Windshield Cracking
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 213
Likes: 2
From: Port Orchard, Washington
Windshield Cracking
'05 EGC. In the last week I've had a flat 8" & a pre-formed 10" windshield (both acrylic after-market) crack at the mounting screws. The 8" cracket at the left side screw, then totally split in two at the center screw location after the screw fell out. The 10" has cracked at both the left & right screw locations, after I installed it with 1/32" rubber tape along both sides at the bottom. I'm treading the fine line of tightening the screws enough to keep them from falling out (I thought) & tightening to the point of pulling the threaded inserts out of the inner fairing plastic (it happened twice). I have switched these windshields several times over the last 2 years but have never had this problem. I slowly tighten the screws evenly while I wiggle the windshield to make sure it's seated. I Am I missing something?
Gregm
Gregm
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
On my last bike I had that happen, I had a WOC fairing on it. I switched to a Clearview and never had the problem again. With the more brittle shields you are using, "snug" is too tight. I had them crack while tightening them down.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Va.
The windshields will crack if you have the screws too tight. You are only suppose to lightly snug the screws that clamp the windshield between the inner and out fairings. If you dog them down real tight the windshileds will crack after riding a short period of time. I've even had mine replaced way too tight at the Harley Dealerships. If anyone ever has your fairing off always check to see if they have over torqued these screws.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi, Tx
Been there, done that. I change my windscreens out about once a week depending on conditions (I run a 6", 8", and 10" Fastaire). I've had the screws fall out (I always keep a spare now) because I'm careful not to over-tighten them. Still, I noticed a crack in my 6" Fastaire screen last week. 
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 213
Likes: 2
From: Port Orchard, Washington
Windshield Cracking
Thanks to all, it's nice to know I'm not alone on this. I have a polycarbonate windshield on order. I'll check the brackets, the torque on the screws (I needed to get an in/lb torque wrench anyway) and carry an extra screw or two.
Gregm
Gregm
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
I thought I had cracked my Clearview the same way, but it turned out to be the black coating they put at the base of the shield had wrinkled slightly. I couldn't tell it wasn't until I actually pulled a little of the coating away and the shield was fine.
