*** Added evaluation of the 10" Stealth ***

In my search for the perfect Street Glide windshield, I've tried several types at
different heights. Recently, I’ve tried the Long Ride Shields (LRS,
www.longrideshields.com) 8" Flat-top, 8" Ultra and 9" Stealth during the
same day with similar wind conditions on the same (deserted) roads. Here
are my findings but as usual, your mileage may vary...

For comparison, I am 5.10", 32” inseam. My bike is a 2009 Street Glide with
13" touring shocks and the SE seat, which makes my seating height same as
stock. I have adjustable fairing lowers and fairing air deflectors (fully
closed during the test). I prefer to look over the windshield and I usually
wear a half helmet with WileyX glasses. I also use a full face helmet on
longer trips.

As you may know, the batwing fairing is not a perfect design. At speed, wind
is also coming from under the fairing going around the fuel tank and up
toward the rider, which creates turbulence. The windshield protects the
rider/passenger from over-the-fairing wind and it cannot eliminate
turbulence, but it can make it more pronounced depending on how much of a
vacuum (air hole, low pressure area) it creates behind it. The larger the
area the windshield covers, the larger the air hole it creates. So, the more
protection a windshield provides the more potential turbulence it can
create. Just like with everything else in life, with something positive
there is also something negative…

8" LRS Flat-Top:
This shield provided the most protection for me and the passenger from
over-the-fairing wind. The curve on the windshield seemed to push the wind
to the top of my helmet. My glasses were fairly stable up to around 65 mph.
At higher speeds, turbulent air coming from below caused my glasses to
vibrate. This windshield caused the largest vacuum behind it. Some people
may object to the looks of this shield but, in my opinion, up to 8", it
looks really nice.

8" LRS Ultra:
This shield provided as good, or almost as good, wind protection from
over-the-fairing wind for me and the passenger. Again, my glasses stayed
stable up to around 65 mph and then they started vibrating. This shield
matched the lines of the SG fairing the best.

9" LRS Stealth:
First of all, I really liked the looks of this windshield and I really
wanted it to perform well. Just by looking at it, it was obvious that it
would not provide as good over-the-fairing wind protection. Also, its
effective area was much narrower and more for the rider than the passenger.
While the Stealth was 1" taller, it seemed shorter than the other two when I
sat on the bike. This was because windshield tip was closer to me. By the
way, my 3-pouch T-Bags fits perfectly with it. At speeds less than 55 mph I
noticed that there was less rider turbulence. I believe that the wind coming
from the sides of the shield was cleaner/faster/stronger than the wind
coming from below. The shield created less of an air vacuum behind it, which
also reduced turbulence. At higher speeds, the over-the-fairing wind was
hitting me right around eye level, which caused my glasses to vibrate quite
a lot. When I ducked my head few inches lower, it was much calmer and
quieter again.

10" LRS Stealth:
This is my new favorite windshield... As far as height is concerned, I can see over it
just like the 8" windshields I've tried. Note that the 9" Ultra I tried was a little too tall for me.
It was at my line of vision and it bothered me. This is not the case with the 10" Stealth. I can see
over it perfectly and it pushes the air to the top of my helmet. As the windhield has a narrow lip area,
the wind next to my ears seemed to be coming mostly from the front. So, this shield may not provide
the best protection for the passenger. I still got some sunglass vibration from 60+mph but
it was not as bad. The turbulence felt a little weaker. It is hard to desctibe but it felt like I was riding
a bike and the wind was hitting my face (but with much less force than my actual speed). So, as far
as I am concerned the windshield did what it was supposed to do (for the rider). Again, I noticed
that if I ducked my head as if it was a see-through windshield, it got much quieter. This windshield
seems to be having a positive effect on turbulence. As with the 9" Stealth, the T-Bags are still usable, but
there is more room to open the side ones.

So, these are my findings... I hope they help some of you. Just like exhausts, windshields are a personal
preference item. So, opinions will differ. I tried to be objective and clear with my desciptions.

Finally, I would like to say that the people at LRS make some amazing windshields and their customer
service is second to none.

 

8" Ultra is the Model of Choice that worked best for me .. Good Review ..

 

8" Ultra is also what I use, and I'm extremely pleased with the performance. When/if this one gets worn or beaten beyond usability, I will definitely replace it with another LRS Ultra. Excellent, well thought out review.

 

Good job on the review. I"m the same height and inseam as you, and I run the 10" XStream (forerunner to the Stealth) on my BargeGlide with the stock 09 seat.

The wind goes up over my helmet and the side vortex sheds just outside both shoulders. I love it! Best screen I've ever used and cheap international shipping compared to other screen providers. Fortunately I have a spare when eventually needed.

 

Thanks for the review.
I'm going to check out the LRS windshields now.

 

Dam, Im 6.1 and just orderd the Ultra 8in.
When I measured for it, I came closer to 7in's....
I hope mine is gonna be tall enough?
Anyone else 6ft or taller with an 8in LRS?
Bike is a 2012 SG

 

I'm your height at 6"1 and 8 is to short

 

The 9" Ultra was marginal, but still usable, for me. Sorry to say this but I think the 8" will be a little too short for you.

 

When you get it, don't unwrap the protective wrapping. Cut slits in the wrapping where the mounting holes are on the shield, and install it. No need to tighten down or anything. Hop on the bike and assume your normal riding position and see where it lines up. Have someone help you by standing in front of you facing you. Have them kneel down so their eyes are level with the top of the shield. They can easily see where the top of that shield lines up.
Don't panic yet. So many variables come into play, and you can not go off of height. People are different. You may have longer legs then the other 6'1" guys here, and the 8 may be perfect. I'm 6'2" and use an 8". It's on a '02 RK with a Dragonfly fairing, but you never know.
If it's too short, no problem. Let me know and we'll get it swapped out.

 

Excellent review by the way. This is something I've been hearing about lately with the Street Glides. It seems just having a lower rear makes a big difference. I've heard using our Flat Top on a Street Glide with no wind deflectors on the forks or lower fairing causes a lot of negative pressure, which sucks up a lot of wind from underneath. Using an Ultra is better, and in SOME cases, not all the Stealth has been the winner. My theory, since the Stealth doesn't have as much flip up (width-wise) it is not creating the negative pressure. It ends up being the perfect shield for some.
Consistently with guys on an Ultra, using our Ultra or Flat Top does an awesome job for them, and the Stealth not so much. All things to take into account when getting one of these shields. If I'm on a StreetGlide, I'd stick with the Ultra or the Stealth.
Be interested to know others' experiences with this negative pressure phenomena.