Another windshield height question
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- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2020 7:25 pm
- Location: Lake Orion, MI
- Motorcycle: 1998 GL1500 SE
Another windshield height question
Yes, another question about windshield height. I just picked up my first 'wing, a 98SE, and it has a Slipstreamer windshield which I assume is the stock height since when it is as low as I can get it the distance from the rubber seal to the top is just under 22". I'm 5' 10" tall and I want to look over the windshield and not through it. When doing an approximate sighting it looks like I would need to take several inches off to get it correct but will do some experimenting with some tape on the shield and riding to see where it should be cut. I'm curious what the windshield measurement is for others about my height that have cut their shields down to look over them.
- CrystalPistol
- Posts: 1419
- Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:07 pm
- Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
- Motorcycle: 1997 GL1500SE/'98 Lehman Trike
Re: Another windshield height question
You mention what I have don e several times, placing easy to remove strip of tape with some numbers or graduation marked and took rides deciding on "how much" On my 1200, I cut one too far, hated it, so I learned … measure multiple times, cut once.
I have like wise set on the bike, no stands, me holding bike up straight like if I was at a stoplight, wife measure eye level to floor, go to yonder wall & put tape, where my eye line of vision crossed windshield was where I cut.
Typically, my top curve mimicks that already on the windshield and I use a plastic coffee can lid to draw my two corners. Makitqa variable speed sabre saw on low with fine toothed metal cutting blade, slow makes less heat. Otherwise, the cut self welds behind you.
I have like wise set on the bike, no stands, me holding bike up straight like if I was at a stoplight, wife measure eye level to floor, go to yonder wall & put tape, where my eye line of vision crossed windshield was where I cut.
Typically, my top curve mimicks that already on the windshield and I use a plastic coffee can lid to draw my two corners. Makitqa variable speed sabre saw on low with fine toothed metal cutting blade, slow makes less heat. Otherwise, the cut self welds behind you.
Make Courtesy your "Code of the Road" …
… & Have a Safe Trip!
… & Have a Safe Trip!

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- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2020 7:25 pm
- Location: Lake Orion, MI
- Motorcycle: 1998 GL1500 SE
Re: Another windshield height question
Yes, that was what I planned on doing as well. I was curious what the final height ended up being for those who look over the shield. I will make sure it's in the lowest position so I have a little wiggle room (literally) to adjust it up.
- offcenter
- Posts: 755
- Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 2:10 pm
- Location: Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey
- Motorcycle: 99 Gl-1500 SE
76 GL-1000
77 Honda Trail 90
Re: Another windshield height question
Skin, I'm about an inch shorter than you, and I ride a '99 SE.
I cut the stock windshield down for the same reason, I like to look just
over the top edge.
Mine measures 14 1/4 inches from the black rubber to the top center
of the shield. I find this to be just right for me. Of course I can raise it
up a couple of inches for rain or winter cold.
P.S. Because there is less windshield, I find that there is less buffeting,
and I get better gas mileage because there is less drag.
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
I cut the stock windshield down for the same reason, I like to look just
over the top edge.
Mine measures 14 1/4 inches from the black rubber to the top center
of the shield. I find this to be just right for me. Of course I can raise it
up a couple of inches for rain or winter cold.
P.S. Because there is less windshield, I find that there is less buffeting,
and I get better gas mileage because there is less drag.
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
George in Jersey.
99 Goldwing GL-1500 SE
76 Goldwing Gl-1000
77 Honda CT-90 "Trail 90"
99 Goldwing GL-1500 SE
76 Goldwing Gl-1000
77 Honda CT-90 "Trail 90"
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- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2020 7:25 pm
- Location: Lake Orion, MI
- Motorcycle: 1998 GL1500 SE
Re: Another windshield height question
Thanks for the measurement. When I did the quick estimate last night I thought I would be cutting about 6" off and I thought I must be way off, or maybe I had a lowered seat and didn't know it. But it looks like my final height would be somewhere around yours. How does your passenger fare with the shorter shield?
- AZgl1800
- Posts: 2521
- Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:46 pm
- Location: Lake Oologah Indian Territory USA
- Motorcycle: '02 GL1800
2009 Piaggio MP3 250cc
Re: Another windshield height question
Madstad makes a windscreen that is totally adjustable, raise it up, lower it way down, tilt it vertical, tilt it back.
I love mine, I change it to suit the conditions that I am riding in.
https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1500 ... eld/332249
I love mine, I change it to suit the conditions that I am riding in.
https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1500 ... eld/332249
~John
'02 GL1800
2009 Piaggio MP3 250cc
'02 GL1800
2009 Piaggio MP3 250cc
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- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2020 7:25 pm
- Location: Lake Orion, MI
- Motorcycle: 1998 GL1500 SE
Re: Another windshield height question
Thanks, it looks like a possible solution.
- offcenter
- Posts: 755
- Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 2:10 pm
- Location: Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey
- Motorcycle: 99 Gl-1500 SE
76 GL-1000
77 Honda Trail 90
Re: Another windshield height question
My wife has not complained a bit. I feel that I got it perfect on the first try.skinl19 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 10, 2020 1:27 pmThanks for the measurement. When I did the quick estimate last night I thought I would be cutting about 6" off and I thought I must be way off, or maybe I had a lowered seat and didn't know it. But it looks like my final height would be somewhere around yours. How does your passenger fare with the shorter shield?
George in Jersey.
99 Goldwing GL-1500 SE
76 Goldwing Gl-1000
77 Honda CT-90 "Trail 90"
99 Goldwing GL-1500 SE
76 Goldwing Gl-1000
77 Honda CT-90 "Trail 90"