Which windshield?

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Aug 13, 2011 | 12:37 AM

GOLGO-13

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Which windshield?

Thinking about getting a quick release windshield for my 2009 883 custom. But I wasn't sure which one would be best. I plan on using it only for long rides, then taking it off at the destination for cruising around town.

Does anyone have the touring one? Does it look just wrong?

Any help would be appreciated.

Aug 13, 2011 | 08:28 AM

Pagan48

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From: 27°51' N, 082°17' W

Sorry if my post is too long. Like you I wanted a windshield for sometimes use when on the highway. There's been a lot of talk on the forums about buffeting with the HD quick release windshields. I bought an el-cheapo windshield off ebay that clamps on the handlbars. I used the mounting brackets off of that windshield to make my own with lexan I bought at Lowes. It worked OK for a while but was pretty flexible and began to crack at the mounting holes. It also looked like sh-t. I struggled over whether to buy the HD since I heard lots of bad things about it as stated above. I only use the windshield when I take long rides on the freeway at speeds over 70. With my apehangers and upright sitting position the wind at speeds above 70 is no fun. Anyway, I went and bought the HD quick release windshield at a dealer about 40 miles from my house installed it at the dealer and rode the long way home on the freeway at speeds from 60 - 85 mph and I think the windshield worked great. Yes, there is a lot of wind whipping around but it is 10 times more comfortable than no windshield and I can easily cruise at 70 plus with 1 hand on the handlebars. I'm happy with it. Just my .02. Hope it helps your decision.

Aug 13, 2011 | 09:36 AM

MikeZ

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From: New Jersey

I have the 18" quick release one. I never take it off.

Aug 13, 2011 | 09:38 AM

jkinner

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From: Gila Bend AZ

I have the HD quick release on my 09 1200L. Bought it when I bought the bike (I live 70 miles from dealer all highway) I find myself just leaving it on, much more comfortable to me no real wind buffet until around 90. I have had it for almost 2 years. It is all personal prefference.

Aug 13, 2011 | 03:52 PM

GOLGO-13

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thanks for the comments. I think I will be getting one. Maybe I will try both the touring and the compact quick releases...see which one looks better. I'm thinking the touring may be overkill, but we'll see.

Aug 14, 2011 | 08:40 AM

Wildon883R

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I tried everything i could think of with the 18inch quick release windshield and i could never eliminate head buffeting. I even when so far as to cut it down an inch at a time and even doing that never got rid of head shake. HD windshields just aren't wide enough to get rid of it and leave you in clean air. I'd look at any one but HD as the aftermarket companies allow you to do alot of adjustments to tweak it in.

Aug 14, 2011 | 10:04 AM

bassnsporty

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From: Clear Lake, CA

I have the 18" HD quick release too. Took a bit of trial and error but I have it right now and enjoy watching the bugs go by. I do still have a little buffeting at the top of my helmet but it doesn't effect my glasses. I have not taken it off and probably won't.