WHAT IS THE BEST WINDSHIELD HEIGHT FOR ME?

The following information is provided compliments of
California Scientific Motorcycle Windshields

Both the Yardstick and the Pants Inseam method are for people who want to look over the windshield. If you want to look through the windshield, add about 3 inches to your windshield height. The quietest possible ride is when you're looking through the windshield.

Riders under 35 years of age typically want about an inch or two shorter windshield to get a sportier feel. Those over 45 typically want a more quiet and comfortable ride and prefer about an inch taller shield.

If you want coverage for your body up to your shoulders, but your head in undisturbed full-speed air, then your windshield's top edge should visually hit the ground about 10 to 12 feet (3 - 4 meters) in front of the front tire contact patch.

DETERMINING YOUR WINDSHIELD HEIGHT

Yardstick Method

The yardstick method below provides the correct answer, including adjustments for your riding posture, handlebar height, seat height, etc.

1. If your stock shield is mechanically adjustable, put it in the lowest position. If your windshield is electrically adjustable, put it about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way up.
2. Get a yard or meter) stick (free at Home Depot or most hardware stores).
3. Park your bike on level ground. Measure 30 feet (9 meters) from your front wheel contact patch. Drop something on the pavement as a marker.
4. Measure 30 feet (9 meters) from the marker so you are 60 feet (18 meters) in front of your bike. Drop another marker.
5. Tape the yardstick along the center of the windshield with masking tape with the 20 inch mark visible from the rider's seat, aligned with the top of the windshield, and the stick pointing up. Now the 21inch mark is 1 inch above the top edge of the windshield. See picture below.
6. Sit on your bike and look at the two things you dropped on the pavement. Sit with your normal riding posture. If you slouch a bit when riding, so so now.
7. You can sight along the yard stick and see how many inches up from the top of the shield you see the 30 foot and 60 foot marks. This determines how many inches taller you would like your windshield.
8. Your optimum windshield height is somewhere between these two heights. Lower for warmer climates, sportier feel and more air flow. Higher for colder climates , quieter riding and more wind protection. Our shields are typically made in 1.5 inch (4cm) increments to help you get the best height.

Pants Inseam Method

The table below is only approximate. o use the table, get a size estimate from the table using your height and pants leg length. If you're between sizes, use the larger size if you live in a colder climate, or the smaller size if you live in a warmer climate. People in Florida or Houston need somewhat shorter windshields, people in Seattle or Juneau need taller windshields.

	28" = 71cm	29" = 74cm	30" = 76cm	31" = 79cm	32" = 81cm	33" = 84cm	34" = 86cm	35" = 89cm	36" = 91cm	37" = 94cm	38" = 96cm
5'5" = 165cm	S
5'6" = 168cm		S
5'7" = 170cm	M		S
5'8" = 173cm		M		S
5'9" = 175cm	L		M		S
5'10" = 178cm		L		M		S
5'11" = 180cm	XL		L		M		S
6' = 183cm		XL		L		M		S
6'1" = 185cm	XXL		XL		L		M		S
6'2" = 188cm		XXL		XL		L		M		S
6'3" = 191cm			XXL		XL		L		M		S
6'4" = 193cm				XXL		XL		L		M
6'5" = 196cm					XXL		XL		L		M
6'6" = 198cm						XXL		XL		L