The P.O ran the Heritage without the windshield, sat in the corner of the gargage and took a few blows, suffers some minor scuffing and scratches. It does bother me to the extent where I want to replace it with a new Memphis Shades.
Question is being vertically challenged should I opt for a shorter shield or keep the original height. It seems like I'm looking through it instead of over it. Never had a shield on a bike before so I don't know much about them.
Please help.

 

Shorter...you should be looking over it

 

General terms, top of the shield should be between your upper lip and the tip of your nose.

 

A good explanation...

 

Personally, I don’t mind looking through the shield. I have a Klockwerks billboard Sheild with the curved top. Throws the air up over me with zero buffeting and I can hear my tunes at most speeds. I have a 16” Memphis shades as well that I look over. It looks better but I usually stick with the Klockwerks.

 

it's better to look over the windshield instead of through it ... the first time your windshield fogs over and you can't see through it, you'll understand why it's better to look over it

 

Looking thru a windshield can be a problem with rain,misting and fog.
Bug splatter on shield can also hinder sight line, especially at night.
Basically, looking thru can create a blind situation for some.
You get more sightline with a lower shield but less protection.
Some places suggest the height to be someplace between chin and under the nose.
A shield with a recurve at the top will allow you to run a shield about 0.5-1 inch lower.
Remember, most folks do not ride sitting with their backs straight but instead slouch an inch or so down.
The windshield choice also needs to take into account your helmet style or no helmet situation.
Having the wind be caught by your half helmet and cranking neck back instead of wind rolling over the top makes a difference for comfort and noise.
I have known folks that ride in a slouched relaxed position looking thru the shield and then when rain hits they sit straight up to look over the shield until the storm is done.
They unfortunately are unable to see stuff that is right in front and below during storm..like when entering a parking lot but it is OK with a long distance view.
The shields with a recurve seem to be a middle ground between taller and shorter.

 

Notice how the guy mounts the bike. Aside from that, it's a good video.

 

Thanks for windshield advice, I opted for a Memphis Shades 19" Solar. Finally got it installed and for a ride yesterday, have to say I'm really glad I went with the shorter shield, I can now see clearly over it without the top edge catching my view. Perfect advice. Thanks.




FurryOne, That isn't uncommon to see people mount from the low side like that.

 

+1 you should be looking over the windshield, not through it. Video was good.