I want to get a removable windshield for my 05 FXDC and am looking for recommendations. I've tried the "super sport" HD windshield, and while it looked good, the buffeting at high speeds was horrible and much worse than just riding without a windscreen. I'm only 5'11" but I had to really duck down and lean forward to get out of the turbulent windblast. I like the look of the HD quick detachable compact windshield. Anybody have any experience with this shield? I'd hate to plunk down the $300+ for it and have it be as bad as the super sport windshield. The other one I'm looking at is the Windvest brand windshield. Any thoughts?
Windshield recommendation?
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I have the detachable fullsize clear HD windshield (not the super sport style) and like it. It was a bit too tall for me, so I shaved it down 1 1/2". I get a bit of wind from underneath, which is typical with a windshield. I only use it on long distance riding, tired of rocks and other crap hitting me in the face. It sure takes that chest blast off and wind noise too. If you do decide to get one, look at the new HD windshield that has the mounting hardware attached to the windshield, instead of the ones that you leave on your forks. The parts guy at the HD dealer said don't get the compact size, but get the full size instead, and that I won't regret it. He was right.
I hear the windvests have the same effect, just cheaper in cost I believe. I personally think they look kind of odd. Kind of what you see in front of the Pope or President giving a public speech. LOL. I know one biker that bought the windvest, used it only once. Didn't ask why, but see him a lot riding without it.
I hear the windvests have the same effect, just cheaper in cost I believe. I personally think they look kind of odd. Kind of what you see in front of the Pope or President giving a public speech. LOL. I know one biker that bought the windvest, used it only once. Didn't ask why, but see him a lot riding without it.
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87 Posts
I have a hd sport windshiel that came with the SG and have the same problems. I would like to sell it to get some money to get the full size.
Or you could get the laminar lip (sp) and save some money. I am thinking about that myself.
http://www.laminarlip.com/index.html
Or you could get the laminar lip (sp) and save some money. I am thinking about that myself.
http://www.laminarlip.com/index.html
I have this one on my Dyna/Convertible.....
http://www.hmhd.com/webstore/viewiteminfo.asp?SKU=57810-04
And the Quik-Disconnect Clamps that mount to the sheild's frame are a MUST.
A was said... no other hardware or tools needed, just a firm snap of four clamps and on, or off... and you're ready to go.
Its probably not as aerodynamic as a tour bikes... but does well to protect ya from road garbage and wind blast... And does not throw you around Too much in stiff winds.
I ride with it more and more after bees in the face, gravel thrown up by traffic in front of me and such.
Anyways..........
Budds....................
http://www.hmhd.com/webstore/viewiteminfo.asp?SKU=57810-04
And the Quik-Disconnect Clamps that mount to the sheild's frame are a MUST.
A was said... no other hardware or tools needed, just a firm snap of four clamps and on, or off... and you're ready to go.
Its probably not as aerodynamic as a tour bikes... but does well to protect ya from road garbage and wind blast... And does not throw you around Too much in stiff winds.
I ride with it more and more after bees in the face, gravel thrown up by traffic in front of me and such.
Anyways..........
Budds....................
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1,941 Posts
I say Windvest. Here is a link to a guy that had or has one for sale. At this price, you can't go wrong.
http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64523
http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64523
I have the HD quick release standard height and I love it for trips. It goes on and off in less than a minute. I don't use it when riding around town but on long trips it is saves a lot of wasted energy fighting the wind. And like others said, keeps all the road crap from hitting you in the face. You do get some wind buffering from under the windshield but worth it in my opinion.
Dennis
Dennis
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479 Posts
Have you noticed that when it comes to "proper" sizing or fitment of seats, foot pegs, lowering kits, windscreens, etc. there isn't one "correct" answer? Your size, riding habits, and style preferences go into an equation that determines the answer for you.
Here's the answer that works for me. I use the tinted, compact detachable on my '03 SG and leave it on all the time. I chose this size because I'm 5'-"9, wear a full-face helmet, and want to look over the windscreen, not through it.
45leadslinger suggested a laminar lip. I don't know how it would work on a SG, but my son put one on his Suzuki SV650S and loves it. It routes the wind up and over his helmet.
Here's the answer that works for me. I use the tinted, compact detachable on my '03 SG and leave it on all the time. I chose this size because I'm 5'-"9, wear a full-face helmet, and want to look over the windscreen, not through it.
45leadslinger suggested a laminar lip. I don't know how it would work on a SG, but my son put one on his Suzuki SV650S and loves it. It routes the wind up and over his helmet.
I tried a Rifle shield on my 04 FXDi, it was heavy, a little difficult to put on and off and had the wind buffeting coming from under the shield.
Next tried a 16" Windvest and it was pretty good but with the buffeting starting at about 80. Found the perfect combination (for me) when I put a tank bag (black of course) from a Yamaha I used to have on the FXD. No buffeting up to about 100 (that's my limit so far), I can see over the shield, it comes off easily, and isn't too large. I haven't tried it, but I wonder if a laminar lip on the bottom of the Windvest would help?
Next tried a 16" Windvest and it was pretty good but with the buffeting starting at about 80. Found the perfect combination (for me) when I put a tank bag (black of course) from a Yamaha I used to have on the FXD. No buffeting up to about 100 (that's my limit so far), I can see over the shield, it comes off easily, and isn't too large. I haven't tried it, but I wonder if a laminar lip on the bottom of the Windvest would help?
windvest.
Hey OrangeTJ
I have a windvest shield that will fit your bike that is like new. I used it for about a month. I paid around $300 for it and will sell it for $175. shipped to you. It is in the original box no scratches , 14 X14 light tint. The reason for selling is that I traded my dyna on an E glide. You can contact me at [email protected] Thanks Dave C
Hey OrangeTJ
I have a windvest shield that will fit your bike that is like new. I used it for about a month. I paid around $300 for it and will sell it for $175. shipped to you. It is in the original box no scratches , 14 X14 light tint. The reason for selling is that I traded my dyna on an E glide. You can contact me at [email protected] Thanks Dave C
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30 Posts
I have a Memphis Shades detatchable on mine,you can get several sizes of windshields for them,I have the samllest on mine. It works and looks great,and comes off easy. I hate all windshields, but if you ride any distance or in cold weather you've got to have one. The cost for the brackets and mounting hardware from J&P Cycles it think was $150.00.
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290 Posts
I just ordered the Memphis Shades "El Paso" sport shield in gradient Black with mounting hardware from Cycle Spot for $169.43 w/shipping. By the way I test rode a Road Glide today & the shield was too tall for me, causing a lot of buffeting on the helmet. Getting the correct height adjustment is paramount. MS gives you some parameters for proper adjustment. http://www.memphisshades.com/products.shtml
I have an '05 FXDC and have tried three different windshields. Memphis Shades fats and slims. Started WAY TALL and cut them off an inch at a time. I adjusted, and adjusted, and adjusted and then I adjusted some more. Well, the buffeting was just terrifle at anything over about 50 mph. Nothing seemed to make any difference. Called Memphis Shades and they told me to purchase a set of lowers. They explained that the air was coming up in front of my knees..... I'm supposing that it intersects with the wind flowing over the helmet and that's where the turbulence occurs.
Haven't tried the lowers yet. In the mean time, the latest windshield is just sitting on the shelf. I'd really like to find someone with the solution before putting out more $$$ on something else that may or may not fix the problem.
Haven't tried the lowers yet. In the mean time, the latest windshield is just sitting on the shelf. I'd really like to find someone with the solution before putting out more $$$ on something else that may or may not fix the problem.
Just to let you know that you are not alone - I am very interested in the responses that you receive. I am on my third windshield adjustment series on my 2001 Lowrider. I have not been able to stop the very uncomfortable buffeting yet.kballowe said:
On one of my last adjustment rides, I ducked down to where I was looking through the windshield, and the buffeting stopped. I also tried leaning forward to be close to the windshield, and the buffeting improved. I am going to make future adjustments using that data when weather and time permits.
When I was riding my BSA Lightning 650 and Norton Commando 850 with windshields years ago, I do not remember having this problem - maybe it was because I was younger then.
Good luck,
Larry
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27 Posts
To see if the buffeting is caused by wind coming under the windshield, while at speed hold your left hand across your chest at nipple level with your hand parallel to the ground. If the buffeting stops while doing this, then lowers should help.
To see this illustrated look at the video on aerovest's website: http://www.jackflaps.com
He offers an alternative to using lowers.
To see this illustrated look at the video on aerovest's website: http://www.jackflaps.com
He offers an alternative to using lowers.
No need for big money expediture. Head down to home depot, grab a sheet of 3/8 lexan or similar stuff. Grab the handy roto tool and chop one of these out. Pick up some 1" clamps, a spacer to get it off of the bars and a couple of button heads and acorns and you're away.
Despite it's small size it works very well. Takes the wind off of my chest which makes any ride more enjoyable. An added benefit... I made it for me. Big headed bastard aren't I ? ;-)
Check it out here: www.bikepics.com/pictures/492292/
Despite it's small size it works very well. Takes the wind off of my chest which makes any ride more enjoyable. An added benefit... I made it for me. Big headed bastard aren't I ? ;-)
Check it out here: www.bikepics.com/pictures/492292/
Quote:
Originally Posted by kballowe
I have an '05 FXDC and have tried three different windshields. Memphis Shades fats and slims. Started WAY TALL and cut them off an inch at a time. I adjusted, and adjusted, and adjusted and then I adjusted some more. Well, the buffeting was just terrifle at anything over about 50 mph. Nothing seemed to make any difference. Called Memphis Shades and they told me to purchase a set of lowers. They explained that the air was coming up in front of my knees..... I'm supposing that it intersects with the wind flowing over the helmet and that's where the turbulence occurs.
Haven't tried the lowers yet. In the mean time, the latest windshield is just sitting on the shelf. I'd really like to find someone with the solution before putting out more $$$ on something else that may or may not fix the problem.
Just to let you know that you are not alone - I am very interested in the responses that you receive. I am on my third windshield adjustment series on my 2001 Lowrider. I have not been able to stop the very uncomfortable buffeting yet.
On one of my last adjustment rides, I ducked down to where I was looking through the windshield, and the buffeting stopped. I also tried leaning forward to be close to the windshield, and the buffeting improved. I am going to make future adjustments using that data when weather and time permits.
When I was riding my BSA Lightning 650 and Norton Commando 850 with windshields years ago, I do not remember having this problem - maybe it was because I was younger then.
Good luck,
Larry
I am on my second shield with my '05 WG. It is a National Cycle Plexifairing 3. I had to buy one for a diferent model because they didn't have one for my model. It is a bear to install on a non-matching model, but when it was on, the buffetting went away. The headlight cutout is not even close to what I need, but the undershield buffeting is all but gone. My original shield was a HD quick detach (4 clamps) standard size. ( see earlier post this thread) . I haven't gotten it to hwy speed yet, but I have taken it to 60 around town, and I get at least 15 mi/cig. I used to get 10 to 15 blocks. hehehe I'm probably going out on throad with a bud tomorrow (weather permitting) and I'll know more after that. By the way, the price including hardware was somewhere around $185.
Ray
Originally Posted by kballowe
I have an '05 FXDC and have tried three different windshields. Memphis Shades fats and slims. Started WAY TALL and cut them off an inch at a time. I adjusted, and adjusted, and adjusted and then I adjusted some more. Well, the buffeting was just terrifle at anything over about 50 mph. Nothing seemed to make any difference. Called Memphis Shades and they told me to purchase a set of lowers. They explained that the air was coming up in front of my knees..... I'm supposing that it intersects with the wind flowing over the helmet and that's where the turbulence occurs.
Haven't tried the lowers yet. In the mean time, the latest windshield is just sitting on the shelf. I'd really like to find someone with the solution before putting out more $$$ on something else that may or may not fix the problem.
Just to let you know that you are not alone - I am very interested in the responses that you receive. I am on my third windshield adjustment series on my 2001 Lowrider. I have not been able to stop the very uncomfortable buffeting yet.
On one of my last adjustment rides, I ducked down to where I was looking through the windshield, and the buffeting stopped. I also tried leaning forward to be close to the windshield, and the buffeting improved. I am going to make future adjustments using that data when weather and time permits.
When I was riding my BSA Lightning 650 and Norton Commando 850 with windshields years ago, I do not remember having this problem - maybe it was because I was younger then.
Good luck,
Larry
I am on my second shield with my '05 WG. It is a National Cycle Plexifairing 3. I had to buy one for a diferent model because they didn't have one for my model. It is a bear to install on a non-matching model, but when it was on, the buffetting went away. The headlight cutout is not even close to what I need, but the undershield buffeting is all but gone. My original shield was a HD quick detach (4 clamps) standard size. ( see earlier post this thread) . I haven't gotten it to hwy speed yet, but I have taken it to 60 around town, and I get at least 15 mi/cig. I used to get 10 to 15 blocks. hehehe I'm probably going out on throad with a bud tomorrow (weather permitting) and I'll know more after that. By the way, the price including hardware was somewhere around $185.
Ray
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