Well, I've been resistant to putting a windshield on any bike I've owned including this '05 Sporty. I never felt the necessity and I wasn't thrilled with the look. After reading many of the posts on the forum about windshields, I began to have second thoughts. Many of you swear by them for highway riding so I decided to buy one last week.

I bought the Standard height, lightly smoked, detachable windshield. Put it on and rode yesterday at several speeds on different type of roads. What a difference, I really like the feel of not being pounded by the wind as I approached semis from behind. Headwinds were reduced drastically. Definately a great addition as an accessory.

To keep the quick detach from becoming an easy theft target, I took the clamps off and drilled and tapped them to receive 1/4" by 20 by 3/4" Torx-head bolt that keeps the quick connect clamp from opening without removing the bolt first. Only adds a few seconds to my removal efforts but hopefully will slow down the casual grap-and-run at a restaurant.

Todd

To keep the quick detach from becoming an easy theft target, I took the clamps off and drilled and tapped them to receive 1/4" by 20 by 3/4" Torx-head bolt that keeps the quick connect clamp from opening without removing the bolt first. Only adds a few seconds to my removal efforts but hopefully will slow down the casual grap-and-run at a restaurant.
Todd

Good idea. I have one of these on order, and I wondered how easily quick detach could translate into "quick aquisition". I'll have to give your idea a try when I get mine.

I too have your feelings about windshields, especially on a sportster. But I rented a Heritage Softail w/ a shield, and darn if one doesn't make interstate and cool weather cruising more relaxing.

I got one also from Surdyke, loved the new ride but encountered a problem. The first time I took it off two small pins fell out of the clamps. These pins worked the cam on the inside and w/o them the clamps didn't work. Has anyone else had this happen. I sent it back to Surdyke, they have had it almost two weeks and I can't get an answer from them. Saved $80.00 buying from them but now wonder if I shouldn't have just bought them from my local dealer. Miss having the W/S on my daily commute. When I get it back I will have to look at your idea to stop the gab and run.

Kelley,

I know you don't want to sink money into it to fix it if you don't have to but, if the pins are like the ones that hold my clamps together, they are just small spring pins that stay put with friction. You may be able to get some replacements from a local hardware and drive them in with a hammer and punch.

Too dang bad you've been without the WS for 2 weeks now. Time for them to get it back to you with a fix.

Todd

Thought about that but there were also two (little) white washers per clamp also that fell out, found only one of the four washers. Plus at $287.00 and having the Harley name on it I kind of expected it to be trouble free and them to back it up. Other then that I really like the ride and would recommend it to anyone. The low profile is the one I have and found that it forces most of the wind over me and not at the chest. Like most I thought it was a little expensive, but like that I can pop it off for the fun riding and use it for the long freeway rides it makes a big difference..

To keep the quick detach from becoming an easy theft target, I took the clamps off and drilled and tapped them to receive 1/4" by 20 by 3/4" Torx-head bolt that keeps the quick connect clamp from opening without removing the bolt first. Only adds a few seconds to my removal efforts but hopefully will slow down the casual grap-and-run at a restaurant.

Todd
Great idea :clap I am going to do the same.. drill, tap, and install bolts. I have been wondering what I could do to prevent someone from easily walking away with my quick detach windshield.

I have the quick detach Harley sheild as well. They are a great addition.The quickness to remove is a convenience not a hinderence. I don't know about most guys here but I never stray to far from my ride especially where it is not in eye view.

Dare the man who would !!!!!! with my bike. There that should fix that problem.

Goat....

Never had a problem with the detachable yet, but when I leave I lock the helmet to the bar and screen with a helmet lock cable, works great!

What are the prices and best places to order a windshield? My bike doesn't have one and it might be worth it based on the amount of gravel on roads in CO. They use it to help traction in winter and take forever to clean it.

Bobbie

Bobbie,

Memphis Shades is a popular choice for HD riders. Dennis Kirk has good prices on those and you pay no shipping or tax from them. If you want an HD windshield, I would wait until one of your local dealers offers a 20% off sale or go with an on-line dealer that offers that discount, such as Chicago Harley.

Todd

Bobbie,

Memphis Shades is a popular choice for HD riders. Dennis Kirk has good prices on those and you pay no shipping or tax from them. If you want an HD windshield, I would wait until one of your local dealers offers a 20% off sale or go with an on-line dealer that offers that discount, such as Chicago Harley.

Todd

I saw a banner above one of the posts tonight for Chicago H-D for 20% off. I just ordered a Memphis Shades 19" El Paso from www.gopartsdirect.com for $151.53 shipped to my door.

im hoping the moco comes up with a cylinder lock for 1 of the clamps.i think it would work well.

Added the H-D compact detach to my bike as well. Excellent fit/form/function item.... yeah, spendy too. But that's nothing new... everything is spendy at the "Chrome Crack House" or Hundred-Dollar store if you prefer.

Well, I've been resistant to putting a windshield on any bike I've owned including this '05 Sporty. I never felt the necessity and I wasn't thrilled with the look. After reading many of the posts on the forum about windshields, I began to have second thoughts. Many of you swear by them for highway riding so I decided to buy one last week.

I bought the Standard height, lightly smoked, detachable windshield. Put it on and rode yesterday at several speeds on different type of roads. What a difference, I really like the feel of not being pounded by the wind as I approached semis from behind. Headwinds were reduced drastically. Definately a great addition as an accessory.

To keep the quick detach from becoming an easy theft target, I took the clamps off and drilled and tapped them to receive 1/4" by 20 by 3/4" Torx-head bolt that keeps the quick connect clamp from opening without removing the bolt first. Only adds a few seconds to my removal efforts but hopefully will slow down the casual grap-and-run at a restaurant.



Todd
Very good idea. Can you post a pic of your mod?

I have the hd compact low profile, I almost never take it off, I still get the wind in my face but I can ride longer without getting tired.

Just installed National cycle "classic", it is not quick detach, but 4 bolts and it comes off. It fits great $123.00 the difference is amazing

Picked up a National Cycle Switchblade detachable windshield and they have a locking mechanism on them. Total time to unlock and remove less than 25 seconds. Made of Lexan and can change between 3 different shields.

I just bought me the H-D QR standard height windshield for my black 05 1200 custom. It makes it look different but not too bad. I did not get a chance to ride with it on yet but I'm looking forward to checking it out...According to those who have them, many would not ride without them they make riding that more comfortable.

Loco
So. Cal...