Heritage Classic model year 2009-10 has shorter windshield. Is this an aesthetic or functional improvement? I would think it offers less wind protection to the rider.

 

maybe MOCO finally realized everyone was trimming the tops of the 'shields. nah - that can't be it. maybe it was a cost cutting move?

for a windshield to be effective, it only needs to come up to the rider's nose. anything higher is wasted.

 

I am 69" and was having a problem seeing over the windshield, especially around curves. If I tried to look over the top of the windshield split my vision kind of confusing my eyes as to the curve. If I look through the windshield I had to bend over a little and it was uncomfortable during a turn or curve. Also a tendency when I was looking thru to look more at the ground or not look up enough.
Just bought the smaller 09 windshield and it made a great difference. I know have the top of the shield to help keep my head and eyes up. Riding is soo much better now.

 

You bought a new windshield just to get a shorter one? They're easy to cut down by yourself and not much to have done by a glass shop.