Stock 21,5" Windshield Tourer .. cutting it down

[Maxviking]

Hi all, have some issues with my stock windshield 21,5" and was considering cutting it down. I has some damages in the top area, and i will buy a new so i though why not make the old on a "summer screen". Also have some exhaust fumes accumulating riding a lower speeds, and it's sort of borderline regarding sightline.

So my question would be what height i should aim for?

Did a mock-up and ended up with 15" .. is that a bit radical maybe and how wold it work on highway speeds.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/owuocfk5dciy21x/screen%20cut.jpg?dl=0

[Jess from VA]

So my question would be what height i should aim for?

Well, I've always looked for the top edge of a shield to be even with my mouth to my nose, sitting comfortably, not to attention or slouched.  The idea is to be able to see over it, but be able to get under it for bad weather, buzzards, nighttime buggies, or uncovered gravel trucks (without ridiculous effort in either direction).

But, with shields not on fairings, I've also discovered that pushing one out at the bottom and back at the top a little can give a better fairing-like, less barn-door airflow.  And if you do this, you must do the mount mod before you start cutting, because you're going to need a bit more shield height/length to reach as high as you want.  Some have modded short aluminum extensions on the bottom mounts to push it further out.

Taller is nicer in cold (or extended trips where anything is possible), shorter for hot. (and some may have two for this purpose)

I've had shields so badly fouled from rain, mud or fog, they cannot be seen though at all.

Finally, optimal shield height may be affected by the type of helmet you wear.  A full face/flip face can take more wind than a half (but even though a full face can take more wind, you still have the issue of head/helmet buffeting, which may not be bad just cruising, but can get worse at higher speeds and for distance).

[WintrSol]

I agree with Jess; I like to look over, not through. The guy I ride with prefers a much taller shield - to each his own. I have a 'Wing vent cut into mine, so cooling air is not an issue for my shield.

[gordonv]

What I did was place 3 rows of tap horizontally in the middle of the screen. Took the bike out for a long ride, and paid attention to which tap was below the point I was looking through the screen at, which would be my new top height. I want to be able to look over my windscreen, not through it.

Inches are meaningless, as it is only one point in the equation. The other would be your eye height from the seat height.

[Willow]

I've mine cut to eight inches.  I don't think 15 is too extreme.