How to Measure a Motorcycle Windshield (and Pick the Right Height)

A windshield that's the wrong height is worse than no windshield at all. Too short, and it sends a blast of turbulent air straight into your helmet. Too tall, and you're looking through scratched plastic in the rain. The good news: finding the right height takes a tape measure, a friend and about ten minutes.

This guide shows you how to measure a motorcycle windshield, how to work out the right motorcycle windshield height for your riding position and what to do if you're between sizes.

Why Windshield Height Matters

A windshield doesn't just block wind. It shapes the airflow around you. When the screen is the right height, the air passes cleanly over the top of your helmet. When it's slightly too short, the air comes off the edge of the screen and hits your helmet right at the visor, which causes the buffeting and noise many riders complain about.

That's why the right height depends on you sitting on your bike, not on your height alone. Two riders of the same height can need different screens because of torso length, seat height and riding posture.

What You'll Need

• A tape measure (a soft tailor's tape is easiest on curved screens).
• A friend to help.
• Your riding gear, especially your usual helmet and boots.
• Your bike on level ground, ideally on a stand or held upright.

Step 1: Measure Your Current Windshield

Before choosing a new screen, measure the one you have. That gives you a reference point.

1. Height: measure from the center of the bottom edge (where the screen meets the mount or headlight cowl) to the highest point at the center of the top edge. Follow the curve of the screen.
2. Width: measure across the widest point, again following the curve.

Note whether your measurement follows the curve or goes in a straight line, because manufacturers don't all measure the same way. Most list the height along the curve, but check the product description.

Step 2: Find Your Line of Sight

Now measure what height you actually need:

1. Sit on the bike in your normal riding position, with your helmet on and your feet on the pegs. Your friend holds the bike upright.
2. Look straight ahead as if riding.
3. Your friend holds a straight edge (a ruler or a piece of cardboard) at the top of the current screen and moves it up slowly until it lines up with your line of sight.
4. The ideal top of the screen is usually just below your line of sight, so you look over the screen rather than through it. A common guideline is to have the top edge roughly at nose level when seated.

The difference between the top of your current screen and that point tells you roughly how much taller (or shorter) your new screen should be.

Step 3: Account for How You Ride

Mostly highway

Go toward the taller end of your range. More protection means less fatigue on long days.

Off-road and standing

Go shorter. When you stand on the pegs, a tall screen gets in your line of sight and can hit your chest on rough terrain.

Mixed riding

An adjustable screen, or a screen offered in several heights, gives you the most flexibility.

Step 4: Test Before You Commit

If you can, tape a piece of cardboard to the top of your current screen at the height you're considering and go for a short ride. It looks silly, but it's the fastest way to check whether a taller screen will push the turbulence above your helmet or simply move it.

Fine-Tuning: Extensions, Brackets and Deflectors

You don't always need a new windshield. Smaller parts can fix the airflow:

• Screen extension brackets raise or reposition the existing screen. Example: our windscreen extension bracket for the Yamaha Ténéré 700.
• Wind deflectors clip onto the screen or bodywork and redirect air. See the Africa Twin CRF1000L wind deflector or the MT-09 front windshield wind deflector.
• Side deflectors reduce wind on your torso and knees, like the side wind deflectors for the BMW R1300GS.

Windshields for Popular Bikes

• CFMOTO 450MT / Ibex 450: windshield with three height options, which makes it easy to apply the measuring method above.
• BMW R1300GS: extended windscreen.
• Many naked and touring bikes: universal adjustable windscreen, which works when a model-specific option isn't available.

Common Mistakes

• Measuring standing next to the bike instead of seated in riding position.
• Ignoring your helmet: a bulky adventure helmet changes the airflow compared to a sleek sport helmet.
• Buying the tallest screen available: taller isn't always better. A screen that ends just below your line of sight often gives less buffeting than one that ends at your visor.
• Forgetting the seat: if you've installed a lower or taller seat, re-measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall should my motorcycle windshield be?

Seated in your riding position, the top of the screen should usually sit just below your line of sight, around nose level, so you look over it.

Is windshield height measured along the curve?

Most manufacturers measure along the curve from the bottom center to the top center, but some use a straight line. Check the product description.

Why does my new taller windshield make more noise?

If the top edge sends the air directly at your helmet, the turbulence can get worse. Try a slightly taller or shorter screen, or adjust the angle if your mount allows it.

Browse all motorcycle windshields and wind deflectors.