Kristie, I've measured my touring windshield, and from the center arch at the bottom to the very top, its 24". From the screw hole at the bottom middle that attaches it to the bike to the very top of the windshield its just over 25". If you look at the pics I've got in my album, you'll see that there are hand guards formed on the windshield to keep the wind off of my hands, too. When I've got this windshield on, the top of it is about even with my chin. Keeps all of the wind off of me, except what comes across and hits the helmet. (Its summer, though, so my shortie windshield is on. Give me all the breeze I can get!)
As far as the hand strain from reaching for the clutch, do you have the lever adjusted to the smallest setting possible? You may have, and still be having trouble. Mine is and I am. I have been keeping my thumb lined up with my fingers, and using the heel of my hand to hold onto the handlebar when I reach for the clutch. Fingers are long enough to get a grip and still have my palm on the handlebar. Try that... may help, if you can still reach the clutch.
Try scooting forward a bit on the seat to help get closer to the shifter. Heel/toe shifter would help, I'm sure, but until you can get one, try to scooch up to the front of the seat.