polycarbonate/lexan vs. acrylic windshields
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
Thanks for this video.
I just got back from Bike Week in Daytona and picked up a 7.25" VStream windshield from National Cycle - their tent at Destination Daytona.
So how does it compare to the stock Street Glide windshield? Hard to say. One thing I noticed was with the stock shield the "pounding" of the wind on my ears is constant; with the VStream it's not. But I do get it with the VStream every so often. However, to be fair, I was riding at 70-80 mph on the way home and there was some nasty cross winds on the highway. So my initial test wasn't under the best circumstances.
I just got back from Bike Week in Daytona and picked up a 7.25" VStream windshield from National Cycle - their tent at Destination Daytona.
So how does it compare to the stock Street Glide windshield? Hard to say. One thing I noticed was with the stock shield the "pounding" of the wind on my ears is constant; with the VStream it's not. But I do get it with the VStream every so often. However, to be fair, I was riding at 70-80 mph on the way home and there was some nasty cross winds on the highway. So my initial test wasn't under the best circumstances.
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: High desert area in SoCal
Better depends on a couple of things. Function and safety. Plexi has better clarity, and marks can be buffed out. It will shatter on impact and could slice you up should you go through it.
Lexan is safer on impact and will usually bend out of the way. Clarity usually don't last long due it being easier to put micro swirls in it from normal cleaning.
Not that it matters much in bikes but acrylic can be heat formed to many shapes where as lexan is flat sheet that can only be forced into shape and held with restraints.
Ron
Lexan is safer on impact and will usually bend out of the way. Clarity usually don't last long due it being easier to put micro swirls in it from normal cleaning.
Not that it matters much in bikes but acrylic can be heat formed to many shapes where as lexan is flat sheet that can only be forced into shape and held with restraints.
Ron
While I am no expert on the qualities of the two materials in question, I will say in 14 years as a Highway Patrolman, I have seen my (un)fair share of motorcycle collisions. I have never seen anyone cut from their windshield. I'm not saying it can't happen (hell, maybe you have even seen it happen yourself *shrug*), but I don't think I would base my decision on this issue. More often the windshield is broken from its mount(s) as the rider passes through it, or the rider travels in a direction which doesn't affect the windshield or at least renders the point moot. Just my .02
"Moderator"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 952
From: San Tan Valley, Arizona
I have also worked with Thermoplastics for over 25 years and some of the info on here is very good. Personally I would never go with an Acrylic (Plexiglas) over a Polycarbonate (Lexan) one for a couple reasons. Acrylic is tough but will shatter on impact. Acrylic will yellow over time much faster than Polycarbonate will. Just my .02.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 7
From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
Hi rbabos,
While I am no expert on the qualities of the two materials in question, I will say in 14 years as a Highway Patrolman, I have seen my (un)fair share of motorcycle collisions. I have never seen anyone cut from their windshield. I'm not saying it can't happen (hell, maybe you have even seen it happen yourself *shrug*), but I don't think I would base my decision on this issue. More often the windshield is broken from its mount(s) as the rider passes through it, or the rider travels in a direction which doesn't affect the windshield or at least renders the point moot. Just my .02
While I am no expert on the qualities of the two materials in question, I will say in 14 years as a Highway Patrolman, I have seen my (un)fair share of motorcycle collisions. I have never seen anyone cut from their windshield. I'm not saying it can't happen (hell, maybe you have even seen it happen yourself *shrug*), but I don't think I would base my decision on this issue. More often the windshield is broken from its mount(s) as the rider passes through it, or the rider travels in a direction which doesn't affect the windshield or at least renders the point moot. Just my .02
Ron
Last edited by rbabos; Mar 5, 2010 at 01:29 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 1
From: West Chester, PA
I have a softail (Deuce) and I'm finding it difficult to find a low-profile windshield made out of Polycarbonate (Lexan) for it. So far the closest shield I've found that would look good (imo) is the Switchblade Deflector by National Cycle, but it only comes 12" above the headlight which I don't think will offer much head protection.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
Here is a picture of my Clearview Shield after my bike tumbled about 12 times from 70 mph. It held up pretty well. You can see where it made contact with the road. I was impressed.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 927
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
if that is a modified acrylic product, I'd say it held up well....
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: 407 area code
Will do.
I did ride into work today and I can't say it's much "better" than the stock windshield. 5 mile commute, no highway riding. I'm going to keep riding (get some highway miles) so I can give a better report.
I also happened to pick up a LRS 6" flip-up on eBay for $35.00 so I'll be adding that to my review.
I hope to have pix too (this weekend).