windshield question on height
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 198
Likes: 42
From: South Jersey
windshield question on height
I'm going to get a windshield for a 2008 Fat Boy and am asking for some advice on height. I'm 5' 11" and have seen numerous heights from Harley and aftermarket dealers. Any suggestions?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 6,009
From: Boston suburbs
everyone has a different opinion on windshield....I've always done this...
sit on your bike in a riding position. Look forward and find your "normal" line of sight. The top of the windshield should be 2" below that line of sight. That way you look just over the top and your vision isn't distorted by sun glare or rain drops, and most of the wind will follow the natural pattern over your head.
I have a friend that disagreed and thinks that you should look through the windshield (like in a car). Everytime we get caught in rain, I laugh at him because he cant see anything through the screen and has to sit real high in the saddle to see over it. So he's in an uncomfortable position riding, in the rain, sitting like a sail in the wind. Whatever works for him.
As for which is best to buy, all things being even and you like the look of each, but the cheapest. I would then get out the saw (and sanding wheel) and cut it to the proper height for you
sit on your bike in a riding position. Look forward and find your "normal" line of sight. The top of the windshield should be 2" below that line of sight. That way you look just over the top and your vision isn't distorted by sun glare or rain drops, and most of the wind will follow the natural pattern over your head.
I have a friend that disagreed and thinks that you should look through the windshield (like in a car). Everytime we get caught in rain, I laugh at him because he cant see anything through the screen and has to sit real high in the saddle to see over it. So he's in an uncomfortable position riding, in the rain, sitting like a sail in the wind. Whatever works for him.
As for which is best to buy, all things being even and you like the look of each, but the cheapest. I would then get out the saw (and sanding wheel) and cut it to the proper height for you
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I too am 5'11" tall. But really, that doesn't matter unless your torso, and inseam are identical to me. Your dealer will probably be the best source for finding the shield that will fit you. On my RK, the stock shield is perfect.
With a shield mounted, a level line from your upper lip to the top of the shield is about where you want it. You want to look over the shield in your normal riding position. Tell your dealer that you're thinking about a shield and see if they'll measure you for one. Then you can decide whether you want to get a HD shield or aftermarket. And remember, a lot of after-market shields requires you to use your stock hardware. So you'd need to get that from a dealer anyway. I don't know if they make solid mount ones, but I highly recommend the quick disconnect system that Harley has.
With a shield mounted, a level line from your upper lip to the top of the shield is about where you want it. You want to look over the shield in your normal riding position. Tell your dealer that you're thinking about a shield and see if they'll measure you for one. Then you can decide whether you want to get a HD shield or aftermarket. And remember, a lot of after-market shields requires you to use your stock hardware. So you'd need to get that from a dealer anyway. I don't know if they make solid mount ones, but I highly recommend the quick disconnect system that Harley has.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 198
Likes: 42
From: South Jersey
DannyZ : Thanks for the info. Was thinking of getting a new bike but it will cheaper for me to add a few items to the one I have.
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I prefer looking THROUGH mine, rather than over it. My line of sight is just below the top of it. To each his own, I guess.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,400
Likes: 19,454
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
Window shield
I'm short and when I bought my bike I was looking through the shield rather than over it, I cut it down and liked it much better. When I replaced it I specified one that was below my line of sight and have been enjoying it that way since.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I bought one that measured different than the Harley one so I got it 1" taller. I wish I would have gotten it one in shorter apparently I do not have as good of posture going down the road as I do sitting on my bike. I got the LRS to fit my stock Harley brackets.
Great shiled but I would rather look over it than through it
Great shiled but I would rather look over it than through it