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Windshield or not

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  #1  
Old 02-10-2012 | 07:09 PM
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gjetson
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From: Bakersfield, CA
Default 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.
 
  #2  
Old 02-10-2012 | 07:16 PM
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mkguitar
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
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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
 

Last edited by mkguitar; 02-10-2012 at 07:18 PM.
  #3  
Old 02-10-2012 | 07:17 PM
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rooti
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I personally look over the top and wouldn't be comfortable looking through a windshield. Don't want to deal with any kind of glare or distortions. Just me though
 
  #4  
Old 02-10-2012 | 07:24 PM
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Keithhu
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From: SE Michigan
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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:

 
  #5  
Old 02-10-2012 | 11:12 PM
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piasspj
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
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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.
 
  #6  
Old 02-10-2012 | 11:16 PM
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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.
 
  #7  
Old 02-10-2012 | 11:55 PM
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baust55
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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.
 
  #8  
Old 02-11-2012 | 12:26 AM
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The Cheesehead
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From: Mill-e-wah-que
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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!
 
  #9  
Old 02-11-2012 | 12:41 AM
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despurlock
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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.
 
  #10  
Old 02-11-2012 | 01:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Keithhu
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:

Not to hijack the thread but how tall are your handlebars? I've been wanting the same exact windshield and I plan on swapping my WO 12.5" for 14" and was wondering how close they will get to the LRS windshield. Looks like you have your positioned the way I like mine as well.
 


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