Windshield Height Question
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 242
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
Windshield Height Question
Almost without exception, articles I can find regarding windshield height state that you should not look through the windshield, but over it. Reasons are based on the windshield becoming covered with bugs, rain, etc rendering it unclear. Obviously, this creates a dangerous situation.
But when I look at other bikes on the road, almost everyone on a cruiser with a windshield has the rider looking through the windshield.
What's your opinion?
BTW - I just bought a 2013 Fatboy Lo with removable windshield.
But when I look at other bikes on the road, almost everyone on a cruiser with a windshield has the rider looking through the windshield.
What's your opinion?
BTW - I just bought a 2013 Fatboy Lo with removable windshield.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 752
Likes: 23
From: Acton, CA
I hate looking through a windshield, I don't feel like I'm getting the while picture, or something - it just bothers me.
I don't know where you live, but not a lot of people I know here have tall windshields. My Road King's windshield had the top edge right at my line of sight, which was even worse then looking through it; I cut it down about 2 1/2 inches, and it's just right now.
I don't know where you live, but not a lot of people I know here have tall windshields. My Road King's windshield had the top edge right at my line of sight, which was even worse then looking through it; I cut it down about 2 1/2 inches, and it's just right now.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 242
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
How'd you cut it? I've seen a YouTube video where the guy recommends covering the entire windshield with painter's tape and then use a 17 tooth blade on a jigsaw. Then sand it using progressively higher grits until he wound up wet sanding it with a really fine grit paper.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
Riding more than 1M miles on bikes, I prefer looking thru the windshield. Especially down here in South FL where it's always bug season. Over the decades the extra height of my windshield saved either damage to my face, eyes, glasses or helmet.
I guess it becomes what you're more comfortable with. B|
I guess it becomes what you're more comfortable with. B|
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 10
From: San Angelo, Texas
I keep the windshields on both bikes where I can either look over or through them, depending on the bugs/rain/dirt that happens to be flying/falling/blowing at the time. I have LRS shields on both the Heritage and the Ultra Classic now and used what they recomended for measuring fitment, and the recurve keeps the air moving over me and my passenger.
I prefer to look over it when riding in good weather but I'm all to happy do duck behind it when the weather turns and the skies open up. It's all about what you prefer. I've seen bikes go down the rode with huge windshields on them. Don't think I'd ever be able to do that all the time but not my ride.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
the only time looking through a windshield bothers me is at night.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Southern New Hampshire-USA
I've rode with my stock 2005 FLHTCI shield up until last week. In those 8 yrs I've enjoyed it even though all my buddies rode with after mrkt ones. Yes, I'm one of them who would duck behind it in the "pouring" rain if I got caught in it. Yes, it helped during those bug's too. I guess it was time to dress up the bike and try a new shield. I purchased a new shield a few weeks ago and put it on. Haven't really tried it on any long rides nor have I been caught in he rain.....yet. I will keep the stock one just in case.........
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I had a 2003 WideGlide and put a Harley Shield on it (hated it) . I just bought a new 2012 WideGlide and looking hard at Windshields . I,m looking at the Windvest now I may pop for one ? Anyone have a Windvest ??
Last edited by KEYBEAR; Apr 10, 2013 at 07:52 PM. Reason: LOO