Riding Redefined: How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Windshield for Your Bike

The best motorcycle windshield manages airflow around your rider and passenger, reduces turbulent buffeting, and complements your motorcycle's design. Choosing the right windshield means matching its height, profile, material, and mounting configuration to your bike and riding position. Klock Werks Flare® Windshields use a patented aerodynamic design developed through land speed racing and real-world testing to help riders experience better air management on the road.

Mar 18, 2024

What Makes a Motorcycle Windshield the Best Choice?

Every rider knows the feeling. You roll on at highway speed, and the wind starts calling the shots. Your helmet shakes, your sunglasses lift, your stereo gets drowned out, and a 300-mile ride starts feeling a whole lot longer.

Your windshield plays a major role in that experience. But more windshield does not automatically mean better wind protection. A taller shield can change where the air hits your helmet without actually making it smoother.

The goal is to manage airflow, not simply block it.

At Klock Werks, our team in Mitchell, South Dakota, developed the patented Flare® Windshield around that principle. Its distinctive shape redirects airflow to help reduce turbulence and improve stability at highway speeds.

If you're ready to compare styles, heights, and finishes, start with the Klock Werks Flare® Windshield Collection. Here's what to consider before choosing the right windshield for your ride.

What should you look for in a motorcycle windshield?

Four factors should guide your decision:

Air management: How does the shield direct air around the rider and passenger?
Height: Can you comfortably look over the top of the windshield in your normal riding position?
Material: Do you prioritize impact resistance, a particular appearance, or a custom color?
Fitment: Is the windshield designed for your motorcycle's exact year, model, and fairing?

A windshield that checks all four boxes gives you a better starting point than choosing by height or appearance alone.

Why Does Your Stock Motorcycle Windshield Cause Buffeting?

Motorcycle buffeting happens when turbulent airflow reaches the rider, often creating helmet shake, pressure changes, and uncomfortable wind noise. The problem is not always the amount of air hitting you. It's how that air moves around the windshield and into the cockpit.

A relatively flat windshield can redirect air upward, only for that airflow to become turbulent as it meets the surrounding air behind the shield. Depending on your motorcycle, riding posture, and windshield height, that turbulence can reach your helmet and shoulders.

The result can be a tiring ride, especially when you're covering long distances or riding at sustained highway speeds.

Wind pressure can also influence how a touring motorcycle feels at speed. Klock Werks' wind tunnel testing has demonstrated the aerodynamic effects of windshield design on motorcycle lift and stability. These effects are particularly relevant when riding in crosswinds or passing large vehicles, where disturbed airflow can make an already demanding ride feel less settled.

The solution is not necessarily to install the tallest windshield available. Instead, look for a design engineered to direct airflow more effectively.

How Does the Patented Flare® Windshield Work?

The Flare® Windshield uses two defining aerodynamic features: the flip at the top and the hips along the outer edges.

What does the flip do?

The flip is the curved lip at the top of the windshield. Its shape redirects oncoming air upward and back, helping create a smoother pocket of air around the rider and passenger.

That distinction matters. A windshield designed around air management does more than put a physical barrier between you and the wind. Its shape influences where the air travels after it passes over the shield.

What do the hips do?

The hips are the flared sections along the outer edges of the windshield. They help direct airflow outward and contribute to aerodynamic downforce.

During Klock Werks wind tunnel testing, the company observed a substantial change in aerodynamic loading between a stock touring configuration and the Flare® design. The testing demonstrated how the windshield's shape can help counter lift and contribute to a more planted feel at speed.

Actual results depend on the motorcycle, configuration, and riding conditions, so no windshield eliminates every effect of wind or turbulence.

Where did the Flare® design originate?

The Flare® story began with competition, not a styling exercise.

In 2006, Klock Werks won Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off. The team then took its performance bagger to the Bonneville Salt Flats to pursue land speed records.

At high speeds, the stock windshield became an aerodynamic limitation. Brian Klock and his family began experimenting with airflow, including observing how changes in shape affected wind moving past a vehicle. Those experiments helped inspire the flip and hips that became the foundation of the Flare® design.

The resulting windshield helped the bike, later known as the World's Fastest Bagger, achieve multiple land speed records.

Today, Klock Werks continues to develop its products in Mitchell, SD, applying that performance-driven approach to motorcycles built for everyday riding, touring, and custom applications.

For a deeper explanation of the aerodynamics, read The Science of Air Management.

What Are the Benefits of Better Motorcycle Air Management?

The right windshield can make a noticeable difference in how a motorcycle feels over a full day in the saddle.

Can a windshield reduce rider fatigue?

Turbulent air can place repeated pressure on your helmet and upper body. Over hours of riding, that can contribute to fatigue and discomfort.

By redirecting airflow, the Flare® is designed to help reduce the buffeting that makes highway riding tiring. Less distraction from wind can make it easier to concentrate on the road ahead.

Can a windshield improve highway stability?

Windshield shape influences the aerodynamic forces acting on a motorcycle. The Flare® hips help direct airflow outward and contribute to downforce, which can help the front end feel more planted.

Conditions still matter. Crosswinds, passing trucks, riding speed, and the motorcycle's overall setup all affect stability. Air management is one part of the equation, not a substitute for proper riding technique.

Can a motorcycle windshield improve audio clarity?

Wind turbulence around the helmet can compete with audio from the motorcycle's speakers. Smoother airflow may help make audio easier to hear, although results vary by helmet, speaker setup, speed, and riding position.

What about passenger comfort?

Two-up riders need to consider the air reaching the passenger as well as the rider. A windshield that works well for the rider may not provide the same coverage for someone sitting farther back.

The wider and taller Pro-Touring Flare® is an option for riders who prioritize additional coverage on longer trips. The Sport Flare® offers a more streamlined profile for riders who prefer a lower, more aggressive look.

Which Motorcycle Windshield Material Is Best?

The right material depends on your priorities, but it's important to understand that material and aerodynamic shape are two different decisions.

Klock Werks offers multiple Flare® finishes, with material choices varying by series.

Windshield option	Material	Best suited for
Klassic Tints: Clear, Tint, Dark Smoke	Lexan® polycarbonate with FMR hard coating	Riders prioritizing impact resistance and traditional tint options
Solid Black	Polycarbonate	Riders who want an opaque, blacked-out appearance
Kolor Flare®	Acrylic	Riders looking to match or contrast their motorcycle's paint
Ice Series	Fluorescent acrylic	Riders who want a distinctive, vibrant finish
Carbon Fiber Flare®	Carbon fiber	Riders seeking a premium, opaque appearance

Is polycarbonate better than acrylic?

Polycarbonate is known for its high impact resistance, making it a popular choice for motorcycle windshields. Because its surface can scratch more readily than acrylic, the hard coating plays an important role in protecting the finish.

Acrylic offers different advantages, including color consistency and the ability to produce vivid finishes. Klock Werks uses acrylic for its Kolor and Ice Series, allowing riders to coordinate their windshield with custom paint and other components.

Both materials can deliver the Flare® aerodynamic shape. Choosing between them comes down to the finish and material characteristics that best suit your needs.

What should you know about Carbon Fiber Flare® Windshields?

Developed with Arlen Ness, the Carbon Fiber Flare® offers a distinctive alternative to traditional windshield materials for select Harley-Davidson® models.

Its opaque construction makes height selection especially important. You must be able to see comfortably over the top of the shield in your normal riding position.

Always check the product page for the exact model-year and fairing fitment before ordering.

Should You Choose a Sport or Pro-Touring Flare®?

Klock Werks offers different windshield profiles to suit different motorcycles and riding preferences.

When does a Sport Flare® make sense?

The Sport Flare® features aggressive curves and a streamlined profile that follows the fairing's lines. It is a strong option for solo riders, everyday cruising, and custom builds where appearance matters alongside air management.

When should you choose a Pro-Touring Flare®?

The Pro-Touring Flare® is wider and taller, offering additional coverage for long-distance touring and two-up riding.

For example, the Flare® lineup for the 2023.5–2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® includes Sport heights of 8, 10, and 11 inches, along with Pro-Touring heights of 12, 13.5, and 15 inches.

These measurements are taken vertically from the top of the fairing to the top of the windshield. Available sizes vary by motorcycle and fitment.

How Do You Choose the Correct Windshield Height?

Your height alone does not determine which windshield will work best. Torso length, seat height, handlebars, riding posture, and the motorcycle's fairing all affect your line of sight.

Use this measurement process as a starting point.

Sit on your motorcycle in your normal riding position, including your usual posture on longer rides.
Have someone measure vertically from the center of the fairing or stock windshield toward your line of sight.
Note where your line of sight crosses the measurement.
Compare that measurement with the available Flare® heights for your exact motorcycle.
Confirm the recommended height and fitment on the product page before ordering.

The goal is to look over the windshield, not through it, while placing your head and shoulders in the intended pocket of managed air.

Opaque options, including Solid Black and Carbon Fiber, make this especially important because you cannot see through the shield.

Measurements provide a useful starting point, but individual results vary. When possible, test different heights on your own motorcycle to determine which one works best for your riding position.

Use the Find Your Flare® sizing guide and windshield measurement video for additional guidance.

Which Motorcycles Does the Flare® Fit?

Fitment is one of the most important factors when buying a replacement motorcycle windshield. A shield designed for one fairing generation may not fit another, even when the motorcycles share a model name.

Klock Werks offers Flare® Windshields for select motorcycles from these manufacturers:

Harley-Davidson®: Road Glide®, Street Glide®, Electra Glide®, Low Rider® ST, Sport Glide®, Road King®, Pan America®, and additional models.
Indian® Motorcycle: Challenger®, Pursuit®, Chieftain®, Roadmaster®, and select Scout® applications.
BMW®: K 1600 B, GT, GTL and Grand America, R 18 B, R 18 Transcontinental, and select RT models.
Honda®: Gold Wing and F6B.
Kawasaki®: Vaquero and Voyager.
Polaris®: Slingshot®.
Victory®: Cross Country and Magnum.
Yamaha®: Stratoliner.

Flare® options are also available for select aftermarket fairings, including the Memphis Shades Road Warrior™, Saddlemen® S-RT Mini Fairing, and Wedge fairing.

Why does fairing generation matter?

The shape, mounting points, and dimensions of a fairing can change between model years. That is why a windshield that fits one Road Glide® may not fit another.

For example, the 2023.5–2026 Road Glide® Flare® is designed for the newer-style fairing. It is not interchangeable with the 2015–2023 Road Glide® windshield.

Before ordering, use Shop Your Ride or review the Fitment + Installation tab on the specific product page.

How Can You Complete Your Air Management Setup?

A Flare® Windshield manages airflow over the fairing, but other components can address airflow around the rest of the motorcycle.

What do Flare® Hand Guards do?

Flare® Hand Guards help redirect wind, rain, and bugs away from your hands. Available finishes coordinate with the Flare® Klassic Tint, Kolor, and Ice collections.

They fit many Harley-Davidson® models, but compatibility depends on the motorcycle's clutch configuration, handlebars, turn signals, and windshield setup. Check the current fitment details before purchasing.

Explore the Flare® Hand Guards for Harley-Davidson®.

What air management options are available for Indian® motorcycles?

Indian® Challenger® and Pursuit® riders can add Flare® Wings to complement their air management setup.

Select Indian® Scout® models also have access to a Flare® Air Management Kit or individual Flare® Wings.

Always verify fitment for your model year before adding accessories.

How Do You Maintain a Flare® Windshield?

Proper cleaning helps preserve your windshield's finish and protective coating.

Use Shine Werks or mild soapy water with a clean microfiber towel. Avoid ammonia-based, alcohol-based, and petroleum-based cleaners, as well as aerosol products that may damage the surface or coating.

Do not scrub dry dirt across the shield. Rinse away loose debris before wiping to reduce the chance of scratching.

For complete instructions, follow the Flare® Care guide.

How Can You Try a Flare® Before Buying?

The best windshield for your motorcycle is the one that works with your fitment, riding position, and preferred style.

Through the Klock Werks Try It Before You Buy It program, participating dealers in select areas offer opportunities to test ride a Flare® before making a purchase. Riders may also be able to compare heights at the Klock Werks tent during major rallies.

Use the Klock Werks Dealer Locator to find a participating dealer.

Find Your Flare®

The right motorcycle windshield should work with your bike, your riding position, and the miles you want to cover. Start with fitment, measure your line of sight, and choose the material and profile that suit your needs.

Shop the Flare® Windshield Collection and find the right fit for your ride. You can also locate a Klock Werks dealer to explore available demo opportunities.

Questions about fitment? Contact the Klock Werks Krew for help finding the right windshield.