THE GREAT WINDSHIELD DILEMMA

[BIG LEE]

i just bought a Valkyrie Tourer/Standard without a windshield. What windshield do you guys recommend?  I am 6'2" with at 30" inseam. I want to stay out of the buffeting zone - so I am thinking either a low one or a very high one. I wear a 3/4 helmet (which has a visor which makes turbulence when all the way down without a windshield).  Appreciate suggestions/advice.  Lee

[9Ball]

I found that 19" is too short and 21" with lowers (Memphis Shades) almost eliminated buffeting for me with a 3/4 helmet (6'3").

[BIG LEE]

Thanks - I guess it will take some experimentation.  Lee

[Fudd]

People that have the original Tourer windshields seem to like them.  To me, they are a bit too big.  That's my personal opinion.

I like the National Cycle Switchblade Windshield.  I have the "Chopped" (middle) size, which is interchangable with the "2-up" and the "Shorty."

Watch this video to see an interesting comparison between acrilic and Lexan windshields.

 http://youtu.be/bDXwcgSYjws

[wa2cul]

I am 6 ft. with 32 inch inseam.  I use a Memphis fats 19 inch with lowers and have no buffeting issues.  I will also add that I have a Corbin seat which sits me a little lower than the stock seat which in turn places the height of the shield just a tad higher than my line of sight. 

[xman]

I have the switch blade 2 up. It works well, no buffeting, but is big.  The quick disconect, quality and mounts are real nice. Hasn't scrached with cleaning and is very clear. 

Fudd, how is the chopped? any buffeting?

Tom

[Fudd]

I have the switch blade 2 up. It works well, no buffeting, but is big.  The quick disconect, quality and mounts are real nice. Hasn't scrached with cleaning and is very clear. 

Fudd, how is the chopped? any buffeting?

Tom

I'm 5'10" and I can see over the top, enough anyway.  The "chopped" windshield is a good height for me.

There would be a small amount of buffetting at moderately high speeds, except for I have a set of Baker Airwings.  I keep the TOP SECTION CLOSED all the time.  It's amazing that something that is on your knee level effects your shoulder and head areas, but it does.  I have no complants with the set-up that I'm running.  Without the airwings; it's not terrible, but there is some.

[O-B-1]

Fudd... How tall is the "Chopped" from the top of the headlight cutout to the top edge?

I have a National Cycle on mine that seems to be about two to three inches too tall for my 5'10" height.

I may have a bike that the PO had trimmed the seat cushion on.... The seat cover seems to be up off of the cushion. The rear shocks appear to be shorter in the lower area when set at the same preload than my buddy's '98 (mine is a '99). MAybe someone was short in the legs?

I cannot afford a new screen, does anyone have any suggestions for cutting the polycarbonate?

[Art708]

People that have the original Tourer windshields seem to like them.  To me, they are a bit too big.  That's my personal opinion.

I like the National Cycle Switchblade Windshield.  I have the "Chopped" (middle) size, which is interchangable with the "2-up" and the "Shorty."

Watch this video to see an interesting comparison between acrilic and Lexan windshields.

 http://youtu.be/bDXwcgSYjws

  I have all 3 Switchblade windshields. It's cool to be able to  just pop off one and pop on another however the weather or my mood dictates.

[Farther]

I would think that at your height the Hondaline windshield would work just fine.  At 5'8" I found the Hondaline to be just a little too tall and cut it down 4" (should have been 2", oh well!).

[ajzgoldwing]

I bought my 99 Standard Valkyrie from a fellow who was about 6'3" and it has the Rifle SS Classic.  I would be surprized if they sell a larger windshield than this one.  I am 5'11" so have adjusted it back as far as I could to be able to see just over it.  (My personal preference - some folks like looking through their windshield.)  I find it larger than necessary for most things but it sure makes a difference out on the freeway for extended distances.  I recently installed the auxilary vent that Rifle makes for these types of windshields.  It has proven effective at reducing some of the noise and buffeting I was getting.  (A brief note on that: I have 3 different helmets and each one has a different noise level and feel when it comes to shedding air, even behind the windshield.) 

This Valkyrie handles better and has substantially more throttle response with the windshield removed.  If I take the Givi luggage off it gets even better around town. 
 
A buddy of mine is 6' and has the stock Hondaline windshield.  Said he likes it well enough.

[Fudd]

Fudd... How tall is the "Chopped" from the top of the headlight cutout to the top edge?

The "chopped" windshield measures 15 1/4" from the HL cuttout to the top edge.

Another note:  there is a 1" space from the top of the top mounting band to the bottom of the top triple tree. (Was that confusing, or did you follow me on that?)

That mounting band placement gives me a 2 1/4" space from the top of the headlight to the top of the cutout arch.  If I needed to lower my windshield as much as 1 3/4" I'd adjust my band straps downwards and not cut my windshield.

[shooter64]

Fudd... How tall is the "Chopped" from the top of the headlight cutout to the top edge?

I have a National Cycle on mine that seems to be about two to three inches too tall for my 5'10" height.

I may have a bike that the PO had trimmed the seat cushion on.... The seat cover seems to be up off of the cushion. The rear shocks appear to be shorter in the lower area when set at the same preload than my buddy's '98 (mine is a '99). MAybe someone was short in the legs?

I cannot afford a new screen, does anyone have any suggestions for cutting the polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate can be cut with a standard sabre saw. Just be sure to tape where the metal of the saw slides across the polycarb. Otherwise you will get permanent scratches. Then you can hand sand or use electric sander to smooth.

[O-B-1]

Fudd... How tall is the "Chopped" from the top of the headlight cutout to the top edge?

The "chopped" windshield measures 15 1/4" from the HL cuttout to the top edge.

Another note:  there is a 1" space from the top of the top mounting band to the bottom of the top triple tree. (Was that confusing, or did you follow me on that?)

That mounting band placement gives me a 2 1/4" space from the top of the headlight to the top of the cutout arch.  If I needed to lower my windshield as much as 1 3/4" I'd adjust my band straps downwards and not cut my windshield.

The cutout on mine is nearly on the headlight shell. It measures 19" from cutout to top edge. I think I need to cut off about 2" to 2-1/2", maybe even 3" to get it so I can just look over it . I am 5'10" with a 32" inseam, less torso and arms than most. This windscreen does not tilt back like the Memphis Shades Fats I have on my Shadow.