I'm looking at possibly upgrading my stock 10" windshield on my Limited for next year's riding season. For the most part it is the right height and does the job however I do get a little buffeting may be 30% of the time. I ride alone so I don't need to worry about the passenger. I still prefer the larger windshields since my primary use for the bike is touring. For the most part I'm looking for opinions from those who have tried 2 to 3 of the different styles.

I have read reviews that claim the Harley Wind Splitter works wonders in cutting wind noise on the highway. This would be great however I'm not sure I care for the aggressive curves. The aggressive curves also distort the view quite a bit when looking through it.

I've been seriously looking at the less aggressive recurve styles. They maintain the classic look of the stock shield but claim to cut the wind better. There are models for touring that are wider at the bottom than the normal shields, any benefits?

So looking for opinions comparing the recurve styles, the more aggressive wind splitter style to the stock windshield.

 

I can't give a first hand report on these, but I'm looking at getting one in the spring.

 

I went with a 8" LRS Ultra Elite light tint on my Ultra Ltd. The recurve seems to push the air higher and I can see over the windshield.

 

LRS...have had them on all of my Harley's..

 

I have the windsplitter and it's not tall enough for you to look through it, unless you're close to 5'0", I'm 5'9" and it comes up to about my chin. It works great at blocking the wind and the vent, when adjusted keeps buffeting to a minimum or non-existent.

 

Since you look through the shield, I would not recommend any curves, for the distortion reason you’ve already observed.

 

Two months ago I replaced my stock HD windshield on my 2015 Ultra Limited with a Freedom Shields "Wide Touring" Windshield and I couldn't be happier. Yes, there is a recurve but I find ZERO distortion when looking through it. I especially appreciate it's greater thickness (no vibration) and its beautiful polished edges. They custom make them for each order. I will say that they run about 1' taller per size than the HD stock shields....so, If a 10" shield HD fits you then order a 9" Wide Touring Freedom Shield. I suggest you check out the Freedom Shields web site and call them with questions (JOHN, will gladly answer all your questions). BTW.....they offer a 10% discount if you mention or type "HDforum" in the coupon code area of the on-line order form. Good luck!

 

I am curious about the clock werks shields in addition to those mentioned. I have read it helps with stability at higher speeds. I am currently running a lrs 4 inch and look over it. buffeting not a problem unless I have to wear a helmet.

 

The 10 inch on the Limited is at nose height on me but I still like to see right in front of me. Occasionally I find myself off the blacktop and loose gravel, ruts and pots holes can unexpectedly toss the fully loaded touring bike around quite a bit. And I am a little OCD and the distorted view would probably just bother me.

I have been leaning towards the LRS Ultra Elite or the Freedom Shields.

 

It depends on your personal preference.....


Since you like to look through the windshield, and don't mind bigger windshields, just get a windshield about 1" to 2" taller and it will direct more air over your head and should stop the buffeting...

I like to look over the windshield...

I don't like the aggressive curves of the Wind splitter, but a friend has one and likes it.... but he looks over the shield...

I have been using the recurve style on both the baggers I've owned. One of my first mods on both, was off with the OEM shield and I installed a recurve...

Most sites selling recurves tell you how pick the height, if you want to look over them... getting the height correct is important.

I've used LRS recurve wind shields for several years, and they have worked very well. They look pretty much like a shorter OEM, but with better air flow over your head. When I look down through the wind shield, the clarity is totally acceptable, but I wouldn't want to look through them all the time.

I switched to the LRS "Flat top" recurve, a couple years ago. My passenger (wife) says she can feel the difference between the flat top or a regular recurve.... she likes the added wind protection.... so that design apparently works...

I have a couple friends with the Freedom Shields recurves and they love them. They say they are solidly built, optically clear (they look over, but can look through with no distortion), and they like the touring version... if you want to look through the windshield, but have a recurve, this may be a good option due to the optical clarity.

Freedom Shields has a touring version (wider) and a standard version (OEM width) but I have not personally ridden both to be able to comment on any difference, only the stamp of approval from a couple friends...

Good luck with your decision...