Classic Velocity

When it comes to motorcycles, one size definitely does not fit all. While any given general platform is probably suitable for the average rider, I have never met the average rider. On the Sertao, the triangle of foot peg to seat to handlebars is pretty good in my case without any modifications. However, the windshield was such that the wind blast hit me right in the face shield. This was no big issue at low and off-road speeds, but was pretty annoying at highway speeds.

The Internet to the rescue. Checking the forums online and shopping around for options, produced a variety of alternatives. There was a wide range of pricing, along with a wide range of heights, widths, and colors. Part of the challenge that I have always had with windshield, is that it is very difficult to estimate how much more height or width you might need in order to get that perfect blend in the cockpit. You couple that with varied approaches by the vendors as to how to move air around, and there is a dizzying array.

In the end, I opted for a Givi unit. It was taller, wider, and on sale. Once installed on the bike, it also did not look like someone had attached a giant sheet of plexiglass to the front of the motorcycle, ruining it’s lines. The initial test ride was in pretty cold temperatures, so it was pretty easy to tell where the air was flowing. The blast to the face shield was gone, and the air now clearly bounced off the top of the helmet which was about right. I could still comfortably see over the windshield. It was hard to tell what impact the width had as this windshield had cut outs to maintain the full turning radius. It would probably take a back to back test in order to fully understand the differences. It certainly felt like it made a difference.