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Jim500
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« on: April 01, 2014, 06:36:04 PM » |
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Is F4 Customs worth the extra bucks over Clearview??? I would like it 1" taller, I'm always looking at the very top edge of the windshield on my tourer. Thanks for any input. Jim  |
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BF
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« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2014, 07:50:33 PM » |
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Is F4 Customs worth the extra bucks over Clearview??? I would like it 1" taller, I'm always looking at the very top edge of the windshield on my tourer. Thanks for any input. Jim You should look over your shield.....not at the top edge or through it. I'd think that you'd want one an inch shorter....not taller. Clearview shields are Acrylic. Read their "Product Description".... http://www.clearviewshields.com/motorcycle-windshield/honda/valkyrie-std-tourer-shields/The F4 shields are polycarbonate. Watch the video starting at the 2:25 mark and judge for yourself.
Or, watch this.....
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« Last Edit: April 01, 2014, 07:56:14 PM by BF »
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to  |
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BigBad1
Member
Posts: 112
1999 Interstate
Garner NC
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« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2014, 08:50:13 PM » |
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I have a F-4 and love it. It has been on the bike for about a year and not a mark on it. My brother has a Clearview. He has had it about 2 years and it has several scuffs and small scratches. However, he rides everyday and I cannot. I think the F-4 has many advantages for both safety and convenience.
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Lyle Laun
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« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2014, 09:26:11 PM » |
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I've been running the F4 for 3 years. No marks and still light new. Worth the extra money.
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Get out & Ride !!
97 Red/White Standard dressed as Tourer
98 Black "Rat Rod" Standard
99 Green/Silver Interstate
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BIG--T
Member
Posts: 3002
1998 Standard, 2000 Interstate
The Twilight Zone
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« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2014, 10:04:47 PM » |
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If I'm not mistaken Hondaline windshields are polycarbonate and I found mine to scratch easy and not buff out like acrylic does. I'm trying to decide the same also.
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Otus
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Posts: 924
Scott
Taylor Mi.
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« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2014, 01:21:58 AM » |
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I've looked at the f4 sight and with the pictures that they show I can't tell if they are contoured like the oem windshield or a flat piece of plastic squeezed into our stock hardware.
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BIG--T
Member
Posts: 3002
1998 Standard, 2000 Interstate
The Twilight Zone
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« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2014, 04:53:22 AM » |
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I've looked at the f4 sight and with the pictures that they show I can't tell if they are contoured like the oem windshield or a flat piece of plastic squeezed into our stock hardware.
I do know that everyone I've talked to are happy with CV and they do look like OEM , thicker and cheaper. But let me state I know nothing of the F4- it may be the best on the market, but what i do know is I need to buy one!  |
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garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis
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« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2014, 07:55:23 AM » |
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I believe these are the people who make the F4 windshield. I assume they are now making it by themselves. I have an F4 that I've had for several years, pretty satisfied with it. When I got the F4, they said they would ship it straight from where it was made (Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri) since I was in St. Louis. I noticed the number for Optic Armor was area code 573 which is in mid Missouri. I haven't tried to contact them yet, but it might be worth checking out.
Optic Armor 573 317 9066 ext 11, or opticarmorwindows.com
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Jim500
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« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2014, 02:37:11 PM » |
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Thank You for all the input... I think the f4 is the way to go.. I'm going to check out optic armor too.  |
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BF
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« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2014, 02:49:52 PM » |
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If I'm not mistaken Hondaline windshields are polycarbonate and I found mine to scratch easy and not buff out like acrylic does. I'm trying to decide the same also.
If I'm not mistaken, I don't believe they are. They can break and will splinter/shatter. |
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to |
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Jim500
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« Reply #11 on: April 02, 2014, 05:44:01 PM » |
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I called optic armor and they do not make one for the tourer....
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BIG--T
Member
Posts: 3002
1998 Standard, 2000 Interstate
The Twilight Zone
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« Reply #12 on: April 02, 2014, 06:15:23 PM » |
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If I'm not mistaken Hondaline windshields are polycarbonate and I found mine to scratch easy and not buff out like acrylic does. I'm trying to decide the same also.
If I'm not mistaken, I don't believe they are. They can break and will splinter/shatter. No I was right. All Hondaline OEM shields are Polycarbonate like I thought- but thanks for your input. http://www.servicehondapsn.com/catalog_product_detail.asp?cat=8172-91518-10766-91527-74243&product=1325794 |
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BigBad1
Member
Posts: 112
1999 Interstate
Garner NC
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« Reply #13 on: April 02, 2014, 07:41:34 PM » |
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If I'm not mistaken Hondaline windshields are polycarbonate and I found mine to scratch easy and not buff out like acrylic does. I'm trying to decide the same also.
If I'm not mistaken, I don't believe they are. They can break and will splinter/shatter. Yes, the factory windshields (at least for the I/S) is polycarbonate. Although stronger, it does scratch easy. F4 uses some type of cured treatment to make the windshield so scratches resistant. Most windshield manufacturer's tell you not to use paper towels to clean them because even paper towels will scratch them, F4 recommends them. Most other manufacturer's tell you not to use rain-X. Rain-X is ok on F4. No I was right. All Hondaline OEM shields are Polycarbonate like I thought- but thanks for your input. http://www.servicehondapsn.com/catalog_product_detail.asp?cat=8172-91518-10766-91527-74243&product=1325794 |
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JetDriver
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« Reply #14 on: April 02, 2014, 07:52:11 PM » |
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The image at this link is not an OEM windshield. The OEM windshield completely encircles the headlight. This one is aftermarket. Honda OEM shields may be polycarbonate; I don't know, but this link does not prove it. |
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Bighead
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« Reply #15 on: April 02, 2014, 07:55:18 PM » |
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And not for a valk but a VTX
I looked up the OEM for Valk and it doesn't state material used .
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« Last Edit: April 02, 2014, 07:57:54 PM by Bighead »
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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BIG--T
Member
Posts: 3002
1998 Standard, 2000 Interstate
The Twilight Zone
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« Reply #16 on: April 03, 2014, 06:07:30 AM » |
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Jetdriver, I'm not going to get into a pissing match with you, but I've had enough Hondas and Hondaline OEM windshields to know they are polycarbonate including Valkyries. I have a OEM on my VTX. Bighead you are right about finding info on HL shields and that's the reason I posted the link. |
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JetDriver
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« Reply #17 on: April 03, 2014, 01:04:29 PM » |
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Jetdriver, I'm not going to get into a pissing match with you, but I've had enough Hondas and Hondaline OEM windshields to know they are polycarbonate including Valkyries. I have a OEM on my VTX. Bighead you are right about finding info on HL shields and that's the reason I posted the link. There's no argument here. I thought you posted that link as evidence that Honda's shields are poly. If you're making your statement based on that link, that link doesn't prove it. If you're making that statement based on information from somewhere else, then I'm glad to know my OEM windshield is poly. |
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BF
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« Reply #18 on: April 03, 2014, 05:38:42 PM » |
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If I'm not mistaken Hondaline windshields are polycarbonate and I found mine to scratch easy and not buff out like acrylic does. I'm trying to decide the same also.
I don't have a horse in this race as I have a fairing mounted on my bike, but just to settle it, I'd love to know one way or the other what they're made of. I thought that original OEM Hondaline windshields were made from acrylic with a coating on it. They scratch easy, will split/shatter and break upon impact....typical characteristics of acrylic....or so I thought. Polycarbonate isn't supposed to scratch, break or shatter. OEM shields do. Can anyone prove one way or the other? |
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to |
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BigBad1
Member
Posts: 112
1999 Interstate
Garner NC
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« Reply #19 on: April 03, 2014, 11:38:04 PM » |
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If I'm not mistaken Hondaline windshields are polycarbonate and I found mine to scratch easy and not buff out like acrylic does. I'm trying to decide the same also.
I don't have a horse in this race as I have a fairing mounted on my bike, but just to settle it, I'd love to know one way or the other what they're made of. I thought that original OEM Hondaline windshields were made from acrylic with a coating on it. They scratch easy, will split/shatter and break upon impact....typical characteristics of acrylic....or so I thought. Polycarbonate isn't supposed to scratch, break or shatter. OEM shields do. Can anyone prove one way or the other? No proof here BF. I cannot say 100% but all of the used ones for I/S models that I see for sale on ebay that the seller clams to be OEM have polycarbonate etched in the lower corner with other info. I don't know about the Standard or Tourer shields. Maybe it's only the I/S that come with poly? Don't know. I do like my F4 shield though. |
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Patrick
Member
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #20 on: April 04, 2014, 04:51:29 AM » |
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This is a pretty good thread, but, still confusing. All I know is that the shield on my old Tour is getting pretty scratched and appears to be coated. I'm thinking about replacing it and would really like to know for sure what is what.
After watching the videos it appears that 'poly' is the way to go and the F4 site shows 3 different shields for the Tour model [ $330-340]
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« Last Edit: April 04, 2014, 06:28:58 AM by Patrick »
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #21 on: April 04, 2014, 08:48:19 AM » |
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And even though the F4s come in certain lengths, I am thinking they will cut to any height you want, for a price. If I decide to pay for the best optical clarity and strength available, I'm going to get exactly the height I want as well.
I keep waiting for my OE IS shields to get bad enough to replace, but although they have some nicks and rubs they are perfectly serviceable, and I do not throw perfectly serviceable stuff away.
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Jack B
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« Reply #22 on: April 04, 2014, 12:40:24 PM » |
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And even though the F4s come in certain lengths, I am thinking they will cut to any height you want, for a price. If I decide to pay for the best optical clarity and strength available, I'm going to get exactly the height I want as well.
I keep waiting for my OE IS shields to get bad enough to replace, but although they have some nicks and rubs they are perfectly serviceable, and I do not throw perfectly serviceable stuff away.
I had F4 windshield made to the size I wanted. There was a extra charge for a non stock size. But it's what I wanted and didn't mind paying for it. I'm very happy with the W.S. |
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Let’s RIDE
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JetDriver
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« Reply #23 on: April 04, 2014, 04:18:29 PM » |
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No proof here BF. I cannot say 100% but all of the used ones for I/S models that I see for sale on ebay that the seller clams to be OEM have polycarbonate etched in the lower corner with other info. I don't know about the Standard or Tourer shields. Maybe it's only the I/S that come with poly? Don't know. I do like my F4 shield though.
What a great idea!  I went out and looked at my Tourer windshield. It's labeled in the lower corner "GE Lexan FMR sheet." So I googled that and found that lexan is a polycarbonate. I would guess that Big--T is right, and all Valkyrie windshields are polycarbonate; I know at least my Tourer is. Here's one source for that. http://www.sabic-ip.com/resins/DataSheet/Internet/PDF/1002002131_1002003942_1002038222_SI.pdf |
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BF
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« Reply #24 on: April 04, 2014, 05:35:51 PM » |
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No proof here BF. I cannot say 100% but all of the used ones for I/S models that I see for sale on ebay that the seller clams to be OEM have polycarbonate etched in the lower corner with other info. I don't know about the Standard or Tourer shields. Maybe it's only the I/S that come with poly? Don't know. I do like my F4 shield though.
What a great idea! I went out and looked at my Tourer windshield. It's labeled in the lower corner "GE Lexan FMR sheet." So I googled that and found that lexan is a polycarbonate. I would guess that Big--T is right, and all Valkyrie windshields are polycarbonate; I know at least my Tourer is. Here's one source for that. http://www.sabic-ip.com/resins/DataSheet/Internet/PDF/1002002131_1002003942_1002038222_SI.pdfExcellent detective work there. |
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to |
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valknomad
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« Reply #25 on: April 05, 2014, 09:53:26 AM » |
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I've never cared to much for my 98 Tourer windshield. Scratches..yes, but most annoying is often (during certain sunlight conditions), has a fuzzy rainbow effect dancing around the windshield while riding. Also it's a bit "fat" across it's width and can act as a "sail".
I have an 2003 Vulcan Nomad with stock windshield with no problems.
Yes, would like to find a new windshield for the Tourer.
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Bighead
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« Reply #26 on: April 05, 2014, 03:27:51 PM » |
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Scratches..yes, but most annoying is often (during certain sunlight conditions), has a fuzzy rainbow effect dancing around the windshield while riding.
When Riding do you look through or over the wind shield? |
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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Jim500
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« Reply #27 on: April 08, 2014, 09:39:20 PM » |
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All kinds of info in this thread... For the hell of it I sanded and buffed my windshield and used a head light restore kit. It turned out pretty well so far still working on it. I have always used plexis on it and that seems to really work well.
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ricoman
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« Reply #28 on: April 09, 2014, 03:43:33 AM » |
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Clearview makes a good product, F4 is a bit better.
Hondaline windshields have a coating that comes off after some years and looks like hell.
You can remove the coating (both sides) but it is work. Much has been written about that here-do a search if you're interested.
And, as BF noted, you should look over the windshield-top about even with the bridge of your nose.
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take personal responsibility and keep your word
98 Tourer, black and chrome, added 8/11/10
98 Std, yellow/cream, totaled 8/3/10
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sameagle
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« Reply #29 on: April 12, 2014, 06:27:40 AM » |
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I replace my windsheild about 8 years ago with a Cee Bailey, airplane grade plastic. It is almost as good as when I first put it on. They used the original Tourer brackets and it fit perfectly. The only hitch is that it comes down a bit more than OEM. If you have driving lights, it may not fit.
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