short windshield

[Nails]

I've suspected that XII windshields are taller than really necessary. I cut mine down to put the top an inch or so below my line of sight. (I can't stand looking through these windshields.)

I wanted to try something even shorter but was afraid I'd have to buy a new windshield. So I tried it on Mr. Jensee's windshield instead. It has 8" of windshield showing above the molding. Looking over it, I can see the road about 12 feet in front of me.

I like it! At freeway speed, the slipstream hits about my nose but doesn't seem to push my helmet back. Less turbulence, helmet in cleaner air. If the visor is a click up, I get a little too much air; but it was like that with the taller windshield. At 50MPH, that works great (the draft on my face seems less turbulent). Back on the freeway, there's a pocket of dead air about 8" in front of my mouth -- above that is the slipstream, and toward me is a downdraft, apparently off the visor.

And that's the best part: a significant cooling draft down my chest. I might feel differently about it in cold weather. But maybe not -- my clothes could handle that.

[Mr Jensee]

I am glad the windshield worked for you. BTW your bike looks amazing!

[Nails]

After a little more riding, I like it more. With the full windshield (well, even that was cut down to 15" above the molding -- the edge was well below my line of vision), I had wind at my back. I mean, the airflow seemed to eddy over me, and the only breeze I actually felt was on my back ... with a lot of turbulence.

Now, the wave seems to be lower and maybe further forward -- my head might be right in the curl. At freeway speed, the wind doesn't push me back at all. Instead, there's a pretty strong current blowing down on my shoulders and chest. It gives my mesh jacket something to work with. And that breeze is much cleaner airflow.

The only downside, if it is one, is that I might have more turbulence at the base of my helmet. I don't think rain will be an issue because the air blows downward. (And I'd much rather look through just one wet piece of plastic than two.) I can't judge the noise because I changed my helmet at the same time I changed the windshield. At any rate, it doesn't look like I'll be going back.

I haven't checked with a passenger and have no idea what's going on back there. But I bet my bike is more streamlined!

[cranky]

... interesting... when I got my scoot - stock shield - big sucka! Cut it down
2 1/2" and could see over it... put in Progressive springs.... yup, raised the
front end up! Cut it another 2 1/2"!!!!! ... kinda went a tad overboard, I thought..
but like you, I can see well in front and the shield is no problem at all and still
does it's job. I think I sit even higher as I use an Airhawk and I put wooded
beads on top of it 'cause it's a hot sucka!!! I think the air is hitting at the very
top of my helmet, best I can feel.... Works for me!!!
...just went and measured it.. 15 1/2"... from trim....

Agree with you and number of plastics I want to see thru, just started riding in
serious and went into a fog... that shield went white in an instant!!
Cut it down that day!!!! .. that was on my 'Nomad....

[dsmmrm]

I bought a Cee Bailey that is 2" lower than stock and 4" wider. I like it a lot, I can see over it easily and I don't get hardly any buffeting. I am not sure now much the 2" of added width on each side is responsible for that but I am ok with it. For the record, that configuration results in virtually no taper, the windshield is the about same width at the top as it is at the bottom. It's a little odd aesthetically but not too bad.

I agree with the need to see over it 100%. I won't ride a bike with a shield i can't see over. The idea of having it go opaque in a fog or rainstorm is utterly terrifying to me.

This morning a semi was spraying last night's leftover rain and dirt all over me and my windshield and it didn't bother me vision wise at all. The muddy crap all over my bike didn't thrill me but I digress.

[823JIM]

I too had a Cee Bailey -2" windshield on my XII Voyager, stock width. I wanted to look over it and thought it improved the looks of the bike. A much more streamline and sporty look. I loved it, to bad Cee Bailey are no longer making wind shields for motorcycles.

[Nails]

I hear what you're saying. I had cut mine down a lot too, kinda like yours.
I'm saying that you don't have to fear going further, like half if what you have left.