Talk to me about windshields

[VegasF6]

Still have the original Tourer windshield. Getting pretty bad. Normal fine scratches I can live with, but there are a couple of large spots in my line of vision that for lack of a better word, it seems as though some sort of coating has peeled away. Hard to say if the perceived coating is on the outside section, actually inside the shield as though between two pieces of plastic or what. It definitely doesn't seem to be in the drivers side of the shield though.

Is it possible to repair, buff, polish etc this? I don't really recall what happened to it in the past, may have been rain-x, or just aggressive attempts to clean it. I vaguely seem to remember though hitting it with a pressure washer and a sheet of something actually coming off. Is  that possible?

Alternately, if I can't fix it, talk to me about replacements. I find in BF's reply here http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,31302.msg286950.html#msg286950
that the two replacement options are Clearview (who I already knew about) and Cee Bailey (who I didn't know about).

As far as I know, the stock size windshield seems to work just fine for me, I haven't noticed any buffeting, and I usually slouch when riding, which puts my line of sight just over the top edge of the shield. I guess if I sat up straight it could be a hair taller, but I think I prefer to keep it stock. Thing is, even though I see mention of a stock replacement at Clearview, I can't find it listed on their website. The closest I find is the GT Stock Ht which is listed as of course, stock height, but 1" wider than stock. How does that look in person? I mean, it's a pretty darn massive shield already, I dunno that I want an even bigger piece of plywood out there.

Or, the alternative is the Cee Bailey. They list a stock height, and what I have to assume (but am not sure) is a stock width. It's $279 vs $203 for the Clearview.  CB proudly proclaims in bold letters their acrylic is .187 thick. Although, if you look, the Clearview is as well.

What I don't find much mention of is Honda Direct Line lists this part:
http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=1084&str=2
Listed as a Honda replacement windscreen, so I assume that means it is exactly the same as, and even the same manufacture as the original stock part. Only 3 reviews, one complaint about it being 5 thousands thinner than his original. But, 5 thousands really aint much and is probably with manufacturing tolerances frankly. Any reason I don't find much talk about this one?

And finally, to wrap it up, while I want to keep the stock appearance, one issue I have with the stock shield is the strip that runs under the headlight. I have additional driving lights mounted under my triple tree and they shine through this part of the shield. So, when I turn them on, it sends a lot of glare back in my face. IF I decide I don't want that section, do any of you know if the 3 windshields I mention do or don't have it? I have seen threads where people have cut it off themselves, and that's a possibility but I really don't want to buy a brand new shield and take a saw to it right away. One other thread I saw mentioned he may have a VTX shield on his Valk and it doesn't include that. Not sure how reputable the source was though.

Comments?

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Clearview does not have the wrap around at the bottom of the headlight.

[Gator John]

Replaced my stock with a Rifle about 7 years ago because I needed more height and couldn't be happier. They will custom make it to your specs. Also, you can adjust the angle to a certain extent because the brackets have slotted holes. However, since you were ok with the size of the standard, I would try to get a direct replacement.  No afternarket shield has that beautiful step taper like the stock windshield.  If I weren't so long waisted, I'd still have my original.

[Gary]

I've got a Clearview for my standard and a Cee Bailey (yesterday) for my IS.

Also check out F4Customs, one of our sponsors - watch for marquee above or...
http://www.f4customs.com/

[BF]

I've got a Clearview for my standard and a Cee Bailey (yesterday) for my IS.

Also check out F4Customs, one of our sponsors - watch for marquee above or...
http://www.f4customs.com/

That's the one that I had forgotten about.  Clearview, Ceebaileys and F4Customs. 

[BIG--T]

Still have the original Tourer windshield. Getting pretty bad. Normal fine scratches I can live with, but there are a couple of large spots in my line of vision that for lack of a better word, it seems as though some sort of coating has peeled away. Hard to say if the perceived coating is on the outside section, actually inside the shield as though between two pieces of plastic or what. It definitely doesn't seem to be in the drivers side of the shield though.

Is it possible to repair, buff, polish etc this? I don't really recall what happened to it in the past, may have been rain-x, or just aggressive attempts to clean it. I vaguely seem to remember though hitting it with a pressure washer and a sheet of something actually coming off. Is  that possible?

Alternately, if I can't fix it, talk to me about replacements. I find in BF's reply here http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,31302.msg286950.html#msg286950
that the two replacement options are Clearview (who I already knew about) and Cee Bailey (who I didn't know about).

As far as I know, the stock size windshield seems to work just fine for me, I haven't noticed any buffeting, and I usually slouch when riding, which puts my line of sight just over the top edge of the shield. I guess if I sat up straight it could be a hair taller, but I think I prefer to keep it stock. Thing is, even though I see mention of a stock replacement at Clearview, I can't find it listed on their website. The closest I find is the GT Stock Ht which is listed as of course, stock height, but 1" wider than stock. How does that look in person? I mean, it's a pretty darn massive shield already, I dunno that I want an even bigger piece of plywood out there.

Or, the alternative is the Cee Bailey. They list a stock height, and what I have to assume (but am not sure) is a stock width. It's $279 vs $203 for the Clearview.  CB proudly proclaims in bold letters their acrylic is .187 thick. Although, if you look, the Clearview is as well.

What I don't find much mention of is Honda Direct Line lists this part:
http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=1084&str=2
Listed as a Honda replacement windscreen, so I assume that means it is exactly the same as, and even the same manufacture as the original stock part. Only 3 reviews, one complaint about it being 5 thousands thinner than his original. But, 5 thousands really aint much and is probably with manufacturing tolerances frankly. Any reason I don't find much talk about this one?

And finally, to wrap it up, while I want to keep the stock appearance, one issue I have with the stock shield is the strip that runs under the headlight. I have additional driving lights mounted under my triple tree and they shine through this part of the shield. So, when I turn them on, it sends a lot of glare back in my face. IF I decide I don't want that section, do any of you know if the 3 windshields I mention do or don't have it? I have seen threads where people have cut it off themselves, and that's a possibility but I really don't want to buy a brand new shield and take a saw to it right away. One other thread I saw mentioned he may have a VTX shield on his Valk and it doesn't include that. Not sure how reputable the source was though.

Comments?

A VTX sheild won't work on a Valk. Ask me how I know

[BonS]

Clearview does not have the wrap around at the bottom of the headlight.

f4customs polycarbonate windshield doesn't have the strip under the headlight as well.

[Atl-Jerry]

I replaced my stock IS windshield a few years ago with the Clearview, stock height, 1 inch wider lightly tinted.  For me, the extra width is indiscernable unless you notice the slight flair where it attaches to the fairing.  This is a good replacement if you like the stock height.  This allows me to see over the shield, which I have always done and couldn't imagine looking thru a windshield.  I bought another IS 2 weeks ago and it has what I believe to be a tall Tulsa.  I had planned to take it home and swap the windshield immediately to a stock shield I could see over.  I ended up taking several rides with the tall one and now, 8 or 9 hundred miles later I'm really liking this thing.  I quickly learned to look thru it and the absence of any head buffetting is welcome.  If someone told me two weeks ago I would keep this thing I would have said your nuts! 

AJ 

[Farther]

I'm a short guy, about 5'8", and one of the first mods I did to my Standard Hondaline windshield was to trim 4 inches off the top.  I should have trimmed 2 inches but that is another story.  Given the choise of looking through my windshield or the 4 inch shorter, I would go with the shorter one every time.

[VegasF6]

AFAIK conventional wisdom has always been to look over the shield, not through it. Perhaps when it's new it matters less, but I imagine after a few years....

I am not convinced a Lexan™ shield can be better than a Plexiglass™ shield. I saw the sales blurb, clean it with steel wool even. But, I guess I am just stubborn in my knowledge that polycarbonate, while certainly more impact resistant, scratches too easy.

Found a thread about polishing the shield, does sounds like a pain, and I see mention that the shield does have a layer of protection, probably some sort of film that must be removed first. So, I guess it would never be as good as new. I wonder if any of the aftermarket products have some sort of coating/films? Wonder how much it would cost to Crizal™ a windshield? Probably a LOT.

Still awaiting feedback on the Honda Direct Line. Maybe I should email them. Back in the days of dinosaurs, Hal from HDL used to frequent this board. Anyone know if he is still around, or even affiliated with HDL?

Also, still awaiting feedback on driving lights mounted under the triple tree and Tourer shields. This could be a big factor.

Probably will never notice the 1" wider on the Clearview, so it's not out. After all, it's only 1/2" on each side But, what was their reason? Why not just offer a direct replacement?

VTX shield is def out then, thanks for the definitive answer on that one Big-T.
Not really interested in an entire after market windshield/bracket replacement solution as I feel the Honda solution is the sturdiest I have ever seen. So, Rifle, National, any of those are out.

 By the way, off topic, anyone ever hit a bird at freeway speeds? A 1,000 miles from home? Well I have. Hard to believe how much force a few ounces of feathers and hollows bones translates to at 80 MPH.

[VegasF6]

Ok, what material is the OEM Hondaline? I am finding people saying it is polycarbonate. If that's true, maybe I will consider the F4 after all.

[art]

A vtx windsield will work on a valk but you need to use a vtx headlight.I changed my headlight an shield about six years ago.$500 each but I realy like them.The chrome frame of the windshield is much nicer than a stock valk an I think the headlight is better looking than the fat light of the valk.I also did the same with the pressure washer to the shield .Some of the coating came off .Some day I will buy some coated lexan an mace my own replacement

[Hoser]

I like the clear view replacement for the honda shield, mine is shorter than stock, they will make it to your preference, that's why it takes a few weeks for delivery.  Hoser

[BF]

If you do have to cut the bottom off of a new shield, you might want to contact a glass company.  My wife works at a glass company that does residential and commercial glass as well as auto glass and she says that they cut windshelds down for people from time to time. 

I'm sure it'd be a piece of cake for them to cut out that bottom section and buff out the edges for you. 

[Jess from VA]

This may be pretty obvious, but worth noting that what type of shield you want or need is somewhat dependent on the type of helmet you wear.  A full or flip face can go with a short shield much better than a half or skid lid.  I wear half (DOT) year round, and if I go with a very short shield, the wind tries to strangle me with the chin strap.  The other factor is geographic, as in, how cold is it when you ride.  I ride year round, and it gets dang cold in NoVA Winter, though little snow. 

I have determined I need Summer and Winter height shields.  I don't want tint, I wear polarized glasses.  (a very light gray or smoke might be OK)

[thunderbass53]

+1 on the Clearview...got a -2 inch one for my '97 when I bought her. It's been excellent and it's approved for Rain-X!!

[BnB Tom]

+1 on the Clearview...got a -2 inch one for my '97 when I bought her. It's been excellent and it's approved for Rain-X!!

So at the -2.. does that allow you to look OVER the shield?  If so, do you have stock seat and shocks?  How about your height?
I ask because it seems as tho there's as many opinions on 'over or thru' as there is on psi for CTs.  Would just like another opinion before I start whacking the top of my windshield off.

[longrider]

Just for everyones info I replaced my tourer windshield with an OEM out of HDL a couple of years ago.  Honda must have changed to a different manufacturer as the Lexan coating will peel as soon as a few rock marks are there.  Then the window is junk.  Mine peeled within the year warranty so they replaced it.  Guess what happened within a few months.  Buy the clearview.

warren

[BF]

"I ask because it seems as tho there's as many opinions on 'over or thru' as there is on psi for CTs.  Would just like another opinion before I start whacking the top of my windshield off."





The "over" allows for unobstructed vision without getting buffeting when the shield is measured correctly.  You'll be able to see clearly when riding into the sun and you'll be able to see when riding in the rain because the rain will blow over the top of your helmet.  Cut down too much and you'll get alot of buffeting and rain in your face.  

The "thru" allows for total protection, but you're dependent upon looking through that windshield when riding into the sun or riding in the rain without the benefit of having a windshield wiper.  

I perfer looking over.  

[rodeo1]

the rifle S/S certainly has my vote. its the very best i have ever used - BAR NONE !

[VegasF6]

So, for all of you suggesting the Clearview, what was the major factor in your purchase. Would you say the acrylic vs polycarbonate debate just didn't matter to you, was it more about price, what? The famous video out there comparing acrylic to polycarb doesn't take into account that a modified acrylic is available that is stronger then your basic plexiglass you might buy at home depot or something.

No concerns with breakage? Does it wobble and flex or seem flimsy at all? I guess not or it probably wouldn't be suggested, huh?

[97BLKVALK]

+1 on Rifle.  Purchased the bike 5 years ago, P.O. decided to put a vent in himself (bad idea and he will never do this for a living).  Lived with the half as_ed windsheild vent for 4 years and 23000 miles changed out this last spring.  Rifle was easy to deal with and great service.

My 2 Cents

Michael

[Jess from VA]

So, for all of you suggesting the Clearview, what was the major factor in your purchase. Would you say the acrylic vs polycarbonate debate just didn't matter to you, was it more about price, what? The famous video out there comparing acrylic to polycarb doesn't take into account that a modified acrylic is available that is stronger then your basic plexiglass you might buy at home depot or something.

No concerns with breakage? Does it wobble and flex or seem flimsy at all? I guess not or it probably wouldn't be suggested, huh?

While poplycarb or lexan is unquestionably a better product and safer if you have an accident that shatters the shield, Clearview (and probably other) plastic/lucite shields are well made and around twice as thick as OE or other lexan shields.  They are plenty sturdy and stiffer than the thinner lexans (no wobble, flex or flimsy to them), they do not have a coating to flake off and can be polished clean for many years.  The optical clarity is probably not as good as lexan, but 85-90 percent is good enough (a guestimate).  You do not really hear of many actual incidents of shields sharding and riders getting ripped up on them.  And they are about half the price. 

The Clearview I put on a Hog fairing was better than what came on it new, and cut exactly to the length I wanted. 

[Tim H]

I'm not sure what I have.  Any ideas?  I have noticed that I need to sit up straight to see over the windshield.  I guess that's not a bad thing, for posture anyway.

[ricoman]

I'm not sure what I have.  Any ideas?  I have noticed that I need to sit up straight to see over the windshield.  I guess that's not a bad thing, for posture anyway.

my guess is Memphis Shades.
It can be easily cut down, if you want to slouch and still look over it!