I have a 2007 Softail fxst. Looking to purchase a windshield for it. Will do some long trips. Mostly I will ride shorter trips. Pros or cons? What type? Any help would be much appreciated. I am 6' 191 Lbs.

Kayak

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Biggest pro of a windshield is pretty obvious...it blocks the wind. Makes the ride (particularly long ones) much more comfortable. A lot of folks complain the bike doesn't look "as cool". I think a bike with a windshield can look cool, as long at the right one is placed on the bike. Besides, unless you're still popping zits on a regular basis, you're probably more concerned with comfort. If you get a quick disconnect type of windshield for your bike (like I have on my Fat Boy) you can put it on in about 30 seconds, for long highway rides, and pop it off in about 30 seconds and store it in your garage, for day to day riding. The best of both worlds in my opinion.

 

rode mine for about a year without one, the wind doesn't really bother me, but I once got a bee in my open faced helmet, stung me (damn helmet), along with numerous bugs to the face. Like anything else, it's all in what ya like, but mine's not coming off. Mine is a quick release...food for thought, a quick release is quicker to steal if a thief decides to take it[:@]

 

As Kato said the pros are you don't get beat to death by the wind at 70 plus mph. You will be able to ride longer and still feel refreashed after arriving at your destination. I'm 37 so I don't feel I'm over the hill but after riding 200 miles in a day without the windshield I'm done. With the windshield I can ride 200 miles and still feel like doing something when I arrive at my destination. As for which windshield to buy I would go with the quick detach type that leaves the hardware on the bike. I say this because I bought one of the new detachable WS that has the hardware mounted to the shield for my last bike and after the first 100 mile ride it had rubbed marks on the forks where the ruber did not do it's job. After that trip I had to cut two strips of leather to rab around the forks before installing the WS to prevent it from doing anymore damage. The style that leaves the hardware on the bike may do the same thing if you ever remove the hardware but most won't.

 

Thanks for the info. Really appreciate it. How do you determine the size of the windshield? I am 6' 192 Lbs. and probably quite a bit older then most of you. I agree with Softail Bob that after riding 200 or so miles it can be exhausting. I am failry new to riding street bikes. Did quite a bit of dirt in my younger years. Now it is fore pure enjoyment. Where do I go for some reasonable prices?

Thanks again,

Kayak

 

I just told the individual behind the parts counter how tall I was and he picked the windshield that would work for me.. I'm about 6'1" and he knew which one to pick. I did go with the quick release that didnt have any hardware left on the bike. I guess I haven't had any issues so far as far as marks being left but I could see how it could happen.
Chris

 

Just installed a quick disconnect compact low profile on my 07 FXStc, I also have the retro seat which is about an inch lower than srtock. Anyways I'm 5"11" and the top of shield is between the tip of my nose and my eyes. Sit on your bike and have someone hold a tape measure on top headlight the top of sheild should be below your eyes. Order one that gives you nthat height or you can always cut it down if its too high

 

I currently have a detachable windshield from National Cycle. Love it due to the quality of the mounts and the fact that it has a keyed lock on the bracket to prevent theft. They say it cannot be used with a nacelle, but it works fine if you cut the opening a little larger with a dremel and use longer bolts for the mounts. The mounts are stainless and look nice when the shield is not on too.

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Windshield for sure, IMO.

I enjoy the ride more and for a longer time!

 

I actually think my bike looks better with the windshield on than without it - it adds authority to the bike.

You want your shield to be as high as it can but with you still being able to look over it but not so low that you have to lay down on the tank to get the wind protection it offers. Harley's standard size detachable shield does that for me on my Deuce - actually its just a little bit high - and should work for people taller than my 5' 8" as well. A low profile shield would be too low for me.

That saidon anice sunny daywhen all I amgoing to do is screwing around locally and never going particularly fast I pull it off and enjoy the breeze.

Also, just to give you an idea, I got mine off of E-Bay. Like new condition, no scratches or corrosion, $150 delivered; got here in 3 days.