Clearview windshields

[baldo]

Good afternoon. I'm considering a Clearview windshields and would like to get some reviews. I've searched the site, there's some good info.

Opinion about the tint. Is the grey too dark? I'd like some tint, but not sure about it.

How do you guys like the vent? Does it make a difference?

Height. I know it's a personal preference. My current screen is right at eye level, measures 17" from the headlight.  How tall have you guys gone? Are you happy with the height?  I think I'd like it a bit taller.

Any thoughts would be welcomed....

Thanks,

Bob

[RainMaker]

I have a Clearview with no tint - don't want it for night riding.  No vent - figured the one built into the fairing sends enough bugs my way.  I take way better care of it than I did the OEM (didn't know about how Windex killed it).  Same as OEM height - no problems.  Seems like a quality outfit.

[Valkorado]

If you'd be willing to take my (windshield, not political)    advice, I love mine.  I'm 6'2", most of it in my waist.  Got the wider, taller tinted and vented on my Silver Bullet.  I see over it still.  Not the best pic, but you can see that the tint is not too much in my avatar.  Even at dusk, dawn and night I have never had a problem.  As far as the vent, it really does help -- on hot days, yes, but almost more so on windy days it helps stabalize the shield and reduce buffeting.  Plus, you can buff out scratches with a Novus 1-2-3 Kit or something similar.  Thicker and much less flimsy than OEM.  Have a clear one on Bertha, too.

Oh, yeah, no lamination that eventually peels off like the OEM shields.

[baldo]

If you'd be willing to take my (windshield, not political)    advice, I love mine.  I'm 6'2", most of it in my waist.  Got the wider, taller tinted and vented on my Silver Bullet.  Not the best pic, but you can see that the tint is not too much in my avatar.  Even at dusk, dawn and night I have never had a poblem.  As far as the vent, it really does help -- on hot days, yes, but almost more so on windy days it helps stabalize the shield and reduce buffeting.  Plus, you can buff out scratches with a Novus 1-2-3 Kit or something similar.  Thicker and much less flimsy than OEM.  Have one on Bertha, too.

Lol.... ....thanks.

[Patrick]

Installed one with no tint and the vent, wider too. But, haven't really used it yet.

[_Sheffjs_]

Happy with mine, just note that is not a stocked item and has to me made.

[MarkT]

If you happen to be in the front range area - they are in the foothills on CR126, I think at Pine.  Show up there and they have factory blems from time to time, discounted.  I have not done this, I just know about it.  So I could be full of it...

[jdp]

I bought one and it had a chip at the bottom so they sent me another one that had a chip also so I just put it on, very sturdy and well built something like 4 inches taller and 2 inches wider, very nice, ended up cutting it down to eye level and still happy with it, wish I would have gotten the vent for those hot days.

[..]

My thought about having it above eye level is that when it rains you will be looking thru two layers of rain drops. Face shield and windshield.

[baldo]

Happy with mine, just note that is not a stocked item and has to me made.

How long did you have to wait? I've called and left a message, still waiting to hear back. Is it a small outfit?

[baldo]

If you happen to be in the front range area - they are in the foothills on CR126, I think at Pine.  Show up there and they have factory blems from time to time, discounted.  I have not done this, I just know about it.  So I could be full of it...

You're right about the seconds. Someone posted a few months ago to let us know there were some available. I called, but they had none that would fit.

[baldo]

My thought about having it above eye level is that when it rains you will be looking thru two layers of rain drops. Face shield and windshield.

True. If it's below eye level, is there too much buffeting?

[BonS]

I have a tinted one. It's certainly not too dark. That said, I'm not too crazy about the tinted aspect and I only ordered it because it was a blem, so the tint was free, so to speak. Funny thing is that after ordering the blem they couldn't find it so they made a new, blem free, tinted windshield for me at no extra charge. This pic gives you a pretty good look at it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

My thought about having it above eye level is that when it rains you will be looking thru two layers of rain drops. Face shield and windshield.

True. If it's below eye level, is there too much buffeting?

Bob, there will be more buffeting but whether its too much is hard to say. I do know that I won't have another shield that is above my nose. When I bought my Interstate in Tampa Bay and rode it back I got caught in a hellacious storm. Having to strain every muscle to be able to see over it was not fun.

[Jess from VA]

I'd only want any tint (mild, never dark) if I was to do a lot of night riding (I don't).

I don't want a shield at eye level, I want it at nose or a half inch shorter level.  You want to sit on the bike, comfortable (not slouched down and not at attention), and have it no higher than the nose.  Then with just a bit of body english and seating position, you can get under it if need be or look over in the rain. Drop a tape measure on your shield, shim the stand up to near level, sit on the bike (with feet on the pegs), and decide on length.  When buying custom, there is no reason not to get your perfect length.  (If I wore a full face, I'd go a bit shorter yet.)

Also, unlike the IS, there is also the possibility of a bit of wiggle room in shield angle mount on std/tourers.  I like a bit taller shield laid down/back more like a fairing, better airflow, less buffeting, more aerodynamic.... if the mount is variable.  Some have done it with a couple small pieces of flat stock aluminum added to the bottom mounts.

I don't like the looks (or looking through) a vent, but if I rode in the hot muggy south, I might get one anyway.  Not in VA.  I plug my interstate vent with foam, because I ate way too many bugs (half helmets).  I only pull the foam out on the hottest days.

I ordered two new interstate shields a while back.  Customer service was the best I have had almost anywhere (but there may be some waiting for it to be made during high season).  I got like four update emails during the production process.

[_Sheffjs_]

Happy with mine, just note that is not a stocked item and has to me made.

How long did you have to wait? I've called and left a message, still waiting to hear back. Is it a small outfit?

I'm a very impatient person so it felt like forever but I think it was four weeks.  

They let you know the steps it has finished along the process via e-mail however warn you that if something is messed up in the process you can opt for the blemished shield at a discounted rate or the process is started over.  Hey, thankful they are there and make these.      

Eye level vs. taller I feel is simply a personal preference. My Tourer had a 17" shorty when I picked up and that is all the previous owner could deal with, Me I went wider and 2" taller than stock and love it. I did not like the shorty.   

[Aries]

Baldo - I just purchased a clear view and these are my thoughts:

Most of the time, they don't answer when you call them. Best way to make contact is via email.

 When you do speak to someone, they are knowledgable and professional.

 Be patient because it does take smaller companies time and these guys really want to get it right.
 
 They strive to provide you with updates as the shield moves through the production stages in the form of notification emails.

 My shield came packaged very well. Box stuffed full of foam scraps. There is also a very thick adhered plastic attached to the shield. Keep the plastic on and mount the shield and go for a test ride. You can return the shield for a different size if your unhappy as long as you leave the plastic on the shield.

 You need to do this because I asked for advise about the height before I made my purchase and went with the 19" ( slightly lower that stock ) based on what I was told. I see EXACTLY over the top of the shield as I sit on the bike. Took my first ride with a full face helmet and at speeds over 35, my head feels like it's caught in a blender.

  The wind is thrown smack dab into the top quarter of my helmet. If I duck 3", things are smooth as silk. This didn't happen with my half helmet which has a lower profile thus, the buffer is less noticeable.

 The shield is definitely thicker so I give it a thumps up for quality and the company will back up their product. Just make sure your happy with the size by taking the bike out before throwing the box away.
 

 

 

 

 

[sheets]

Its been awhile since I've had the Valk, but I did have a Clearview shield with light smoke tint. I ordered the light tint because I had a black bike. Curbside appeal. I had cut four inches off the OEM, so I ordered a Clearview accordingly.  I like to look over the shield - top edge about nose high. Rode at night a few times, color of tint had no adverse effect. The product is top shelf, in my opinion. Had a vent in a shield on a GW. I believe the vent is beneficial for air flow. Yrmv,   

[Black Dog]

I've had two of them, and both were/are great shields.  Purchased the second one because I scored a Hoppe fairing, and wanted a shorter tinted shield.  These were for a '97 Standard.  Never tried the vent.

Not sure if this holds true for an Interstate, but with the shield being thicker than OEM, you should get new mounting bolts, at 1/4" longer than stock.  Believe me, it will make the install so much easier.

IMO, you can't go wrong with Clearview.

Black Dog

[Jersey mike]

here is my review of the Clearview shield when I got mine;

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,79436.0.html

hope that helps

[Bighead]

I don't have a clear view but a Cee Baileys,but to my point I prefer to look over the shield.

[Romeo]

Had a stock height gray tint, never bothered me a night. Have a clear -4" now, and I love being able to look over it. It does a decent job of keeping me in a vacuum bubble, but i do experience more helmet noise.

[sandy]

Baldo: You don't say if you have an IS or a Tourer. I have a 98 Tourer with a Clearview replacement shield. It's stock height, tinted with a vent. I asked them to cut the hole for the vent but not sell me the vent pieces. He cut the hole free. I then ordered the pieces from Tulsa at a local shop and it's a perfect fit. The stock shield is 1" wider and at 5' 10" I look just over the top. Love the tint even at night. It cuts a bit of glare off the pavement in the daytime.

[cookiedough]

the one time you go too tall unable to look over the shield you will regret it eventually.  Coming home in the dense fog from work after midnight,  it was so thick I should NOT have driven home period only able to see 1 middle stripe, if that, in front of me on the road doing 20 mph tops.  I had a heck of a time seeing period but the entire shield was fogged up unable to see a thing thru it.  Then, my helmet had to leave flipped up and of course need glasses at night so that was horrible using my fingers to attempt to clear the foggy dew off of them every minute or less.  A 15 minute ride home took near 1 hour. 

I have been contemplating though buying a windshield 2" taller tops since I do get some buffering on the top of my helmet at hwy. speeds.  I still 'might' be able to see OVER it if need be at nights in the fog/rain if I lift up on my seat or buy an airhawk seat cushion to raise me up in those instances I need a tad bit of extra height.

[Jess from VA]

Just for clarification, I thought the just-barely-tinted shields were specifically designed to help with oncoming headlights riding at night.  Obviously, they can't do much for sunlight.  Am I wrong?

With all the new high power leds, aftermarket bulbs, and other gee whiz lights on cars today, I hate driving in traffic at night even in my car.  I've found I do better night driving/riding with my single vision glasses, and leave the Varilux progressives at home (or in the bags).

[Steve K (IA)]

Got the Extra Tall with vent on my I/S.  I look through it and that's okay.  I can see over it if I stretch.

 

[DK]

I've got the light tint. It helps with glare at night, but impairs vision during dusk, when the deer are out and your depth perception is problematical.

[baldo]

Thank you all for the excellent advice. I'm still waiting for them to call, should hear from them today. I think I've waited too long to get one before Inzane, though. Crap.....

[Alpha Dog]

I just put one on my baby valk, aka a Honda Shadow Ace Tourer and am extremely happy with it being wider and taller, though I thought I had it ordered just right it only came up to my chin but still directed darn near all wind over my helmet.  Any buffeting can be corrected with fork lowers, I have Rifle ones on my Valk tourer, although I would expect that Motowings or Baker would achieve the same affect.  I am glad people are happy with tinted as I got clear.  However I  need a new shield or fairing for my Valk  tourer and if I go shield it will only be a clearview and I will go tinted.  For the small added price I would suggest the vent.

[G-Man]

Clearview OEM size + 2" with light gray tint.

Windshield is terrific and fits hardware and bike prfectly.

My opinion is that the light gray tint is too light. 

The dark tint in the pics, looks too dark for my liking.

My 2 cents.


I wanted to tint the stock windshield but a couple of tint "experts said that due to the contours of the windshield, tinting was not possible so I had the inside of the windshield sprayed with a tinted clearcoat and I love it.  I switch shield based on the ride I doing or for shows.

I've been looking into clear bras for a new car and I wonder is you can get that clear material in tinted colors.  If so, that would be a terrific way to tint a windshield as it stretches and conforms to angles and curves.  Maybe available in different colors and degrees of tint.

[baldo]

Baldo: You don't say if you have an IS or a Tourer. I have a 98 Tourer with a Clearview replacement shield. It's stock height, tinted with a vent. I asked them to cut the hole for the vent but not sell me the vent pieces. He cut the hole free. I then ordered the pieces from Tulsa at a local shop and it's a perfect fit. The stock shield is 1" wider and at 5' 10" I look just over the top. Love the tint even at night. It cuts a bit of glare off the pavement in the daytime.

Sandy, it's a Standard on it's way to being a Tourer.....

[big poppa pump]

I got a custom clearview 17" shield with really dark tint for my black/red Hotrod.

[Crackerborn]

I went to a clear, 19 inch shield with a vent on my tourer. With the Ultimate Low Boy seat I now look over the top of the windshield. At speeds above 65 MPH I was getting severe wind buffeting, bad enough that vision was affected. Opening the vent would help some but the Baker Air Wings (also in clear) solved the problem. You can see the current setup in the solo ride thread. The Large Lady is a work in progress and most likely will stay that way since I have no desire to part with her. 

[Gary]

My Clearview, light tint no vent, was a nice replacement to stock. I went 2" shorter and all is good, no issues with tint and night driving. Also much easier to remove for cleaning bike, etc. since it has only a partial cutout for the headlight vs fully enclosed.

Side note: you will need your existing stock chrome hardware to install on the Clearview shield. Be careful not to snug up the bolts too tight as they will bend/indent the hardware around the fasteners and being chrome and highly reflective the new deformity will stand out. Also go easy on removing the gasket from the old shield as it can also tear or break depending on its age or condition.

[baldo]

Thank you all for the excellent advice. I'm still waiting for them to call, should hear from them today. I think I've waited too long to get one before Inzane, though. Crap.....

Still waiting for a call. Sent an email, no answer yet.

Hell of a way to run a railroad...... ??? ???

[Patrick]

I remember making a couple phone calls to them and the fella [ can't remember his name] was always on the ball with a good attitude and proper answer.

I ordered the wide one which meant it had to be a bit taller than I thought I wanted. But once it was installed I think it came out to be the same height as the old with the kick out bracket I made to lower it. But, like I said earlier, I've kinda forgotten about the new shield and have not had it out for a good ride yet.

[Ramie]

Just installed a clear 21" with the extra width and it's the perfect size for me.  Sitting up I look over the top of the shield but if I need to I can scrunch down a little and look through the shield.  I believe it took about 3 weeks for them to make my shield.

[baldo]

Well, I just tried them again and they answered. Craig had an answer for every question, they even had one in the first phase of construction that would work. Everything was great until he asked to confirm the brackets. I don't have Hondaline brackets so it won't work.

Total brainfart, I'd checked some time ago to see what I had, and thought I had it nailed down. DUH.

So, to make a long story short, I'm in the market for the correct mount. If anyone has a line on one, I'd appreciate a headsup. I'll start looking tomorrow.

Again, thanks for all the excellent advice. This really is a great board.....really