Windshield or not
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
Windshield or not
I just bought a new 2012 RK, my question is Do you look over or thru your windshield when riding with it on. I had never riden a bike with a windshield until I bought this bike. At the dealer when I was checking it out I noticed that the top of the windshield was right in my line of sight, I'm 6' and it is the stock windshield that came with the bike. Anyway the dealer says I should be looking over the top of the windshield looking way down the road. But when I do that it seems I have to sit way up straight, doesn't seem all that comfortable. I find looking thru the top part of the windshield is much more comfortable, but I do notice that it does take some getting used to while taking corners. I am wonder what you all do. I am also kind of **** when I get a bug spot on my windshield, seems I can't take my eyes off of it until I clean my windshield. I know I need to post a picture but I haven't taken a good enough piture of it yet. I did hit a deer with it on my first ride form the dealer. Stayed two up, killed the deer, and no damage to the bike. I think those rider courses do help.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
On most of my bikes, the top edge "appears" to fall about 40' in front of the bike.
Many windscreens are easily cut on the bottom ( hidden) edge to resize.
some like shorter, I like the option to tuck into it in crap weather and look through it
try to work through that "target fixation"-- look far down the road
( and try to break up those sentences-- lots of aged readers here, like me)
Mike
Many windscreens are easily cut on the bottom ( hidden) edge to resize.
some like shorter, I like the option to tuck into it in crap weather and look through it
try to work through that "target fixation"-- look far down the road
( and try to break up those sentences-- lots of aged readers here, like me)
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Feb 10, 2012 at 06:18 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,136
Likes: 6,161
From: SE Michigan
Get yourself a 19" Long Ride shield, you'll love it. Its about 3 inches shorter than stock, and a nice flare at the top to push the air up.
http://www.longrideshields.com/road_king_page.html
Here's mine:
http://www.longrideshields.com/road_king_page.html
Here's mine:
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,205
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I look over the top. You can buy a shorter shield of cut yours down some. To help decide how tall you want it to be try putting a piece of tape on your current shield and go for a ride.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
I say forget the windshield. Then you don't have to worry about the height. I have a RKC and I prefer to ride without the windshield. I've road to Sturgis and back from St Louis two years in a row without a windshield and loved every minute of it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
i rode with out a sheild years ago but would never do that now . On my 2008 FLHRC i usually look threw the STOCK sheild but ocassionaly set up straight and look over.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 14
From: Mill-e-wah-que
I've got the same ride...same shield, but I'm 2" taller and that's what makes all the difference. I would like to look into a Long Ride Shield though to push that air a bit higher. Whatever your decision, I'd figure out a way to look over the shield. Looking through it would really bother me!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Norwood, Ohio
I have an Ultra that came with a 4" and a factory windshield when I bought it. On the return trip home, I stopped and switched the 4" out for the factory that I had with me. Since that time, I have purchased a 10" that I can look over, but still sends the wind over my head. You do have a couple of inches of heighth on me, and I have noticed that just by changing the seat, it makes a difference on my line of sight. In my opinion, the 10" looks better on my bike, but I still reap the rewards of the wondshield. Look around, there is a bunch of stuff out there.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 470
Likes: 2
Get yourself a 19" Long Ride shield, you'll love it. Its about 3 inches shorter than stock, and a nice flare at the top to push the air up.
http://www.longrideshields.com/road_king_page.html
Here's mine:
http://www.longrideshields.com/road_king_page.html
Here's mine: