Every rider knows the wind is part of the thrill. But at highway speeds, it can also be your biggest enemy. The constant push on your chest, the roar in your helmet, and the unpredictable jolts of buffeting can turn a great ride into an exhausting one. That’s why understanding how wind behaves around your bike - and how to control it - is the key to comfort, stability, and safety on every ride.
Why Motorcycle Windshields Cause Turbulence
When you ride, your bike pushes through still air, creating high pressure in front of the windshield and low pressure behind it. Air naturally rushes from high to low pressure — and if your windshield’s shape and mounting don’t manage this transition smoothly, you get chaotic airflow:
· Buffeting: Turbulent vortices slam into your helmet
· Wind Noise: Loud, fatiguing roar in your ears
· Fatigue: Neck strain and tense shoulders over long rides
Madstad’s Adjustable Motorcycle Windshield Solution
Our system tackles the wind problem in two ways to provide an effective motorcycle windshield buffeting fix:
· Full Adjustability - Raise or lower the windshield to match your height, riding posture, and conditions. Tilt the shield to change the angle of attack for different speeds or weather.
· The Air Gap Advantage - Unlike stock windshields that sit flush to the bike, our patented bracket system separates the windshield from the fairing. This gap allows a controlled stream of air to flow underneath the shield. That underflow smooths the transition from high to low pressure, reducing turbulence and eliminating the “vacuum” effect that causes buffeting. Just like letting a little air in when you crack a car window, the air gap windshield design balances the pressure and calms the chaos on your bike.
What Riders Say
From long-distance touring to adventure riding, expert reviewers agree that Madstad is the best motorcycle windshield for highway riding:
“Even in its lowest position, the Madstad provided a much quieter and more comfortable ride than the stock shield, with noticeably reduced turbulence.”
- RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel
“After 11,000 miles, I can say the Madstad system all but eliminated buffeting, even in 90-degree crosswinds. It’s easily the best wind management I’ve had on any bike.”
- American Rider
And customers feel the same about how Madstad improves motorcycle touring comfort:
“Ordered a Madstad for my 2008 GL1800. The windshield totally changed the bike. It turned it from a good ride to a great ride. Eliminated all buffeting for me and my passengers. Highly recommend.”
- Brian C.
Best addition to my bike! I put this on my 2014 Valkyrie and left a day later for a 4000-mile trip. Installation was dead simple, and the windshield was amazing - no shaking, no movement and kept the wind off me. It made my trip.”
- Jason A.
Ride in the Sweet Spot
Wind is part of motorcycling. But with the right design, you control how it meets you. Our adjustable, air-gap windshield systems put you in the sweet spot, where the air flows cleanly over and around you, so you’re not fighting the elements.
Because a better ride isn’t just about blocking the wind - it’s about mastering it. Control the wind. Enjoy the ride. Explore our adjustable windshield systems.