If you are in the market for a new windshield then you might have found yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of options when it comes to different sizes and shapes. Everyone is going to be different and no set of rules will apply to every rider so understand that these are general guidelines to get you close.

First, most manufacturers will measure a windshield from the top of the windshield in the center, to where the windshield goes into the Fairing. In other words, only the part of the shield that shows is what is measured. Detachable windshields are different and are usually either small, medium or large or something similar.

So What size should you buy? Great question but it's a complex one. Many things can affect what windshield size is best for the rider .. Rider height, seating position, low seat, riding two up, etc... In general, most riders want to look over the windshield by about 2 inches give or take. This would put the top of the windshield about even with the top of your chin. This will allow you to either look over the windshield or through it if you prefer.

Airflow from the Fairing and Windshield

Rule #1 ... You are riding a motorcycle. No matter how tall the windshield, some air will escape and find you! You cannot avoid it.

Aerodynamics is the key factor to controlling airflow and the Harley Davidson Fairing design has poor aerodynamics and the design is basically unchanged over the last 20 yrs. In addition, the front wheel acts like a rudder and splits the lower airflow to each side of the bike.

Another source of a lot of air comes in under the Fairing then upward towards the fuel tank. This airflow is what cools the motor and some of the air from under the Fairing will flow upwards and hit the rider in the chest or sneak up under your glasses.

The majority of the upper airflow from a HD Fairing is controlled by the Fairing shape...the windshield just continues it upward. This is why a Glide series with a 4 inch shield will make you feel like you're getting more air than a RoadKing with no windshield.

The shorter the windshield, the more air will "spill over" the top and hit the rider. The taller the windshield, the less amount of wind will hit the rider. Motorcycle speed will change the airflow dynamics ... the slower or faster you go, the airflow changes accordingly. If you want as little airflow as possible, then pick the tallest windshield you can live with.

If you want NO wind at all and prefer an airless environment... buy a full faced helmet and a Goldwing with a BIG shield !

Memphis Shades Batwings

Memphis Shades is one of the best names in the business when it comes to windshields and windscreens for your Harley Davidson motorcycle. If you are looking to cut some of the wind while still keeping the open cockpit style then the Memphis Shades Batwing style Fairing might be the perfect ticket for you.

Installation is extremely simple and the style and attitude that it brings to your Harley Davidson motorcycle is incredible. If you want the Street Glide or Electra Glide look without having to trade your motorcycle in then you really need to give the Memphis Shades windshields a good solid look as they may accomplish what you need without the hefty trade in penalty. Check out the selection of Memphis Shades Batwing Fairings below.

Many Street Glide owners report a significant amount of wind buffeting when they first ride their new Street Glide. In some cases, it's enough to deter them from buying the motorcycle at all, and that's a shame because it really is a simple fix.

Wind buffeting is not simply wind on your head like many riders think but rather it is a turbulent effect that is generated from the fairing of a bike like a Street Glide. This turbulence will actually rock your head back and forth almost like it were on a swivel but just at a high speed. It can range from mildly annoying to quite painful and dangerous because you cannot keep clear vision going down the road.

One of the easiest cures for this effect is to simply change the windshield. The short windshield that comes stock on the Street Glide is not pushing the air up high enough to make it over your head, but rather it is hitting you right in the face, and likely right under the chin. This will rock your head back and forth and create the buffeting effect.

All riders are different and some will simply put a windshield on that will shield their whole head and they just look through the shield all the time. Others prefer the look of the shorter shield but want the protection of a taller shield so they try to find just the right balance. A good rule of thumb that will work for most riders is to purchase a shield that the top will be right about even with their lower lip. This will allow them to still look over the windshield and still push the wind up over the head and minimize the buffeting.

I am one of those riders that wants as short of a windshield as possible for the "look" and I am not ashamed to admit it. I want my Street Glide to both look great and function great. A company called Clearview has a windshield that seems to be the ticket for people like us. It's called a Recurve. The Clearview Recurve windshields have a slight outward facing curve at the top of the shield that will direct the windflow up an additional 1.5 to 2 inches. This will allow a rider to essentially purchase a windshield that is 2 inches shorter than they normally would need.

If you are in the market for a new windshield for your Street Glide then give the Clearview windshields a look. They function great and are very well constructed. They are preformed for easy installation and are made from a premium high impact acrylic blend material that will last a long time. You also have a variety of colors to choose from as well.