Hey all,

I've seen a lot of threads on windshields, many of threads and websites tend to discuss models w/ a fairing installed, like the glides I guess?

Anyway, I have a Road King Classic, and haven't seen too much feedback on this model. I'm about 6'1", and the stock windshield at natural posture is right in my line of vision, so if I slouch a little, I see through it, if I sit high, I barely see over it. In either case, when cornering, the corner often bends/distorts into edge of windshield.

I've been riding mostly w/out it, but if an opportunity came up for a long ride, or if cold/bad weather was a possibility, I might be inclined to grab the shield. I was thinking of getting a slightly shorter shield for when those opportunities come up, that might be a little more comfortable/safer.

From what I can tell, the stock shield on my 03 RKC measures 20" from the center of the headlight curve at bottom, to the center of the top of the shield.

As I measure down from the top, it seems to me, the shorter I can go, the better vision I'll have, while realizing if too short, I may lose some of the benefits of the shield. So, w/out knowing any better, as to how it would ride, I'm thinking at LEAST 3-4" of drop from the stock 20" would give me better vision.

I've seen references to these sites on here:

http://fastaire.com/windshields.html FastAire: Seems to have shields for the fairing bikes, but not mine

http://clearviewshields.com/shop/product.php?id=22 ClearView $121-$132: Seems to have something for mine, but has some inconsistencies. For example, it says my stock shield should be 19.5" but I know it's 20", it's not a fraction shorter than 20" and says the lowest they offer is 17" so that to me would be the minimum cut of only 3", marginally increasing my vision. But is theire 17" really 17"? If their stock is 19.5" and not 20" I'm just trying to get real world feedback on their measurements, and anyone using their shield on a RKC, preferably someone not taller than 6'1" that tried to gain better vision.

http://www.ceebaileys.com/harley/flhr_ws.html CeeBaileys $145: So, I saw this company, they say stock is 20" which matches my measurements, and they offer a2" or 4" shorter option, so I guess it's 18" or as low as 16", and the 16" seems like it might offer better visibility, but doesn't offer the recurve of the clearview, as far as I know.

HD OEM: Don't know if that long link will work, but searching HD's site, they sell a low profile center line 16" (4: drop) and a 18" (2" drop) winshield too. Looks like the glass only (no brackets) is about $145 MSRP so not much more than the aftermarket, unless I'm missing something.



I know some say the ClearView or CeeBailey ones are better than HD, either thicker, easier to clean or use rainx (clearview), and the clearview has the curve some like, but I guess I'm wondering what other's experience may add to the details I already know. Such as:

Any other brands I'm overlooking?

Any reason you don't like one of the above?

How did some of you find the right height to buy for your needs, if you also were looking for better vision to look OVER the shield while riding and not through it, on an RKC.

Basically, any more details you would like to contribute, especially pics of shorter shields, clear or tinted, on your bikes!

Thanks.

 

Hi Karz,

I have the clearview 17.5 inch recurve on my RKC. I am 6 ft. I did alot of research before I bought it to determine height. I look over the sheild and it doesn't enter into my vision in normal posture. the wind basically skirts the top of my helmet. It doesnt distort when cornering like the stock sheild. I had a shorter memphis shades on and it didn't block much, 13 inch I believe. I am really happy with the sheild and I find it doesn't vibrate as much as the stock one. Hope this helps.

Jimmy

 

I like my windsheild that height it keeps my back straight looking over it.stop me slumping in the seat

 

I cannot offer much help but here is what I know about the Clearview. I am 5'11" , have an 07 Road King Custom with the 17" re-curve Clearview. It measures exactly 17" from the headlight cutout to the top.

I ride in a less than upright posture (not quite a slouch) and the shield seems to be about up to the tip of my nose. I an always looking over the top. I have to actually bend down to look through it. It offers all the protection that I expect from a shield.

I could probably use the HD 18" and still be looking over it but nothing taller. I do not like looking through a windshield.

Hope this helps.

 

From the "for what it's worth" department.....

Before I bought the EG I rode three different bikes with windshields. I always ride with either a half or full face, so buffeting, especially with the full face, was a big concern. I made a lot of cuts to quite a few windshields to try to achieve nirvana (the mythical place, not the band [sm=smokin.gif]) and I finally figured out that, for me, a windshield either had to be big enough to go over the top of my head or it had to be cut down like a sport shield. I did a 4000 mile ride with a small cut down shield and was very happy. It left my helmet in a solid, predicatable stream of air, but kept the wind blast off my chest. I didn't have any helmet buffeting and I wasn't forced to ride with a two handed death grip at highway speeds. The windshield I was happiest with didn't look like it would do anything because it was so small, I'm guessing 10 to 12 inches up from the headlight, but like I said, it was the best compromise for me.

Good Luck.

 

I just went out and measured my Clearview with recurve, it is 17" tall, I am 5'10' tall and have a Mustang seat that is a little taller than the stock seatand I see over in just fine, I can't stand looking throw these plastic windshields.
The recurve makes it act like a taller windshield at highway speeds and works very well at bug and wind control, it also stops a lot of the vibration that so many shields have..

 

Karz, I believe a member here posted a how-to on cutting down your stock windshield. If I recall correctly, its pretty simple if you have access to a jig saw, with a little sandpaper to smooth the cut edge. Definately more budget friendly than buying a new one, and if you rarely use the stock one than there may not be a lot to lose with giving it a shot. You may want to do a search and see if you can find that post - if I recall it was nicely done. Hope this helps!

 

Why bother cutting your own shield, i took mine to a local auto glass shop and the cut it down to the perfect height for 15 bucks.

It just wasnt worth risking the screw up.....

 

Hey Navi and Bruins, both good suggestions. I meant to mention in my original post, but apparently forgot to, that I'm not sure I'm ready to start modifying original parts yet. I don't mind swapping out and adding stuff, or modifying added on parts, but for now I kind of wanted to hang onto original stuff the way it was. Maybe I'll change my mind on that in the future, but for now, I may just look at the additional windshield option, but that is good advice, both for the DIYer, and for what to expect to pay a shop, thanks again.

 

...another from the 'for what it's worth' category.

I have an RKC. I cut my stock shield down 2".(from the top edge) I am about 5'10". With the stock seat, 2" was probably an inch or so shorter than it needed to be. I then went to a C&C Solo seat (lower than the stock seat) and the 2" cutdown was about right. I then replaced the cutdown with the 17" Clearview re-curve. The Clearview is 3" shorter than the stocker and is exactly 1" shorter than the stocker cut down. The other dimensions are the same as the stocker; it does seem more rigid than the stocker though.
The Clearview works better than my cutdown stocker even though it is another 1" shorter. It really shines above 70 mph.

CN