cutting windshield
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 578
Likes: 28
From: Sunbury, PA
cutting windshield
I am thinking about getting a recurved windshield for my streetglide but would like to go 1" shorter then stock. ( I am very short) I have read where a few people have trimmed along the lower edge on the batwing bikes. I have never considered trimming the lower edge but am considering doing this. Would like to see some pics of windshields that have been trimmed along the bottom edge.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 359
Likes: 100
From: Florida
You might check to see if their is a plexiglass shop near your location. I live near one and they have successfully trimmed existing windshields as well as manufacture new windshields. If not, if you have a small airport near you, ask if they have an a & p mechanic available. They are also trained in adjusting plexiglass.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I've trimmed many windshields over the years and only ever used a hand fret saw (not electric!). Some plastics will quickly heat up and stick to the saw blade, so slowly, slowly, catchy monkey, to avoid damage and embarrassment! I suggest simply applying a length of adhesive tape, parallel to the lowest edge, to provide you with a guide while sawing. A hand file will clean up the sawn edge, but do take care to avoid marking the visible shield surfaces.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,332
Likes: 1,279
From: Ky
I've trimmed a couple, seems cutting from the bottom could make it too narrow and be labor intense getting bolt holes right. I trimmed the top of 1 last year, painters tape and fine tooth jigsaw blade, sand the edge by hand when done. Take your time.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 407
From: Outer Banks, NC
My stock 2006 windshield was about as tall as they ever were!
I've trimmed mine 3 separate times, just trying to find the height I wanted (I'm 5'8").
I trim the bottom and you also have to raise the cutouts for the 3 mounting holes where the screws clamp to the fairing. I'm now done cutting, the air goes just above my helmet. If it's raining and I want to get a good look at the idiot who's about to turn in front of me I just raise up an inch or two to look over.
To the guy who cut the top, if I did that it would look horrible! I hide my cut below the fairing, out of sight!
I've trimmed mine 3 separate times, just trying to find the height I wanted (I'm 5'8").
I trim the bottom and you also have to raise the cutouts for the 3 mounting holes where the screws clamp to the fairing. I'm now done cutting, the air goes just above my helmet. If it's raining and I want to get a good look at the idiot who's about to turn in front of me I just raise up an inch or two to look over.
To the guy who cut the top, if I did that it would look horrible! I hide my cut below the fairing, out of sight!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
I tried cutting one on the bottom once. What a mess. I was warned too. Big waste of time. Looked like hell.
Just buy one.
Just buy one.
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Club Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 72
From: North East
Cutting the bottom of a windshield is very doable (yes "doable" is a word). There are multiple tools you can use (hand saw, router, electric jig saw, etc.) Unfortunately most windshields taper quickly just above the point where the windshield exits the fairing. Every time you cut the bottom of the windshield reducing the total windshield height the width of the windshield as it exits the fairing will be reduced due to the taper. You will very quickly find you have a windshield that doesn't match the width of the top of the fairing. Looks, I believe the technical term is "funky."
I've experimented cutting a few windshields and enjoy that kind of work however if I didn't enjoy it and/or have the necessary tools I'd order a correct height shield from LRS or Clearview in a heartbeat. One man's opinion.
I've experimented cutting a few windshields and enjoy that kind of work however if I didn't enjoy it and/or have the necessary tools I'd order a correct height shield from LRS or Clearview in a heartbeat. One man's opinion.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 504
Likes: 192
From: Atlanta
Take the advice of those who have posted before me and let someone who knows what they are doing do it. I have found someone through a local dealer who does an outstanding job and charges a very fair price.
I’m telling you.......in the long run you will be happier.
I’m telling you.......in the long run you will be happier.