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I agree with the above. The "tough guys" will tell you not to get one, but if you plan on taking any trips of any length, they're good to have because the interstate wind can beat you to death, especially if it rains. You should just be able to see over the top of it. I had an 18-inch on my old bike, got a fairing on my heritage.
just get one on there and run with it for a few weeks and see if you're happy looking through it. If not...cut it down. I'm only 5'4" and I've got the full size windshield on both my wife's Deluxe and my LO. I like looking through it. It gives me more protection from the wind and pebbles. But some people like to have it so they're just looking over it. Just use it a few weeks and if you don't like the way it is, cut it down. But don't rush into cutting it. Once it's cut, it won't grow back.
I wasnt big on a windshield on my Fatboy when i first got it , I still think it looks better without one. But as others have said once you get used to the comfort of having a windshield many of us end up using it more than we expected.
Ive got 3 now all detachable, a MS batwing fairing, a MS Fats in 19" and a MS Sport Shield and I use them based on what type of ride Im doing, long, freeway, cold weather etc. Only takes a minute to remove or change.
I probably ride more with a shield than without.
Ive got a HD 19" Low profile Smoked Windshield for sale on E bay now, since Im using all memphis Shades stuff I dont need this one.
Once you use it, you will like it. I dont get up on the thruway without it. Forgot to put it on one hot summer night, humid as all get out. THE BUGS!!!! OMG!
Round town rides I take it off tho.
If you have a router (or know someone that does) you can cut it down to fit you. Friend of mine did it, came out nice and smooth and looks he ordered it like that.
I'm 5'9", I like to be able to see over it, but with rain I can duck down behind it no problem.
I hate the look but love the protection. I start the season with it off, but once it's on, it usually stays on. I'm also a short guy and they say your windshield should come up to your nose or something like that so you can peer over it. I stare right though mine with no problem whatsoever. I even have a huge scratch right in my line of sight. Never even bothered me.
I have two that I use (and two more that I bought off eBay that weren't right for my fitment) - the first is the one I got when I bought my bike, and is shorter; the second is one I got off eBay and is taller.
The first one is perfect for when I use one of the C&C seats, which sit me down and back; the second one is perfect for when I have the Mustang on. The first one was too short when riding two-up in particular, as the wife complained about some serous buffeting.
Both come to a level about even with my nose, so I look over the top by nature.
I love that they are removable, and that I have an option to use them when I want/need to... they make a huge difference under certain circumstances.
Just be sure you get the right one for your application.
Nice in the extreme heat too. Keeps the blast furnace effect down.
I'll throw this out. Sitting mine is just below eye level. When I get my feet on the boards I look through it (barely), if I want or need to look over I sit up a little. Many won't agree with using this setup but it works out fine for me, especially when some palo verde mutant freak desert bug bounces off that would have clocked me between the eyes.
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