New rider with a few questions

[sjohnson2843]

I'm new to riding and in fact just got my license a few weeks ago after taking the MSF course.  I live in Wisconsin.  After doing some research, I decided a GS500F would be just the right bike for a novice like me.  I found a 2009 with 2,400 miles on it and have been riding it for a couple of weeks now and am really liking it and am looking forward to improving my riding skills.  Just from quickly looking over the forum topics, there's no shortage of information out here but perhaps some of you here could answer a couple of questions for me and give me your insights and experience.

First is that I'm just starting to get used to speeds up to 60 mph and the associated air pressure.  I've thought about a larger windshield and have looked at Zero Gravity Sport Touring.  However, from what I've read one has to be careful about taking that air and directing it somewhere else, for example right under the neck and then into the helmet which I read can be really annoying.  I'm 6 ft. tall.  Do you think a windshield like this would be helpful?  Second, I have a mesh riding jacket and what I noticed is that the air passing into it will puff out the sides a bit.  In fact, I can even change the cycle speed just by moving my elbows in and out blocking that air.  The jacket doesn't fit me snug but it's not bad and I doubt I will find one that does but what I'm wondering is if I'd notice some of that go away with a windshield? I like the mesh jacket but find it a little annoying to have this parachute affect going on.  Maybe I just have to get used to that?

thanks
Steve

[VerdonD952]

Welcome Steve!   Pics or it didn't happen!!!

As for the wind,  Im 6'1 and i find that the wind hits me right below the neck...this is fine for me up to about 80mph.  that's when the air pressure will make my helmet start to "bobble" sorry for not have a technical term.  I have decided to leave the stock screen on the bike.  And I also have a mesh jacket, although mine has all sorts of padding and hard armor on the outside.  Kind of makes me look like the black power ranger.  Go and get your self a real moto jacket it will help save your skin.

Again, Welcome!

[iclrag]

I'm about 6'2-6'3 and i have NO windshield and i kind of prefer it, cruising at about 55 the only wind i feel is my sleeves flapping (should have gotten the smaller size...) vigorously, i just wore a sweatshirt, but i plan on getting a leather padded coat in the nearish future

[sjohnson2843]

Verndon,

I have a great picture.  How do I post it? As for the jacket, when you say get a real one, can you give me some suggestions? My riding will only be from April to perhaps mid October here in Wisconsin.  Want something that I wont' be too hot in the summer. Wow...and up to 80 mph you're ok with the wind. 

Steve

[dougdoberman]

If your mesh jacket has elbow & shoulder armor and at least some sort of back padding then it is a "real" jacket. 

[burnchassis]

wrap a color matching bungee around your body to kill the air flow.
-CS

[jdoorn14]

To post your pic, you need to host it on a different site (photobucket, Facebook, etc)--anywhere you can have a direct URL to the picture. Then put the picture's URL inside image wrappers [ img ]  ...  [ /img ] (Don't include the spaces between the left and right brackets and the img tag.

[sjohnson2843]

Yes, my jacket does have armor...Rev'it Tornado. The suggestion about some sort of color matching cord or strap had crossed my mind before but thought it was just a crazy newbie idea.  Looks like perhaps not. Thanks for the suggestion.

Steve