Madstad vs Windbender for 1500

[Quick Cal]

I desperately need a new windshield on a 96 I just got. I'm considering the Madstad or Windbender.

Has anyone had both? I'm leaning towards the Madstad just because there seems to be more people with them.

I have a few questions.

1. Are bugs an issue since the windshield will be below you eyes? Seems like you will get it in the face.

2. From old threads I read I seen the oem adjusters wouldn't work because the mounting hardware is too thick. Is this still the case?

3. Is the darkest color too dark? I don't ride much at night partially due to headlights blinding me. Could I raise the shield and duck down when needed,,,lol. I have to admit I think the darkest color would look cool. But if it's too dark????? Maybe be not so cool. I would probably just get the medium tint.

From what I read most get the 12'' Madstad. I'm 5'10''. So does the 12'' sound right?

That's all I can think of for now.

Thanks for any input.

[Rambozo]

I like the Madstad. I went with medium tint as I ride at night and even though you look over it, I felt dark would be a mistake. The Windbender has some different tops, some flat and some with a spoiler. A friend had a similar shield with the spoiler, and between the optical distortion at the bend, and my progressive bifocals it drove me batty. Again, I know you are supposed to look over it, but there are still parts of the road where you will be looking through it as well as doing your instrument scan. It was a dealbreaker, at least for me. Madstad doesn't want you to use the factory adjustors, but I made some shims to space the hardware out enough I can still use them. (But I never do)
Adjusted properly, you can make the wind, and any bugs, go over the top of your helmet. If you have it set to blow wind in your face, you will of course also get bugs.

[Quick Cal]

I like the Madstad. I went with medium tint as I ride at night and even though you look over it, I felt dark would be a mistake. The Windbender has some different tops, some flat and some with a spoiler. A friend had a similar shield with the spoiler, and between the optical distortion at the bend, and my progressive bifocals it drove me batty. Again, I know you are supposed to look over it, but there are still parts of the road where you will be looking through it as well as doing your instrument scan. It was a dealbreaker, at least for me. Madstad doesn't want you to use the factory adjustors, but I made some shims to space the hardware out enough I can still use them. (But I never do)
Adjusted properly, you can make the wind, and any bugs, go over the top of your helmet. If you have it set to blow wind in your face, you will of course also get bugs.

Thanks for the reply. Do you feel like the medium tint was the right choice?

[blupupher]

I had a Madstad with a light tint and wish it was a little darker. It really helps if riding on a cement roadway in the bright daylight. I was going to get medium, but it was on backorder and I really wanted one for an upcoming trip, so I got the light tint.
I did not want a dark tinted one, but not sure if it really would be all that bad since you are not looking through it, especially if you never ride at night.

From what I remember, the Madstad is cheaper than the Windbender, and both basically do the same thing.

I am 5'11" and the 12" was just fine, you have some height adjustment with the base part when installing, and then can adjust the upper part easily.
I ended up having the lower solid part all the way up and would adjust the upper part based on the weather, but was never looking through the windshield, always above it.

[Quick Cal]

So I decided to go with the Madstad. But where the hell do you measure from? I've looked at the pic they provide. But every time I look at my bike it seems to change spots on me,,,lol.

Seems like they would say just go 1'' above the chrome trim piece? Or something to that effect.

I'm 5'10''. From what I read most go with the 12'', so that's what I'm leaning towards.

Where did you guys measure from? Thanks.

[blupupher]

I didn't measure, just went for the 12" and it worked out for me.

[Sadanorakman]

I have the 12" medium tint Madstad. I'm 5'8". It suits me very well; particularly the tint.

2000 SE with Madstad 12" medium tint. UK.

[MaineStreet]

5'10" and the Madstad 12" middle tint is great. Beats the hack job windscreen that was on before. It was recently on sale. Took the full 10 days from ordering to ship because they produce to order in FL.

[Jonbarking3]

We went with the darkest & largest Madstad. Put base all the way down, no need to move up or down after install as outer shield is where all the adjustments are made. As far as bugs; the air goes OVER driver's helmet about 6 to 8 inches. I wear an open face helmet with glasses and don't remember ever having to clean bugs off glasses. We tried windsields that were taller, wider, and upper lip curved ( Long Ride Shields ) over the years. Installed the Madstad, loaded up the boss and went for a ride. Her comments were " the air is calmer back here, no pressure pushing on my back & shoulder area." After riding past a few semi trucks on the interstate at 70 plus she said " we should have installed one of these year's ago " A much calmer ride for me up front also. Take Care John K

[Golfr]

How does the shorter windshield affect passenger comfort/turbulence? Buffeting and such.
Thanx in advance

[MaineStreet]

I ride solo nearly exclusively, so I don't have any meaningful input to the question.