Windshield Question
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Lake Barrington, Illinois
Windshield Question
I am a happy owner of a 2014 Ultra Ltd since mid-June. I've been riding many years but it's my first HD so I have a lot to learn. My bike currently has the stock 10" windshield which is great for day trips. I'm about to go on a 2500 mile trip and I'm thinking about buying a 15" HD brand windshield from my dealer for the trip to get some additional protection from the inevitable rain I'll hit at some point. I'd switch back to the stock windshield for around town. I'm 6'1" which is why I'm thinking about the 15" windshield. I'd appreciate comments/advice on the size and brand I'm considering. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,793
Likes: 29,730
From: PNW
Welcome to the forum - you'll get a lot of different answers on this topic because windshields are one of those things that are very individualized. What one likes, many others do not. Harley dealers usually have demo windshields to try out. I recommend you pay them a visit and give some a try. I have a HD 10 inch windsplitter on my 14 SGS (it would work for your bike). It's not bad, but for a long trip, I'll use a wider (not taller) shield. But I'm taller than you are. I would give it a try because it's wider than what your running now. You might like it. It's definitely a better looking windshield than stock, I'll say that.
On the 15 inch - I think you'll be looking through, instead of over the windshield. If that doesn't bother you, it should provide a ton of wind/rain protection. But most people prefer looking over the windshield and most manufacturers base fit on your line of sight being just over the top of the windshield. There are exceptions.
On the 15 inch - I think you'll be looking through, instead of over the windshield. If that doesn't bother you, it should provide a ton of wind/rain protection. But most people prefer looking over the windshield and most manufacturers base fit on your line of sight being just over the top of the windshield. There are exceptions.
Last edited by nevada72; Aug 7, 2014 at 07:22 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: So. ILL.
I would give Clark's Custom Windshields a try they are great people to deal with. I have used thier roundtop and the flat top. I am running a 13 " flattop now for trips it gives me good protection from the elements. I look through it and have no problems with that at all. I also run a 9" tinted roundtop for local riding.
RB
RB
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,793
Likes: 29,730
From: PNW
I would give Clark's Custom Windshields a try they are great people to deal with. I have used thier roundtop and the flat top. I am running a 13 " flattop now for trips it gives me good protection from the elements. I look through it and have no problems with that at all. I also run a 9" tinted roundtop for local riding.
RB
RB
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
I am 6'3". I have the stock 10" windshield. I like to be able to look over it, even though more bugs and rain get through.
I wear a FF or 3/4 with goggles in rain, so personally I don't want another surface full of rain drops to look through. So, until they come up with a windshield wiper, I would stay with the shorter shield.
I wear a FF or 3/4 with goggles in rain, so personally I don't want another surface full of rain drops to look through. So, until they come up with a windshield wiper, I would stay with the shorter shield.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
I can't ride in the rain anymore if I have to look through a wet pair of glasses and a wet windshield at the same time. I can't see well enough to be safe.
I like the windshield to be just tall enough for me to see over. It is much easier to ride in the rain when you can see better. Bugs splattered on a windshield you can see over are not a problem either.
To each their own. I agree with trying the demo shields at the dealer to find out what height you want, then you can buy whichever brand you want.
Dennis
I like the windshield to be just tall enough for me to see over. It is much easier to ride in the rain when you can see better. Bugs splattered on a windshield you can see over are not a problem either.
To each their own. I agree with trying the demo shields at the dealer to find out what height you want, then you can buy whichever brand you want.
Dennis
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 365
Likes: 9
From: KENTUCKY
+1 on being able to see over it. For touring I have the LRS Flat Top shield. My passenger loves this shield!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
I assume you're measuring your shield from the center screw to top of shield.
What I've had the most success with is recurved windshields that I can look over the top of - For me it's the best balance of effective air management and clear vision in the rain and at night.
Height should be be even with the area just beneath the rider's nose.Recurved shields with maximum curvature on the top edge perform well beyond their height in deflecting air up and over compared to a conventional shield.
Several fine manufactures out there,I use a Long Ride Shield's "Ultra" model.
LRS sells a 2014 Ultra Batwing Shield
What I've had the most success with is recurved windshields that I can look over the top of - For me it's the best balance of effective air management and clear vision in the rain and at night.
Height should be be even with the area just beneath the rider's nose.Recurved shields with maximum curvature on the top edge perform well beyond their height in deflecting air up and over compared to a conventional shield.
Several fine manufactures out there,I use a Long Ride Shield's "Ultra" model.
LRS sells a 2014 Ultra Batwing Shield
Last edited by Slash; Aug 7, 2014 at 07:45 PM. Reason: Addition
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 140
Likes: 5
From: Houston & Bandera, Texas
jb....clearview has shields for the '14's
I've bought several from them for my 2009 FLHTP
good luck
http://www.clearviewshields.com/blog...ement-designs/
I've bought several from them for my 2009 FLHTP
good luck
http://www.clearviewshields.com/blog...ement-designs/
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 18
From: Amherst, NH
I put the Harley 15" shield on my '14 Limited. I tend to go on very long rides and really needed something that would give adequate protection and eliminate buffeting. I tried all manner of recurves and other shields, but none worked as well as the 15". I'm 5' 10" and I do look through the shield, but it doesn't bother me at all. I don't really even think about it.
I think you'd be pleased with the 15". Anything shorter than that and you will get some buffeting, in my opinion (And based on many dollars of experimentation).
I think you'd be pleased with the 15". Anything shorter than that and you will get some buffeting, in my opinion (And based on many dollars of experimentation).
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