Motorcycle windscreen, windshield, or deflector shield are designed to deflect air flow away from the rider and passengers. They are available in different types and styles, but most work by channeling air up or away from the rider, so they don’t have to deal with as much turbulence when riding their bike at higher speeds.
When you have a long drive to take by your Harley, it’s always nice to have a windshield for your bike so that you can enjoy a safe ride. But what is the best Harley Windshield out there? Here we’ve got a few.
Best for Most Touring – Klock Werks Hill Country
Best for Street Glide – Klock Werks Flare or Memphis Spoiler
Best for Road Glide – K.W. Flare 2015+ or K.W. Flare <2013
Best for Road King – Krator Blackout or MEP6220 or National Cycle
Best for Road King Special – Krator Blackout or XFMT Detachable
Best for Electra Glide (Ultra, Classic) – K.W. FLH ’14+ or K.W. FLH <’13
Best for Ultra Limited – K.W. Flare ’14> or CIRO or K.W. <’13
Best for CVO – Klock Werks Pro Flare or Custom Dynamics Trim
Best for Tri Glide – Custom Dynamics or K.W. Hill Country
Best for Sportster – Krator JBM-6009-S or Memphis Shades
Best for Heritage Softail – NC N2210 or Ego Bike WSD-04
Best for Fatboy – National Cycle N2210 or Ego WSD-04
Best for Softail Deluxe – National Cycle
Best for Dyna – Krator Tall Fairing Windshield
Best Budget Friendly – Kuryakyn 1389 or Amazicha HD
Benefits of a Windshield on Your Harley
Many people like windshields for the following reasons:
- Helps combat fatigue, arm strain and back pain by removing incoming wind blast to your body (mainly face and chest).
- Makes your trip more comfortable and relaxing by removing or minimizing air pushing against your body
- Reduces wind noise which can get quite loud on long distances.
- Keeps you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Can help to secure luggage over the front tank of your motorcycle.
- Will add a little expensive price tag to your unit if you ever want to sell your Harley.
- Gives a clear view while preventing incoming dust and tiny particles towards your eye.
Best Harley Windshield (All H-D Models) – Top Table
Best Windshield for Harley Davidson – Buying Facts:
Material
The first thing you have to consider when looking for a Harley windshield is its material. Usually following three types of materials are used for building windshields, screens, and deflectors:
- Acrylic
- Polycarbonate
- ABS plastic
Polycarbonate is the most impact-resistant material with a much expensive price tag. ABS plastic stands in the middle of the other two regarding durability. But, Acrylic is the oldest and softest one, making it a bit more prone to scratching.
Sizes & Fitment
Size doesn’t matter much when it comes to wind noise, but it does when it comes to safety. The bigger the windshield is, the more protection it will offer for your head and neck area.
Color
The color depends on personal preference. But again, there are situations where color becomes important depending on the traffic laws in your area.
Style
Style is mostly just a matter of personal preference and has nothing to do with functionality. Practicality also plays a vital role in this factor. If you tend to hit the road at night, you might want to get a Harley windshield that has good illumination so other motorists can spot you from afar.
Adjustability
If you want a decent Harley windshield but don’t want to pay much money, then maybe you should consider buying a universal one. Use some adapter so it can fit your bike better.
Height
You might not think about height as an important factor, but it actually is quite important when choosing the best windscreen. It should give you maximum protection against all elements while driving on your motorcycle. The taller the shield, the better because it will keep out more air and dust.
Top Harley Windshield Makers
Klock Werks
This is one of the best Harley windshield manufacturers out there. They have a great range of custom-style H-D windshields that are made in the USA to a very high standard.
Krator Store
This online store is the best place to find all Harley parts and accessories at a more than affordable price. They have a wide range of windshields for your motorcycle, so you can choose what you exactly need.
XFMT Store
They’re another shop that offers very competitive prices on their Harley windshields, just like the Krator store above.
Custom Dynamics
They have a wide range of custom-style H-D shields handmade in the USA, made from high-quality materials.
National Cycle
They have a wide range of motorcycle windshields and accessories for many models and brands. They offer great quality products for most H-D model motorcycles.
Kuryakyn
Well known for making dress-up parts and accessories for motorcycles, Kuryakyn also manufactures some nice-looking Harley windscreens. They offer several different colors and designs if you want to make your ride look more custom.
Pricing of Harley Windshield, Windscreen, Air Deflector
Keep in mind that just because a shop doesn’t list the price on their website, it doesn’t mean you should assume they are expensive. Most stores have windshields starting from around $30 to over $300 for more premium options.
Smoked vs Black WINDSCREEN – Which is Better for What?
Ever wonder if it’s better to get a black motorcycle windshield or a smoked one? The obvious answer is that you should choose the color based on your personal preference. But several factors come into play when making this decision, such as the time of year you plan to ride around more often.
If you want maximum protection during all weather conditions, it’s advised to go with a black one. It will provide perfect visibility in any weather and has superior heat resistance.
How to Mount / Install a Windshield on Harley?
When it comes to mounting a Harley windshield, there are a few simple steps you should follow:
- First off, clean the area where you’ll be installing it with some alcohol wipes or glass cleaner.
- Line up all of the suction cups so that they’re centered on the windscreen before pressing them firmly into place.
- Some windshields may come with latches which you can use to secure them in place instead of relying on the suction cups alone.
- Keep your eyes peeled for any possible leaks at the edge of your Harley windshield near the seams. If you spot any, seal them with clear silicone.
- For models which don’t come with latches, press your Harley windshield securely against the fairing and use a couple of drywall screws to secure it in place. Use machine thread or left-handed screws since they’re less likely to strip than conventional ones.
Harley-Davidson Windshield Mounting Hardware Tools
OK, you’ve finally found the best Harley windscreen for your ride. Now here are some tools which you’ll need to mount it. This might be obvious to most of us, but I want to make sure everyone has an idea of what to look for next time they do some shopping:
- Power Drill
- Harley Davidson windshield bolts
- Silicone Sealant
- Flathead Screwdriver (for securing latches on some windshields)
- Sandpaper (for cleaning the mounting area)
How High Should a Motorcycle Windshield Be?
Generally, they come in various heights, and it’s crucial to find one that suits your riding style and body build. If the windshield is too tall for you, it will become uncomfortable to ride behind. On the other hand, if it’s too short, you won’t get much protection from the wind while on the road.
Generally speaking, the best height for a motorcycle windshield is somewhere between the chin and the tip of your nose. However, this depends on individual preference since some riders don’t like having a windshield that high.
Maintenance – How to Clean Harley Windshield
It’s important to clean your Harley windshield regularly. Otherwise, dirt and other debris will scratch the paint over time. By keeping it clean, you can also prolong its lifespan since mud, bugs, and road grime won’t have a chance to affect the paint as much. It is, in fact, necessary for every type of windshield.
To clean your Harley, first, remove any accumulated dust or dirt with a microfiber cloth. Apply some water-free glass cleaner on the surface using a microfiber towel. If needed, you can use a separate cloth to buff off any streaks left behind.
Benefits of Adding a Pouch/Bag to the Windshield
A windshield bag/pouch is a small bag that attaches directly to your motorcycle’s windshield. Best Harley windshield bags can be used for carrying anything from spare gloves and sunglasses to your wallet or phone.
A tiny storage space like the best Harley Davidson windshield pouch makes life much more convenient while you’re on the road. You no longer have to lug around luggage behind you, which can be intrusive and hazardous.
Should You Look Through or Over a Windshield?
When you’re looking over the windshield, your line of sight is much more unimpeded than when you look through it. Most windshields are elevated quite a bit to help them provide better wind protection without sacrificing visibility.
That said, it’s best to check the height of any Harley windshield before purchase. You don’t want anything that makes you ride uncomfortably and jeopardizes your overall safety.
How to Reduce Wind Buffeting on a Windshield?
Buffeting is a strong, constant vibration usually experienced at high speeds caused by fluctuating air pressure working against your windshield.
The best way to reduce wind buffeting on a windshield is to tilt it forward gradually. This will let more air flow over the screen instead of against it.
You can also try to raise the windshield higher than normal. The higher it is, the more it’ll divert air away from your body and face.
Concluding Remarks
According to veterans, having a proper shield is for both safety reasons and long-term usage. We know that seeing things through a scratched-up piece of glass isn’t what you want on your Harley Davidson, so choosing the best shield is a priority.