I dont really use the windshield on my RK, but it was cold and i figured id go for it.

What are and where do the spring steel wire pieces go? do they just sit on top of the top mounts or do you put the under the top mount to lock it in, seems to not do much on there, stupid question...i know

 

If you have a Harley one you can probably find the instructions on the H-D website - go to the Shop tab. I have one on my Sporty, but your questions don't seen to fit with that!

 

They just sit on top of the rubber mount. most useless Item on the bike.

when putting my shield on, I liked to put a little water/alcohol mix on the rubbers to act as a lube, makes the shield easier to snap onto the mounts,then that mix evaporates leaving it mounted securely with or without those spring clips.

I ran the shield without the clips and no ill affects. I suppose they might help some if you were in a wind storm where your bike was parked going with the wind.

 

If the shield on a RK is the same as a Heritage, the spring sits on TOP of the top mount.

This is the best picture I could find. You can see the left spring on top of the top mount.

 

Thats what I thought.....useless for sure

 

Lower the windshield into position by carefully inserting the side brackets between the headlamp housing and the passing lamp supports until the bottom notches are seated on the lower grommets. Be sure that the notches on each bracket are firmly seated on a rubber grommet.
Standing at the front of the motorcycle, gently push the top of the windshield toward the rear until the upper notches fully engage the upper grommets.
Push down on the wireform latch springs so that they overhang the rubber grommets. If some adjustment is necessary, loosen the retaining bolts and rotate the latch springs into the proper position.

these are the instructions, yeah they just kinda hang out there....go figure
Thanks guys..

 

Correct, the spring sits on top of the top mount, and is there for a purpose.
Carefully, line up the lower windshield brackets in the lower rubber grommet CENTERS FIRST. If you don't center these in the grommets, you will ruin them, or not get a good fit. Once the lower ones are centered and all the way down, the top windshield brackets will slide right into the upper grommet centers as you push the windshield back. Then push the spring wire retainers down to secure the windshield. Sometimes you might need to bend the wires down slightly so they will do their job, which is to keep the windshield from moving forward and contacting the nacelle.
Just remember to focus on the grommets, lowers first, then push in the uppers, and push down the retainers.
A little silicone spray on the grommets from time to time may be helpful. I also spin the rubber grommets a quarter turn from time to time to even wear on them.
Without the spring wire retainers, your windshield will just fall forward with the slightest gust of wind, or if you just touch the inside of it.
To remove the windshield, lift retainers, push the shield a little forward, and lift straight up.
A little time and care when installing will keep the grommets in good shape, and become second nature to you. Finally, after install, give the top of the windshield a little push forward to insure the retainers are bent down far enough. You can bend them down, if needed, without need to remove them.

 

Funny, I do just the opposite...

I never lubricate the grommets, which makes the windshield really snug up, especially on the upper. I also took the retainers off both my windshields (stock 18" and police 20") because I never felt like they did anything except look lame.

I do carry a short bunge cord to wrap around the handlebars and windshield bracket in case it gets too gusty - but I haven't needed it in the 5+ years I've had the bike - though I did have my windshield almost blow off once when parked in a windstorm (and that's when I still had the retainers on).

 

Yup, those springs are useless. They add another H-D to the price of the shield is my guess.

 

I have found that they actually do serve one purpose. For a while they were useful in making me pull into any gas station and search high and low for the loose part that was rattling like hell. One day I was sitting in the driveway with it idling and I heard that damn rattle and my daughter happened to be standing there. I said .... "Do you hear that rattling noise?"

She said .... "You mean this one?" as she proceeded to put her finger on the left side spring immediately causing said rattle to stop ...

smdh