I have the stock 18" sheild that stays on my ride 70% of the time.
At 5'8" I look about an inch or two over the shield.

However, when traveling down the hwy with my Wife she gets a lot of buffering.

So 30% of the time I put on a 21" Klock Werks Billboard Flare shield.
It deflects the air considerable higher than the stock shield and the Wife gets no buffering.

I have quick connect hardware on it so it's just a matter of a couple of minutes to swap the shields.
As for the view, I do have to look through the shield, but I got used to it and don't find it a problem.

If I only had to go with one, I'd go with the the 18" stock.
I think it looks more normal than the huge Werks shield.

So get a shorter shield now and start saving for a "road trip" taller shield.

 

I've got a '13 FB and have the 16" Long Ride Shield on mine. I'm 5'10" and the windshield is a perfect height !!!

 

Thanks for your tips. I'll settle with 18" to start with. Next spring, I'll add bags and be ready for a light touring. I chose FB over Heritage as my first cruiser bike, but, end up making my own light tourer, which is all okay.

 

we all be different size... I've cut my stock Heritage down to 18"" so I can see over it...

my 18'' maybe toooo tall for you.. ???????

Basically you want to get comfy on your bike and then your nose be even with the top of the shield.. so you can see over the top and see the road about 50-75 in front of your bike is how to know what height to buy....

 

Do not just look at the HD style windshields. Look at flared windscreens like a Long Ride or Klock Werks. They rally cut down on turbulence.

 

I would love to look at other windshields other than HD, but most of them do not have all the hardware(or any for that matter) much less detachable. I am under the assumption that you are stuck having to purchase a windshield from them to get the frame and docking hardware, then turning around and buying the windshield replacement of choice? Is this a correct line of thought?

 

I think you are correct - One of those BS deals HD throws at you once in awhile. Took me months to find the hardware on E-bay with a worthless windshield but the price was right. Told them to keep the shield. Got that set for under a hundred and got lucky they where in really good shape. Put a LSR tall shield on that one for the cooler rides and have used it twice. LOL, lot's of work and now never use it!!


You can get the docking hardware for the forks from HD - Just not the Quick release Hardware...Gee thanks

 

I like your line of thinking. I found what seems to be a decent nostalgic windshield with a scratched up glass on ebay. I will try to get that cheap enough, then buy a 18" lsr clear shield. I downloaded the instructions from hd on a new nostalgic windshield and on page 4 it has the parts diagram and it shows the docking hardware and gives a part number for the kit. $50 something from surdyke hd. I am I wrong and this kit is not for quick release?

 

the king size nostalgic work great for me on a deluxe for long trips.... but I take it off when rollin around town...