I picked up an 06 electraglide yesterday fully anticipating the short smoked windshield would give me grief, it does. My head was vibrating at 50 mph. The top of it is probably about the height of my chin so I put the original one on that came with the bike and the top of it is right in my line of site which makes it taller than the suggested nose level. I'll check with a level to see where its at but its higher than the how-to videos I've watched. I can feel the turbulence at the top rear of my helmet so If I move forward but the same height I get away from that dirty air.

Is a wider than stock windshield the answer without increasing height? One with a recurve maybe? Or one thats so trimmed down that it looks like decorative trim on the fairing but puts my entire helmet in the wind? This is my first bike with a fairing or even a windshield, I like the idea of it extending my riding season but need to sort out this bobblehead problem. Clearly the rule of thumb height isn't the answer, at least for me. The air coming up from below isn't what im feeling at the top sides of my helmets and no air coming up under my FF helmet.

 

A recurve doesn’t require the height that a “standard” windshield does to get that air over your helmet.

 

I run a 4" recurve and air goes over my helmet. How tall you are will play a role in this though.

 

Ya maybe, but still not as good as super tall windshield.

I put freedom shield, and spending most of my years behind a big windshield. My issue was riding at night in summer, and it getting fogged up and not being able to see. I lean to, it is not as warm. The rain tears up my eyes, when its raining hard. Granted hard rain is a problem no mater what.

I should probably put the factory on for spring. Where you don't get those late night dews But I am also lazy.


I lean towards these short windshields are just cute.

 

I like the curved windshields from Klock Werks, the curve helps a lot. I prefer the windshield to be below my eye line, I do not like looking through the windshield. It is going to take some trial and error to find the one that works for you.

 

I just put the taller windshield on new to me bike that had around 6-8" no logo, with a harley logoed windshield. Which is still shorter than my 07s. So not sure if factory or acces. I am probably going to leave the freedom shield on other bike. That one has thread repair plug in fairing. Probably wouldn't disturb it. But I am not going. Plus that fairing hit a deer, and I still wonder about hidden cracks.

The medium ones are nice in summer, for dewey lights. But taller is better for warmth

 

Harley makes a recurve that has extended sides. I had one on my TriGlide and it worked great. Most dealers have trial ones that you can test out before buying,

 

You might try asking your local dealers of they have demo Klock Werks shields. Mine did. I ended up with a 6.5 (it has the recurve) and it eliminated the buffeting completely. It hit about my mouth when I sat on it.

The point of the windshiwindshield clean the turbulent air and deflect it over your head. You should find a windshield, ideally, you look over, not through.

The tall windshields are not the best option anymore. Technology and wind tunnel testing has come a long way. The taller windshield can create a vacuum behind you, it's still turbulent air, just at your back. Without a back rest, I have found it pulled on me over many miles.

Your height, seat, and positioning back from the fairing can all play a part in this. Worst case, measure the top of the fairing to where the line of your top lip, or mustache, would be. That would be the ideal size for you and your configuration.

Best of luck.

 

You’re height is also a pretty big factor in determining what windshield works best for you. Try a freedom shield and if you don’t like it, they will send you another one until you find the one that works for you. They encourage you to try it out. Just don’t remove the protective film from it until you find the one that you want to keep. Went from the stock streetglide windshield to a 7”. Night and day difference.

 

Thanks for the input Gentlemen, I'll see if the dealer has demo's I can try. The taller shield causing a vacuum behind me isn't something I considered and that could be whats happening. The taller shield is better than the short one other than looks but different how the turbulence feels.

Thanks again!