Windshield scratches have built up so how the H*ll do u get ride of em'

[Longhorn]

I've had my Valkyrie since '98 and the OEM windshield is starting to show fine scratches probably because i used one of those handy dandy micro-velcro like cleaning cloths.  So how does a guy get rid of the the fine scratches in the windshield?  Help  

[hueco]

Truly not trying to sound like a smartarse. The best way to get rid of the scratches is to buy a new windshield. If you have had your Valk since 1998 it must be a 1998 or 1997. 14-15 years for a windscreen is a good life time. I replaced my shield a couple of years ago on my 1998 Tourer. I am so tight that I squeak when I walk. But. I figure it was time for a new shield. Good luck with polishing out 15 years of scratches.

[shooter64]

True, replacement is about the only option. If car windshields were polycarbonate plastic, like m/c windshields, they would not get broken so often. The only problem would be that they would have to be replaced every time it rains. The windshield wipers would ruin them immediately.

[Michvalk]

OEM Honda windshields have a film over the plastic. The film cannot be polished to remove scratches. Some have polished off the film, but leaves the plastic real easy to scratch. Might get some more use from the shield that way, but, you will need to replace eventually. Clearview makes a good replacement, and there are others, and I think the Honda one is still available. Search the tech board, and you will find a few threads about just this problem

[salty1]

+1 on Clearview. Those scratches are there for posterity.   

[Chrisj CMA]

I didnt try it, but some said pledge funiture polish "filled" the fine scratches a bit and made it a lot better

[John Schmidt]

A couple good things about the Clearview replacement; first...it's thicker material, second....if you get a scratch you can buff it out. As for the OEM shield, many riders make the mistake of not rinsing off the shield with water before trying to clean/polish it. The microfiber cloths are fine for that shield, it's the grime you can't see that you're rubbing into it that will leave the damage.

[MarkT]

FYI for future care - always wipe the shield up & down when cleaning, never in circles or laterally.  That will keep the fine scratches vertical where they don't catch backlight nearly as much as horizontal scratches.  I always lay a hot wet towel over my OEM Honda shield when I start to clean the bike, and work on the rest of it first while the towel softens the bugs.
Notice - See John's post below about hydrogen peroxide - tried it, loosens the bugs better than a wet towel!  
It's better to clean immediately upon arrival rather than wait until just before a ride.  Use a clean microfiber cloth, spray on Plexus on the shield on the bugs, and wet the cloth both sides with Plexus.  Avoid scratching the shield with the bug parts - get them off first then stop using that cloth and continue with another clean one.  Don't use towels - almost all have polyester threads which are harder than cotton.  Poly microfiber cloths are OK.

I also blow the bike off with compressed air before I start.  A good air blow is how I "clean" it most of the time - as usually it's just dust on it.  Then once a week or so I wet a microfiber with Honda cleaner/polish to clean off the stubborn dust.  It rarely rains here on the high plains of Colorado. I avoid cleaning with water most of the time so as not to cause fasteners to rust.

[John Schmidt]

A suggestion for removing bugs, we use it in Florida during Love Bug season. Swipe some hydrogen peroxide from the wife, use an old spray bottle and spritz the bugs. Let it sit for a few minutes while cleaning elsewhere, then spray off with water. Softens those suckers up real good, the majority will come off with a shot from the hose.

[Longhorn]

Thanks for all the input folks.  I'll try a little Plexus, a little Pledge, a little TLC.  It doesn't look to bad actually as it's been in the garage most nights when not on the road.  14 years, yea, thats a while....

[Brian]

FYI. We went to the GWRRA event this weekend called Wings Over NC. There was a vendor there selling windshields that would stand up to steel wool and not scratch. Google this and look at the vendor list. I believe it was called F4 or something.

Also I was always told to never use Windex on plexiglass. I have the nation cycle poloycarbonate on my 97 and so far so good, no scrathes using the Plexus. I think Plexus also fills in any scratches while it coats the surface to allow for easy cleaning. I always use old white tee shirts. Plexus is not cheap. It is worth it IMHO.

[Bad-dragon]

We tried the polishing on the OEM windshield. I would not recommend it.

[longrider]

Just for your info.  I replaced my OEM after 10 years (2010) with a new OEM.  It peeled within two months.  Directline replaced it under warranty,  peeled again within 6 months as I was more careful.  Honda may have used a new manufacturer for the windows and the quality is gone.  don't waste your money on another OEM.  I eventually went with a clearview.  good quality. 
warren

[signart]

Theres a good chance your replacement oem had a lot of shelf life on it. I fear the film dries out from age.
The '97 oem I stripped recently gave up its clear film very easily. I used wide strips of my scrap sign vinyl and removed it completely in about 5 min. Any kind of tape should work just as well. I sanded some road rash off one edge w/1500 grit, then polished with Brasso, and finished with L. Pledge.
Any polycarbonate becomes more brittle with age, but you should be able to use it for a good while after the protective film is removed.
The film on mine is still good on the inside, very minor loss on the edge. No reason you can't buff it the same as any replacement screen without the film.

[MarkT]

A suggestion for removing bugs, we use it in Florida during Love Bug season. Swipe some hydrogen peroxide from the wife, use an old spray bottle and spritz the bugs. Let it sit for a few minutes while cleaning elsewhere, then spray off with water. Softens those suckers up real good, the majority will come off with a shot from the hose.

Thanks for the tip John.  Just picked up some hydrogen peroxide and tried it.  WOW the bugs just fall off the bike, almost!

[Brian]

The vendor with the scratch resistant windshield is F4 Custom Windshields. They offer shields for the Tourer and the Interstate.

A new shield maybe your only way out. You might try calling your local glass shop and ask them. We have a local shop here that shortens bike windshields all the time and puts a nice polished bevel on the edges. Phone calls are cheap.