12" stock windshield
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: USA
12" stock windshield
How many of you still have your 12" stock windshield on your scoot and how is your vision during a rain storm? Just purchased an aftermarket 9" windshield and unhappy with it, two car lengths out, the vehicle is half in the windshield and the other half above. Out beyond two car lengths, it is okay. Thinking about re-installation of my 12" onto my 07 UC, but worried about vision during rain storms.
Just received the following in the June Newsletter from HD of Chicago
What To Look For In A Windshield
Your bike's windshield, which serves to protect the rider from obstacles and debris, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and shades. Most cruisers come from the factory without a windshield to give you the option to add one of your own. But there's more to buying a windshield than you might think.
Once you've decided to buy and install a windshield on your bike, you first need to identify what design looks and works best with your bike. Factors to consider include style, size, the weather in your area, and your riding posture and position. There are universal windshields available that give basic protection against the incoming air. These mount fairly easily to the handlebars and are relatively lightweight. But for many cruiser owners, looks are a very important issue, so finding the best looking windshield for your bike is just as critical as functionality. But it's important to consider all the factors above when choosing your windshield.
For example, consider the weather and roads on which you'll most likely be riding. Do you live in a cold, warm, or seasonal climate? For those of you who live in a warm climate like California or Arizona, you'll probably want a windshield that will give proper circulation throughout your helmet, so you'll need a lower-cut windshield to let the air circulate. If you live in parts of the country like the Midwest or New England where it can get extremely cold in the winter, a taller shield might be a better choice, as it will block the incoming cold air. But remember that taller shields aren't good in the rain.
Riders know that it's pretty tough to see through a windshield that's wet. Taller shields can also make your bike tougher to handle, especially in high wind situations. Another crucial element in selecting the right windshield is the width. Wider shields provide more still air between the rider and the shield and translate into a more comfortable ride for you and your partner. Conversely, a narrower shield exposes more of the rider's body and limbs and you'll notice more buffeting around your body. Think of a windshield as a sail on a ship's mast. The aerodynamics of a shield are very similar to those of a sail, especially when it comes to handling your bike.
All of these factors should play a role as you think about choosing the right windshield for your ride. The most important factor is the safety of the rider and any passengers. For this reason, remember to be extremely careful the first time you ride with your new windshield. You should safely test the ways it alters your bike's handling characteristics and adjust to any change.
Just received the following in the June Newsletter from HD of Chicago
What To Look For In A Windshield
Your bike's windshield, which serves to protect the rider from obstacles and debris, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and shades. Most cruisers come from the factory without a windshield to give you the option to add one of your own. But there's more to buying a windshield than you might think.
Once you've decided to buy and install a windshield on your bike, you first need to identify what design looks and works best with your bike. Factors to consider include style, size, the weather in your area, and your riding posture and position. There are universal windshields available that give basic protection against the incoming air. These mount fairly easily to the handlebars and are relatively lightweight. But for many cruiser owners, looks are a very important issue, so finding the best looking windshield for your bike is just as critical as functionality. But it's important to consider all the factors above when choosing your windshield.
For example, consider the weather and roads on which you'll most likely be riding. Do you live in a cold, warm, or seasonal climate? For those of you who live in a warm climate like California or Arizona, you'll probably want a windshield that will give proper circulation throughout your helmet, so you'll need a lower-cut windshield to let the air circulate. If you live in parts of the country like the Midwest or New England where it can get extremely cold in the winter, a taller shield might be a better choice, as it will block the incoming cold air. But remember that taller shields aren't good in the rain.
Riders know that it's pretty tough to see through a windshield that's wet. Taller shields can also make your bike tougher to handle, especially in high wind situations. Another crucial element in selecting the right windshield is the width. Wider shields provide more still air between the rider and the shield and translate into a more comfortable ride for you and your partner. Conversely, a narrower shield exposes more of the rider's body and limbs and you'll notice more buffeting around your body. Think of a windshield as a sail on a ship's mast. The aerodynamics of a shield are very similar to those of a sail, especially when it comes to handling your bike.
All of these factors should play a role as you think about choosing the right windshield for your ride. The most important factor is the safety of the rider and any passengers. For this reason, remember to be extremely careful the first time you ride with your new windshield. You should safely test the ways it alters your bike's handling characteristics and adjust to any change.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 1
From: Old River-Winfree, Tx
RE: 12" stock windshield
I found myself in the same situation...and was considering the same move....going to the 9" windshield. Between the rain on the windshield AND on my glasses, + nitetime....I was in a world of hurt. Meeting a car's headlightsput nothing but glowing swirls in my vision. I tried to 'rubberneck' over the windshield...found myself having to stretch to an uncomfortable, unsafe position. Thought the shorter windshield would help there too.
For now, I bought a shield for my helmet...at least I can wipe the drops off it. Was kinda hard to wipe my glasses while riding.
For now, I bought a shield for my helmet...at least I can wipe the drops off it. Was kinda hard to wipe my glasses while riding.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: 12" stock windshield
did you experience any vision problems in a rain storm? Was caught in one and couldn't see crap through the windshield and of course the wipers aren't working. 
Seriously, I had to pull over and wait out the rain.
Seriously, I had to pull over and wait out the rain.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: 12" stock windshield
ORIGINAL: BillyG0856
Between the rain on the windshield AND on my glasses, + nitetime....I was in a world of hurt. Meeting a car's headlightsput nothing but glowing swirls in my vision.
Between the rain on the windshield AND on my glasses, + nitetime....I was in a world of hurt. Meeting a car's headlightsput nothing but glowing swirls in my vision.
Installed the 9" last night and the split vision, really bothers me. Wonder if ones gets use to it or does it require cutting down an inch or two.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 12" stock windshield
ORIGINAL: questor
How many of you still have your 12" stock windshield on your scoot and how is your vision during a rain storm? Just purchased an aftermarket 9" windshield and unhappy with it, two car lengths out, the vehicle is half in the windshield and the other half above. Out beyond two car lengths, it is okay. Thinking about re-installation of my 12" onto my 07 UC, but worried about vision during rain storms.
How many of you still have your 12" stock windshield on your scoot and how is your vision during a rain storm? Just purchased an aftermarket 9" windshield and unhappy with it, two car lengths out, the vehicle is half in the windshield and the other half above. Out beyond two car lengths, it is okay. Thinking about re-installation of my 12" onto my 07 UC, but worried about vision during rain storms.
I bought a 8", put it on and took it back off and bought a 10". Took the 10" off and put the 12" stock back on. Too much head buffeting with both the shorter.
Put on a rider backrest and it forces me to sit up straight. Now I'm thinking a 14" miight be just right.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 12" stock windshield
I bought the 9" also. But like you , it was right in the middle of my sight view. The 12" inch isn't any better in rain even tried the hd rain x. But other bikes/cars throwing up road grime, I couldn't see any thing. Finnally went to the 6", now I look over the w/s and it still keeps the wind & bugs off. Looks better too, I have a white 04 ultra and the dark tint contrast's well with the white pearl>
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 35
RE: 12" stock windshield
With my stock 12" on it split my vision bad. I am 6'3" and I was always either looking up and over or scrunching down to look through the windshield. I bought a 8" dark tinted one off ebay thinking it would be just right. Wish I would have bought a 10" one. I don't notice the wind problems to much but my 06 FLHTI is my first bike with a windshield. Will be trying a 10" one of these days. Bryan
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 9
From: Alabama
RE: 12" stock windshield
I run the stock screen in summer- there's more chance of hitting rain andI can see over it. (Sux trying tolook through a windscreen in rain!) It also lets a little more air behind it on hot days. I get a lot of wind buffeting on top of my helmet, but I can live with it. It runs right across my line of vision but I've had windshields before and this is common so I'm used to it.
In winter I have a 15" shield that I put on as it keeps the cold wind off me better. Due to the additional height I have to look through it all the time, but there's less chance of rain in winter here and it doesn't bother me to look through it. The taller screen also does away with any buffeting of my helmet so the ride is much better.
In winter I have a 15" shield that I put on as it keeps the cold wind off me better. Due to the additional height I have to look through it all the time, but there's less chance of rain in winter here and it doesn't bother me to look through it. The taller screen also does away with any buffeting of my helmet so the ride is much better.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Omaha Nebraska
RE: 12" stock windshield
I didnt like looking through it. I bought a 10 inch HD, took that off tried an 8 inch, took that off and I have settled on a 7 inch from Cee Baileys. Just perfect for me running the stock seat, I'm 5'11". Hits me in about the tip of my nose. No buffeting. But I also run with a fork baffle and the chrome fork deflectors. The combination seems perfect.