Going to try it

[Hoser]

I've got one, have'nt had to use it yet.  Hoser
http://www.eglidegoodies.com/id217.html

[fudgie]

Do you really??? 

[cookiedough]

Neat idea and reasonably priced  but taking 1 hand off the handlebar during a downpour is not a good idea due to hyrdoplaning or anything else.  I have been caught in only a few downpours and I either pull off the side of the road and wait it out or continue on slowly looking over the top of the windshield wiping off my helmet visor from time to time.

Let us know though how it works out - interesting idea for sure.

I'm surprised BMW hasn't made that an option from the neat features they have on their 1600 new touring bike like power adjustable windshield height that still amazes me the Goldwing still does not have.

A good idea if you know you will get caught in the rain is to use windshield anti-fog /anti-rain spray made mostly of isopropyl alcohol that beads the water up on glass surfaces making the water droplets just bead off the shield making it much easier to see thru.

[Rams]

Interested to see how this works out but, as I have said before, there's a reason I don't go where no man has gone before, I get lost.  Think'n I'll stick with rainx until someone makes this a standard issue on new bikes.

[Hoser]

I actually found an after market electric wiper for permanent installation on the web, way to costly.  I'll try the 30 dollar one.  Hoser 
 http://www.peerclear.com/

[Rams]

Interesting product/concept.  Makes me wonder how well our windscreens will hold up to being wiped with either of the products mentioned.  I'm afraid I'd be getting a bunch of scratched up windscreens.  Let us know how it works out please.   

[John Schmidt]

On my Wing about 15 yrs. ago I simply installed a windshield wiper with delays available, just like a car. To keep the wiper blade clean so it wouldn't scratch the shield, I would wrap it and place it in a PVC carrying tube. I could remove the entire arm so there wasn't a chance of the arm scratching without the blade attached. Had two speeds plus two delay lengths....worked great. At the first sign of a good rain, I'd stop and put the arm/blade on then roll on down the highway. Never used it if only a little sprinkle.

Wow....$300 for that? I only paid around $50 and it worked just as good, mounted on the bottom of the shield also.

[Willow]

I'm just wondering what people are doing looking through their windscreens.  If you have to look through it in the rain it's too much.

JMNSHO.    

[Chrisj CMA]

I'm just wondering what people are doing looking through their windscreens.  If you have to look through it in the rain it's too much.

JMNSHO.    

Its hard to look through a windshield when you dont have one Carl.  And its equally hard NOT to look through one if you have a full size shield.  Thats not to say there are times you HAVE to be able to see over the thing....heavy fog or heavy rain, but you get a face full of rain that way too when its coming down.....well people without shields always do.  I can see the safety and comfort of staying behind a full shield to be out of the rain and still being able to see.......sounds like an improvement if it works

[Jess Tolbirt]

i look through mine,, i peeked over the top once and a bee nailed me right between the eyes,,that broke me from looking over it

[Willow]

Its hard to look through a windshield when you dont have one Carl.  And its equally hard NOT to look through one if you have a full size shield.  Thats not to say there are times you HAVE to be able to see over the thing....heavy fog or heavy rain, but you get a face full of rain that way too when its coming down.....well people without shields always do.  I can see the safety and comfort of staying behind a full shield to be out of the rain and still being able to see.......sounds like an improvement if it works

Jeff, it's not just the isolated opinion of a free wind rider.  I'm joined by many experts who teach that a proper motorcycle windscreen should be looked over (not through) and still provide wind protection for the rider.

Incidentally, I DO have a windscreen.      



Actually I have several, but only one is mounted on a bike I regularly ride.    

[Chrisj CMA]

Its hard to look through a windshield when you dont have one Carl.  And its equally hard NOT to look through one if you have a full size shield.  Thats not to say there are times you HAVE to be able to see over the thing....heavy fog or heavy rain, but you get a face full of rain that way too when its coming down.....well people without shields always do.  I can see the safety and comfort of staying behind a full shield to be out of the rain and still being able to see.......sounds like an improvement if it works

Jeff, it's not just the isolated opinion of a free wind rider.  I'm joined by many experts who teach that a proper motorcycle windscreen should be looked over (not through) and still provide wind protection for the rider.

Incidentally, I DO have a windscreen.      



Actually I have several, but only one is mounted on a bike I regularly ride.    

I could be wrong, but I think thats only PART of a Valkyrie IS windscreen

[Momz]

I agree with Carl. After 41 years of various M/Cs and quite a few windsheilds and deflectors, I'd never want to look through one ever again. Windsheilds get dirty, scratched, fogged, etc. All of which greatly reduce your ability to see, especialy at night.

As a matter of fact when I purchased my I/S it had a ShowChrome windsheild that was about an inch to tall as I was looking at the top edge while riding. It truely bothered me and later that season I had it cut down and it was far more rider freindly (for me at least).

Later I swapped it for a short Cee Baileys, and I coundn't be happier.

Oh, by the way, I spent 7 years working for a company that was a leader in the windsheild wiper industry.

[Jess Tolbirt]

when it gets dirty you clean it.. when it gets all scratched up you replace it...
do you look over your cars wind shield? when it gets dirty what do you do?
most states require eye protection and sunglasses are not recognized as such...the windshield is...

[Chrisj CMA]

I do like the idea of having something OTHER than a full sized windscreen.  Like Carls little fingernail of a shield.  I even looked into the Corbin thing they made for the Rune, kinda like a foil thing that directs the airflow over the rider.  All Im saying is for those of us that HAVE a full windshield you pretty much are going to look through it even if you CAN look over it.  Darned near impossible to never look through a big shield.  

I have ridden in many heavy rainshowers and those are the times Im thankful for the big windshield, I can and pretty much have to look over it at that point and I can usually find a sweet spot where I can see and am still in the bubble of airflow going over my head so I dont get completely soaked.  BUT as I said, just seems like a safety improvemnet to be able to see through it at that time of heavy rain

[Jabba]

It's oil, politics and religion on this ain't it?

I look over a shield.  I teach my students to look over their shields.

YMMV

Jabba

[cookiedough]

Not to cause an argument, but being 5'10"  30" inseam and stock OEM I/S windshield I look thru my windshield and prefer it that way mostly because if my windshield would be cut down anymore, the wind turbulence buffering my helmet would chatter and create a lot of windnoise not being able to hear my mp3 player tunes jamming on down the road.  Now, I have had on several occassions run the fog at night totally fogging up my entire windshield and have to slow down and ride 35-40 mph lifting up on my seat a tad to see OVER the windshield otherwise couldn't even see the road thru the shield.  So, my opinion ONLY, looking thru a windshield normal riding is the way I prefer the shield to be height wise but not too tall like some aftermarket goldwing shields I have seen being crazy tall to be able to still lift up on the seat to ride thru fog or rain by seeing OVER the shield.

[fudgie]

Yea in rain I look over mine. I'm also helmetless and all is fine.

[Serk]

I must be doing something wrong, I've got a full height Memphis Shades on my Valk and I always look over it...  In fact, it's usually so dirty you can't see through it even if you tried...

[Karen]

I tried a similar wiper a few years ago, and found it to be useless. Wind blew it off to the side. My new (last year) windshield from a VRCC vendor (can't remember the name, sorry, it's the one that advertises the coating that steel wool won't scratch) has made a significant improvement in rain visibility. I was totally amazed at the difference, even in the dark, on the Mass Pike last October. Just a satisfied customer, but not of the wiper. I like the stock windshield height, when it rained really bad, I looked around the side of the windshield.

[art]

I am looking at it somewhat different .If I wanted a lot of junk on my bike like wipers and CBs,Heated this an that ,cooling vents,and airbags that blow up in my face I would have a GW.and not a cruiser.I think it is a little too much but that is me.

[Jess from VA]

I'm not keen on the wiper, but would consider one with a glove attached to wave for me after a long day waving at thousands of passing  bikes (just to give my arm a rest).   

[BF]

Windshield wipers on a bike?!?  If they'd add a roof and two more wheels, then they'd have something.   

btw....As long as we're voting, I look over.   

[Red Diamond]

Windshield wipers on a bike?!?  If they'd add a roof and two more wheels, then they'd have something.   

btw....As long as we're voting, I look over.   

I'm 5'8", 30" inseam, that's just short of a ----. Being that height most of the time I have to look thru mine, but when it rains, I sit up and look over it. I really don't want to cut it, but my control in cornering and overall visability is better when looking over it. Would not want a wiper or anything else mounted to the shield. I like the way the GW shield can be adjusted down.

[BamaDrifter64]

Got my windshield where if I slump in the seat, I have to look through it...if I sit up straight, I look over it.     Best of both worlds.  I will say this - I had a Tulsa windshield that was probably a good 4 to 6 inches too tall that came on the bike when I bought it.  All was fine until I hit, as Joe would call it, a "turd floater" in South Dakota.  Rain came down so hard there was a river of water flowing on my windshield and I couldn't see anything!  Count myself lucky I was able to get off the road safely by looking around the shield.  Tulsa windshield was dismounted ASAP.  NEVER have a windshield that you cannot look over!!!
Dave

[KSDragonRider]

I keep a microfiber cloth in the tank bib pocket for riding in fog.  Im not real keen on riding in the rain anyway.  I have the tallest biggest windshield that clearview has.  I look through it 90% of the time and it helps with helmet buffeting for both me and the wife.  When it is super hot or super cold outside it also helps to create a pocket of air behind it to make it more comfortable.

However, in the fog or the rain, i can sit up just a little bit and see over the windshield with no issues at all.  I like having the height that i do, i can see over or through with little effort depending on what the conditions are.

[The Anvil]

Hydrophobic coating work so much better...

[CajunRider]

I prefer the best of both worlds...

If I slouch, I look through the windshield. 
If I sit up straight, I can look over it.

Works for me!

Although, I would like to cut it down by about 1 or 2 inches... it would make looking over it a little more relaxing, while still giving me the option to slouch and look through it. 

[Michael K (Az.)]

I moved to Arizona! Solved most of my rain issues!!
Karen, I think that tuff shield is from Des and Leslie's Son -in-law from Ultimate seats. I've been known as a font of mis-information at times, tho.

[Valkahuna]

I'm just wondering what people are doing looking through their windscreens.  If you have to look through it in the rain it's too much.

JMNSHO.    

+1. I'm always amazed how many riders like the taller windshields. I like looking just over the top. That normally works best as far as visibility, buffeting, rain, etc. Hey, JMHO, YRMV.

As far as this gadget, I'm with some of the others, and don't want to be distracted in the middle of a rain storm. 

[Steve K (IA)]

I keep a microfiber cloth in the tank bib pocket for riding in fog.  Im not real keen on riding in the rain anyway.  I have the tallest biggest windshield that clearview has.  I look through it 90% of the time and it helps with helmet buffeting for both me and the wife.  When it is super hot or super cold outside it also helps to create a pocket of air behind it to make it more comfortable.

However, in the fog or the rain, i can sit up just a little bit and see over the windshield with no issues at all.  I like having the height that i do, i can see over or through with little effort depending on what the conditions are.

I think I may have this same shield.  Does it have a "dip" along the top edge?  I used to put it on in the fall for the extra protection.  (2000 I/S) When I would put the original one on in the spring, first ride I would get a large bug smack me in the forehead.  I leave the tall shield on all the time now and look through it most of the time.  I can look over it if I sit up Real straight.
P.S. I got it with the GW vent. 

[Valkahuna]

when it gets dirty you clean it.. when it gets all scratched up you replace it...
do you look over your cars wind shield? when it gets dirty what do you do?
most states require eye protection and sunglasses are not recognized as such...the windshield is...

That's silly, and not realistic or practical! The dynamics of a car and a MC windshield are different. Plastic windscreens bring in a factor of stresses in the plastic that occur from either the molding process of the shield, or from the forces of bending it. This brings in birefringence, (sp?) which means distortion so that objects are not where they appear to be. IE, try looking into water from above it, and the fish is not where it shows it to be. Try looking through a windshield of a MC while going around a left sweeper, and where the line marking either the edge or center line is in line of sight of the windshield. Then, look over the top of the shield, and you'll find that the line moves an appreciable amount. This is multiplied when you look through the curved part of the windshield, like near the vertical edges of it.

A properly fitted and constructed windscreen (the real name of what is on a MC) will deflect the wind, and airborne debris over the top of the rider's head, leaving you in relative calm. If you want more calm air than that, go take a ride in your car.  JMNSHO.

[Jess from VA]

I prefer the best of both worlds...

If I slouch, I look through the windshield. 
If I sit up straight, I can look over it.

Works for me!

Although, I would like to cut it down by about 1 or 2 inches... it would make looking over it a little more relaxing, while still giving me the option to slouch and look through it. 

This is me exactly.  I have been procrastinating cutting a 15.5" IS shield down 1.5-2" (or buying a clearview that size) for a Summer/cooler shield for years... cause the OE shield is near perfect for me at 5/9.

My main rain issue is keeping my prescription glasses clean, so I can see WTF is going on.  If my glasses get smeared or muddy sprayed I am screwed.  Only ride half helmets, and the Scorpion with the drop down half-visor is great for this. 

In light to medium rain, I generally lean forward well below the shield top and tuck in to keep nearly clear of rain (often with my left forearm on the tank), and see thru the shield fine.  But in a downpour, I have to look over and that is where the Scorpion visor is great.  As the visor gets covered in rain, I pop my head higher over the shield intermittently and the wind blows it clear.

 

[KSDragonRider]

I keep a microfiber cloth in the tank bib pocket for riding in fog.  Im not real keen on riding in the rain anyway.  I have the tallest biggest windshield that clearview has.  I look through it 90% of the time and it helps with helmet buffeting for both me and the wife.  When it is super hot or super cold outside it also helps to create a pocket of air behind it to make it more comfortable.

However, in the fog or the rain, i can sit up just a little bit and see over the windshield with no issues at all.  I like having the height that i do, i can see over or through with little effort depending on what the conditions are.

Yep that is the same one i have.  I did not get the goldwing vent, as the standard interstate vent throws enough bugs and trash on the back side of the windshield.  I have thought about plugging that hole with a sponge or something to keep the cold air out.

I think I may have this same shield.  Does it have a "dip" along the top edge?  I used to put it on in the fall for the extra protection.  (2000 I/S) When I would put the original one on in the spring, first ride I would get a large bug smack me in the forehead.  I leave the tall shield on all the time now and look through it most of the time.  I can look over it if I sit up Real straight.
P.S. I got it with the GW vent. 

[Valkahuna]

I keep a microfiber cloth in the tank bib pocket for riding in fog.  Im not real keen on riding in the rain anyway.  I have the tallest biggest windshield that clearview has.  I look through it 90% of the time and it helps with helmet buffeting for both me and the wife.  When it is super hot or super cold outside it also helps to create a pocket of air behind it to make it more comfortable.

However, in the fog or the rain, i can sit up just a little bit and see over the windshield with no issues at all.  I like having the height that i do, i can see over or through with little effort depending on what the conditions are.

Yep that is the same one i have.  I did not get the goldwing vent, as the standard interstate vent throws enough bugs and trash on the back side of the windshield.  I have thought about plugging that hole with a sponge or something to keep the cold air out.

I think I may have this same shield.  Does it have a "dip" along the top edge?  I used to put it on in the fall for the extra protection.  (2000 I/S) When I would put the original one on in the spring, first ride I would get a large bug smack me in the forehead.  I leave the tall shield on all the time now and look through it most of the time.  I can look over it if I sit up Real straight.
P.S. I got it with the GW vent. 

What works real well to plug the IS vent port, is a piece of the square 2 inch black foam they sell for sealing "In-Window" portable A/Cs. Sure keeps the inside of the IS windscreen a lot cleaner. Easy in and out if you want to change up.

[Jess Tolbirt]

when it gets dirty you clean it.. when it gets all scratched up you replace it...
do you look over your cars wind shield? when it gets dirty what do you do?
most states require eye protection and sunglasses are not recognized as such...the windshield is...

That's silly, and not realistic or practical! The dynamics of a car and a MC windshield are different. Plastic windscreens bring in a factor of stresses in the plastic that occur from either the molding process of the shield, or from the forces of bending it. This brings in birefringence, (sp?) which means distortion so that objects are not where they appear to be. IE, try looking into water from above it, and the fish is not where it shows it to be. Try looking through a windshield of a MC while going around a left sweeper, and where the line marking either the edge or center line is in line of sight of the windshield. Then, look over the top of the shield, and you'll find that the line moves an appreciable amount. This is multiplied when you look through the curved part of the windshield, like near the vertical edges of it.

A properly fitted and constructed windscreen (the real name of what is on a MC) will deflect the wind, and airborne debris over the top of the rider's head, leaving you in relative calm. If you want more calm air than that, go take a ride in your car.  JMNSHO.

do you wear glasses?

[john]

                           b i g  distraction     
that which distracts, divides the attention, or prevents concentration:                       $ .02

[sugerbear]

didn't i read someplace that the windscreen should tall enough that the top edge should cross about 30-40 ft ahead? or something like that.

[Hoser]

I've got one, have'nt had to use it yet.  Hoser
http://www.eglidegoodies.com/id217.html

I never said not to look over the windshield, I look over mine most of the time. I wear glasses,  I can't see without them or when they get rain on them.   Sometimes it rains drops both inside and outside.  The ones inside are not blown away with the wind blast.  I will report results when I run into rain, and I ain't going around looking for it! I don't know how a device that may or may not be effective has anything to do with whether one looks through or over thier windshield.  That's dumber than a helmet use debate!    Hoser    
   

[Valkahuna]

when it gets dirty you clean it.. when it gets all scratched up you replace it...
do you look over your cars wind shield? when it gets dirty what do you do?
most states require eye protection and sunglasses are not recognized as such...the windshield is...

That's silly, and not realistic or practical! The dynamics of a car and a MC windshield are different. Plastic windscreens bring in a factor of stresses in the plastic that occur from either the molding process of the shield, or from the forces of bending it. This brings in birefringence, (sp?) which means distortion so that objects are not where they appear to be. IE, try looking into water from above it, and the fish is not where it shows it to be. Try looking through a windshield of a MC while going around a left sweeper, and where the line marking either the edge or center line is in line of sight of the windshield. Then, look over the top of the shield, and you'll find that the line moves an appreciable amount. This is multiplied when you look through the curved part of the windshield, like near the vertical edges of it.

A properly fitted and constructed windscreen (the real name of what is on a MC) will deflect the wind, and airborne debris over the top of the rider's head, leaving you in relative calm. If you want more calm air than that, go take a ride in your car.  JMNSHO.

do you wear glasses?

Yes I do.