Extended Sized Windshield-Opinions

[J.Mencalice]

I'm looking for opinions on oversized windshields (2.5" taller, 4" wider) from folks that have used them on their Interstates.
Good or not so good?  Too high or too wide?  Too much area?  "Sailing" problems from crosswinds?

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

My OEM stock saddle height brings the top of my helmet (I'm 6'2") in a buffeting zone that I'd like to eliminate by either lowering my seat or getting a taller windshield.

Thanks for the input

[Dak44312]

I recently installed the Show Chrome shield. It is +4" wider and +2.5" taller. I've put about 1500 mixed miles on it. It is a great rain/cool weather shield. I drove the bike from Ohio to Gatlinburg 2 weeks ago and I would not recommend it for hot weather. It is nice and thick, fiitment is great. It does not flutter or move around, even with semis at your side. I'm also 6'2", and did not have any trouble with buffeting, but I have mostly been using my half-helmet. I also have the OE fork deflectors installed. I am using the Mustang seat, which sits you up a little taller, but even with that the windshield is just a tad too high to look over all of the time (I don't like to look through). I would imagine this would be a bigger problem with the OE seat.

Keep in mind that windshield height may or may not fix your issue. Are the deflectors present on the fairing, and are your pods on the bike? In my personal opinion, Bakers are ugly and make the bike instantly look like its being ridden by a 146- year old, but they DO work. You might check into them as well. I had a set on my standard for a while when I took trips until I bought the I/S.

[Jess from VA]

At 5'9" the OE IS shield is about perfect for me on a Big Boy seat, and a bit too tall on a Lowboy.  But both my OEs have the original Honda shield wing extensions, about 2" on each side and I really like the coverage.

So however you go, I'd get the 4" wider screen regardless.  When I replace mine (Clearview), I will.

As far as height, sit on the seat comfortably and pick a height that tops out at your nose, or thereabouts.

[ShiftHappens]

I have a 99 interstate and had helmet buffeting problems. I went with a Cee Bailey’s +2 (2 inches taller more than stock). I based my purchase on reviews and price. Currently a +2 is $110.

http://www.ceebaileys.com/honda/valkyrieinterstatews.html

If to do over again, I would consider a +4. All the plus sizes are 2 inches wider than stock. The top edge on Cee Bailey is more curved than stock, which I like. I have not noticed sailing problems in cross winds. I am 6’1”

I have also found that I prefer riding with modular helmet (HJC IS Max) face shield up...Less noise.

25k miles and it still looks good.

FYI, F4 custom has a nice interstate windshield install video as well as printable instructions. https://www.f4customs.com/index.php?route=videos/instruction&information_id=17

[NewValker]

When I rescued my I/S, it needed a windshield. I bought the Showchrome that is 4 inches wider and 2.5 inches taller. After 2k miles of looking thru the top edge, I cut an 1.5 inches off the top.
Perfect now. No buffeting with a half or a modular helmet. Like the protection from rain on the sides, but as stated above, seem really hot, especially in traffic.
Craig

[Steve K (IA)]

I have the Extra Tall ClearView with the Gold Wing vent.  I can't see over it.  But that isn't a problem as the view isn't distorted one bit.  It has a "dip" along the top edge. Why?  I don't know.  Might have something to do with aerodynamics?  

http://www.clearviewshields.com/assets/motorcycle_windshields_b48d3958.jpg

I started out just putting it on for colder weather but as soon as I put the original shield back on, a big bug would hit me in the forehead.  So, I don't take it off anymore.  With the vent and my Bakers, I stay as cool as can be expected.

[gordonv]

I had the Show Chrome on my IS when I bought it, knew it was wider, but didn't know it was also taller, but it was fine for me. 5' 10" tall.

I know it gave me more shelter behind the screen. Had gone through some very heavy winds with it.

[blackvalkyrie]

I have the rifle Classic SS windshield for my 97 valk standard...here is the link...
http://rifle.com/Classic-SS-Windshield-for-Valkyrie-P1897C68.aspx

I find it  is really quite and hardly any buffeting... I'm also 6"2".... btw, I may be selling mine... getting a batwing with a stereo... not sure yet, but it's smoked grey... good luck...

I'm looking for opinions on oversized windshields (2.5" taller, 4" wider) from folks that have used them on their Interstates.
Good or not so good?  Too high or too wide?  Too much area?  "Sailing" problems from crosswinds?

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

My OEM stock saddle height brings the top of my helmet (I'm 6'2") in a buffeting zone that I'd like to eliminate by either lowering my seat or getting a taller windshield.

Thanks for the input

[WintrSol]

I have the Extra Tall ClearView with the Gold Wing vent.  I can't see over it.  But that isn't a problem as the view isn't distorted one bit.  It has a "dip" along the top edge. Why?  I don't know.  Might have something to do with aerodynamics?  

http://www.clearviewshields.com/assets/motorcycle_windshields_b48d3958.jpg

I started out just putting it on for colder weather but as soon as I put the original shield back on, a big bug would hit me in the forehead.  So, I don't take it off anymore.  With the vent and my Bakers, I stay as cool as can be expected.

The PO of my Tourer installed this shield (he's about 6'2"). I'm replacing it with the 17" model. First, I don't need the extra large shield, like any shield it causes a bit of buffeting in the bars and smaller is less, and I prefer to not look through a shield, especially at night when the lights cause glare in the plastic. When Clearview gets around to making my new one, you're welcome to this one, if it will fit your IS mounting frame.

[MarkT]

I started on my 98 std in 97 with a Rifle SS shield.  Had a lot of buffeting and the bike was blown around particularly by trucks.  Even after tipping the shield.  I gave it to a friend with a Boss Hoss.  Replaced it with a Hondaline shield.  Much better.  I kept the billet fork mounts and found them useful for mounting spots.

[blackvalkyrie]

I don't have that problem at  all.. perhaps back then they were designed differently

I started on my 98 std in 97 with a Rifle SS shield.  Had a lot of buffeting and the bike was blown around particularly by trucks.  Even after tipping the shield.  I gave it to a friend with a Boss Hoss.  Replaced it with a Hondaline shield.  Much better.  I kept the billet fork mounts and found them useful for mounting spots.

[MarkT]

It's 28" wide now.  Same back then.  It's a big sail.  Can't help but be buffeted.  It's a trade-off.  You can have huge protection from the elements but the wind is going to hit it too.  It's a question of what's important to you.  For me, I got tired of big trucks bouncing the bike around.  I also got lousy mileage, turbulence battering my head at speed, and poor acceleration at speed.  That was reduced by tipping it. Which I had to invent - they didn't provide much adjustment.  From my mod page (it was the first tech article I wrote in 1997):

"By The Way.  Two years ago I told Rifle about this mod and they "paid" for it by slightly discounting the brackets I bought to replace the original ones I had notched to compensate for their design not allowing for any adjustment due to no clearance for the turn signal stalks.  Someone else mentioned this mod to them, after I wrote it up on F6Rider; they said they "knew about it, and it's stupid".  If you check their web site now, they are selling a rip-off of this mod to Valk owners as an extra cost accessory."

http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Windshield_Tipping/windshield_tipping.html

The problems were reduced MUCH more by replacing it.

[0leman]

I bought a ClearView 6 years ago to replace the aging OEM on my I/S.  Got the 2" taller and 2" wider on each side (4" total).  Have ridden in 40 mph cross winds and meeting big truck in wind without problems.  Got the taller because of my 6'3" height.  I can see over without problems.  No problems with shield but do have some wind noise in ears above 65 mph, especially when heading into wind.

[blackvalkyrie]

It's weird that you had such problems.... I've never gotten  bounced around by trucks, lousy mileage, or turbulence battering... anyway, I'm happy with  mine... but  gonna  get a batwing with stereo installed

It's 28" wide now.  Same back then.  It's a big sail.  Can't help but be buffeted.  It's a trade-off.  You can have huge protection from the elements but the wind is going to hit it too.  It's a question of what's important to you.  For me, I got tired of big trucks bouncing the bike around.  I also got lousy mileage, turbulence battering my head at speed, and poor acceleration at speed.  That was reduced by tipping it. Which I had to invent - they didn't provide much adjustment.  From my mod page (it was the first tech article I wrote in 1997):

"By The Way.  Two years ago I told Rifle about this mod and they "paid" for it by slightly discounting the brackets I bought to replace the original ones I had notched to compensate for their design not allowing for any adjustment due to no clearance for the turn signal stalks.  Someone else mentioned this mod to them, after I wrote it up on F6Rider; they said they "knew about it, and it's stupid".  If you check their web site now, they are selling a rip-off of this mod to Valk owners as an extra cost accessory."

http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Windshield_Tipping/windshield_tipping.html

The problems were reduced MUCH more by replacing it.

[MarkT]

It's weird that you had such problems.... I've never gotten  bounced around by trucks, lousy mileage, or turbulence battering... anyway, I'm happy with  mine... but  gonna  get a batwing with stereo installed

It's 28" wide now.  Same back then.  It's a big sail.  Can't help but be buffeted.  It's a trade-off.  You can have huge protection from the elements but the wind is going to hit it too.  It's a question of what's important to you.  For me, I got tired of big trucks bouncing the bike around.  I also got lousy mileage, turbulence battering my head at speed, and poor acceleration at speed.  That was reduced by tipping it. Which I had to invent - they didn't provide much adjustment.  From my mod page (it was the first tech article I wrote in 1997):

"By The Way.  Two years ago I told Rifle about this mod and they "paid" for it by slightly discounting the brackets I bought to replace the original ones I had notched to compensate for their design not allowing for any adjustment due to no clearance for the turn signal stalks.  Someone else mentioned this mod to them, after I wrote it up on F6Rider; they said they "knew about it, and it's stupid".  If you check their web site now, they are selling a rip-off of this mod to Valk owners as an extra cost accessory."

http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Windshield_Tipping/windshield_tipping.html

The problems were reduced MUCH more by replacing it.

It becomes more obvious when you change to a shield that doesn't have those issues.  Then you realize what you had before.  A lot like balancing tires with ride-on.  I thought I had a good balance with weights.  Until I used ride-on the first time and the ride was so smooth - I hadn't realized the vibration I had until it was gone.

[davit]

I'm 6'-2" myself with a 33" inseam.  I have a ShowChrome and was out in the wind today, steady 20  mph with gusts to 30 and it is rock steady with zero buffeting.

In fact, with my previous bike, a 1987Goldwing with a stock windshield, there was a threshold of 15 mph after which riding became unpleasant. Not so on the Valk with the Show Chrome.

One drawback I have noticed is towards the end of the day I don't sit as tall and the top of the screen is in my line of site.  It's been a small price to pay for the comfort.