[HellBoy]

I'm thinking of getting the low profile, quick release detachable Harley windshield for my 2003 Sportster. I won't be needing it often, but do plan a few 300 mile + highway rides this summer and the easy on/off windshield is appealing for those trips when I may be doing a steady 60+ MPH. I've noticed quite a few of these available on Ebay and thought I should get some recommendations first. There's also the "sport" quick release shield that thinner and higher on Ebay as well.

Any thoughts or suggestions before I bid on one?

[fxdxsteve]

the windvest is a good looking easily detachable windshield also

[HellBoy]

Thanks fxdxsteve, who make the windvest?

[fxdxsteve]

WindVest

[AFNurse]

Memphas Shades also makes good product. just have to find which one fits your bike.

[HARLEY GRT R]

I Got A Wind Vest On My Streetbob For Travalin... >> They Make 3 Different Heights ... I Got The 14 Inch .... Works Great >> Very Strong....

[chucktx]

hellboy........do you have a wide front end or the stock one. i have a new detachable windscreen but it is for the wide frontends...........

[HellBoy]

Thanks guys. I have the stock front Chuck, but thanks. The Windvest makes lot's of sense and is obviously a handsome, well thought out modern design. Since I plan on using a windshield for only two or three 150-300 mile trips a year, I prefer the Harley type that doesn't leave any hardware on the bike.

There's a "low profile" quick release and a "sport" shield that Harley makes. I'm wondering if anyone has tried any of Harley's quick release shields.

[SPORSTERBOY]

C'MON HELLBOY, BE HARD CORE, A LITTLE WIND MAKES THE RIDE BETTER, UNTIL IT RAINS YOUR A TALL FELLOW, AND IF YOU PLAN ON KEEPING THE BIKE YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO THINGS TO THE BIKE TO FIT YOUR SIZE. SO YOU DON'T GET THE MONKEY ON A TRICYCLE EFFECT. I SEE YOU GOING IN A BAGGER DIRECTION. THERE ARE ALL SORT OF LITTLE TRICKS TO MAKING A SPORTY FIT YOU.

[HellBoy]

Too true Sportsterboy. I don't mind the wind at all up to about 62 for an hour's ride. I'm only thinking of the future when I go from NYC to my friends farm upstate NY (200 miles) and might have to do 65 -75 in some areas to keep safe, or who knows, Montreal?

I'm checking into whether my forward brake control can be moved forward (down) an inch or so, that would dial in the brake better for my lanky frame. I'm also experimenting with seats to see which one sets me back or up enough to fit in nicely. Don't know why, but my 2003 Sporty's more comfortable than the 2008's I sat on at the dealer's.

[Hot01]

A windshield is definitely nice for a long ride, especially when there could be rain involved. I've found that a windshield makes a huge difference with the rain - like the difference between a decent ride even if I get a little wet as opposed to lots of little darts hitting me in the face. Even though my Memphis Shades windshield is not that high, it makes a lot of difference.

I like my Memphis Shades, but I've been eying the H-D one too. I like that fact that it leaves no hardware behind. Unfortunately it's hard to spend the $400 when I already have a detachable that works well. I know someone who has it and he likes it.

[SPORSTERBOY]

Here's My Old Seat, It's A Low Profile, Sat Me Pretty Far Back. I'm 6'. You'll Run Into More Trouble Than It's Worth Modifying The Forward Control Brackets. The Left Side Is Easy But The Right Side You Run Into The Brake And Front Pipe Issue. The Easy Way Like I Did Was To Make Longer Foot Pegs So Your Feet Kick Out Wider. Same With The Bars. I Made Those Wider. Then Your Not All Bunched Up On The Bike. A Mid Ape Hanger About 10" Rise Ive Seen Do Pretty Well For Long Arms. Seats For Sale Can't Use It Anymore. 100 Bucks You Pay Shiping.

[HellBoy]

Thanks Sportsterboy, I appreciate you passing on some of your experiences with the Sporty. That seat looks really good and $100 is a fair asking price, but it almost identical to the 100th Anniversary Badlander seat I bought from the previous owner. I also have one of those Harley "Sundowner" 2 up seats which is really comfortable and brings me up in a way that makes handling the bike much easier, unfortunately I think it's butt ugly.

Thanks for the OK on the Harley Quick Release windshield. I'd love to hear from someone who has tried the "Sport" version of the Quick Release shield.

I'm currently looking for a solo seat at the moment and can't decide between LaPera and Harley. I don't need the types that bring you lower to the ground.

[voodoo1]

they bolt two brackets in 5 minutes you are ready. Then the shield goes on in less than 20sec. Good thing is the brakcet I got handle the "slims" and the "fat" windshields. so there is an opportunity to buy more than one kind of windshield for different occassions. Then if ya don't use a windshield at all the brackets are barely noticiable. No moving parts either. No hinges to go bad, no latches to break. For the money they are worth it and look good. JMHO. If ya look the price difference is insanely good compared to HD.

[chucktx]

Originally Posted by HellBoy

Thanks guys. I have the stock front Chuck, but thanks. The Windvest makes lot's of sense and is obviously a handsome, well thought out modern design. Since I plan on using a windshield for only two or three 150-300 mile trips a year, I prefer the Harley type that doesn't leave any hardware on the bike.

There's a "low profile" quick release and a "sport" shield that Harley makes. I'm wondering if anyone has tried any of Harley's quick release shields.

i have two friends that have the harley brand of windscreens....quick detach and they both love them........hope this helps.........

[HellBoy]

I does indeed Chuck, thanks. Do you happen to know which model they have? There's a Standard, Low Profile (same as Standard, but lower) and Sport model (higher, but not as wide), all with the clear or tinted option.

[cowboy]

My daughter has the sport model for her 04 sporty rode with it a few times & had me take it off says it better with out it , she said it's the way the wind comes around it , she's not that tall about 5.5 I lowered her bike both front & back & seat o her feet set down right on the ground , She did say she want's me to put it back on to try it again

[HellBoy]

I just figured out that I need a standard size height, not a Low Profile because I'm 6'5. I thought the Low Profile would look cooler, now I feel foolish. Unfortunately I made a fairly high bid on eBay and now I'm hoping someone comes along at the last minute to beat me out. There's another Harley Quick Release that no one's bidding on that would be perfect, uggghh...

I won't know which way the cookie crumbles until a little after 8 PM tonight.

[chucktx]

ouch!!!!!!! hope ya get outbid!!!!!!!

[HellBoy]

Whew! I bid $235 and someone paid $255. That was close. Now I can look for a deal on a standard height windshield. There's a chance I could get a Harley Quick Release "Super Sport" shield for a really great price. If it remains cheap enough, I can afford to try it out instead of the standard size.

Thanks Chuck.