Need advice on shortening Valk Interstate windshield

[lljjmm]

Need advise on shortening windshield on an Interstate, any input is welcome. Doing the job myself.

[Bone]

Can't help you on how to shorten your sheild.

Last month I received a new Clearview shield I ordered 2 inches shorter than stock.

Every season I tilted my OEM shield loving the increased air and the ability to look over the shield without stretching my neck.

Haven't rode in any heavy rain yet with the tilted shield I could get pretty wet.

What I didn't expect is I can't hear my handlebar mounted speakers above 45 mph. Have  an amp on but don't want the volume that high.

The air noise has really increased. I still wear a helment so I might change to some helment speakers undecided now.

[Jess from VA]

I have not done it (but thought about it).

Easier while mounted on the bike/fairing (but you'll need to tie the bars/forks solidly in place).  If it is off the bike, I have no idea how you hold the curved shield stable while cutting.  Take a piece of cardboard-heavy paper and trace the top of the shield shape/profile on the cardboard.  Now slide the template down to the desired shorter height and mark with a grease pencil (or something).  This will give you the same shape, but at a lower height.  Now tape over the cut line, inside and out, with blue painters tape.  Then using a jigsaw (with small tooth blade for polycarbonate) or router/zip cutter, and carefully cut it down.  Sand/file the exposed edge smooth.  I have read of people using acetone to melt a final smooth edge on the cut (keep it off the shield below). Remove painters tape.

I have not looked, but bet there are a bunch of U-tubes of this being done.

[Willow]

Variable speed jig saw, metal cutting blade at reasonably low speed (to avoid the melting plastic effect).

Blue masking tape on the shield where the saw base will touch to avoid scratching.

Fine sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood to smooth out the edge after you're done.

If you're not going too short you can do it with the shield still on the bike. 

Be sure to mark the path well before you begin cutting.

Stop as seldom as you can. Not at all is preferable.

Remember you can always cut again to remove more.  It's a good deal more difficult to put some back on.   

[lee]

One helper
One piece of poster board
One Pen
One pare of scissors
One Saw
One large File
One bottle of wife's finger nail polish remover

1. Helper holds poster board on outside of shield.
2. Other person marks board from back side of shield.  (follow the contour of shield)
3. Cut along the line with the scissors.  (you may want to let the wife do this. There better with scissors).
4. Hold board against shield, move it down 1"- 2" ever how much you want to cut off.
5. Helper can hold the board against shield or you can tape it to the shield.
6. Saw off what you want with saw foot resting on the board.  (no scratches this way and you wont pull off coating with tape if there is one on the shield).
7. Use the large file to smooth out saw marks and round off the edge.
8. Put rag over one finger and dampen with polish remover.  Rube only the edge of the shield.  (this will take all the marks off the edge of the shield).
    You may want to practice this step on the cut off piece first. 

 

[Bocephus]

Dremel Tool with cutoff blade. Take fine file after cutting and dress the edge. Cut 3 windshields like this. Works perfect.

[Farther]

I suggest you get a grease pencil and make some graduation marks on your shield and then go for a ride.  Pick what ever mark you are just seeing over and that will be the height of your cut or using poster board, trace the arc of the windshield and cut to size.  Ride around with the posterboard mounted at different heights to get the best height for you.  Look for a plastic cutting blade made to cut curves.  The straight cutting blades always force you to fight the blade wanting to go straight.  I finished up my cut with a palm sander and 400+ wet/dry sandpaper.  I am please with the results although I should have cut the shield a inch or two highter.

[Dorkman]

Here is a detailed explanation that pretty much follows what has been posted.  I used this on a Harley windshield mounted on the bike and  it worked fine.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/how-to-cut-down-motorcycle-windshields-safety

[lljjmm]

Thanks guys, got the job done, very happy with the outcome. All it takes is a lot of courage to start it, it is not as hard as one thinks it is.  The most difficult part is having faith in yourself.

[Bone]

How much did you remove?  I like mine that's 2 inches shorter.

[slythern12]

Yeah I finally did mine, that was scary. Made the template, I cut it with a dremel (of course my old one goes out after cutting about 6" of the shield so have to run and get another dremel) when I got done cutting my first thought was ok I'm gonna have to buy a new windshield I throughly F'ed this up but I didn't give up started sanding with the Dremel and still felt like I was gonna have to buy a new windshield. Then I got the sanding block out with 120 grit paper what a difference things started smoothing out and looking descent. Now what I need to do is get some finer grain and slowly start smoothing everything out and I think it will look great. Already looks good unless your looking for it and when I get done I think I will have a little pride.

[lljjmm]

I took 2" off the windshield. Taped up the windshield and used a jigsaw with fine teeth, take your time,
sand well.