Deer strike.

[flynrider]

Welcome to the club. Except for not going down, that was my story of two years ago...in Nowhere, Wisconsin, a mile from my jobsite. Fog flow over a dip in the road; slow to 25; and of course that fogbank is lousy with deer. I hit one on the head; watched my fairing explode; felt the front wheel let go and slew for a nanosecond...a wobble...and over.

I'm sorry you had it happen on a good bike. In Ouray, yet...I have done the Million Dollar Highway by bike, three years ago. It's worth the price of the ticket.

But not this.

You're right about one thing: You NEED a windshield to tour on this ride. I hope it all comes together that you can salvage the vacation ride.
One common thread, seems to be the SHATTERING of the instrument housing - anytime anything bad happens.

Seems someone could cobble a guard - or even a cast or even stamped aftermarket housing, that would dent but not bust up when bad stuff happens.

Yeah, the Million Dollar Highway is my second all time favorite motorcycle ride, just behind US 12 between Lolo and Kooskia. As a matter of fact, I first rode it almost 30 yrs. to the day of this event.

The windshield was sorely missed for the rest of the trip. I did press on and finished the rest of the trip without too much discomfort (other than the hail and bugs mentioned above).