RK Custom Windshield - Harley Forum

JSR · #1 12-08-2007, 10:45 PM

I've got an 07 RK Custom and have the windshield docking kit (p/n 58221-04) that accepts the Road King windshields. But I'm looking for advice on which size windshield to get. I haven't asked, but I don't think the dealers will pull them out and let me try them. I'm also open to suggestions on non-HD windshields that will work with that docking kit (or not, if there's a really good reason to change).

I'm 5'10". Thanks for any advice.

#2 12-08-2007, 11:27 PM

Let me first say that proper windshield fitment to the rider's height seems to be overlooked quite a bit and some people live with the one that comes on a bike or choose one that looks cool and best. The best all around fit places the top of the windshield just below eye level where you can sit comfortably seeing over it. This fitment still directs the wind over your head and has less buffeting than with one shorter and less negative pressure pulling your head back and forth with a taller one. The problem with a shield too tall is that in rain often the swirling mist on both sides will make it almost impossible to have good vision and those conditions that can fog it up in a matter of seconds can be hazardous.
I have my stock stainless frame and have tried various heights and brands of plastic. The height is measured from the top of the rounded headlight cut out to the top of the windshield. For me the stock one was too tall. The low profile was too short. I think now Harley has one in between. My current one is a Memphis Shades brand. It comes in sizes from 15 to 21 inches in two inch increments . It's sizes offered seem to be an inch in between Haley's sizes. One thing I like about these shields is that they are thicker, have gromets to isolate frame from shield instead of the double stick tape isolation that Harley uses, and the material can be buffed out without eventually cutting through the top film layer that destroys a harley one with continued scratch removal. I guess I covered the highlights...hope this helped.

JSR · #3 12-09-2007, 01:29 PM

Thanks for the good info. It synchs with what I've heard elsewhere.

Since I have no windshield on the bike at all to use as a reference, how do I determine what size to get? This seems especially difficult when considering a shield I can't even look at, like the Memphis Shade.

I don't know where the top of the headlight cutout would be in relation to the bike (handlebars, headlight, ?).

humpbackbob · #4 12-09-2007, 03:22 PM

If you visit the Memphis Shades website they have a measuring guide to enable you to figure out the right height for you. Not sure, but I think they will trim the shield to fit.

#5 12-09-2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSR

Thanks for the good info. It synchs with what I've heard elsewhere.

Since I have no windshield on the bike at all to use as a reference, how do I determine what size to get? This seems especially difficult when considering a shield I can't even look at, like the Memphis Shade.

I don't know where the top of the headlight cutout would be in relation to the bike (handlebars, headlight, ?).

You're situation is different without already having the windshield framing and no current framed windshield to give a reference point to how much shorter/taller your shield will need to be. So, that leaves you no choice but to go sit on a road king at the dealership or on a friends with a standard stock shield and determine by sitting on it how many inches difference will allow a good fit to see over it as mentioned earlier.

When I was talking about my Memphis Shade shield I was only talking about buying the plastic and using my frame. Although they do sell complete windshields with frame, as far as I know they use a mounting system of their own and not compatible with Harley road king quick disconnect. So, your first step is to get the Harley frame with quick disconnect for a Road King. If one of their sizes happened to be a great height for you that would be great.

JSR · #6 12-09-2007, 06:29 PM

Thanks humpbackbob and FifthGear!

It looks like the Harley near me (San Jose, CA) also sells Memphis, so hopefully I can go down there and try our some different sizes.

FifthGear, thanks for the benefits of the Memphis brand. Do you know how their quick disconnect h/w compares with Harley's? I could go your route (using HD h/w), or use the Memphis h/w.

Thanks!

#7 12-09-2007, 08:45 PM

JSR, I can't say how the quick disconnect is for the Memphis shield for a Road King. But I put a Memphis sport shield on my Dyna back in 2000 and although it wasn't hard to disconnect it took an allen wrench losening 4 screws to remove it...not exactly quick and tool free like I consider true quick disconnect.

Now if the mount of a Memphis shield is like the sport shield there is one advantage...the long slots in the top mounting allowed for an angle adjustment which makes tunning for buffeting a reality. The disadvange is that it is firm mounted. The Harley mount is pressed down on the bottom grommet then back. The force of the wind actually holds it on more secure the faster you go. But in a case of an accedent your body would release it forward where the solid mount would put up a resistance for sure. I don't think this is a strong advantage in a front crash but just something to think about.

JSR · #8 12-09-2007, 11:01 PM

Thanks, FG. I definitely like the ability to remove the windshield for short rides, so I think I'll stick with the HD quick disconnect and check out both types of windshields.

Thanks for the helpful advice!

texan321 · #9 12-11-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humpbackbob

If you visit the Memphis Shades website they have a measuring guide to enable you to figure out the right height for you. Not sure, but I think they will trim the shield to fit.

This is true. Also Clearview makes a great windshield. The only thing I would add is if you ride 2 up. If the shield comes just below your eyes - it buffets the hell out of the passenger - and if it is your wife life will not be good. I got a Clearview shield with the recurve.
The standard for the Ultra is 12" - buffets the passenger - I got the 14" with the recurve no problems from her stand point. Life is good at 80....
I thought I might bring this up...

JSR · #10 12-15-2007, 04:25 AM

Hey Texan321,

Thanks for the pointer to Clearview! I ride a lot with my wife and kids, so I really appreciate the value of preventing passenger buffeting.

One thing...I'm looking for a windshield for a Road King Custom, so I don't have a fairing. Do you (or anyone else?) have any experience or knowledge about how well their recurve works on that style windshield, where there's no fairing?

I'm also interested in any thoughts on their other two options...the adjustable vents (seems like being able to reduce the vacuum behind the shield would be good) and a light grey tint.

Appreciate any advice!!

JSR