I have a 97, I've taken the shield all apart a whole bunch of times... I always am careful with the
gaskets, and have never had a problem.
Clearview rocks... I have one that is shorter than OEM, and I've ridden in a lot of rain lately,
it sure is nice being able to see over the shield!
I rode with my new Clearview to work once with the cover still on - they suggest that (if you can
see over it of course

) and will let you send it back if you don't like it...

-Mike