I have a Harley sidecar/bike and do not like the look of the factory style setup (plastic windshield with black leather cover). I custom made a bracket that will eventually hold a custom made Lexan windshield. My questions are: How high and what angle should I cut the plastic? I know it should probably be at least eye level of a sitting passenger, but I do not like it being that high. If I shorten the heighth, will this affect the handling of the bike or is there such a small difference that I will not notice it? Thanks, Mike
My guess would be that it will not make any noticeable difference in handling at all. I can't tell the difference if I run with the windshield on the car or when it's off. It might make some slight improvement in mileage...
You might pick Robin and Pat's brains at www.customflhtwindshields.net.
Take your existing windsheild off and go for a ride. On most rigs either there will be no noticeable difference, or maybe a little less wind buffeting with the sidecar screen missing.
When we had the Aspencade/HitchHiker combination, my wife used to complain that the wind buffeting would take her breath away when she rode on the passenger seat. I never felt it from the rider position, but it really bothered her. Enough so that she never wanted to ride on the pillon if I had the sidecar mounted.
cut it to please the passenger....she/he will be the one riding in it, and affected, not you. It should be at least eye level.
If you dont like the look , slope it back a LITTLE more but not too short.
I've got a Honda GL650 with a Dneper sidecar. I cut down the main fairing windscreen so that it is about 2 inches above eye level when I am sitting relaxed in the seat. If I have snow, rain or glare obscuring my view, I can sit up and look over the wind screen. It is in this position that I notice a little buffeting from the wind. It's not excesive. I could tolerate it full time, but it is measurably less buffeting sitting lower. The wind screen is at about a 30 degree angle. The sidecar windscreen deflects a lot of wind onto the driver. I ride solo a lot, so the windscreen is folded down most of the time. These observations don't address your question directly, but you should be able to extrapolate from the information given. Hope this helps
Mark, that bike windshield should be cut down to 2 " BELOW your eye level when sitting in normal riding position. headlight glare at night, rain on the shield wont interfere with your viewing. It will blow right over your head.
It is a nightmare at night in the rain looking thru a windshield covered with water and headlights shining on it.
You will not get any more buffing from wind or rain with it cuy down to that height.
You mentioned you have it 2 : above your eyes and can stretch up to look over it. it should be low enought so yo dont have to stretch..just sit in a normal , relaxed position. on a really bad day if needed, you can duck down behind it.
So let me get this straight, the sidecar windshield should be at lease 2" below normal riding conditions. My fiance is about 5'3 and the windshield still looks a little too tall. I guess I will have to see what she likes best. Also, should the angle of the sidecar windshield match the bikes? If so, how much wind blows into the riders face? Thanks for all you feed back.
No, I was talking about the bike windshield. You need to be able to look over it in normal riding position., for safe viewing .
As far as the sidecar and passenger is concerned..higher is better for them..more protection from wind and rain, ='s more comfort for them. some WS's cant be altered, due to the fact that the convertible tops are attached to them.
I never noticed any wind buffeting from my SC while I am driving. I had a Terraplane , and now a Motorvation FII.
I also have a full windjammer fairing with lowers.
Bob, thanks for the heads up, I've never had a full fairing before this bike. You're never too old to learn something every day. I think I'll cut it down tonight.
OK, Mark,
You will be glad you did, when evening comes, or the.....arrghhh! rain!!
