Topic: New Windshields for ConV! (Read 10573 times)

newdep · « **on:** January 03, 2010, 07:55:26 PM »

Well I have not ordered one yet but at this time it looks like the best option for the shield issue. I just found this but I will order one before spring. If anyone gets one before that please let me know how it works.

I am so happy as this was the only thing I don't like about the bike at this time.

http://www.ceebaileys.com/harley/cvo_softtail_conv_ws.html

MikeV · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2010, 09:48:47 PM »

Wow, this looks very interesting. I am doing my best to resist buying anthing until I see what shows up at the International Motorcycle Show in NY on January 22-24. I am hoping that I can see it first hand.

Mike V.

newdep · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2010, 10:02:06 PM »

Quote from: MikeV on January 03, 2010, 09:48:47 PM

Wow, this looks very interesting. I am doing my best to resist buying anything until I see what shows up at the International Motorcycle Show in NY on January 22-24. I am hoping that I can see it first hand.

Mike V.

Ya me to...Im going to wait until I see if Moco comes out with anything first. But I am relieved to know I have a option other than going to a full shield.

goldfar · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2010, 06:24:47 AM »

Sure LOOKS like a good solution. I'm guessing the tall model will improve the buffeting issue best but that sure looks like a lot of unsuported area. What I mean is that most aftermarket shields that size incorporate chrome metal bands to reinforce the acrilic.

Any of you engineers out there have an opinion?

porkypig · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2010, 08:51:35 AM »

Ditto to that. Hard to beat the looks and performance of the Harley windshield on the FatBoy. Wider, a bit more aerodynamic it appears, and you get the chrome cross-bars with which to bolt your thermometer/clock/compass to. The stock windshield on this bike should have been shorter (way shorter) as it is virtually useless in my opinion. Who can see anything thru it? I am close to going with something that is a bit taller and clear but am anxious to see what comes from the Harley January bike show I've heard about. Plus I have been doing a bit of reading on the pros and cons of Lexan versus acrylic. Not sure I am ready to go into the acrylic world just yet.

newdep · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2010, 09:35:06 AM »

Quote from: porkypig on January 05, 2010, 08:51:35 AM

Not sure I am ready to go into the acrylic world just yet.

Do tell...what is the difference? Is one better than the other, i thought about the Fatboy windshield but then i would loose the front piece.

porkypig · « **Reply #6 on:** January 05, 2010, 11:41:44 AM »

Yes, exactly!! The front piece (fairing, that we all paid probably at leeeeaaaast $500 for). I will search a bit and post what I found as far as pros/cons of each.

porkypig · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2010, 11:47:44 AM »

here is a video I found right off the bat by searching for "lexan versus acrylic motorcycle windshield" on the internet. Check out this site:

http://community.cruisercustomizing.com/_Windshield-Evaluation-Tip-of-the-Week-from-Cruiser-Customizing-by-Kyle-Bradshaw/video/848014/22960.html

Haven't watched it but it looks like it def has potential to be informative.
I will keep searching.

porkypig · « **Reply #8 on:** January 05, 2010, 07:47:25 PM »

Here is another video. http://www.ztechnik.com/ztechNews/Poly_WMV.html
Ooooh, it doesn't look too great for acrylic.

goldfar · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2010, 06:32:19 AM »

OK, is it just me or were you all expecting them to whip out a low-yield, nuclear weapon next, say about 5 megatons and after the denotation, wander through the ruins of whatever town they are in and the only thing left standing amongst the ruined buildings and bridges is the lexan windshield?

I sure do like the look of that shield in the original link, the one that mounts to the color matched fairing that we all now own. Any one make a LEXAN wind screen that fits it??

porkypig · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2010, 10:10:16 AM »

I can't speak for everyone but it looked as though they applied most everything they had toward destruction of the Lexan windshield and other than making marks on or in it, it didn't give way. I have hope that Harley is listening to people (maybe they even read these forums??) and is cooking up something as we speak that will resolve this. What they provided on our bikes is a great product but I simply don't understand a 1. dark as night?? windshield. Why didn't they just extend the color right up to the top cause nobody can see thru it anyway. 2. Did they forget to test ride the bike for buffeting, windtoss, etc?? It does look cool but just not practical for running down the road with bags, trunk, for rallys, etc. I think it should have come with a full sized clear shield and then in an accessory bag (included, of course) they give us a really short dark shield for looking cool on those short jaunts around town after we've checked into our hotel, etc. etc. The farther I get into this "convertible" thing, it really isn't too practical or easy to just rip everything off and cruise the strip. But I bought the bike for multiple reasons and so am adapting. I believe they will take care of us soon. We just have to be patient because nobody knows the plans that are in the works or mods that are set to hit the street soon..........just yet.

goldfar · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2010, 04:46:51 PM »

OK, someone had to go first - I ordered a shield from CeeBailey. I went with 8 inches taller (than stock) with a light tint. It's not Lexan but as long as no one throws rocks, swings at me with a bat or starts shooting, I guess it'll be OK.

Pics and a full buffet report as soon as I get it and AS SOON AS IT STOPS SNOWING HERE IN GEORGIA!

newdep · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2010, 06:58:02 PM »

Quote from: goldfar on January 07, 2010, 04:46:51 PM

OK, someone had to go first - I ordered a shield from CeeBailey. I went with 8 inches taller (than stock) with a light tint. It's not Lexan but as long as no one throws rocks, swings at me with a bat or starts shooting, I guess it'll be OK.

Pics and a full buffet report as soon as I get it and AS SOON AS IT STOPS SNOWING HERE IN GEORGIA!

Sweet let me know how you like it, I'm going to get one but it will be another 3 months before I can ride. So I was not in a hurry.

Blueyz0416 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 08, 2010, 06:13:33 PM »

I plan to stay with the Fatboy winshield for now; use the stock conv one if desired in the summer, and wait for a lexan version (or something a little more sturdy/braced) before swapping out the stock shield next Fall. Definitely will not be going acrylic, but that's just me.

goldfar · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2010, 06:10:09 PM »

Quote from: newdep on January 07, 2010, 06:58:02 PM

Sweet let me know how you like it, I'm going to get one but it will be another 3 months before I can ride.

Here is the definitive answer (as best I can give it) on the best "other" windshield for the Conv.

I ordered the CeeBailey and received it a week ago. I ordered the Plus 8" height in light tint (since I would be looking through it). The install was easy, remove the 4 bolts that hold the existing "mini" windshield, swap shields, return bolts. There was a warning sticker on the new shield that said to use a pounds per inch torque wrench and tightened to x number of inch/pounds or whatever or you may crack the shield. I simply snugged them up - no cracking so far. Then I took a ride and got her up to at least 85 mph. Seemed like a lot of wind coming in from the sides around top of rearview mirror height.

Next, I "borrowed" a Fat Boy windshield from the best dealer around, Killer Creek. The Fat Boy shield is what Blueyz0416 uses on her Conv. It is about the same height but just a few inches WIDER. Guess what, guys - those 2 inches made all the difference in the world! Much less buffeting, etc. Plus, the Fat Boy shield is Lexan, the CeeBailey is acrylic. I bought the Fat Boy shield and will use that most of the time.

Bear in mind, the CeeBailey shield incorporates the color matched mini faring that comes with our bikes, the Fat Boy does not. So the "How does it look" issue becomes one of personal preference. All I can say is that the fat Boy shield does what you would expect from a windshield, BLOCK THE WIND, the other does not.

porkypig · « **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2010, 06:20:00 PM »

Well, within the week we should see what the MoCo is going to offer as a fix for the problems with wind buffeting we are experiencing with the stock shield. As for me, at this point, I will be focusing on a FatBoy shield of Lexan if MoCo doesn't impress me. I would expect there will be a run on FatBoy shields if it is the latter. Only issue there is not using what we paid big bucks for. However, it's only $$$$$.................... good, honest review, Goldfar. Thanks.

Gamma742 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 23, 2010, 09:24:56 AM »

Quote from: goldfar on January 20, 2010, 06:10:09 PM

Here is the definitive answer (as best I can give it) on the best "other" windshield for the Conv.

I ordered the CeeBailey and received it a week ago. I ordered the Plus 8" height in light tint (since I would be looking through it). The install was easy, remove the 4 bolts that hold the existing "mini" windshield, swap shields, return bolts. There was a warning sticker on the new shield that said to use a pounds per inch torque wrench and tightened to x number of inch/pounds or whatever or you may crack the shield. I simply snugged them up - no cracking so far. Then I took a ride and got her up to at least 85 mph. Seemed like a lot of wind coming in from the sides around top of rearview mirror height.

Next, I "borrowed" a Fat Boy windshield from the best dealer around, Killer Creek. The Fat Boy shield is what Blueyz0416 uses on her Conv. It is about the same height but just a few inches WIDER. Guess what, guys - those 2 inches made all the difference in the world! Much less buffeting, etc. Plus, the Fat Boy shield is Lexan, the CeeBailey is acrylic. I bought the Fat Boy shield and will use that most of the time.

Bear in mind, the CeeBailey shield incorporates the color matched mini faring that comes with our bikes, the Fat Boy does not. So the "How does it look" issue becomes one of personal preference. All I can say is that the fat Boy shield does what you would expect from a windshield, BLOCK THE WIND, the other does not.

Sorry it didn't wok out for you I was considering the +4 shield for my wife's bike. I guess I'll go for the fatboy shield.

porkypig · « **Reply #17 on:** January 25, 2010, 09:12:17 AM »

So........did anybody get to the "big show" this weekend where we were supposed to find out if Harley is going to remedy the deficiency of the windshield that we all have??? Are they going to produce a replacement lense that is satisfactory or will we all have to go with a Fatboy shield like some have been talking?? Or is there still the "big show" that hasn't happened yet???

HermitIX · « **Reply #18 on:** January 27, 2010, 10:31:49 AM »

I recently purchased a Crimson red 2010 Softail Convertible. After reading the posts I just ordered the 4" Ceebailey's dark gray windshield to replace the useless one from the factory. I don't have high expectations, but figure it has to block more wind than the factory edition and will retain the stock look..... at least somewhat.

I'm thinking of also buying the Fat Boy windshield mentioned often on this string. Can anyone tell me the specific HD part number? Is it going to be fast and simple to change from one windshield to the other? I'd like to use the dark gray ceebailey's version for on town and the taller clear fat boy version for longer trips or nightime use.

My dealership expressed concern that it likely wouldn't be a simple to swap from one to the other. They said additional bushings/longer screws were required for one of their customers who retrofitted a 2009 Heritage Softail windshield. Apparently the upper mounting distance was different. They seemed totally clueless as to which "Fat Boy" windshield I was talking about that should be an easy swap. Any help/advise would be greatly appreciated. Once I have a part number I'll head back to my dealer. Thanks.

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #19 on:** January 27, 2010, 05:42:01 PM »

See post 27 and 29

this post was too confusing.

wiz

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #20 on:** January 27, 2010, 05:47:14 PM »

Quote from: porkypig on January 25, 2010, 09:12:17 AM

So........did anybody get to the "big show" this weekend where we were supposed to find out if Harley is going to remedy the deficiency of the windshield that we all have??? Are they going to produce a replacement lense that is satisfactory or will we all have to go with a Fatboy shield like some have been talking?? Or is there still the "big show" that hasn't happened yet???

Hey Porky

BE and I went to the show in Atlanta, saw goldfar and his lovely better half there too... this show was small and had no HD factory representation that I could find. We did however enjoy ourselves but lost goldfar in the crowd. After looking for them to say bye we had to book but we never found them again. Hope they didn't get bikejacked.

Sorry dude.

HermitIX · « **Reply #21 on:** February 24, 2010, 02:42:12 AM »

Thanks for the help Mr. Wizard. I put the Fat Boy windshield on and it works extremely well. I like the way it looks far more than I thought I would. I just received the 4" taller dark Ceebaileys windshield I ordered, but haven't tried it out yet. I'll let everyone know how that one works out soon.

Thanks to all who have posted such good information on windshield options.

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #22 on:** February 24, 2010, 11:59:45 AM »

Quote from: HermitIX on February 24, 2010, 02:42:12 AM

Thanks for the help Mr. Wizard. I put the Fat Boy windshield on and it works extremely well. I like the way it looks far more than I thought I would. I just received the 4" taller dark Ceebaileys windshield I ordered, but haven't tried it out yet. I'll let everyone know how that one works out soon.

Thanks to all who have posted such good information on windshield options.

If I remember correctly, goldfar purchased the Ceebailey's but sent it back after trying the fatboy shield. You may want to chat him up to see what was up with that.

Don't want to sound like a one man cheering section for a windshield and am not trying to knock anyone's product here. It's all personal preference. We just prefer the classic look and the functionality of the fatboy shield over the stock shield/fairing.

goldfar · « **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2010, 12:18:36 PM »

Yes guys, I did try out a CeeBaileys shield and sent it back. Look back to page 1 of this topic and you will see the details (essentially, wind and buffeting coming from the SIDES of the shield).

Eventually got a Fat Boy shield and am satisfied.

HermitIX · « **Reply #24 on:** February 24, 2010, 02:08:57 PM »

I read goldfar's post and certainly respect everything he said. His opinion was the primary reason I purchased the fatboy version, even though I was concerned I might not like it from a styling perspective. I decided to get the ceebailey's +4" dark windshield as well only because I really like the looks of the stock windshield. My reasoning was that the ceebailey's +4" has to provide at least a little bit better protection than the stock version, which I really like from a styling perspective. I'm sure goldfar is 100% correct that even the ceebailey's +8" doesn't provide nearly the protection of the Fatboy version, but I just wasn't ready to wrap the beautiful, yet useless, stock windshield in a blanket and store it in the attic.

In my opinion, the best thing about these CVO convertibles is the ability to quickly change the appearance/functionality of the bike. Now I can quickly go from the ceebailey's red/dark windshield to the taller clear fatboy HD windshield or even to no windshield at all. These 3 different windshield options, combined with the ability to easily remove or install the sissy bars and/or bags on the back allows me to switch between a totel of 12 different versions of the same motorcycle.

porkypig · « **Reply #25 on:** February 26, 2010, 08:44:26 PM »

Yes, and don't forget the combinations that materialize once you add the available trunk. Just remember you have to get the docking kit or you won't be able to have your saddlebags on with the trunk. But, I guess that is one of the combinations that may be desireable....... geesh........

so many options; so many decisions......so little wintertime left...... but summahtime's comin' !

porkypig · « **Reply #26 on:** February 26, 2010, 08:54:36 PM »

The part number is 58278-95. We have the lightly smoked, low profile. Got it new off of Ebay for a lot less than MSRP at HD.
No need to change any mounting hardware. They interchange in minutes.

Well, Wiz, I am just about ready to get on board with this windshield thing. If you're sure of the part number for application on this convertible, and that it comes with all hardware, then I'm sold. Getting tired of this "eggbeater" on the front of the bike. You did mention that they interchange in minutes. Not sure what you mean there. This windshield comes off in like 10 seconds and my old one on the 05 Heritage went on in like 20 seconds. Is that what you mean?? "quickly??" Planning to get one out of LakeshoreHarley while they are having their Daytona special. No shipping charges and it should be about $302 total. Money well spent!!

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #27 on:** February 26, 2010, 09:31:54 PM »

Quote from: Mr. Wizard on January 27, 2010, 05:42:01 PM

The Lexan® windshield is formed from hard-coated polycarbonate material to resist scratching and abrasion. Polished stainless steel mounting brackets are supported by molded-rubber bushings for improved isolation. It is offered in a standard-height clear Lexan® or three-inch lower than stock, low-profile lightly smoked Lexan® shield. Comes complete with all the hardware required to fit FLSTC, FLSTF and FLSTN models without auxiliary lamps. (Chrome Wind Deflector Kit P/N 58125-90A can be used with this windshield kit on '99-earlier models. Windshield will not fit with auxiliary lamps.)

Porky

Go HERE and look at what I am. There are two part numbers shown in my previous post. I have the 58278-95, low profile-lightly smoked. It is 17.5" tall from the center headlight cutout to the top of the shield or 18.75" from the top of the headlight.

I'm 5'11" and can see over it just fine and wouldn't want a taller one.

Both shields will work on the ConV. It will come with mounting hardware but you won't need it. It will take you the same time to put it on as it takes for you to put on a Heritage shield.

edit: I'm not 5" tall..

porkypig · « **Reply #28 on:** February 26, 2010, 11:56:05 PM »

By that I assume you mean that the new one comes with "extra" mounting hardware that you may normally mount on the bike. But this bike already has mounting hardware so it isn';t needed. Right?
Good enough for me. Probably tomorrow I will place my order.
Pork

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #29 on:** February 27, 2010, 09:00:56 AM »

Quote from: porkypig on February 26, 2010, 11:56:05 PM

By that I assume you mean that the new one comes with "extra" mounting hardware that you may normally mount on the bike. But this bike already has mounting hardware so it isn';t needed. Right?
Good enough for me. Probably tomorrow I will place my order.
Pork

The windshield will come ready to mount out of the box. Use this box to store the old fairing and shield. The new shield will come with a separate hardware pack that will have the (extra) bolts and bushings for installing on a virgin bike. Since the ConV already has these mounting bolts and bushings in place you don't need the hardware pack. Save this hardware pack in case you sell the windshield down the road. It will make it easier to sell if you ever decide to trade your ConV and put the stock shield back on.

When you get one Porky, be sure you get the right one. By that I mean, either the stock height or the low profile. Again, we have the low profile which has a smoke tint. Goldfar purchased the stock height and it's clear. There is a three inch height difference in the two shields.

58278-95 = low profile smoke tint

58243-95 = standard height clear

The low profile is more expensive than the standard by about 23 bucks.

Be sure to check out a nice windshield bag too. It will fit nicely and add to the new look. THIS ONE is the one wifey has. Clean lines and large chrome buckle. About 100 bucks retail.

porkypig · « **Reply #30 on:** February 27, 2010, 04:06:31 PM »

thanks, Wiz, I am all over that now! Pork

porkypig · « **Reply #31 on:** March 01, 2010, 05:56:46 PM »

Okay, put up another mark in the column, "Fatboy windshield". Ordered it yesterday so should be here in a week or so. Looking forward to breaking that wind the stock one is infamous for. I learned something yesterday and the day before. The wind that comes over the top of the windshield also brings the bugs with it. Right into the front of your faceshield! Very few this time of year but wait until mid summer, in the warmth of a calm evening while riding along side the river right after a good "hatch" of bugs...........
Yup, looking forward to the fatboy windshield.............. Now, I hope the moco doesn't come right out with the 'perfect answer' using the stock fairing. Guess if they do, and I like it, I'll be putting a Fatboy shield on the craigslist.........

HermitIX · « **Reply #32 on:** March 05, 2010, 10:59:10 PM »

Took my first ride today with the ceebailey's +4" dark gray windshield. I was disappointed. It was indeed a slight improvement over the stock version but not nearly as much as I was hoping for. It wouldn't be tolerable for prolonged speeds over 50mph. The first thing I did when I got home was pop the fatboy version right back on. I expect I'll only use the +4" on the factory base for a local bike night or something, and even then, only for a change of pace.

Anything taller than +4" in the dark gray would have created night vision problem for me at 6'1". It also didn't look as good as the factory version as the larger size seems to draw the eye away from the bike itself. (Note: It's not only 4" taller, but also 2" wider at the top than the factory version). I found it interesting that even when I ducked down several inches, there was still a significant amount of wind. This led me to conclude that a lot of the wind must be coming in from the sides so I'm not sure a ceebailey's taller than +4" would help much.

Put me down as another vote for the fatboy windshield.

goldfar · « **Reply #33 on:** March 06, 2010, 06:37:27 AM »

"conclude that a lot of the wind must be coming in from the sides so I'm not sure a ceebailey's taller than +4" would help much."

I told you so...see my ealier comparison of the two shields up above. And you are right, taller don't help, I had the 8" in clear (obviously, so you could see through it). As I stated, wind comes in from the SIDE, so even 24 inches taller will not help.

They do accept them back (not the dark tint) if no scratches. Charged me a 15% restocking fee.

Trent · « **Reply #34 on:** March 19, 2010, 07:31:50 AM »

What was the difference with the CeeBailey at speeds under 75 mph? Was it better than the stock windshield that we have now? Or was the wind buffeting just the main annoyance at any speed? I really am trying to keep the look we have now, but it is a royal pain at highway speeds.

goldfar · « **Reply #35 on:** March 19, 2010, 09:06:31 AM »

If it is any better than the stock shield, I couldn't tell. Maybe a smidge better, hard to measure. Certainly not $300 better (or whatever they cost). They are aircraft folks, think they would have tried it in a wind tunnel BEFORE going to market?!

I know what you are saying about the matching fairing, the look, etc. but it just doesn't work.

We have grown to love the Fatboy shield look.

HermitIX · « **Reply #36 on:** March 19, 2010, 12:03:14 PM »

My opinion is that it's about 20% better than stock. I was hoping for 40-50% when I purchased it ,considering it's 2" wider and 4" taller. I wouldn't want to send mine back, but I suspect most people would say it isn't worth the money. I might use mine occasionally to go to a local bike night or something, but never for any type of 30 minute plus trip.

Author Topic: New Windshields for ConV! (Read 10573 times)