I need to replace the windshield on my '01 RK and want to change sizes. The top edge is directly in my line of sight. I am looking to go a little taller or a little shorter and can't decide. Do you prefer to look through or over your windshield?

 

You should be looking just over the top.You will find a few people here who look through, but safety wise the over the top is the way to go.

 

I've had my EGC for just over a year, and have always looked through the stock windshield. Well a few weeks ago I got caught in my first serious rain storm and man, I was completely blind! Ordered an 8" the next week so now I look over the top and love it. Nice to be a bit more back in the wind too....

 

over. no distortion unless you get a Memphis Shades.

 

That's the way I was leaning. Right now, if I get caught in the rain, I just sit up a bit.... but I find I "slump" the rest of the time.....I think I'll go a little lower..

 

Over it, my first shot at a shorter one was still too tall, I must slump down after I ride awhile. Also, if youadd a rider and/or lugguage weight will require a shorter one as the bike rakes rearward, better to error on too short of one. Nothing worse then the top edge of windshieldbouncingup and down right in yournormal line of sight.

 

I've tried several sizes between the different models.

The stock SG was i believe 6" and caused eye wobble (not sure what else to call it) at cruising speeds. The wind would catch my helmet/head just right that **** would shake and become blurred. **** was horrible.

The stock RG was like you discribed, directly in my view and would distort views, really bad thru cornering.

The stock UC is the tallest I have been behind and love the protection from the wind and other stuff. If it starts to rain, I can duck down and be in the "bubble" and get almost compeltely out of the rain, cept for my knees that are above the lowers. By all means, RAINX your windshield and the view while in the rain is MUCH better than trying to fight the rain on your shades.. or god forbid... no eye protection...

At one time, when i had the SG,I had found a website that was selling windshields for the batwings for under 40 bucks a pop. Much cheaper than the others.. and they looked the exact same.. hell, it is only a peice of plexy.

Good luck on your choice, just hope the short one doesnt create the "eye wobble" as I have experienced on several shortys...

 

Cajun, dont go and order yourself a new one. Shorten up yours!

Take some heavy paper, like manila folders or construcion paper and tape it to the windscreen and trace the shape of the top on the paper. Remove the trace and cut it out. Tape the plastic on both sides so you dont get chips in the screen, and trace the cut out you just made to the height you want it be. Cut along that line and sand the edges smooth. Use a reciprocating saw or a dremmel tool.

If your windscreen has a taper to it along the sides, sides wont match up properly, but you can eyeball that.

You've got nothing to lose if you are already going to buy a new one, and a C note to save if it works.

 

I like looking over the shield. I have had 3 windshields on mine. Ended up with a 7 inch from Cee Baileys, Just perfect.

 

My stock windshield is also at my line of sight. I slump a little and look thru it. I have to replace my car windshield at least once a year. I couldn't imagine being hit by a pebble on the bike. To me its just not worth getting the shorter windshield.