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[DakotaZeb]

I am wondering what you guys would recommend as one of the better scratch resistant windshields.  I bought a couple lower priced ($40-$50) shields on eBay from a guy in CA that makes them.  Decent shields but man do they scratch easy.  I'm looking a Rifle and Clearview.

With all the bugs in the summer washing the windshield is almost a daily process.  I try to be extra careful, but these two shields I bought on eBay seem to scratch no matter what you use.

Any recommendations?

[bigmanken]

I can share a good experience with Clearview. John was great to work with. The original windshield was a bit too tall. I sent it back in and John sent the replacement. It was a perfect fit and I really like the Euro roll.

One of the perks with Clearview is that they do a good job of educating us on the care of the windshields. They recommend when cleaning the bugs to soak the windshied with a wet towel. Just lay it over and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently wipe off the debris and use a good polish like Novus. It does a good job in protecting the shied. Novus also has a polish to rub out existing scratches.

Ken

[grc]

I am wondering what you guys would recommend as one of the better scratch resistant windshields.  I bought a couple lower priced ($40-$50) shields on eBay from a guy in CA that makes them.  Decent shields but man do they scratch easy.  I'm looking a Rifle and Clearview.

With all the bugs in the summer washing the windshield is almost a daily process.  I try to be extra careful, but these two shields I bought on eBay seem to scratch no matter what you use.

Any recommendations?

Zeb,

There are basically two materials in general use for windshields, polycarbonate (Lexan) and acrylic.  The Lexan material is more impact resistant (used in aircraft canopies, armored glass in cars, safety eyeglasses, etc.), but it is softer and thus scratches more easily.  Lexan requires a surface coating for scratch resistance. The acrylic materials are harder but less impact resistant.  I changed out the original H-D shield (Lexan) for a Memphis Shades acrylic last year, and after a full year of riding I have one small scuff caused by my own stupidity.  I keep the shield waxed with carnauba (pure wax, not a cleaner-wax), and soak any bugs with a wet (water) cloth before cleaning and drying with a microfiber cloth or old T-shirt.  Keep fresh wax on it, and soften the crud with water first, and cleaning without scratching isn't a problem.  Of course, riding in sand storms might still be a problem, and I don't have an answer for that one.

Jerry

[FR8TRN]

I'll second the Clearview.....wet towel and the bug collection wipes right off.....start seeing scratches and I coat it up with some Nano-Wax, takes care of the smaller scratches (don't have any big ones yet)......the wax also helps the bugs come off easier the first couple cleanings.  A little more coin than the others but worth every bit of it.  I think he has a listing under Vendor Discounts for us also.

[Tbone]

I've been very happy with my Clearview.  I use the Honda spray cleaner polish and a microfiber cloth on the windshield between washings and I've never had a problem with scratching.  The Honda spray stuff is the best stuff I've ever found for quick cleanups.

[Fired00d]

I second/third, etc what has been said about getting bugs wet before trying to remove them. I use a "Absorber Chamois" that I use warm water on it, and let it sit on windshield for a few seconds before trying to soften bugs up before trying to remove them. This approach is great for removing bugs from front of bike also (fairing, lowers, forks, etc.). One thing to remember is take the time before you put the bike up at night to try to remove bugs before putting bike away. Removing them before they dry out, and become baked on is the best way of removal.

BTW - You can find the "Absorber's" at Walmart, and many auto parts stores fairly inexpensive. Keep them moist in there plastic containers and you can keep them in saddle bag or tourpak when you travel.


 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[05Ultra]

Just came back from Americade and saw this at the vendors. The guy had a windshield wiper wiping a GW windshield. The wiper blade had been wraped with steel wool. Half the windshield was so scracted you couldn't see threw it. The otherside looked like new.
 I think it will be my next shield.http://www.f4customs.com/