There are now numerous windshield options made for the Yamaha YXZ 1000r and knowing which to choose can seem daunting. Not only are there a lot of different manufacturers out there to choose from, there are also a lot of different types of YXZ windshields available. This guide is written to help narrow down your choices to the right windshield for your machine. The first step in choosing the right Yamaha YXZ windshield is choosing which type of windshield you need, based on how you use your UTV, what type of terrain you drive, and the type of elements you usually find yourself in. Once you've narrowed down your choice to the right YXZ windshield type the next step in choosing the right windshield is to decide what material you would like. There are 3 main material choices and these will greatly dictate the price. The first level and the most economical windshield material will be polycarbonate, the second a hard coated (scratch resistant) polycarbonate such as MR10, and the third DOT approved glass windshields.



In this article we will first narrow things down to the main types of YXZ windshields available. These are Half Windshields, Full Windshields, Full Windshields with Vents, Fold Down Windshields, Flip-Up windshields and Glass Windshields. So we will cover reach main windshield type, as well as our top recommendation on which manufacturer to choose.

YXZ Half Windshields



Half windshields are a good choice for most trail riders that love the wind in their face but would just like the air to be a little better directed over them and their passengers. Most half windshields on the market have a lip across the top edge that aids in directing air flow up and over your head. These are a great choice because they do a great job of keeping a lot of harsh trail dust out of your eyes while offering great visibility. There are also tinted half windshields available that also help with diminishing glare from the sun. Half windshields are a good choice for those who don't plan on running a full cab enclosure, or plan on using a rear windshield. Half windshields also do not create the in cab air suctioning effect as full windshields do as discussed below. The windshield we recommend is the Yamaha YXZ Half Windshield made by Super ATV

YXZ Full Windshields

A full windshield is just as the name suggests - a full coverage top to bottom windshield. This is by far the most common windshield YXZ owners opt for as it offers the most protection from wind, rain, branches and trail dust. One important aspect to having a full windshield to take note of is that with using a full windshield it can create a negative air vacuum in the cab where air and trail dust is sucked in from around the sides. This can greatly be alleviated by adding a rear cab back panel / rear windshield. This reduces the suction effect and aids in air better flowing down the sides and not being sucked into the cab area.

YXZ Vented Windshield







Vented full windshields are a great option for if you know you want full coverage protection of a full windshield, but would still like some in cab air flow to help with the heat. The vents on the full windshields also greatly help in diminishing the negative in cab air pocket effect as discussed above. On those extra hot days you can open up the air vents for some extra in cab air flow, and for those running these windshields with full cab enclosures they can also be opened up to aid in defrosting or defogging your windows in the winter. The windshield we recommend is the Yamaha YXZ Vented Full Windshield made by Extreme Metal Products.

YXZ Flip-Up Windshields

Flip up windshields are by far the most versatile windshields available. They are basically several windshields in one. They are a full windshield, a vented full windshield in the first opening position, and also a fully open windshield in the furthest up position. The flip-up YXZ windshields utilize gas struts and hinge mechanism that allow you to fix the windshield position desired and lock it in place. Our top choice is the Flip-Up YXZ Windshield made by Super ATV



YXZ Full Glass Windshields





Full glass windshields are becoming increasingly popular for two main reasons. Most notably riders like them because they will not get scratched up or blurry over time like acrylic and polycarbonate windshields. Even the hard coated polycarbonate windshields we have will still get scratches if you hit branches hard enough. You also have to be careful when getting a polycarbonate windshield caked with mud as when you wash it off it can work like liquid sand paper on your windshield. The second reason glass YXZ windshields have become more popular is for UTV riders that are modifying their machine to be street legal. In some states a DOT approved glass front windshield is required to be street legal. There are also electric windshield wiper kits for some of the glass windshields made. The windshield we recommend is the Yamaha YXZ Glass Windshield made by Extreme Metal Products.

YXZ Rear Windshield / Cab Back

Rear windshields or cab back panels are a good choice for those wanting to have a full cab enclosure, where they will be using a rear back panel windshield in conjunction with a front full windshield, roof top and doors with upper side window panels. This is a great combo for colder climates where you can use an in cab heater system in order to stay toasty through the winter. Rear windshields also work great if you are using a full front windshield because they greatly help aid in diminishing the in cab air vacuum issue where air and trail dust is sucked in from around the sides. When used with a full front windshield rear cab back / windshield panels help are be directed along the sides without being sucked into the cab.