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I've brought this topic up before, but in this thread I'd like to specifically focus on Memphis Shade windshield options.
I'm 6.0' and the shield will be for my Deuce.
Q1. Height, I'm looking at several MS shields ranging from 13" - 18" above the headlight. I've heard some say the shorter shields work better than they've expected and others say they need something that comes between their lips & nose. What is everyone's thoughts on this?
Q2. Fork mounted (Sportshield) or handlebar mounted, what are the pro's con's of each?
Q3. Ease of shield removal and what residual hardware is left on the bike with both fork & handlebar mounted shields?
Q4. I'm not looking for total protection, just something to take pressure off of my neck & shoulders at highways speeds over an extended period. The MS shields I'm considering are the (from lowest to tallest) Del Rey, Shooter, Del Rio, El Paso 17 & the Hellcat. Has anyone used any of these on a softail?
With my bike (Fatboy) i have always found that the shield needs to be at least at the tip of my chin level , any lower and I get buffeting. When they are at my chin (my fairing and my sport shield) I have some wind in the face but it seems to be smooth air flow. Unfortunatly its different for a lot of riders, the distance back from the shield, the seat height, bars these all play a part in how and where the wind hits you. If your not sue and can get the style shield you like in a taller size do it , its easy to cut them down.
I like the fork mounts better than the handlebar mounts at least on the FL softails, they only leave behind 2 steel grommets o the MS system when you remove the shield
I have the Elpaso on my Fatboy...easy to install and easy to remove...not as wide as some of the other windshields and does not go down the forks as far either which may cause some buffeting from some of the wind comming up from the tank area. If I were doing it again I probably would go with a larger (wider) and longer at least down the forks alittle farther..but the Memphis Shades folks are great to deal with. I lost one of the mounting bolts the sent me new ones with the bushings and just asked that I donate to St Judes Childrens Hospital
I have the Elpaso on my Fatboy...easy to install and easy to remove...not as wide as some of the other windshields and does not go down the forks as far either which may cause some buffeting from some of the wind comming up from the tank area. If I were doing it again I probably would go with a larger (wider) and longer at least down the forks alittle farther..but the Memphis Shades folks are great to deal with. I lost one of the mounting bolts the sent me new ones with the bushings and just asked that I donate to St Judes Childrens Hospital
I stopped by a Harley dealer today and we measured that a 17" shield would come to my nose. The parts guy that was helping me was a big fan of Memphis Shades, but his personal preference would be to go with their fork mounted sportshield type. He thought the residual hardware from the handlebar type did not look good.
So at 17" to my nose, I'm thinking El Paso 17",but you make a good point about the El Paso not dropping below the headlight on the sides. The Del Rio will do that, but I'd be giving up 2 inches which would put the top of the shield to the bottom of my mouth which may be OK, not sure though???
Not a softail rider, but I have the Demon on my FXD. It is the handlebar mount and my biggest problem has been keeping everything tight. Out here in west Texas with the windy season 30-50 mph winds very common, a crosswind actually twists the windshield. I then have to pull over, loosen it, straighten it, and tighten it back down again. Dont know if this helps, but my 2 cents
I have a demon on my 05 standard with the detachable fork mount. It works very good, stays tight, and no movement at all. I am well pleased with it. You can see the docking hardware on my forks. It takes about five seconds to attach or detach.
I have a Del Rio in gradient black on my 06 FXST
I'm close to 6 feet, and have a Le Pera Barebones seat
It doesn't keep my head entirely sheltered (but I don't want that)
Fork mounted, easy on or off in seconds, tho it's on, way more than off!
Actually, the dimensions I get on mine are just a bit under those listed for the Del Rio, but just a bit more than those listed for the Del Ray....so I'm not exactly 100% sure....but I'm pretty sure I bought a Del Rio Sportshield..
This is the Memphis "Fats", 21" I think, but its my wifes scooter and we wanted the most protection. Only thing is they are Acrylic not Lexan (Lexan costs more, thats why their's are cheaper) and do scratch easier, discolor sooner etc. For the price they still are a good deal, you can always replace the shield for less then too.
OK, I've been reeding as many reviews as I can find and I think I've narrowed down my choices to 2 Memphis Shades Sport Shields:
1. Del Rio 19"w x 15"h
2. Del Rey 15"w x 13"h
My preference is to go with the smaller Del Rey as I believe it will look best on my Deuce, but am I just kidding myself on it's effectiveness at cutting the wind blast at highway speeds to reduce the strain on my neck & shoulders???
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