Does a windshield help with a bike's aero?

[freebeard]

The speculative comment at #25 was based on the public's reacton to the compound curved upper corners in the windshields of GM cars on the 1950s, even though not in the line of sight.

This distortion issue here is besides representative of poor design, manufacturing, and low cost and I submit a non issue in this discussion.

Poor design, manufacturing, and low cost verboten?

[j-c-c]

Originally Posted by freebeard

The speculative comment at #25 was based on the public's reacton to the compound curved upper corners in the windshields of GM cars on the 1950s, even though not in the line of sight.



Poor design, manufacturing, and low cost verboten?

Certainly not, but "Buyer Beware" is still the rule.

[j-c-c]

Maybe reported "windscreen" distortion effects in the real world are overrated after all?

https://www.motocomposites.com/produ...7C%20%24199.99

Meaning, by noting CF is the material used for these in the above windscreens, a material quite opaque, the concern over optic qualities is rather wasted effort, nobody is looking thru a windscreen in the first place, it appears. but over it.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Materials with different optometric properties may also influence. Just look at how lenses for prescription glasses now can be made thinner than older ones, for instance.

And unlike cars which usually resort to laminated safety-glass for the windshield, in most motorcycles I see acrylic instead of actual glass more often.

[Piotrsko]

Perhaps safety glass has issues with damage spots. It would be much heavier.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Perhaps safety glass has issues with damage spots

Makes sense.

It would be much heavier.

Even normal safety glass is usually thicker than some motorcycle windshields that I often see.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by j-c-c

At highway speeds regarding mpg, in a full upright ride posture and at what point is a windscreen too big for mpg improvement? I am not including any weather riding/comfort improvements that a windscreen might provide.

Scanned 5? pages, didn't see this topic addressed.

I'll try a link to the Human Powered Vehicle Association drag table which might help youhttps://blog.flocycling.com/aero-whe...reducing-drag/

[j-c-c]

Interesting, but not sure how applicable that was to the original discussion.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by j-c-c

Interesting, but not sure how applicable that was to the original discussion.

With fewer weight, and most likely even more susceptible for wind effects, inproved aerodynamics may render them easier to use?

[j-c-c]

Increased windscreen weight would likely dampen especially cross wind, negative steering effects. Weight in these proportions and context, IMO is not a factor in this discussion.