits plastic before your eyes or skin.

I have a small windshield on my bike that protects my chest, and my arms get less tired from not constantly holding my chest up against the wind. The wind is not bad at all for a 30 miles trip, but it wears you out if you are doing 300 plus miles a day.

To me, the best aftermarket windshield companies are National Cycle for all bikes, and California Scientific for sport tourer replacement windshields.

[eon]

My scooter came with the optional windshield from day one so all my riding has been behind it. I took it off for one day last summer due to the heat but immediately put it back on when I got home. A 60mph wind in the chest has quite a force so unless you are crouched over on a sports bike you have to counteract that force somehow. When I used my arms it messed up my steering inputs. When I used my back muscles I got tired pretty quickly.

Having said that those who started out without a shield seem to love it. I guess you adapt to what you have.

[SantaCruzRider]

I started off riding a naked bike with no shield or fairing. Loved the wind in the face and warm breezes –was living in Hawaii at the time, so no issue with cold. Even then, high speed riding is considerable more tiring because of the wind buffeting and you get more fatigued after 60 minutes on the bike.

My current bike is fully faired and it is amazing how much calmer, warmer, drier and downright pleasant it is behind the fairing.

I still love the look of the naked bike and would have one if I had room for a 2nd (town) bike. But for my 90 mile RT commute and highway blaster, I really enjoy the fairing.

[Jeff in Kentucky]

Custom choppers with a raised gas tank are using the gas tank as a windshield:

http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/amchopper/photogalleries/blackwidow/blackwidow.html

[madjak30]

I should have done this earlier…I am booked in for May 12-14th…I have to take a couple of days off work…weekend courses were already booked up to June…oh well, I am pretty much out of town until May anyway…

I have come across a pretty good deal and want your input…it is outside of the “beginner bike” size recomendations, but most reviews of the bike call it the beginner for “bigger guys”…the Hp and Tq is similar to the SV650 (70HP and 46TQ)…should ride similar, but with a more upright position…

I do expect you to shoot it down, but being 275lbs I want to be able to do hi-way speeds safely…

2003 Kawasaki ZR-7S…has 20,000kms and he wants $2900…I have been looking for a GS500, but they start at $3500 and go upto $6100 for a 2008…??? New they are $7199 with out the discounts that most dealers offer…

Anyway, your input would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Jeff in Kentucky]

Here are some reviews for the 2001 Kawasaki air cooled Four (7R-7S), which should be the same as the 2003:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/2001KawasakiZR7F.htm#reviews

[SantaCruzRider]

I’ve never owned one, but come close to buying one for my current ride. The bike is very similar in performance to the SV650. Even though it makes it’s power with an inline 4, it reportedly runs the 1/4 just a tad slower than the SV.
On the negative side, it weighs in at more than 100 lbs more than the SV. Some of that is comprised by 5.8 gallons of fuel carried way up high in the tank — so it feels top heavy and can be pretty challenging at low speed.
If you were already sold on getting an SV and instead came across a great deal on a ZR-7, I personally don’t think you would be compromising your safety. But you need to recognize that you have already jumped onto the border of what most folks here would consider a safe first bike, and now you’re dipping your toe over the line.
At the end of the day, the ZR seems to be quite popular with 2nd bike owner and then again with more experienced riders moving back down to an engine size that’s more manageable but still gives more power than they truthfully need.

[madjak30]

I finally bought my first street bike on Friday last week…Everyone told me that I would need atleast a 650cc, probably 750cc or more…but I decided to listen to you guys (and gals). I bought a 2003 Suzuki GS500e. It has 23000kms, a windshield or deflector (kinda looks like a shield from a Versys) and the common blue. I can’t wait to take the course and the test, then insure and register the bike…then ride time…just have to get the gear now…good helmet, decent jacket and gloves…money, money, money…I’m pumped…lol

[SantaCruzRider]

Good move. The GS is a beauty.

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