I am 6'1". The height of the stock windshield on my 2018 Heritage Classic is 17.5". I have a set of JES fork wind deflectors. The stock windshield lines up with my upper lip, just below my nose, which apparently is where you want it to be. The wind hits me just above my visor/eyebrows. I'd like it to pass over my helmet.

I am ordering a clearview windshield with a recurve. I can't decide between the 18" or the 19.5".

I figure if the stock lines up just below my nose which seems to be where you want it, then having a recurve and an extra .5" should be good, but a 1/2" doesn't seem like much of a difference, even with the recurve.

If I go with the 19.5", I'm concerned with not being able to see over. Am I overthinking this?

 

The re-curve is suppose to give an 2 inch air lift , Don't how true that is ..

 

After making my post and giving it more thought, I took a thin piece of cardboard. Traced a line to match the curve of the windshield then cut along that line. Then I placed a couple of dots 2 inches below and taped the cardboard in place to mimic a windshield 2 inches taller. I definitely would've been looking through the windshield if I went with 19 1/2.

So I ordered a recurve and a half inch taller, 18". If it's true what they say about recurves that should deflect the wind an additional 2 1/2 inches which should be perfect, because it hits my helmet just above the visor at the moment.

 

My experience, FWIW: I'm shorter (5'8") and looked through the top couple inches of the stock windshield. The buffeting was terrible. I ordered a recurve windshield that was two inches shorter than stock, so I looked just over the top edge. The buffeting was better, but still annoying. I then ordered another windshield that was a further two inches shorter (non recurve). I looked well over that one, the view was great! That one had the least amount of buffeting, likely because my whole head was in clean wind. For me, this worked the best, as I could have my face in the wind but still duck behind the windshield if it was raining or there was a **** storm of bugs or what not. Ultimately, I put a batwing on my Heritage, which has both better protection and smoother air flow, and I still look well over the shorty windshield.

 

I'm 6'2 and don't experience all the buffeting with the stock windshield. I ride with my legs right against the tank move them out a little and yeah you get some updraft . Stock windshield fits me perfectly.

 

I am 5'8" and never really paid much attention to the windshield until someone posted something on here a few years ago and got me thinking.

I have two bikes. One is an 02 Wide Glide which now, looking now looking closer at this, the windshield seems a bit high. If do not sit straight up, I am looking through the windshield which is fine. Years ago at my previous job, I would ride whenever I could and the windshield would be fog up in the morning. So I would straighten my posture and would be able to look just over the top. Personally uncomfortable for me but for the short 30-minute ride to work, was acceptable. With my new job and adding a 19 Heritage to my stable, I do not ride to work anymore. The WG is my day tripper, always-sunny ride. The 19 is my go-to bike for most rides.

My 19 Heritage has a much shorter, stock windshield. I actually prefer the shorter windshield and have never experienced any kind of wind buffeting on either bike. At least nothing that bothered me. Looking back, I suppose I had that on my old Honda which had no windshield. I do like windshields now mainly for the rain protection, but I suppose they do help some with wind. Again, wind has not been a factor much for me once I became a Harley rider. I have not been on a bike in 10 years that did not have a windshield.

Not sure if I had a real point or if any of this helps. Just information sharing. I do, however, understand how being taller could definitely be a factor.

 

Several years ago I got into Adventure riding started out with a Buell Ulysses which had so many problems . I traded it in on a Suzuki Vstrom 1000 you talking about buffeting it was so bad it was unrideable. I tried every windshield made all about the same . I finally just took the windshield off the fairing made it so much better but looked like crap so I traded it for a 03 Dyna.

 

Read this. It helped me get my custom windshield dialed in just right.

https://www.clearviewshields.com/abo...shield-height/

 

i'm 5'11", and I went with the clearview shields as well. I did 19.5" with gt width and recurve. I did not have them vent it, I tested one with it and just didnt get much benefit. Plus, I1 have a decoration that rides in that spot anyhow.

I did the 50' test and it was right about 19.5. I too have the JES fangs, much much better ride now, 0 buffeting. Downside, the updraft blows my beard up into my eyes, and I still think im too young to pony tail it. Also, just found this out the other day, the updraft will grab my t shirt and blow it up to my arm pits. While the wind felt nice, I dont think the other motorists appreciated seeing my spare tire and mitties lol

good luck with your shield, Clearview is much better than the factory one for sure.

 

Chuckle, the differences we all describe and experience with similar modifications.

I'm 5'5", scooted forward a little on a Sundowner saddle, and also have a big GT Clearview shield.

I mounted fangs, and while it greatly calmed the buffeting, it also pulls engine heat around my legs. No problems with wind lifting my beard or shirt or such.
I have the vent in the shield, and like it. It's not a huge effect, but it's noticeable, to me.

It's also probably the last Clearview shield I'll ever buy. I've never had a more delicate shield than this Clearview. It scratches up incredibly just from riding it, bugs and dust scraping it up nicely by the end of a days ride. I'm learning a whole lot more than I'd care to have to learn about polishing plastic back to clear on a regular and frequent basis.

Next shield, I'll go back to Harley for one of their larger shields, and cut it to fit the clearshield vent into it. I far prefer their hard coatings that resist the heck out of scratches.