New to Forum... Question about windshields. - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

1woody1 · 02-14-2007, 08:04 PM

Hello everyone. Just joined the forum and would like to bounce a question off of y-all. I have been kicking around the idea of putting a shield on my Honda VTX1300c cruiser. I am planning two very long trips and know a shield would make the trip a bit easier on the body. Problem is I have no idea what to look for and what the downfalls are. My concerns are buffeting, vision obscurities and handling problems. I also have no idea what type of shield to get. My budy told me about some type of wind deflector thats small and works just as good. Thanks for any info...

JmalB · 02-15-2007, 03:34 AM

mephisshades.com

You want a shield that isn't so tall that you look thru it while you ride. The handling shouldn't be a problem unless you get a bar mounted model, iirc.

Scott58 · 02-15-2007, 07:50 AM

Chin height is a good bench mark. For me a windshield destroys the looks of a motorcycle, but they are a godsend on long trips. Visually, the smaller they are the better I like them, but you give up alot of comfort. The larger you go the more you run the risk of turning them into a sail. Especially with a lighter bike. In the end it's always a tradeoff and depends on what you want to deal with.

**Clint** · 02-15-2007, 09:19 AM

Welcome. If you can get the wind off your chest, you're in good shape. You might have to wear earplugs, but that's a good idea anyway. Noise doesn't have to be painful to be damaging.

robertc729 · 02-15-2007, 03:38 PM

1woody1 · 02-15-2007, 08:45 PM

Thanks for the advice. Very much appreciated

hammersfan · 02-15-2007, 08:50 PM

I have a couple of riding buddies with VTX's and they both have Memphis shields , the ones with the color gradient matching their bikes, not sure which windshield models they are but they look real good on their bikes.

rathr-b-cruisin · 02-17-2007, 07:47 AM

I put a slipstreamer on my bike last year and I'll never go without one again. So much better than getting blasted with road debris and all. Last summer I had a rock that hit the shield so hard it cracked it, if I didn't have that shield the rock would have blasted me in the neck. I've always read that you should look for a shield that is short enough to look over, usually about the nose. Mine is just tall enough that I don't feel much wind at all, but my wife sitting on the back catches a lot of air. I have no buffeting at all. On mine you can adjust the angle a little. I would definitely get one.

Rickster · 02-17-2007, 09:52 AM

The reason people give for having a windshield that you can see over, is so you can still see, if the windshield gets covered with bugs, or if it's raining. That being said, I've ridden a lot of miles, in all kinds of conditions, including pouring rain, and never felt at a disadvantage, with a windshield that was higher than my head.

I use Rain/X on my windshield, and my helmet visors. The warning label says it will eat some plastics, so always try it on a small out of the way place first. Leave it on the test area for at least two weeks, before putting it on the whole shield. I carry it in my saddle bags, the single use, wet wipe style.

tallannie · 02-17-2007, 12:03 PM

...just a warning.... I posted elsewhere about the rust on the Memphis shades chrome... only a month old and a whole bunch of areas on edges of metal flat strips are showing rust...

Memphis is "sending new strips" but still.....evidence of poor surface prep and thin chroming....

Otherwise this is a great well engineered addition to my bike. Install was easy and it comes off super easy if you dont want it....

blackie1491 · 02-17-2007, 03:13 PM

Some parts departments carry windshield mock ups so you can be fitted for the correct height for you and your bike.

Rickster · 02-17-2007, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackie1491

Some parts departments carry windshield mock ups so you can be fitted for the correct height for you and your bike.

You been going to the Harley dealer again haven't you?

In my area, they are the only ones that have mock ups like that.

blackie1491 · 02-18-2007, 11:45 AM

Have not been in a Harley dealership since a riding buddy sold his.
10 years!!!!

Cruiser · 04-08-2007, 11:23 AM

Where is a good place to look for the little adjustable delector that can be attached to the top of a windshield?

Rickster · 04-08-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiser

Where is a good place to look for the little adjustable delector that can be attached to the top of a windshield?

I think what your referring to is called a "laminar lip". Try doing a Google search. I think your going to find that they are "bike", or at least windshield brand specific.

Cruiser · 04-08-2007, 07:35 PM

Thats it! Thanks

critter · 04-08-2007, 11:09 PM

this is great information. i'm getting a new bike with a windshield, and had some of these concerns. the biggest concern for me is that of buffeting or turbulance at speed. i may the type that takes it off, but put it on for long trips.

Cajundude · 04-15-2007, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1woody1

Hello everyone. Just joined the forum and would like to bounce a question off of y-all. I have been kicking around the idea of putting a shield on my Honda VTX1300c cruiser. I am planning two very long trips and know a shield would make the trip a bit easier on the body. Problem is I have no idea what to look for and what the downfalls are. My concerns are buffeting, vision obscurities and handling problems. I also have no idea what type of shield to get. My budy told me about some type of wind deflector thats small and works just as good. Thanks for any info...

I've got a National Cycle Switchblade system on mine...normally ride with the 2-up 21" on long trips to cut down on buffetting and it's great to hide behind in the rain! Nice thing is, no bolts to undo so you can pull it on and off in seconds. The system also includes three other sizes, that can be switched on an off as well. With the cold lingering this year, I've pretty much left the 2-up on until yesterday when doing some maintenance work on the scooters when I took it off...I forgot how sleek looking a "C" really is...

Here's what I look like with the 2-up and rigged for hauling a second and gear...which will be the case for a while...

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...s/DSCN0173.jpg

Check out Honda Direct Line and their Selection at: Shop By Product

Be sure to stop by the VTXOA site too - Honda VTX Owners, as it has a ton of great tech tips, localized sites and great people.

Enjoy!
Jim
aka Cajundude

02-14-2007, 08:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
1woody1 Newbie Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2	New to Forum... Question about windshields. Hello everyone. Just joined the forum and would like to bounce a question off of y-all. I have been kicking around the idea of putting a shield on my Honda VTX1300c cruiser. I am planning two very long trips and know a shield would make the trip a bit easier on the body. Problem is I have no idea what to look for and what the downfalls are. My concerns are buffeting, vision obscurities and handling problems. I also have no idea what type of shield to get. My budy told me about some type of wind deflector thats small and works just as good. Thanks for any info...

02-15-2007, 08:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
hammersfan U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2008 C90 SE Location: Ajax ,Ontario ,Canada Posts: 1,214	I have a couple of riding buddies with VTX's and they both have Memphis shields , the ones with the color gradient matching their bikes, not sure which windshield models they are but they look real good on their bikes. __________________ Ride Safe Hammersfan

02-17-2007, 07:47 AM	#8 (permalink)
rathr-b-cruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard C50 Location: Michigan Posts: 305	I put a slipstreamer on my bike last year and I'll never go without one again. So much better than getting blasted with road debris and all. Last summer I had a rock that hit the shield so hard it cracked it, if I didn't have that shield the rock would have blasted me in the neck. I've always read that you should look for a shield that is short enough to look over, usually about the nose. Mine is just tall enough that I don't feel much wind at all, but my wife sitting on the back catches a lot of air. I have no buffeting at all. On mine you can adjust the angle a little. I would definitely get one. Last edited by rathr-b-cruisin; 02-17-2007 at 10:22 AM.

02-17-2007, 09:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,914	The reason people give for having a windshield that you can see over, is so you can still see, if the windshield gets covered with bugs, or if it's raining. That being said, I've ridden a lot of miles, in all kinds of conditions, including pouring rain, and never felt at a disadvantage, with a windshield that was higher than my head. I use Rain/X on my windshield, and my helmet visors. The warning label says it will eat some plastics, so always try it on a small out of the way place first. Leave it on the test area for at least two weeks, before putting it on the whole shield. I carry it in my saddle bags, the single use, wet wipe style. __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

02-17-2007, 12:03 PM	#10 (permalink)
tallannie Sit speling cheker Joined: Dec 2006 Bike: C50 Boulevard Location: Hillsboro, Oregon Posts: 1,874	Rust on chrome.. ...just a warning.... I posted elsewhere about the rust on the Memphis shades chrome... only a month old and a whole bunch of areas on edges of metal flat strips are showing rust... Memphis is "sending new strips" but still.....evidence of poor surface prep and thin chroming.... Otherwise this is a great well engineered addition to my bike. Install was easy and it comes off super easy if you dont want it.... __________________ ...Just in Time moto-cookie delivery Last edited by tallannie; 08-11-2007 at 10:14 PM.

02-15-2007, 07:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Scott58 Puddle Runner Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 05 Honda Rebel and 05 Suzuki S50 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 394	Chin height is a good bench mark. For me a windshield destroys the looks of a motorcycle, but they are a godsend on long trips. Visually, the smaller they are the better I like them, but you give up alot of comfort. The larger you go the more you run the risk of turning them into a sail. Especially with a lighter bike. In the end it's always a tradeoff and depends on what you want to deal with.

02-15-2007, 03:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,958

02-15-2007, 08:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
1woody1 Newbie Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2	Thanks for the advice. Very much appreciated

02-17-2007, 03:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,210	Some parts departments carry windshield mock ups so you can be fitted for the correct height for you and your bike.

02-18-2007, 11:45 AM	#13 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,210	Have not been in a Harley dealership since a riding buddy sold his. 10 years!!!!

04-08-2007, 11:23 AM	#14 (permalink)
Cruiser Newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 12	Where is a good place to look for the little adjustable delector that can be attached to the top of a windshield?

04-08-2007, 07:35 PM	#16 (permalink)
Cruiser Newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 12	Thats it! Thanks

04-08-2007, 11:09 PM	#17 (permalink)
critter Where Am I ? Joined: Mar 2007 Bike: 2006 Yamaha Roadstar Midnight Silverado Location: Indiana Posts: 28	this is great information. i'm getting a new bike with a windshield, and had some of these concerns. the biggest concern for me is that of buffeting or turbulance at speed. i may the type that takes it off, but put it on for long trips. __________________ my two rides: 06 Yamaha Roadstar Midnight Silverado and 04 Nissan Titan

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