Getting used to a windshield

c_law23 · 06-08-2013, 05:07 PM

I just put a Rifle 16" dark tinted windshield on my Vaquero. It's definitely taller than I'm use to considering the short shield on the vaq is the only shield I've ever used. I did the measuring and the shield lines up with the tip of my nose. I feel a little uneasy having something just under my line of sight. I assume there's an adjustment period for everyone. It's just...strange. The wind hits about an inch below the top of my helmet so it's probably the shortest I could go. I do really enjoy the improvement of buffeting though. Also I wasn't wild about the bigger shield look wise but I actually like it. Anyone have experiences to share on adjusting to a shield?

Old Bear · 06-08-2013, 10:53 PM

Adjusting to the windshield ...
No need to carry a toothbrush and flose to get bugs out of teeth ...
I can hear myself think again plus the radio, less wind noise ...
Don't tire nearly as quickly from not having to fight the windblast ...
If it doesn't show, I really love having a windshield!

c_law23 · 06-08-2013, 10:59 PM

I took a couple rides today... just finding it to be kind of annoying. Hopefully I'll get used to it because I am enjoying all the pros that you mentioned.

OutlawImmortal · 06-09-2013, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Don't tire nearly as quickly from not having to fight the windblast .

+1

It's like day light and dark in that area to me, you just dont get as tired battling with all the wind and noises etc.

Thats one of the things I noticed when I got my first windshield, always hated the looks of them but I had a 1400 Intruder that had one on it and I told the guy I got from in a trade (got it and cash for my fatboy) I would take it off. First time I rode it I knew it would never come off lol.

As far as adjusting, I never really paid attention to it, but I was a sport bike rider so maybe thats why, I dunno

Kevinhyland · 06-09-2013, 03:36 AM

I have a 15inch on My Vaquero but its clear. It sits about even with the top of my head and the wind goes about 2 inches over my head. It did take a short time to adjust to looking through something, but I ride a lot and would never go back, I can ride 300-400 miles and not even feel tired, plus in high wind the bike cuts through it and is very stable as my body is not catching the wind. Give it a couple of week and you won't even think about it being there.

Monkeyman · 06-09-2013, 07:15 AM

Would this be a bad time to mention that my Victory Vision has an electrically adjustable windscreen? When it's all the way down, I get just the right amount of wind and when it's all the way up, I get no wind/rain.

fammdw · 06-09-2013, 08:22 AM

I have the 14" bronze tint Rifle windshield on mine. I'm 6' 2" and the windshield comes up to around my lip area. I can see over it without any obstruction. I hardly notice it at all and the wind hits me right at the top of my head as it should. You would probably be happier at 14". I think Rifle will let you return it for one free adjustment to the shield if it's bothering you at it's current height.

**Top Cat** · 06-09-2013, 08:36 AM

That shield looks way high to me.
If the top edge is in and out of your vision or you are tilting your head back to look over it you need to lower it or get a shorter shield.
This from Cee Baileys web site.
You need the top of the shield to be slightly above the mouth and no higher than the tip of your nose for light colors. Dark gray and opaque black needs to be somewhere between your lower lip and your chin.
I think your shield is pretty dark.

**Idaho** · 06-09-2013, 09:44 AM

I'm six feet tall and have the stock windshield on my 2007 Nomad. It is the right heigth. I can sit up straight and see over it with no problem or settle down into the seat and hide from wind and rain. When I travel I put in 600 to 1000 mile days and could not do that without the windshield.

It is nice that it catches the bugs and rock chips and I don't miss that part of motorcycling from previous bikes with no windshield.

Tim is right, yours is pretty dark and that may be contributing to your issue. You would probably not even notice if it was clear.

**cnc** · 06-09-2013, 10:03 AM

One of the first things I noticed when I test rode a Vaquero was how windy it was with the stock sheild compared to my Nomad. I can just see over my Nomad one, but can see through it any time if needs be. Being a dark color probably does contribute to you being more aware of it and I wonder that close to your line of vision if it may be dangerous at night.

Old Bear · 06-09-2013, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

Would this be a bad time to mention that my Victory Vision has an electrically adjustable windscreen? When it's all the way down, I get just the right amount of wind and when it's all the way up, I get no wind/rain.

Yes Chris, this is a bad time! Now go back to your corner with BD!

Monkeyman · 06-09-2013, 01:24 PM

I'm in a corner all by myself. The other Vic freaks (Kris, Mike and Brad) ride XCTs. They don't have an e-shield.

On the other hand, I don't have their ginormous saddlebags.

c_law23 · 06-09-2013, 07:11 PM

I really do not think it's too high. I think if it were much shorter I would be getting buffeting as the wind isn't currently going over my helmet. I'm a little confused as to how it can be said its too high, if the height of the rider isn't known? I had my wife take pictures from the front and the top of the shield does land between my nose and lip and that's with my terrible slouchy posture.

I can see it being too dark, though being 6'4" I can see the ground pretty close to the bike. I had a dark 9" shield and was getting buffeting like crazy. I'm thinking about taking an inch off of this one and see how that leaves me. I ordered the 16" so I can trim it if needed, I just think with where the wind hits currently a 14" would be too short. I do have about 250 miles with it on there and am starting to adjust to it but do not have much to compare it with since my only other shield was the 9".

Thanks for the responses. Gives me something to think about.

dank · 06-09-2013, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

I'm in a corner all by myself. The other Vic freaks (Kris, Mike and Brad) ride XCTs. They don't have an e-shield.

On the other hand, I don't have their ginormous saddlebags.

I'm with you, Chris. My ST has an adjustable windscreen. I thought it was a silly extra when I bought it. But now I think it is crazy that they don't make it a feature on all bikes. Really adds to the enjoyment of the ride. XCT's may have big bags, but without the electric windscreen , those guys are just slumming.

gordhunt · 06-10-2013, 08:11 AM

I'm 6'2 and just put on a bagger shield 12.5" and it's perfect for me still get a little wind in the face but zero buffeting

06-08-2013, 05:07 PM	#1
c_law23 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Newark, OH Posts: 222	Getting used to a windshield I just put a Rifle 16" dark tinted windshield on my Vaquero. It's definitely taller than I'm use to considering the short shield on the vaq is the only shield I've ever used. I did the measuring and the shield lines up with the tip of my nose. I feel a little uneasy having something just under my line of sight. I assume there's an adjustment period for everyone. It's just...strange. The wind hits about an inch below the top of my helmet so it's probably the shortest I could go. I do really enjoy the improvement of buffeting though. Also I wasn't wild about the bigger shield look wise but I actually like it. Anyone have experiences to share on adjusting to a shield? __________________ Chris Black 2011 Vaquero 1700 Black 2007 900 Custom (sold) VBA #02389 VROC #24810 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-08-2013, 10:53 PM	#2
Old Bear Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 1,434	Adjusting to the windshield ... No need to carry a toothbrush and flose to get bugs out of teeth ... I can hear myself think again plus the radio, less wind noise ... Don't tire nearly as quickly from not having to fight the windblast ... If it doesn't show, I really love having a windshield! __________________ Jerry "Old Bear" Barker Clarksville, TN Americas Guardians PS MC President, Tennessee 16-A VBA #02203 "Blaze" 2017 Vaquero "Black Magic" 2011 Vaquero, 69k miles, handed down to my son for hopefully many more miles!
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06-08-2013, 10:59 PM	#3
c_law23 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Newark, OH Posts: 222	I took a couple rides today... just finding it to be kind of annoying. Hopefully I'll get used to it because I am enjoying all the pros that you mentioned. __________________ Chris Black 2011 Vaquero 1700 Black 2007 900 Custom (sold) VBA #02389 VROC #24810
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06-09-2013, 03:36 AM	#5
Kevinhyland Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: California Central Coast Posts: 158	I have a 15inch on My Vaquero but its clear. It sits about even with the top of my head and the wind goes about 2 inches over my head. It did take a short time to adjust to looking through something, but I ride a lot and would never go back, I can ride 300-400 miles and not even feel tired, plus in high wind the bike cuts through it and is very stable as my body is not catching the wind. Give it a couple of week and you won't even think about it being there. __________________ VBA Member 02305 2011 Kawasaki Vaquero, Black Cobra Tri Ovals Exhaust Cobra Power Pro K&N High Intake Air Filter EOM 15 Inch Windshield EOM Aux Driving Lights EOM iPod Kit, iPod Touch Mustang Wide Touring Studded Seat Castrol Full Synthetic Racing Oil Kuryakyn Black Iso Grips Kuryakyn Stiletto Grip Ends Kuryakyn Offset Highway Pegs Kuryakyn Black Scythe Mirrors Michelin Commander II Tires Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-09-2013, 07:15 AM	#6
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	Would this be a bad time to mention that my Victory Vision has an electrically adjustable windscreen? When it's all the way down, I get just the right amount of wind and when it's all the way up, I get no wind/rain. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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06-09-2013, 08:22 AM	#7
fammdw Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 543	I have the 14" bronze tint Rifle windshield on mine. I'm 6' 2" and the windshield comes up to around my lip area. I can see over it without any obstruction. I hardly notice it at all and the wind hits me right at the top of my head as it should. You would probably be happier at 14". I think Rifle will let you return it for one free adjustment to the shield if it's bothering you at it's current height. __________________ *Mike Williams* *Wichita, Kansas* VBA Member #02104 2013 HD 110th Anniversary Electra Glide Ultra Limited 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager 2009 Yamaha FJR1300 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad 2002 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom 1989 Yamaha Virago 750
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06-09-2013, 08:36 AM	#8
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	That shield looks way high to me. If the top edge is in and out of your vision or you are tilting your head back to look over it you need to lower it or get a shorter shield. This from Cee Baileys web site. You need the top of the shield to be slightly above the mouth and no higher than the tip of your nose for light colors. Dark gray and opaque black needs to be somewhere between your lower lip and your chin. I think your shield is pretty dark. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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06-09-2013, 09:44 AM	#9
Idaho Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 5,241	I'm six feet tall and have the stock windshield on my 2007 Nomad. It is the right heigth. I can sit up straight and see over it with no problem or settle down into the seat and hide from wind and rain. When I travel I put in 600 to 1000 mile days and could not do that without the windshield. It is nice that it catches the bugs and rock chips and I don't miss that part of motorcycling from previous bikes with no windshield. Tim is right, yours is pretty dark and that may be contributing to your issue. You would probably not even notice if it was clear. __________________ Idaho (aka Curmudgeon) Blue Knights Idaho III VBA #110 VROC #24864 IBA #49753 2007 Nomad 86,000 miles Bud Smalley Pocatello, Idaho Idaho Jack Adapter
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06-09-2013, 10:03 AM	#10
cnc Join Date: May 2009 Location: Montreal QC Posts: 12,034	One of the first things I noticed when I test rode a Vaquero was how windy it was with the stock sheild compared to my Nomad. I can just see over my Nomad one, but can see through it any time if needs be. Being a dark color probably does contribute to you being more aware of it and I wonder that close to your line of vision if it may be dangerous at night. __________________ Norm Ward 2008 blue / silver nomad kawanow / VBA #01136
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06-09-2013, 01:24 PM	#12
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	I'm in a corner all by myself. The other Vic freaks (Kris, Mike and Brad) ride XCTs. They don't have an e-shield. On the other hand, I don't have their ginormous saddlebags. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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06-09-2013, 07:11 PM	#13
c_law23 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Newark, OH Posts: 222	I really do not think it's too high. I think if it were much shorter I would be getting buffeting as the wind isn't currently going over my helmet. I'm a little confused as to how it can be said its too high, if the height of the rider isn't known? I had my wife take pictures from the front and the top of the shield does land between my nose and lip and that's with my terrible slouchy posture. I can see it being too dark, though being 6'4" I can see the ground pretty close to the bike. I had a dark 9" shield and was getting buffeting like crazy. I'm thinking about taking an inch off of this one and see how that leaves me. I ordered the 16" so I can trim it if needed, I just think with where the wind hits currently a 14" would be too short. I do have about 250 miles with it on there and am starting to adjust to it but do not have much to compare it with since my only other shield was the 9". Thanks for the responses. Gives me something to think about. __________________ Chris Black 2011 Vaquero 1700 Black 2007 900 Custom (sold) VBA #02389 VROC #24810 Last edited by c_law23; 06-09-2013 at 08:38 PM.
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06-10-2013, 08:11 AM	#15
gordhunt Jr. Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 16	I'm 6'2 and just put on a bagger shield 12.5" and it's perfect for me still get a little wind in the face but zero buffeting
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