Which windshield?

forgetaboudit · 05-26-2021, 08:19 PM

Hey gang, I just recently bought a '12 Vaquero from my father as a 2nd bike to my M109R.
I love having a windshield, but the one thats on it is very tall. I've looked at getting a shorter one, and I'm not sure what size to go with.
I'm about 6' tall and would like it shorter, but not too short it doesnt block the wind.
Anyone have some pointers, or about my height that could help me figure out what height shield I need?

redjay · 05-26-2021, 09:19 PM

Mark the windshield with masking tape where you think you would like the height to be. Then take the bike for a ride just to be sure.

Then cut the windshield (or have someone do it for you).
Alternatively buy a windshield at the height you have chosen using the masking tape method as a guide for the height.

There are lots of videos on YouTube that show how to cut a windshield.

mbarr10 · 05-27-2021, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

Mark the windshield with masking tape where you think you would like the height to be. Then take the bike for a ride just to be sure.

Then cut the windshield (or have someone do it for you).
Alternatively buy a windshield at the height you have chosen using the masking tape method as a guide for the height.

There are lots of videos on YouTube that show how to cut a windshield.

Home Depot and other places have Plexiglass jig saw blades this will reduce in most instances of cracking. Double or triple up the tape to avoid the shoe of the saw scratching your shield. Torching the cut marks to clear them up is a scary thing. Sanding will still leave some cloudiness. Maybe wet to 6,000 grit will work for you.

Make sure you have the seat you want to keep, before any decisions are made on Height. Mustang=tall, Stock =baseline , Corbin = Low seat height. these will vary by 1-1.5 inches. could be a game changer on long trips.

I know these are spendy but the Clearview shields are very thick and solid. You measure from the top of the key ring to order the height you want. I drove around with cardboard taped down to make sure I had the height I wanted. I recommend the Vent if you go Medium and up on the shield.

Just some thoughts, from experience

**JD Hog** · 05-27-2021, 04:39 PM

I second the Clearview with the vent as it works great for allowing some air behind the windshield on warmer days.

Peg · 05-27-2021, 10:15 PM

A tall screen is not OEM for the Vaq, so a previous owner has replaced it with either Kaw OEM for a Voyager, or with an aftermarket screen.

Either way, it's easier to put a little masking tape on and ride, to assess the height you want the screen, then measure that height and cut the bottom of the screen, not the top... That way there's not so much sanding and shaping to do, and less opportunity that any mistakes you make are right there for you to look at every time you ride. Cut it a few inches at a time & try it out if you want to use a cautious approach.

Voyagers have a chrome trim covering the bottom of the screen. You can always put one of those on to cover any imperfection. Paint it black or wrap it if you need to.

I did all that with my OEM Kaw screen, which was far too high - I need to look over, not through - especially in bad weather... Then I put an aftermarket screen on anyway, a 12" Windvest which I later put a Goldwing vent in. Huge improvement over OEM.

The Black Knight · 05-28-2021, 06:41 AM

forgetaboudit · 05-28-2021, 11:44 PM

Great ideas! I'll throw on some tape and ride for a little while like suggested. I'll also look into PVC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peg

A tall screen is not OEM for the Vaq, so a previous owner has replaced it with either Kaw OEM for a Voyager, or with an aftermarket screen.

I measured 20" roughly from the key to the top of the shield.
I'm not sure if I'll like looking through or over the shield as this is my first windshield on a bike.

mbarr10 · 05-29-2021, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forgetaboudit

Great ideas! I'll throw on some tape and ride for a little while like suggested. I'll also look into PVC

I measured 20" roughly from the key to the top of the shield.
I'm not sure if I'll like looking through or over the shield as this is my first windshield on a bike.

A thought on looking thru and looking over:

(Thru) At speed you do not have a windshield wiper. You can not get a clear view of the road ahead. Looking thru SUCKS.

( Over) At speed you look over, your helmet and glasses stay pretty clear since the wind goes up and over. Much safer since you can see the road better.

Just a thought to keep in mind before you cut.

Ponitail · 05-29-2021, 08:53 AM

If you wish to see over the screen rather than through it, the top of the screen should be even with the tip of your nose. You can use a level and a piece of masking tape on the windshield to accomplish this. This will allow great vision yet push the air up over your head. I have a Klock Werks on my Voyager and love it. It pushes the airstream 3-4 inches above my head.

redjay · 05-29-2021, 05:17 PM

I prefer to look through the windshield and get better wind protection and less noise.
I don't ride in the rain unless I get caught in it and if I straighten my back I can see over the windshield if necessary.

Whatever suits the individual and the type of riding they do works best I guess.

mbarr10 · 05-29-2021, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

I prefer to look through the windshield and get better wind protection and less noise.
I don't ride in the rain unless I get caught in it and if I straighten my back I can see over the windshield if necessary.

Whatever suits the individual and the type of riding they do works best I guess.

Now that is an IDEAL height.

**Sabre-t** · 05-30-2021, 12:08 AM

If your windshield fogs up and you are looking thru it, you're screwed. If you helmet visor fogs up, you can clear it with your hand.

I was taught that you should always have your windshield height so that you can look over it. I'm glad I was because I have ridden over rivers early in the morning and had my windshield fog up so badly that it was impossible to see thru it. You don't have to ride in rain to get your blinding moisture on your windshield.

ziffle · 06-13-2021, 08:59 AM

Hi guys,I cut my stock windshield on my 2020 voyager down to 12

forgetaboudit · 06-13-2021, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziffle

Hi guys,I cut my stock windshield on my 2020 voyager down to 12

Did you have any chipping or cracking?
What did you use to cut it?
Really tempted to try it myself

redjay · 06-13-2021, 02:53 PM

I used a fairly coarse blade in a jigsaw on slow speed. No chipping or cracking. Be sure to use plenty of masking tape to avoid scratching the windshield with the jig saw. Finish the job with a file to clean up the edges being very careful not to slip off and make a scratch.

05-26-2021, 08:19 PM	#1
forgetaboudit Jr. Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 24	Which windshield? Hey gang, I just recently bought a '12 Vaquero from my father as a 2nd bike to my M109R. I love having a windshield, but the one thats on it is very tall. I've looked at getting a shorter one, and I'm not sure what size to go with. I'm about 6' tall and would like it shorter, but not too short it doesnt block the wind. Anyone have some pointers, or about my height that could help me figure out what height shield I need? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-27-2021, 04:39 PM	#4
JD Hog Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Placerville, CA Posts: 2,960	I second the Clearview with the vent as it works great for allowing some air behind the windshield on warmer days. __________________ Jim Diebolt 2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS The Black Kaw 2005 Vulcan Nomad Sold 2006 Honda 1800 VTX (Freebie) Sold 2008 Harley Ultra Classic Sold 2001 Harley Ultra Classic Sold Hangtown, Kalifornia VBA #2625
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05-27-2021, 10:15 PM	#5
Peg Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: West Coast, North Island, New Zealand Posts: 1,375	A tall screen is not OEM for the Vaq, so a previous owner has replaced it with either Kaw OEM for a Voyager, or with an aftermarket screen. Either way, it's easier to put a little masking tape on and ride, to assess the height you want the screen, then measure that height and cut the bottom of the screen, not the top... That way there's not so much sanding and shaping to do, and less opportunity that any mistakes you make are right there for you to look at every time you ride. Cut it a few inches at a time & try it out if you want to use a cautious approach. Voyagers have a chrome trim covering the bottom of the screen. You can always put one of those on to cover any imperfection. Paint it black or wrap it if you need to. I did all that with my OEM Kaw screen, which was far too high - I need to look over, not through - especially in bad weather... Then I put an aftermarket screen on anyway, a 12" Windvest which I later put a Goldwing vent in. Huge improvement over OEM. __________________ Nothing screams poor workmanship like wrinkles in the duct tape '02 1500 blonde Nomad (Sold) '97 800 burgundy Classic (Sold) Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-28-2021, 06:41 AM	#6
The Black Knight Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Italy Posts: 6,223	__________________ VBA 02514 - VROC 35394 VN 800 A - VN 900 Classic VN 1700 Vaquero Usque ad finem.
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06-13-2021, 08:59 AM	#13
ziffle Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Winnipeg,mb,ca Posts: 13	Tall windshield Hi guys,I cut my stock windshield on my 2020 voyager down to 12
	0

05-26-2021, 09:19 PM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,982	Mark the windshield with masking tape where you think you would like the height to be. Then take the bike for a ride just to be sure. Then cut the windshield (or have someone do it for you). Alternatively buy a windshield at the height you have chosen using the masking tape method as a guide for the height. There are lots of videos on YouTube that show how to cut a windshield.
	0

05-29-2021, 08:53 AM	#9
Ponitail Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 150	If you wish to see over the screen rather than through it, the top of the screen should be even with the tip of your nose. You can use a level and a piece of masking tape on the windshield to accomplish this. This will allow great vision yet push the air up over your head. I have a Klock Werks on my Voyager and love it. It pushes the airstream 3-4 inches above my head.
	0

05-29-2021, 05:17 PM	#10
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,982	I prefer to look through the windshield and get better wind protection and less noise. I don't ride in the rain unless I get caught in it and if I straighten my back I can see over the windshield if necessary. Whatever suits the individual and the type of riding they do works best I guess.
	0

05-30-2021, 12:08 AM	#12
Sabre-t Join Date: May 2015 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 838	If your windshield fogs up and you are looking thru it, you're screwed. If you helmet visor fogs up, you can clear it with your hand. I was taught that you should always have your windshield height so that you can look over it. I'm glad I was because I have ridden over rivers early in the morning and had my windshield fog up so badly that it was impossible to see thru it. You don't have to ride in rain to get your blinding moisture on your windshield.
	0

06-13-2021, 02:53 PM	#15
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,982	I used a fairly coarse blade in a jigsaw on slow speed. No chipping or cracking. Be sure to use plenty of masking tape to avoid scratching the windshield with the jig saw. Finish the job with a file to clean up the edges being very careful not to slip off and make a scratch.
	0