900 windshields

[bad andy]

What type/style of windshields do you 900 Vulcan riders recommend? How high and how wide is best for highway riding one up. I don't like the style of the windshield on the 900 LT. That looks like the only style through Kawasaki. I like the 17" style available through Custom World International. Any pics out there? Any manufacturer recommendations?

[texrider]

I've got the 15" Sportech Cruise Series clear shield on mine. It features a quick-release system, and suits me fine at 6'. I've no access to pics at the moment, but you could google sportech.

[rod2625]

I am 5'9" and the 17" Memphis Fats and lowers work really well on my VN900. I could not be more pleased. Check out the "What Fits" sticky for part numbers.

[jimbo-vn900]

I contacted National Cycle to see if they were working on a quick release switchblade version for the 900. They replied back and said they are not planning on developing anything in the next couple of months.

So far I think this is my current winner:

[RoyH]

I have the Custom World International 15" with the Custom World Internation aux lights. High quality, thick windshield - looks great. I am 5'11 195lbs and the 15" provides adequate protection for me - but I did not want to block 100% of the wind. A friend at 6'1" is also happy with the same 15" sheild.

[jimbo-vn900]

Hey guys, thanks for all the options. tex and roy, I would love to see pics of your windshields mounted on a 900. If you can, we would love to see your bikes.

[VulcanRev]

Love the LT's large windshield! Only other thing I've ridden w/shield is my buddies nomad and the shield is shaped differently and about 20% smaller. The only thiong I miss with the stock shield is the color fade that some shields have.

[gugevitch]

Hi Jimbo, sorry you lost me - what windshield is that a pic of?
Thanks

[jimbo-vn900]

It is the National Cycle "Ranger Heavy Duty."

Unfortunately it is not quick release (which is what I am really looking for) I think my new winner is currently the Sportech:

[kawihunter]

http://www.westendmotorsports.com/in...=308_1436_1550




I'm going for the CWI 17", looks great. JMHO

[Neversaydie]

I've got the National Cycle (Medium). It looks great and has well made mounts.
I'm 5"8" , 190lbs, and it does the trick nicely. Only thing, I have it as high as it will go and it just deflects the wind above the rim of my helmet( Perfect). If I were any taller, I would want the Large size, to get it up higher.

BTW, I'll never ride without one again!!!

[Bob Brooks]

Originally Posted by bad andy

What type/style of windshields do you 900 Vulcan riders recommend? How high and how wide is best for highway riding one up. I don't like the style of the windshield on the 900 LT. That looks like the only style through Kawasaki. I like the 17" style available through Custom World International. Any pics out there? Any manufacturer recommendations?

The dimensions listed by each manufacturer don't tell the whole story since the headlight opening and the mounting bracket configurations figure heavily into the effective mounting height of the windshield.

I am 5'-8"...first tried National Cycle Heavy Duty Chopped; too low even at highest setting. Swapped it for Nat Cycle Heavy Duty Touring which is 5" taller. Got the one with the adjustable headlight opening. I have the shield set on the lowest position, but it's too high for the generally recommended "look OVER the windshield" mode. So, I will soon cut it down, which is written about as being a fairly doable, 1-2 beer job.

Very pleased with the quality of the Nat Cycle shields and mounting brackets. I bought Memphis Shades lowers instead of Nat Cycle's, for reasons I can't quite recall. They work great.

[gugevitch]

[quote=jimbo-vn900]It is the National Cycle "Ranger Heavy Duty."

Unfortunately it is not quick release (which is what I am really looking for) I think my new winner is currently the Sportech:



Don't know if you are still interested but I found an ad in Canadian Biker magazine that says National cycle now has a Switchblade windshield to fit the Vulcan 900C, not sure if it will fit the VN900 Classic or not. I will try to contact them to find out.

[rod2625]

I forgot to mention, my Memphis Fats shield has a quick release if that is something you are looking for.

[RDap98]

I have a National Cycle. Like it much more than my buddy's F&S Kawasaki (stock) windshield. See pics...

[RDap98]

The pic that disn't go last time...

[Bob Brooks]

[quote=gugevitch]

Originally Posted by jimbo-vn900

It is the National Cycle "Ranger Heavy Duty."

Unfortunately it is not quick release (which is what I am really looking for) I think my new winner is currently the Sportech:



Don't know if you are still interested but I found an ad in Canadian Biker magazine that says National cycle now has a Switchblade windshield to fit the Vulcan 900C, not sure if it will fit the VN900 Classic or not. I will try to contact them to find out.

It's great to see these long threads and how helpful everyone is. I have successfully cut down my Nat Cycle Heavy Duty Touring so that it is now even with the tip of my nose when the shield is in its lowest position. Using two of the on-line how-to's about windshield cutting I found it to be fairly simple. The plan of using a template from the original top curve doesn't really work too well since the blend into the sides is not good. I used a draftsman's flexible curve to create my template.

I like the looks of my 900 better without the windshield, but I like riding it better with the windshield.

[jimbo-vn900]

Originally Posted by gugevitch

...National cycle now has a Switchblade windshield to fit the Vulcan 900C, not sure if it will fit the VN900 Classic or not...

Since the switchblade is affixed to the forks, and the custom has skinny forks at the top, there is no problem. Unfortunatley I really like the bigger look of the forks on the classic, which National Cycle has no plans to make the switchblade for. So far the Sportech is looking better and better.

[gugevitch]

I agree, the Sportech looks good and the quick release system appears to be really slick. The 15" seems small, ( does it give adequate protection?) I am 5'8" and would want to be able to see over it so the 20" I think would be to be too tall. For those of you who have one - is buffeting a problem or does the design, (lip at the top etc.) do the job? Other posts have mentioned needing lowers to decrease buffeting. If that were the case are there lowers that would work with this shield ( and also look ok)? Any one with experience with this your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

[Bob Brooks]

Originally Posted by gugevitch

I agree, the Sportech looks good and the quick release system appears to be really slick. The 15" seems small, ( does it give adequate protection?) I am 5'8" and would want to be able to see over it so the 20" I think would be to be too tall. For those of you who have one - is buffeting a problem or does the design, (lip at the top etc.) do the job? Other posts have mentioned needing lowers to decrease buffeting. If that were the case are there lowers that would work with this shield ( and also look ok)? Any one with experience with this your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

The critical measurement is how high the windshield is above the headlight housing. The position of a windshield will be controlled by the headlight opening, and by the lower part of the windshield (at least with mine) hitting the turn indicators. I am 5'-8", and recently cut down my Nat Cycle Heavy Duty Touring by 3". When it is in its lowest position, which is dictated by the turn indicators, it is even with the tip of my nose. In this position it is 15 1/4" above the top of the headlight housing, when measured vertically. If you measure along the slope of the windshield from its intersection with the headlight housing to the top of the shield it's 17 1/4" after the cut-down.

This configuration works for me, but I have not had it out over 50 mph yet. If I get a little too much wind slap at my helment I can always raise it up a little and still see over it. I also have Memphis Shades lowers, which do make a difference.

If you have a decent saber saw, a blade for plastic, an electric sander, some blue masking tape, and about 90 minutes to spare I would recommend buying a windshield that is on the tall side, then cut it down to suit you.