looking through windshield
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 6
From: Greenfield, Massachusetts
"THEY" say you are "supposed" to look over a windshield. Actually I prefer to but the setup I have now I tend to be looking through it more often than over it. well, I guess when I slouch I am looking through it. When I sit up straight, over it. Problem is, my Memphis Shade "slim" doesn't come in a 13" which is what I ideally would need. Hubby tried to cut my last one and screwed it up so I'll love with this one until I can bring it to someone who maybe knows what they're doing, ha ha!
Now, my hubby just bought a Road King, and couldn't stand the humongous standard windshield. So he just bought a 17" Memphis Shades replacement plastic to swap out. Said he'll keep the original HD shield just in case he decides he would want it in cooler weather. But he just could not get used to looking through a shield. Could be because he really basically doesn't like windshields anway. Only uses it for longer highway trips.
Yup, definitely a matter of preference, regardless of what "they" say is proper.
Now, my hubby just bought a Road King, and couldn't stand the humongous standard windshield. So he just bought a 17" Memphis Shades replacement plastic to swap out. Said he'll keep the original HD shield just in case he decides he would want it in cooler weather. But he just could not get used to looking through a shield. Could be because he really basically doesn't like windshields anway. Only uses it for longer highway trips.
Yup, definitely a matter of preference, regardless of what "they" say is proper.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
I'm not a tall guy at all, measuring in at 5'9". Ideally, I'd set up my windshield below my line of sight. Its kind of hard setting my Memphis Shades Rio Grande so its not blocking the headlight, and not blocking my line of sight. When I have it so it clears the rim of the headlight, the top edge is exactly in my line of sight. I have it about an inch lower now, just covering the top rim of the headlight. Its better that way. The windshield is a real pain at times when you look THROUGH it, because when there are cars behind me at night, I see the reflection in the windshield, and when I look at the road ahead, its distorted relative to the view above the windshield. Its disorienting at times.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 6
From: Greenfield, Massachusetts
Even with my windshield, a couple weeks ago I had a hornet end up inside my riding glasses - Thought it was on the outside, then realized it was on the inside of the lens. Plus, even with a windshield, I get hit in the face a lot by flying debris. Much less than without a windshield, but still ....
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City Mo
I can see better looking over the shield, especially at night or in rain or fog.
I usually like to set the top of the shield at a height below the tip of my nose. I hated the stock shield on my Ultra so I went with a 10" HD shield, most of the wind and rain still goes a few inches over my head.
Angle, distance from your face to the shield, and seating position (posture) can make a big difference on how much protection it provides and how much wind you (and your passenger) feel.
Definately a personal preference thing. no one shield (or height) is perfect for everyone.
I usually like to set the top of the shield at a height below the tip of my nose. I hated the stock shield on my Ultra so I went with a 10" HD shield, most of the wind and rain still goes a few inches over my head.
Angle, distance from your face to the shield, and seating position (posture) can make a big difference on how much protection it provides and how much wind you (and your passenger) feel.
Definately a personal preference thing. no one shield (or height) is perfect for everyone.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 10
From: Windsor Ontario
I like looking over also. When I had a Heritage I brought it to a local glass shop and had 4 inches cut off. It was just below my nose. Now I have a Street Glide and the fairing with the 4 inch windshield is probably lower than that and its good for me. Personally I couldn't stand looking thru the windshield.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
