Windshield material

[triguy32]

??? I have just finished fabricating mounting brackets to install a HD batwing fairing to my scoot. Cannot use my old wind. shield due to cracks. I have no problem cutting down and polishing windshields... My question is this; Is there any difference between a motorcycle windshield and a sheet of lexan which I can purchase at my local H/W store?

Thanks in advance,
Triguy

[rlfaubion]

I'm not sure if there is a difference, but having recently fabricated a pair of lowers using Lexan, I wouldn't hesitate to use it for a windshield. I hear its about as tough as there is. Again, I'm outta my element here. Just an uneducated stab at the answer.

[beezer]

Not to my knowledge. You're going to have to heat it to bend it. If you don't do that right it will probably craze and you need to get the proper thickness for the square inches involved so as not to compromise the integrity for impact purposes. Just thinking outloud here.

[dogdoc]

outside my scope!

[rewindgy]

Need Polycarbonate Lexan - it bends but will not break right away. Acylic ( harder and needs heat to form) will snap like a twig. You can get replacement screens on e-bay for about 30 bucks and are really good! I think National Cycle has a video on theie webste showing the difference between right and wrong plastic applications on windshields!

[bobzinger]

From TAP Plastics webpage

Acrylite Acrylic sheet
~Optical Clarity: Excellent light transmission. Will not yellow after prolonged sun exposure.
~Weather Resistance: Despite heat, cold, sunlight, and humidity acrylic maintains its original appearance and color.
~Safety: Shatter-resistant, earthquake safe, and burglar-resistant. Increase safety with windows glazed of acrylic.
~UV Light Resistance: Clear acrylic sheet resists ultraviolet light degradation. Each sheet has a ten-year-limited warranty against yellowing and loss of light transmission.


~Polycarbonate sheet is a tough and highly impact-resistant material. It is light weight with exceptional clarity and light transmission properties. Since it is difficult to break, it is useful wherever safety, security, or impact-resistance is important.
~Polycarbonate sheets will expand and contract with temperature changes, but will not shrink with age. Some shrinkage occurs when it is heated to forming temperature, but postforming stability is excellent.

[chuckster131]

You will be fine with the Lexan for your shield. Get the 3/16" and you will beable to drill it easy and also it will form to the shape of your fairing. This stuff is very tough and will hold up for years. I make large lowers for the Nomad's using the Lexan polycarbonate and machine it on a cnc, but you can just mark out the shape you want on the paper covering and cut it with a jig saw (fine) blade, then sand the edges with fine paper.

Joe (Chuckster 1) Norris
V 14607
01 Nomad, His
01 800 Classic, Hers
Jackson, Michigan

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuckster1/sets/

[triguy32]

Thanks all, great info!

Triguy