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Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

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  #1  
Old 09-22-2007, 10:45 PM
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Default Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

Hi, I have an '07 FXSTC and love it. Up to 55 mph I am fine w/out windshield. Above 55 feellike a little too much buffetting. Wondering what the pro's / cons are of windshields , in my case , above 55? On hot days will it be hotter in the saddle w/ a shield?
Does the shield actually reduce the buffetting effect? Any other pro's / cons appreciated. Yes, I'd get a removable cuz there are many times I prefer to be on the secondaries and below 55 I don't feel the need for a shield. thanks, Steve
 
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Old 09-22-2007, 10:56 PM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

Sounds like you need a sport shield of some kind.
Try a Memphis Shields El Paso.
Even the 19" I'm looking about 5" over the top of it whereas the Harley 20 1/2" I'm right at eye level to the top.

There is stilll plenty of air all around butno pressure on the body or face.
Or headbuffering like the Harley shield.

These pictures are of a 17" tall one, I have since gone to a 19" one.






 
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Old 09-22-2007, 11:43 PM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

I own an 07Fat Boy withthe Harleyking size w/s.A must if youride at over 60 mph.However, a lot more wind buffetting will happen, coming from under the w/s. Also more engine noise (not exhaust sound) will be reflected from the engine towards the rider as it bounces off the w/s. It's irritating. I wear ear plugs nowall the time. Mileage will be reduced, I used to get 45 mpg without the w/s, now I am at 39.5 mpg.Why? Once you reach 80-85 mph, everything starts shaking including the rider, due to the "aerodynamics" of the w/s, if any, feels like you're riding with a piece of plywood against the wind. A "somewhat comfortable" top speed with the w/s is between 70-75 mph. Hot days? well it gets hot all over when stopped.

Do I regret to have a w/s? No. Theprotection from the wind at freeway speeds makes it a worthwhile addition. Mine is also detachable, and only remove it when I know am just going to ride at cruising speeds (without going into the freeway that is).

Texas Fat Boy seems to have the right one.
 
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Old 09-23-2007, 12:29 AM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

Get a removable windshield ... then you can put it on when riding long distance or extended time at higher speeds ... take it off for cruising local hangouts.
 
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Old 09-23-2007, 03:37 AM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

Have the taller HD shield for my Deuce , bought it to deflect bees ( I'm allergic ) , did'nt do the job ! Watch any bug big enough to see come straight in - no deflection what so ever . The windshield mounts at the same angle as my forks , needs some kind ofcontour on the top edge to push critters away .
No idea about wind in the face or engine noise , thats why I ride a bike ; I LIKE IT ! Windshield has bee stored for the last 3 years , no use for it , someday might try a Windvest shield as they are designed differently .
 
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Old 09-23-2007, 04:50 AM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

I have an 08 FLSTC 105th ANN. model... and had issues with the stock w/s in being to high.... I am 5'8" so instead of cutting I bought a set of Memphis Shades trigger-lok mounts for my Memphis Fats w/s. I have three from former bikes I owned. My 17" shield works perfect I can see over the w/s by 3-4" no wind buff.due to angle of w/s. I also like the lok tabs better than those cheap looking Harley wire type fasterners on the stock w/s. I have had 2- detachable Harley w/s on a 07 FXST and my 08 FLSTC and had issues with both! Thank God for MEMPHIS Shades! ....btw I am in my 60's and like a smooth ride !
 
  #7  
Old 09-23-2007, 10:02 AM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

Windvest makes a good product, although it took some fiddling to minimize the buffeting. Looks nice, good workmanship. I leave it on most of the time now. I still get a lot of wind on my torso- the windvest just deflects most of the wind over my head. It does make highway riding much more pleasant. Above 75mph, the windshield doesn't do much- the buffeting starts and thats really annoying. At 65mph, it's perfect.
 
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Old 09-23-2007, 03:10 PM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

I have a 2008 FATBOY and I purchased the HARLEY DAVIDSONlargest detachable windshield , I think that it is 20 1/2" or 21 1/2". I thought that I would take it off alot, however, I have had the bike for about a month and have'nt taken it off once and don't think I ever will. It is great at any speed.
 
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Old 09-23-2007, 03:16 PM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

Here is a picture of it on my FATBOY.

[IMG]local://upfiles/37276/3DF9E225E61E4E10B2A67B6F53EA267D.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/37276/EE123448946B42BA8D0778BFA8A93DAD.jpg[/IMG]
 
  #10  
Old 09-23-2007, 10:20 PM
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Default RE: Windshield Pro's & Cons Question

I have the large harley windshield on my deluxe when i bought the bike they offered to cut it down i thought i would probably ride with it once in a while . I have taken it off once in four seasons and then came right back after riding a block. Its on to stay if you start using it and get use to it it will stay there
 
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