There were three reasons stated...to provide a little more air to riders in hot weather, to reduce backdraft, and to improve gas mileage. The 2010 windshield measured H 27" x W 25". It is still available through the accessory catalog as P/N 705003777. The 2010 lower deflectors are P/N 705002843 & P/N 705002844. The 2011 shield is H 25" x W 24". That is P/N 705004851, for those that want to have a lower windshield on their 2010. The 2011 Deflectors are a different shape, slightly shorter, and are angled more. Those part numbers are P/N 705004924 & P/N 705004925, for those that wish to upgrade their 2010 to 2011 deflectors. There is also an even smaller shield available for the RT, H 23" x W 22" P/N 219400243. The RT has a great deal of verticle windshield adjustment, so I doubt the shorter windshiled will be a problem for any but the very tallest riders. I am 6'0" and I never raised mine all the way last year.