Motorcycle Windscreen Design and Function
A windscreen serves as a protective barrier between the rider and oncoming airflow on motorcycles. These transparent shields, mounted at the front of bikes, come in two main configurations – integrated into the fairing or attached independently to unfaired motorcycles.
Construction Materials and Properties
Modern motorcycle windscreens use high-impact polycarbonate or acrylic plastic for durability and clarity. These materials offer superior impact resistance while maintaining optical transparency, essential for rider visibility and safety.
Aerodynamic Performance
The engineering behind windscreen shapes focuses on directing airflow patterns. Even shorter screens can effectively channel air around or over the rider’s head through precise aerodynamic contouring. This reduces wind buffeting and improves riding comfort at highway speeds.
Advanced Features
The BMW K100LT, introduced in 1986, pioneered electronically adjustable windscreen height. This innovation lets riders modify wind protection on the go, adapting to changing weather conditions or riding preferences. Many current touring motorcycles now include this feature as standard equipment.
The windscreen’s evolution from a simple wind deflector to an electronically controlled comfort feature demonstrates how motorcycle technology continues to enhance the riding experience through practical innovation.
Benefits of using a windscreen
Motorcycle windscreens provide multiple essential benefits that enhance both safety and comfort during rides. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of their key advantages:
Protection Benefits
A windscreen creates a protective barrier against various environmental hazards. It shields riders from flying debris, rocks, insects, and rain that can impact visibility and safety at highway speeds. This protection helps prevent dangerous distractions and potential loss of control from sudden impacts.
Rider Comfort
Fatigue Reduction
The windscreen significantly reduces physical strain by deflecting wind pressure away from the rider’s body. This decreased wind resistance helps prevent neck, back, and shoulder fatigue, enabling longer rides with greater comfort. The reduction in constant wind resistance means riders don’t have to work as hard to maintain proper posture.
Noise Management
Wind noise at high speeds can reach dangerous levels, potentially causing hearing damage. A properly installed windscreen substantially reduces wind noise, making rides quieter and allowing better engine sound awareness.
Performance Advantages
Aerodynamic Efficiency
Windscreens improve motorcycle aerodynamics by creating a smoother airflow pattern. This enhanced aerodynamic profile can lead to improved fuel efficiency during long-distance riding.
Weather Management
The windscreen provides valuable protection during adverse weather conditions, extending the riding season. It creates a barrier against rain and cold winds, making riding more manageable in challenging conditions.
Ergonomic Benefits
Modern windscreens often feature adjustable ventilation systems that allow riders to control airflow. This customizable feature helps optimize comfort in varying weather conditions while preventing turbulence and buffeting. The reduced wind resistance also helps maintain better control of the motorcycle, particularly at higher speeds.
Citations:
https://www.clearviewshields.com/why-motorcycle-windshields-are-worth-it/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_accessories
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_accessories#Windscreen
This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2009) |
Motorcycle accessories are features and accessories selected by a motorcycle owner to enhance safety, performance, or comfort, and may include anything from mobile electronics to sidecars and trailers. An accessory may be added at the factory by the original equipment manufacturer or purchased and installed by the owner post-sale as aftermarket goods. The term Farkle (a portmanteau of the words functional and sparkle) is used within the motorcycle community, originally to denote useful add-ons, such as GPS or other upgraded components. Now also used at times in a humorous or mildly derogatory way to describe bling, such as anodized or chromed parts that add no functionality.
English
Etymology
From wind + screen.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈwɪn(d).skɹiːn/