Considering making my own windshield

[scott2007nomad]

I can't interpret all of the different types of Plexiglas.
I read in another thread to look for MR10, non-scratch Lexan, UV rated.
But I'm not finding that kind of detail in the descriptions.

Can someone tell me if the "glass" in the link below would be sufficient for a windshield?

"3/16" X 24" X 48" Clear Makrolon Tuffak Lexan Polycarbonate AM"
http://www.eplastics.com/Plastic/Lexan_Clear_Polycarbonate_Sheet/LEXAN-CLR-0-187AM24X48;jsessionid=0a0110501f439986920fb22441c5 9284f86d36dc5ef8.e3eSc3aPaxmLe34Pa38Ta38Mc3f0

[ndbigfish]

Lexan is tough. Are you just looking for a challenge?

[ringadingh]

It would probably be best to ask a supplier on what they recommend. They know their products, and should be able to give you a good answer.

[skiman]

found this note the part about clouding that people often blame on rain-x and other products

Plastics

Windshields for motorcycles are made from either polycarbonate (Lexan) or acrylic (Plexiglas). Each type of plastic has advantages and disadvantages.

Polycarbonate is an extremely strong plastic. Polycarbonate is about as transparent as glass. Polycarbonate cuts and forms easily at both room temperature and at higher temperatures. For machining purposes, you can work with polycarbonate pretty much the same as you would aluminum. Polycarbonate has a major drawback for windshield use: polycarbonate picks up water from the air. The water eventually makes the polycarbonate cloudy. This water will form bubbles if you heat the polycarbonate to forming temperatures. So, before you can form polycarbonate, first you have to place it in a drying oven at about 200° for about 12 hours. Because of this, only companies that manufacture polycarbonate make windshields. Polycarbonate is sensitive to ammonia, so glass cleaners like Windex should not be used on polycarbonate. Polycarbonate windshields need a coating to protect them from chemicals and prevent them from absorbing water from the air. This optical coating is difficult to apply uniformly, resulting in optical distortion. It also scratches and cannot be repaired with plastic polish. By far the most popular polycarbonate for motorcycle windshields is GE Lexan Margard MR10, aka "quantum coated." GE polymers was recently bought by a Saudi Arabian firm, Sabic - see GEPlastics.com. We don't buy products from countries that fund terrorism.

[cactusjack]

http://www.clearviewshields.com

[hammer]

I have worked with several types of Lexan to make lowers and other projects. The uncoated Lexan is pretty much worthless for windshields because it is soft and does scratch easily so it has a short life. We have used it in race cars where the life of the shield was not that important. I can form this stuff in the stove oven at about the temp. indicated. Even a heat gun works once you get used to it. It will "lay down" over a form like a piece of wood but it will also bubble easily if you are not careful.

The "Quantum" or coated stuff is expensive but can be cut with the right tools and good protection of the material while cutting. Forming would be another trick I have never tried but the coated stuff does not take to bending like standard uncoated Lexan. I am willing to bet you might be better buying a ready made one.

As the other post said, windex, gas splatters, ammonia based products will damage the coatings like some eye glasses. The supplier I use recommends the original Joy dishwashing liquid in a mild solution for cleaning. Lemon Pledge is adopted by many because the shield appears renewed as fine swirls and scratches are temporarily filled in. It also attracts more grit after.

Acrylic is more brittle, can shatter but stands up better to polishing out of light scratches and such. Novus works OK on acrylic, no so good on coated Polycarbonate. Acrylic is harder to cut and drill without chipping. That's why the cheaper acrylic windshields sometimes "crack".

[ndbigfish]

http://www.clearviewshields.com

This would be my advice. Great product. I picked one up here in Texas through their vendor network.

[johnmj]

I just got my clearview windshield on and love it. much better shield than the original

[scott2007nomad]

This is so frustrating.
I'm 6'5" tall and I think a taller shield would eliminate my head wobble/vibrations when cruising.
Admittedly I haven't tried larger lowers yet.
By looking at the prices online, I was hoping to make a shield and lowers for < $100.
By the time I spend $250+ on a Clearview, I may as well go all the way and get a batwing but I was hoping to keep it cheap.
I guess I'll try some larger lowers and see if it helps.
Thanks for the advice and suggestions.

[hammer]

Larger lowers really does help. I have made more than a few. Most of the air rush comes from under the shield. On some helmets taking the pop on shield/visor off helps too.

Why not try that before you invest in a new windshield. The cheaper Lexan is readily available and fine for the lowers. Some here must have templates, if not I will send you some.

[blowndodge]

Long ago I had a Suzuki GS1000 with a clear fairing and it was designed just like the bat wing fairings most of the guys on here have painted. folded around the hand grips and had lowers that ran down the fork tubes. It was very aerodynamic and highly protective. I wonder why all that is made now that flat screen for a clear fairing that is on all the cruisers.

[hammer]

Good question. I think it has a lot to do with appearance over function. The windshield for my fairing now has the flip on the top that I think Klockwerks first came out with. It's like having a much taller shield by deflecting the air up. It's too bad you can't get or add something to the stock windshields to help out the taller riders.

[josh]

you mean like these??? http://www.laminarlip.com/vulcnmd.php

[cactusjack]

One of our members, Chuckster - makes mighty nice larger lowers. I've had a set on my Nomad for over 2 years now.

http://chucksterscustoms.com

[Top Cat]

Long ago I had a Suzuki GS1000 with a clear fairing and it was designed just like the bat wing fairings most of the guys on here have painted. folded around the hand grips and had lowers that ran down the fork tubes. It was very aerodynamic and highly protective. I wonder why all that is made now that flat screen for a clear fairing that is on all the cruisers.

I think you are talking abour National Cycle wind screens.
Is this what you are refering to;

http://www.nationalcycle.com/catalogue/Classic.shtml

[hammer]

The LIP may be worth a try. Good catch, I have never seen that before.

[josh]

I heard about it on one of the podcasts I listen to called Sidestand Up... Alot of awesome interviews and such motorcycle related things. If I have to be at work at least I can help daydream about riding

[metalman]

If I wanted my Nomad's windshield to be taller, I'd find a way to lift it by adding something to the bottom rather than the top. The seam or what ever would be less visible. At 6'-4" I have some helmet buffeting, but prefer to see over the top of the windshield and tolerate the wind.

[scott2007nomad]

you mean like these??? http://www.laminarlip.com/vulcnmd.php

The strings used for the "wind tunnel" test look interesting on the home page of this site.
I think I'll try that.
Maybe put some on various places like the tank and forks as well as the shield.