Windshield Question
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 8
From: Idaho
I'd head to the dealer first and try a few out, mine has seats and shields you can try. Tbh the harley shields appear to be made by national cycle and are about the same cost. This way you can get the one that fits.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,460
Likes: 3,554
From: Idaho
Do you know how to tie a necktie? That may be a weird question, but if you do, you'll really understand the difficulty in picking a windshield height without sitting on the bike and trying it out.
The reason beginners struggle with tying a tie is because you've got two things going on at once; the length of the short end and the crossover point. They affect each other.
With a windshield, you've got the height plus your natural riding posture. You can have the windshield shorter if you sit kinda upright and look over the top, or you can have the windshield taller and kinda slouch down in a comfy position and look through it. If you like to sit upright and you want to look through the windshield, you need a really tall one. If you like to slouch and you hate looking through it, you need a really short one.
I'm kind of in the middle, if I slide it all the way down, I have to sit quite upright to see over it, and if I slide it all the way up, I really have to slouch down to see through it, which I don't care for anyway. So, the good news is it makes me have good posture so I can see over it!
So, now you understand, for anyone to give you advice is really, really tough.
The reason beginners struggle with tying a tie is because you've got two things going on at once; the length of the short end and the crossover point. They affect each other.
With a windshield, you've got the height plus your natural riding posture. You can have the windshield shorter if you sit kinda upright and look over the top, or you can have the windshield taller and kinda slouch down in a comfy position and look through it. If you like to sit upright and you want to look through the windshield, you need a really tall one. If you like to slouch and you hate looking through it, you need a really short one.
I'm kind of in the middle, if I slide it all the way down, I have to sit quite upright to see over it, and if I slide it all the way up, I really have to slouch down to see through it, which I don't care for anyway. So, the good news is it makes me have good posture so I can see over it!
So, now you understand, for anyone to give you advice is really, really tough.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Yeah I figured best thing was to sit behind a few. Guess I will wait till I get a chance to go by a dealership. Maybe I should just ask what size y'all use then figure up the average size and go with that. Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 17
From: Central Coast California
My approach was somewhat different. Last year when I bought my 2014 XL1200CP I knew I was going to want a windshield.
I purchased HD's quick mount in the tallest version available, I believe it was 18". I knew at the time that this would be too tall but I also knew from previous experience that it was very easy to cut them down.
I experimented by cutting-off a couple of inches at a time. Finally arrived at a height that worked for me considering all the trade-offs: appearance, wind blocking, reduced buffeting.
Mine ended up at 10.25" [as measured from the headlight cutout to the top]. EDIT: I was wrong. Loss of memory is a terrible thing. I just went and measured and the actual height is 8" as measured above.
As others have pointed out . . . it is nearly impossible to know what will work for you without actually trying it out.
I purchased HD's quick mount in the tallest version available, I believe it was 18". I knew at the time that this would be too tall but I also knew from previous experience that it was very easy to cut them down.
I experimented by cutting-off a couple of inches at a time. Finally arrived at a height that worked for me considering all the trade-offs: appearance, wind blocking, reduced buffeting.
Mine ended up at 10.25" [as measured from the headlight cutout to the top]. EDIT: I was wrong. Loss of memory is a terrible thing. I just went and measured and the actual height is 8" as measured above.
As others have pointed out . . . it is nearly impossible to know what will work for you without actually trying it out.
Last edited by dwoodlives; Oct 4, 2014 at 09:13 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,384
Likes: 19,282
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
As noted it's going to depend on a lot of factors, including the model bike.
I have an older FLHS, my screen is 16 1/2" from the top of the headlight (Breadbox) cutout to the top.
I'm short, 5' 6" and I arrived at this height by cutting down my existing (20"? screen) until I could just see over the top of the screen in my normal slightly slouched position. When I ordered a replacement I made a sketch and sent it in.
Order it tall and be prepared to cut, or sit on bikes similar to yours and try to determine what works. Tape across a too tall screen that you can reposition to find your look-over height is an option.
I have an older FLHS, my screen is 16 1/2" from the top of the headlight (Breadbox) cutout to the top.
I'm short, 5' 6" and I arrived at this height by cutting down my existing (20"? screen) until I could just see over the top of the screen in my normal slightly slouched position. When I ordered a replacement I made a sketch and sent it in.
Order it tall and be prepared to cut, or sit on bikes similar to yours and try to determine what works. Tape across a too tall screen that you can reposition to find your look-over height is an option.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 138
From: South of Dallas Area, Texas
Make sure you can look over it. I bought a 21" and had to buy a shorter screen. Go to the dealer and sit on a few bikes. Chances are they will have something similar to yours with a shield installed. That will help to give you an idea. I tried to ride mind looking through it but it just didnt work.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I'd think it depends on if you want one like what you have or if you want a taller or shorter one...
Measure the shield by the amount you have above your headlight to the top of the shield.
Usually 15'' to 23''.. on my Heritage I have cut mine down to 18''.. but that will vary depending on your height..
Normally you want a shield to be around your nose height so you can barely see over it..
Measure the shield by the amount you have above your headlight to the top of the shield.
Usually 15'' to 23''.. on my Heritage I have cut mine down to 18''.. but that will vary depending on your height..
Normally you want a shield to be around your nose height so you can barely see over it..
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