Windshield Materials
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 148
Likes: 38
From: Indiana
Just Google polycarbonate vs acrylic for information on the differences. Then research windshield height, shape, size for proper fit. Motorcycle windshield design has come a long way in the past several years. The info I have found states that the proper height windshield is below eye level.
The windshield on my StreetGlide that works best for me is this 5" tall shield > https://www.jpcycles.com/product/mem...sku_id=1255305
This windshield is made of Lucite acrylic material > https://www.acmeplastics.com/content...acme-plastics/
The important thing to do is to care for your product as directed by the manufacturer.
USE THE PROPER CLEANER, POLISH and CLOTH MATERIAL to maintain your windshield.
Here is a good article about the differences between Acrylic vs Polycarbonate >
https://www.plasticmold.net/polycarb...age_Resistance
.
The windshield on my StreetGlide that works best for me is this 5" tall shield > https://www.jpcycles.com/product/mem...sku_id=1255305
This windshield is made of Lucite acrylic material > https://www.acmeplastics.com/content...acme-plastics/
The important thing to do is to care for your product as directed by the manufacturer.
USE THE PROPER CLEANER, POLISH and CLOTH MATERIAL to maintain your windshield.
Here is a good article about the differences between Acrylic vs Polycarbonate >
https://www.plasticmold.net/polycarb...age_Resistance
.
Thanks for that article link on polycarbonate vs acrylic. Great information!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 656
From: Eastpointe, MI
I've had a Freedom Shield on my 2014 Ultra Limited for 5 or 6 years now. I think its 'touring width' and 10" tall. The guy that owns Freedom Shields help me select it. Its been a fine product. I've always been careful to use whatever products are on the market that say 'they are for plastics' to clean it, and have had no problems. Maybe if I used GUNK spray foam engine cleaner on it, it might be an issue, but I would say if you would use it on your tank, fairing or saddlebags, you're good.
And the wider " touring" width also.
How do you like that wider width?
(It's the touring width if it extends two or three inches out each side beyond the mounting holes).
Does it blow you around a little more with gusts of wind?
Or is it worth it to keep the wind off your hands and does it keep the wind off your hands?
I have an 8" Wind Vest regular width with that top lip right now and while that top lip does makes up for about 4 in of increased height it's about 2 in too short of not hitting the top of my helmet and making the me look like a bobblehead.
Does that extra wide width blow you around a lot? Seems a lot to be pushing through the air.
Last edited by Robertbc3141; Jun 12, 2025 at 07:19 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 60
I don't know for sure where the best place to post this question is. I hope here is ok.
Next week I'll be taking delivery of my 2025 Street Glide Ultra. I've had a Long Ride Shield windshield on my 2015 limited for years and I love it. It's made of polycarbonate and has held up very well. Looking at shields for my new bike, I really think I like the look of the Freedom Shields product better. I notice that Freedom Shields windshields are made of acrylic. LRS acrylic offerings are considered their 2nd tier product. Should I be concerned about the Freedom Shield being made of acrylic?
Next week I'll be taking delivery of my 2025 Street Glide Ultra. I've had a Long Ride Shield windshield on my 2015 limited for years and I love it. It's made of polycarbonate and has held up very well. Looking at shields for my new bike, I really think I like the look of the Freedom Shields product better. I notice that Freedom Shields windshields are made of acrylic. LRS acrylic offerings are considered their 2nd tier product. Should I be concerned about the Freedom Shield being made of acrylic?
I believe the main reason Polycarbonate is used over Lexan(acrylic) is that Polycarbonate is easier to tint, mould, and cut. Both are plenty durable for use as windshields.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,055
Likes: 1,942
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by Xlr8n
I believe the main reason Polycarbonate is used over Lexan(acrylic) is that Polycarbonate is easier to tint, mould, and cut.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 884
From: Lincolnshire, IL
The WIDE Touring Freedom shield is the way to go!.....It's definitely the best choice. But If you aren't sure, then order one and don't remove the protective paper when you test ride it.....Freedom Shields has a very reasonable "return/exchange" policy IF YOU DON"T REMOVE the paper protection during your test ride..........but I'm pretty sure you'll like them.
Ask them if they still offer a slight discount for Forum members......
Ask them if they still offer a slight discount for Forum members......
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 656
From: Eastpointe, MI
The WIDE Touring Freedom shield is the way to go!.....It's definitely the best choice. But If you aren't sure, then order one and don't remove the protective paper when you test ride it.....Freedom Shields has a very reasonable "return/exchange" policy IF YOU DON"T REMOVE the paper protection during your test ride..........but I'm pretty sure you'll like them.
Ask them if they still offer a slight discount for Forum members......
Ask them if they still offer a slight discount for Forum members......
I just ordered it but wow they don't ship for 3 weeks.
10" extra wide touring version for my 2008 Electra Glide.
I've heard from others on here that the wide version doesn't really allow the wind to push you around that much more.
I'm pretty sure I'll like the height ( I have an 8" Wind Vest now) - wind hits just the top of my helmet and with the modular chin piece up gives me the bobble head effect. Other than maybe the tint. I got the medium Gray - have clear now.
Wouldn't be such an agonizing decision if these things weren't so damned expensive.
I'll keep the film on till I'm sure I like that.
I googled for those stupid coupon codes and got one - "KNUCKLESTV" for 15 percent off.
So $165 instead of $195.
3 weeks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 884
From: Lincolnshire, IL
I think it will be worth the brief wait. they have really good "customer service" and have always been able to answer any of my questions. I suppose you could call them and ask if they could possibly ship sooner. Might be worth the call.
Be sure to report back after you test ride it.
Be sure to report back after you test ride it.