1. After 20+ years it's time to pass the torch. If you are interested in acquiring this forum please contact support@cv-performance.com for details. Any spam will be reported and blocked.
  2. Welcome to Bike Talk, a forum for all bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. If you are new to Bike Talk, be sure to register for free and join the conversation.

    There's always someone around willing to help out with questions or give a friendly wave back. All Harley and metric riders are welcome.

Best Windshield Choice

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by HellBoy, Feb 29, 2008.

  1. HellBoy

    HellBoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2008
    Messages:
    706
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NYC
    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?
  2. fxdxsteve

    fxdxsteve Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2007
    Messages:
    213
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    san leandro ca
    the windvest is a good looking easily detachable windshield also
  3. HellBoy

    HellBoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2008
    Messages:
    706
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NYC
    Thanks fxdxsteve, who make the windvest?
  4. fxdxsteve

    fxdxsteve Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2007
    Messages:
    213
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    san leandro ca
  5. AFNurse

    AFNurse Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2004
    Messages:
    1,484
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Great Falls, MT or deployed to......
    Memphas Shades also makes good product. just have to find which one fits your bike.
  6. HARLEY GRT R

    HARLEY GRT R New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2008
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    KOKOMO, IND.
    I Got A Wind Vest On My Streetbob For Travalin... >> They Make 3 Different Heights ... I Got The 14 Inch .... Works Great >> Very Strong....
  7. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    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...........:)
  8. HellBoy

    HellBoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2008
    Messages:
    706
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NYC
    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.
  9. SPORSTERBOY

    SPORSTERBOY New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,009
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    spokane, wa.
    C'MON HELLBOY, BE HARD CORE, A LITTLE WIND MAKES THE RIDE BETTER, UNTIL IT RAINS:roflmao: 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.
  10. HellBoy

    HellBoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2008
    Messages:
    706
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NYC
    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.
  11. Hot01

    Hot01 Active Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2004
    Messages:
    1,503
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Northern Colorado
    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.
  12. SPORSTERBOY

    SPORSTERBOY New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,009
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    spokane, wa.
    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.

    Attached Files:

  13. HellBoy

    HellBoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2008
    Messages:
    706
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NYC
    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.
  14. voodoo1

    voodoo1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2004
    Messages:
    525
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Ohio
    Memphis shades

    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.
  15. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    i have two friends that have the harley brand of windscreens....quick detach and they both love them........hope this helps.........:)
  16. HellBoy

    HellBoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2008
    Messages:
    706
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NYC
    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.
  17. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2006
    Messages:
    9,926
    Likes Received:
    50
    Location:
    Alvin TX
    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 :D
  18. HellBoy

    HellBoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2008
    Messages:
    706
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NYC
    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.
  19. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    ouch!!!!!!! hope ya get outbid!!!!!!!:)
  20. HellBoy

    HellBoy New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2008
    Messages:
    706
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NYC
    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.

Share This Page