If you're now sure if there is a difference, "The answer is blowing in the wind, my friend. The answer is blowing in the wind."

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

LOL, love me a good Bob Dylan reference :D The answer IS blowing in the wind... quite literally :D Thanks for watching!

@mattkrumm8141

2 ай бұрын

when the wind screen is to tall wind sheer could get you killed.

Yes! I absolutely keep all of my previous parts! I've never understood the purpose of the vents. I really had trouble understanding their function. Your video is the first very clear illustration of their benefit. Thank you!

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

You're welcome! If you like this one - you'll probably really see the difference in this video, where I used the audio from the camera mounted right above it for part of it: kzread.info/dash/bejne/e6OitKaRh87McaQ.html

Watched this morning with my coffee and came back to comment 🙂. YES...I have parts from 4 bikes ago. And a couple of trucks lol. I received my new Klock Werks windshield today and's its definitely different than stock on the slingshot. I remember on the Ultra I had, I really liked to lower windshield for me, but when she was riding on the back, she wanted the Klock Werks. I loved the KW windshield on the Indian but having an adjustable windshield is just better no mater which windshield you're using.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Oh man, I didn't even know they MADE windshields for Slingshots - that's really cool! I can understand trying to please the pillion, as it were - and adjustable would be so badass... I just don't think Harley is gonna do one :(

I definitely don’t like looking through the windshield. It’s distracting, but I’m easily distracted 🤷🏻‍♂️ Cool test showing the audio waves 👊🏼

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

LOL, I totally get the distraction - and I'm glad you liked the test :D

Great tip John, after my exhausting search on attempting to reduce my current wind buffeting issue, I’ve decided to try a shorter windshield as well. It seems to only be a bigger issue above 70+ mph highway speeds. Hopefully this new solution will be a big improvement 🙂🏍️👍

@RoadReality

Ай бұрын

Thanks, Nick - I hope a shorter shield helps!

Say what you want about windshields , buy I wouldnt ride without one anymore ... I have ridden all sorts of bikes in my life , harleys , sportbikes , enduros , and wind blast was always part of it until I accidentally stumbled upon a 86 goldwing interstate . It has the stock windshield with about 4 inches cut off so I can just see over it ... Honestly , that bike changed my life forever as far as motorcycles go ... I ride that thing everywhere , every chance I can get , its the windshield and fairing . It makes riding so enjoyable now with out the wind blast and bugs to the face . i can ride hours and hours on this thing and feel refreshed ... 80 mph highway cruise is such a joy now , the quietness and ride on a wing is too good to be true , like gliding on air like a eagle soaring in the wind just tickles me every time ... Downside is it gets a little hot in the saddle on warm days but the flipside is , I ride down to 40 degrees comfortably which extends my riding season a couple of months . The notion that you get no air with a tall windscreen is nonsense . I get plenty of air , similiar to a convertible auto where the wind comes up your back . Yep ... the windshield is golden and the Honda gl1200 is the best bike I have ever ridden ... PERIOD

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

That's awesome! All my bikes except my KZ have had windshields - and like you, I really don't like riding a bike without it!

Great test video and I also have hearing issues so hearing the difference is difficult. Furiously, I must say "youboughtamotorcycleexpectwindintheface". The illustrious YAMMERS, my 07 Yamaha FJR1300 has a custom windshield. It's taller than stock and also has an adjustable laminar plane at the top. The range of motion is incredible and I can hide nicely behind it when needed. Adjusting it is a breeze. I really only use three positions down, up, and between. Fully raised it draws vacuum, drastically. I feel the air pocket pulls me forward when riding. It's turbulent but with a little adjustment in height I can find comfort easily. The laminar flow contraption seems to disturb the air going over me and softens any buffeting I'm unhappy with. Final thought... We rode in torrential rain recently. Having the electronically adjustable windshield made it possible to block wind and rain, duh. It also made it possible to direct wind in a way so my visor was clearing itself of rain and fogging. Which I thought was neat. Basically, I won't ever buy a new bike without an adjustable windshield. Thanks for the video John.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! I know, I know, expect wind, yada yada... but there's wind, and then there's "my brain is like scrambled eggs" when the buffeting starts. Not desirable. Your FJR's windshield sounds badass - I dig it! I would love an adjustable windshield, too.

I ride with a 8.5" Klockwerks Flare. My eyes are right above the top of the windshield. I'm 6'1". If you go for a new windshield, try them out at the Harley dealership, first. They offer test rides like they do for most seats. As for your test, the biggest difference I could find was at 60mph with the 6.5" hearing wind noise. Not to an extent that I consider bad but it was audible to me. To me the result from the test is that you should ride what fits your comfort level best. Audio wise it doesn't seem to matter .

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! I had Klockwerks on my Vaquero... and it was OK. Might have to look at them for the Harley :D I hear you about the audio [pun intended] ... and you're 100% right - use it for comfort :D

Great comparison! I run an 8”. I am about an inch taller than you but, I also run a Mustang Touring seat that sets me up at least 1 1/2” from stock. I ran a 6” for several years. I definitely like the wind protection but, with a couple 90 degree days so far I’m rethinking.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! Even with the taller windshield, I get enough airflow when it's 90F out... but I get the need for more wind! The batwing wings come in handy then ;)

I have an F4-Customs Windshield on my 2021 Honda Goldwing and still have the OEM windshield. After watching your video I might do an audio quality test between the OEM and F4-Customs. When I'm on a long-distance road trip the taller F4 Customs is worth every penny.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Go for it! Let me know what you find! :D

@howierides

2 ай бұрын

@@RoadReality I will do that and let you know.

Yes I keep the old parts. Still have factory windscreen for their road glide from 2015 !! On the road glide I like the tall windscreen and I do a lot of touring…. as long as I can see over the screen , not through it

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Right? Taller is good - up to a point! :D Thanks for watching!

I have about 25k with a kw 8" and I am happy 😊 never have had a problem looking through the shield as long as i don't wear polarized glasses.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing - KW makes a good shield!

Hey John, looks like road reality is doing great today. I guess a nice thing I can do is drop in and give a comment on a video that you have made. Anyway, happy Memorial Day to you and thanks for your hard work.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, we're doing well today... at least, 2 months ago when this was recorded, LOL. Have a good Memorial Day, and ride safe!

Harley part on the shelf is like money in the bank .

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Right? :D

Mine has the 4” windshield because I’m cool like that 😂👍👍

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

You sir, are FAR cooler than me, that's a FACT!

I have a Freedom shield, because they promised me no spyder cracks. 2 years and still perfect..

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Good to know! I'll have to look into them :D

6’4” I love my 9.5” shield but I seem to sit taller on the bike. Good test and as I always say what makes you feel comfortable. 😊

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Yup, comfort is king! Thanks for watching, Dave!

@motorcyclestoriesbydarkdave

2 ай бұрын

@@RoadReality always trying to support good people doing good things!

Took me a little bit to get my windscreen right. Just enough to take the major wind off the body and push it off to the sides. I've test rode some bikes and spyders where I had to look through the windscreen and I didn't like it. I prefer to look over it.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Yep - same goal here! I prefer the same look-over height too. Some of the Harley windshields are so tall that Sasquatch would be looking through it.

British Navy LOL! Hi, I'm Divey from the Nivey.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

ROFL :D

i Had my stock wind shield off on my 2022 tri/glide the other day for cleaning, I to noticed the spiderweb cracking also. I do have a chrome strip installed on my bike, so I know I was real gentile with that install, so it's to much pressure or lack of quality, in making the part, my vote for sure. I even have the same spider web cracking on my brake light cover where it looks like the injection point for the cover.......😡 my bad I should have not have expected so much for my bike............ 😖😶 btim sw pa PS Happy Memoral Day to all of our Vets, and Thank You for your service.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

I guess it's just something about the material these parts are made out of - it's susceptible to that cracking over time :(

yup, I keep my parts in a storage bin as a back up though I have been known to sell a few. Less windshield is awesome windshield

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

OK, so I'm not alone in saving parts - that's good... and yeah, the lower windshield certainly looks better. Lemme see what I can find that ISN'T cracked already, LOL.

I just bought an Indian Challenger with adjustable windshield. At the highest setting, I'm looking well above it and get a lot of buffeting, so I need a taller shield. I want it at about that height at the lowest setting. I'm 6'3" and only slouch a little.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Congrats on the new bike! That adjustable windshield is a nice feature, for sure. I hope you can find something that fits you better!

@kennyb7883

2 ай бұрын

10 inch klock werks

I’ve been thinking about a slightly taller windshield but I think I want more of a curved windshield than taller.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Yeah man - the curved ones tend to push the air bubble up further than just a "taller" windshield - but be careful, as you see here... there can be unintended consequences! Best to demo one if you can.

Yeah I keep the old parts. I got an extra seat and extra turn signals with my used bike.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Nice! That's solid from the previous owner!

I have a 2007 Heritage Softail. I have a windshield not a fairing. It has the stock windshield. It works great on the highway. I have had a memphis shades windshield on a VTX1800R and a 750 Shadow Spirit. The stock windshield on the Heritage sits up straighter and gives mucch better wind protection in my opinion. I have been on a 2022 Ultra Limited. I thought the stock windshield worked very well. I had the Ultra up to 100 mph. It was quiet and comfortable.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info - I've had much the same experience on my Vulcan 800 as you have on your non-faired bikes... the Ultra, though? That thing has a tall windshield from the factory, doesn't it? Funny, now that I think about it ... I remember having a distinctly not pleasant time behind a taller riot shield on my Vulcan, before going back to the shorter one. Go figure!

@hhplymouth9473

2 ай бұрын

Maybe it is mostly due to the difference in height. I am 6'3".

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

@@hhplymouth9473 That DOES make a big difference!

I keep old parts. Sometimes I will though them in when I sell the bike. Some really specific parts I will keep with the bike if I trade it in. I have no idea if it ever makes it to the new owner. After the bike is gone I usually sell what I can.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Interesting - I've never given parts to a dealer, just the vehicle. When I sold my KZ, I gave the guy the 2nd seat I had for it. I sold all the parts off my Vaquero after I traded it in. Luckily, I had a lot of the stock parts to put back on before trading it in :D

Ha! I've accumulated so many parts over the years and just recently began selling these items on ebay. Windshield" have been a whole other story as i've got 2 sitting in my basement since 2014 and 2016. A clear stock one off a 2014 Honda Interceptor and light smoke CalSCI 15 inch screen for a 2016 Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer. PS. I prefer to look over my screens.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

How's the selling going? I've never sold anything on eBay. As for windshields? I see people asking to buy them in the bike-specific FB groups all the time! I bet you could join up, post for sale ads, and have those things GONE in a heartbeat if you wanted! PS: Me too. Been putting up with this too-tall windshield for too long. Need to find a new one!

@GBeWinginIt

2 ай бұрын

My youngest entrepreneurial 19 year old daughter has taken that up and report sales on a weekly basis. She gets 50%of the proceeds so that’s incentive. Mainly gear gets moved this way.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

@@GBeWinginIt Dude, that's parenting done RIGHT! She's learned valuable life skills, made money, and you get more space for bike parts. I love it!

Too tall? Heh... did you know that, in the "The Blues Brothers" movie, the Blues Brothers' drummer, Willie "Too Tall" Hall, went on to help write the song "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"? I always keep OEM parts when I upgrade my bikes, and then pass them on to the next owner when I use it as a trade in for a new bike at the dealership.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

LOL, no, I didn't - that's a neat bit of trivia! As for your stock parts... I wonder how many of them end up going with the new bike, versus on the shelf for sale?

@Land-Shark

2 ай бұрын

@@RoadReality I often wonder about that, too. I always think of it as my gift to the struggling motorcycle industry. :)

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

@@Land-Shark Fair enough! I know when I traded in my Vaquero, the Harley dealer couldn't care less about the parts I took off the bike, and it was going to auction anyway... so I sold 'em later on.

I can't tell any difference between vent open and vent shut. Any wind noise I heard at all, from my laptop speakers, was at speeds 50+ "You're a pilot?" - "Too-Tall, sir!" "Yeah, I can see that."

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

LOL, I could definitely hear it, but then again, I'm half deaf ;)

I had a Goldwing and hated it!!! I never ever felt the air! I could ride in the rain and not get wet. Just never felt like I was on a motorcycle.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Interesting... no wind at all? I like a little wind, just not a lot. I've yet to ride a Goldwing - it's on "the list".

@ChadsGarage1

2 ай бұрын

@@RoadReality it was nice and fast and smooth, but the fact that I didn’t feel the wind hardly at all was a deal breaker.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

@@ChadsGarage1 Yeah, I can see that being a problem. My deal-breaker the last time I sat on one was a lack of foot placement options. One set of boards, but no highway pegs or a place that I could see to install them. AFAIK, they added that in the latest generation. The Harley just looked better to me anyway ;)

07:43 people do that to me when I'm driving the semi truck all the time. I've got 53ft of 36-48k pound of blind spot so it's easier to ignore. Still unnerving.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Wow, yeah - people are impatient! :(

I can't tell much of a difference but with tinnitus I am half deaf anyway so technically I would not be qualified to give an opinion on sound.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

LOL - and I laugh because I suffer from tinnitus too - I get it. Somehow I can hear the difference!

Try adding a rider back rest so you won't slouch it might work out

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Good call! That's on my list of parts to buy, now to find the money! :D

I'm a fan of Windshields😅

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

LOL :D

The shorter the better, And i always keep the old parts, 😎🇺🇸👍👍

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Good call - but how does your stogie burn while riding? ;)

I just hit a switch and lower it till it's juuuust right.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

If only it had that feature!

You must not have had a motorcycle very long, as they all used to have much taller windshields. It's not a real windshield unless it's in front of your face, as it is in a car. That short one just causes a lot of turbulence to tangle up your hair.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

I've been riding for 15 years, so no, not too long. I remember the big Hondas from the 80s and 90s had bigger screens, and so do the Harley Limited/Ultra range... shorter screens seem to be the standard now.

watching you cant hear the difference, as windshieds go i dont like them, i am tall and every one ive had/ the wind beat my forehead to death unless i scrunch over so no windshield for me

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback - and that's a bummer! Even tall windshields give you too much wind in the face?

Go to L.A, and you'll never get a pocket of "clean air"!

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Oh heck, ugh!

I usually do not use a windshield.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

I've noticed that... you're a manlier man than I :D

@PaulsMotoZen

2 ай бұрын

@@RoadReality If I am riding in the dark I put the windshield on. Those bugs can feel like a baseball when you are traveling down the highway.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

@@PaulsMotoZen Oh, I bet! I've been hit by cicadas at speed, not fun.

you should have a proper measurement/fitting done. a windshield should be level at the tip of your nose in your normal riding position/slouch if that's what you do long distance. on my road glide or on my old street glide this gave me a comically high windshield on both bikes as i am tall in the torso but not in the legs, 30 inch inseam at 6'3. you should look over and not through

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

I agree! When I get a new windshield, I'll be sure and do a proper fitment - stay tuned!

Didn't see Much difference at 50 and below.. you spoke louder, instinct maybe, with 6.5 on....

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Interesting ... I wonder if my brain accounted for the extra wind and over-powered it? Great observation, thanks!

That windshield ain't too tall, your just too short. I didn't notice any difference. The wind didn't feel any different to me from here. I keep the old parts if they're still in good shape. New parts break sometimes to.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Well dang, I'll just have to stretch! :D You didn't feel the wind difference? Man, and I thought this was YouWindTunnel? :D

🌬🍃🏍😏

WHEB

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Huh? I'm not familiar with that acronym.

Damn straight keep your parts. Dont be a damn greedy 'MURICAN. Later on you may wanna change up the look of the bike. Or a brother, y'all know what that is ima hopin may need some parts or you could wreck your bike and that'll be one less thing to try n track down. If you sell parts in 2 years you wont even remember what you made on em. But if you pass em to a brother, you'll remember that. Or if you need parts n you already have them you'll remember that too. Make memories, not profits. Stop being greedy or desperate.

@RoadReality

2 ай бұрын

Heck yeah - rider-cycle them :D Good point!