Windshield height

[Mike in AR]

Thinking about buying a new windshield. I have a Memphis Shade with the quick releases.  It was on the bike when I bought it. Clearview states that they don't furnish the mounts, but that their shields are set up to use the OEM mounts. Can they still be bought. Also, my present windshield is approx. 21 inches high and I have to really stretch to see over it. What height shield do most of you use. My bike is a std. Clearview has a 17, 19, 21.5 inch shields. I know that I don't want to go any higher than I am now, but how much difference would the 19 inch one make as far as blocking the wind? Thanks for all opinions.

[Gear Jammer]

I wouldn't think that a shield just 2 inches shorter would make that much difference in the amount of wind you get.  More important to me is, how well am I able to see over the shield.  Most of the shield mfgs show images on how high it should be relative to your head, and most show your eyes should be just above the top edge.  QOTFU's shield is only 15 inches from headlight cutout to top.  YMMV and this is just my .02

[DFragn]

Don't go by an average height we use. Use these directions from www.ceebaileys.com to measure for your appropriate windscreen height.

WINDSHIELD HEIGHT: How to choose your height/width
1.   If you have a stock , non-adjustable windshield, go to step #2. If your stock shield is mechanically adjustable, lower it to the bottom or lowest position. If your windshield is electrically adjustable (RT, LT, FJR, Connie 14) extend it about a quarter (25%) of the way up.
2.   Get a measuring tape, straight edge, or two yardsticks.
3.   Move your bike to a level spot.
4.   Tape the yardstick to the center of the windshield using masking tape.
5.   Sit on your bike in a normal riding position. From between your chin and no higher than your mouth use a straight edge or additional yardstick pointing towards the shield. Measure in a level line parallel with the ground to the yardstick taped on the shield. As an example if the straight edge from your chin to the taped yardstick on the shield measures about three inches above the top of the shield and it’s level, you would be best suited by a +3” taller shield. Simply put the top of the shield should be even with or just below your mouth. You can do this yourself but having an extra set of eyes is very helpful. Width is dependant on your body type, more robust riders will want more width for better torso protection, while a smaller rider may find that the stock shield works perfect. This is general rule of thumb and is effective for the majority of riders & bikes.

[Duct Tape]

Clearview has some good instructions on their site about how to measure proper windshield height.  It's very simple.  On level ground put an object 50 feet in front of your bike at ground level.  Sit on your bike upright in riding position.  Put a piece of masking tape on your windshield at the point where you would just see the object over the top edge of the masking tape.  This is the proper height for your windshield.  Of course this method is assuming your current windshield is too high -- which I think most are.

Looking over the windshield is a great improvement.  Certainly much safer in rain.  Doesn't appreciably add any wind.

For short riders this could mean a dramatic change in shield height.  As for QOTFU's the change was dramatic.  I think it really improves the look of the bike.

[MP]

Ducttape is right on.  In normal riding position, you want to be able to just see over, and down at the road ahead of you. 

MP

[Willow]

I find my configuration ideal for avoiding the interference of having to look through the windscreen.



I must say, though, there are some drawbacks to this windscreen height in the rain.

[hubcapsc]

I find my configuration ideal for avoiding the interference of having to look through the windscreen.



I must say, though, there are some drawbacks to this windscreen height in the rain.

This works rain or shine:



17 inch Clearview... they suggest mounting it without taking the cover off, they'll let you return it
if you don't like the one you chose... I guess this would be a bad idea if you got the taller wider one 
but I rode my 17 inch one to work like this...

-Mike

[RevJim]

I have the OEM mounts and had a winshield that I looked through.  I learned a way to adjust the winshield from the Ultimate Seat guys this summer at Inzane.  Using a metal strap on the bottom screw of the mount to extend the bottom of the winshield forward drops the height of the winshield.  You don't need to go very far.

[Tx Bohemian]

Thinking about buying a new windshield. I have a Memphis Shade with the quick releases.  It was on the bike when I bought it. Clearview states that they don't furnish the mounts, but that their shields are set up to use the OEM mounts. Can they still be bought. Also, my present windshield is approx. 21 inches high and I have to really stretch to see over it. What height shield do most of you use. My bike is a std. Clearview has a 17, 19, 21.5 inch shields. I know that I don't want to go any higher than I am now, but how much difference would the 19 inch one make as far as blocking the wind? Thanks for all opinions.

I had to make sure I didn't write this question for I too have bought a Standard bike with a Memphis shades windshield that is way too high for me, by about 4" ( 21").  I hate looking through it.  I just read the post about the 10% off of Clearview purchases and the "how to" measurements for correct height winshields.

However it says to measure from the top of the shield to the bottom.  I take it the bottom is the opening of the headlight hole, right??

[sheets]

My Clearview is 17" from headlight cut-out above the can to top of shield.
A vast improvement over the stock OEM size.  Perfect set up, in my opinion. 
No measurable increase in wind for me.  Co-pilot gets a bit more wind.  Ymmv,

[Mike in AR]

Willow, I used that same exact configuration for years.javascript:void(0);The Valk is the first bike I ever owned with a windshield, and I got to admit, now I'm a little bit spoiled.

[Tundra]

Mine was 21", it was getting in bad shape, lots of miles and delaminating. Before ordering a new one I cut it down to 16.5" just to see. What the heck? The old one was crap any way?
  Well, I fell in love with the new height, especially with my bad eyes straining to see "through" the old crappie one.  For me, looking over is a vast improvement! Same wind protection (surprising), better on foggy mornings or humid Florida days, when I roll out of the garage and it would fog up. Now it doesn't matter, I look right over it.
  I agree with DFragn, those are the proper directions for correct windshield height measurement. Opinions are nice to read, but if your gonna lay out the denero for a new one, do it right.