Mini Ape Windshield idea
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Yakima Wa
Genius. I love it. Have been thinking about this alot too. 70 mph is kinda brutal on me for too long. Just takes the fun out of it. Thought about the windvest which is kinda cool looking and they have a website. But I really love the do it yourself idea. Keep us updated Im anxious to see the results.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Montana
I had the new version cut this week and I installed it last night. I did a 20 mile road test at 75-80 MPH. For the height of of my upper body and the extra 1-3/4" of overall windshield height this is going to work perfect for me. I didn't have a chance to take a picture. I will post some tonight after work. The extra thickness of the 3/16 vs 1/8 is also helpful. This new one cost $17.76.
I kind of hurried on the template and when they cut it out they mathced the template perfectly. So there is a couple spots that aren't cut straight. I think I will buy a sheet of 3/16 lexan and try cutting it myself. I may also buy a sheet of the tinted lexan and compare. It's cheap enough I could have a few spares of tinted and clear depending on how I want it to look and if the current shield gets to scratched i can just pitch it in the garbage.
I kind of hurried on the template and when they cut it out they mathced the template perfectly. So there is a couple spots that aren't cut straight. I think I will buy a sheet of 3/16 lexan and try cutting it myself. I may also buy a sheet of the tinted lexan and compare. It's cheap enough I could have a few spares of tinted and clear depending on how I want it to look and if the current shield gets to scratched i can just pitch it in the garbage.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Verion 1.2 completed
Here is version 1.2 of the windshield. It is 3/16" thick. I was also able to bend a lip in the top of it to kick the air (and bugs) up a little more. After trying a couple rides on it today I don't think I could ask for anything more. It is compact compared to most windshields. It blocks the wind off my chest and deflects the bugs from my face at highway speeds. The best part is for about $25 in materials you can make your own.
To bend the lip I stuck it between two blocks of wood and tightened it in the vise. Then I carefully heated it with a small propane torch so it wouldn't cause it to bubble. Once heated i just bent it to where I wanted.
To bend the lip I stuck it between two blocks of wood and tightened it in the vise. Then I carefully heated it with a small propane torch so it wouldn't cause it to bubble. Once heated i just bent it to where I wanted.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Montana
One other thing to note is I have a handlebar bag and with it mounted in front of the windshield it seems to take away some of the effectiveness.
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