Windshields
Stage I
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
RE: Windshields
I just baught an '05 1200 Custom. It came with the quick disconnect windshield. I am 6'1" and find the height of the windshield to be perfect. However I have found a BIG problem with wind that seems to be coming straight up from below the windshield in front of my knees and into my face...like it is a leaf blower aimed right at my face, from below. If I put my hand out in front of either knee about 3" it blocks this jetstream of turbulant air. When I spoke to my service tech he said it is a problem that alot of Sporster riders have with the windshied on, especially taller riders. There aren't any wind deflectors made for sporster models that I can find, so it becomes a matter of livin' with it, or fabricating something myself. Has anyone else found this problem? I love the windshield, cause without it the headwind at highway speeds is worse.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Windshields
ORIGINAL: dbleagle
Yeah... and a top, a couple more wheels, some doors would be nice too...
I have to say though, the older I get the more I think about a windshield...
Charlie D.
Yeah... and a top, a couple more wheels, some doors would be nice too...
I have to say though, the older I get the more I think about a windshield...
Charlie D.
30+ years of riding Harley's, and I've never had one with any type of windshield...
Every once in a while I consider getting one of the 'quick disconnect' models, especially when a bug 'the size of a airplane' hits me in the forehead and about knocks me out..
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Windshields
Here is the URL for HD quick release Windshield.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Windshields
Hot Weather Benefits: Reduces the velocity of the hot air around your face and body. Therefore there is less evaporation of your body fluids; which increases your endurance. Does not affect the heat generated by the engine while traveling or stopped. While stopped, the engine is going to heat you up equally with or without windshield. I like a windshield on a street bike. IMHO it is a safety device, an endurance extender and a temperature modifier. I don't give a crap what "real bikers" think it looks like or how well they like the taste of bugs. ............. BC
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: New Orleans
RE: Windshields
I have a third party windshield that mounts very close to the light in a fitted sort of way. The wind reduction is about 70% overall. This is nice in all circumstances. The second and really most important reason to use a windshield is deflection of missiles. These come mostly from truck tires, yet I have also hit a slow moving pidgeon.
There was a time I rode without a windshield. Until one day on the way home from work in the stinging rain (that too is mitigated by a windshield), an inconsiderate trucker rolled over a roadkill rat and fired it at me. Striking me in the chest, I was nearly unseated. Then later I had to throw away the jacket I was wearing because I just could not get the smell out of it.
Since then, the first addition to any bike I buy - a windshield.
There was a time I rode without a windshield. Until one day on the way home from work in the stinging rain (that too is mitigated by a windshield), an inconsiderate trucker rolled over a roadkill rat and fired it at me. Striking me in the chest, I was nearly unseated. Then later I had to throw away the jacket I was wearing because I just could not get the smell out of it.
Since then, the first addition to any bike I buy - a windshield.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
From: White Rock BC
RE: Windshields
Great posts !
Stephen, what saddle bags do you have and where did you get them ? They look great !
Stephen, what saddle bags do you have and where did you get them ? They look great !
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
RE: Windshields
Boyfriend put a windshield on, over my screaming protests. Hated that thing from day one. Threw the whole look of the bike outta whack and was just unbearable, in my opinon. I had previously ridden 700+ miles without it and swore up and down I did not notice a BIT of difference. But he swore I'd come to appreciate it.
Fast-forward to a couple of weeks ago - riding on a back road and the whole thing comes loose (bike has no suspension - everything comes loose at some point). Pull over and stow it in my friend's bag. Think I'm off the hook with this stupid thing. Start riding again and notice an immediate difference. Wind resistance was almost non-existent, no bugs, no projectiles landing on me and rain doesn't hurt nearly as much. Hate to admit it, but boyfriend was right and I fixed it back onto my bike.
You just may be happy with one
Fast-forward to a couple of weeks ago - riding on a back road and the whole thing comes loose (bike has no suspension - everything comes loose at some point). Pull over and stow it in my friend's bag. Think I'm off the hook with this stupid thing. Start riding again and notice an immediate difference. Wind resistance was almost non-existent, no bugs, no projectiles landing on me and rain doesn't hurt nearly as much. Hate to admit it, but boyfriend was right and I fixed it back onto my bike.
You just may be happy with one
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, CA
RE: Windshields
Thanks again for all of the great replies. I reckon that makes sense regarding hot weather. I'm 6'3", so I am a little concerned about the leafblower effect, but will probably try it anyway.
As for the Bags LAM, I have the HD Bags, part #53050-04A - $699. I ordered them the day that I bought the bike. I had to wait a week or so for them to come in and was greateful when I got them installed. Not having them takes too many riding options away; even quick trips to the grocery store and overnight trips with the wife-candidate to romantic destinations that you'd want to bring along toys for.
As for the Bags LAM, I have the HD Bags, part #53050-04A - $699. I ordered them the day that I bought the bike. I had to wait a week or so for them to come in and was greateful when I got them installed. Not having them takes too many riding options away; even quick trips to the grocery store and overnight trips with the wife-candidate to romantic destinations that you'd want to bring along toys for.