polycarbonate/lexan vs. acrylic windshields
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Just my ahole opinion, but I had a recurved windshield and it was nice. I bought a Fastaire windshield dark 10" just to try it out, but I loved the damn thing so much I have never taken it off. If I ever do it will be to replace it with another one. His windshield are priced so well, I could buy a few and still be under the price of those other shields out there. I know it is just my opinion, and the material debate is yours to work through, but I, along with others will rave about Fastaire windshields and their effectiveness/appearance and function. Its is a minimal investment to see what you like.....
Ride safe
Ride safe
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 7
From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
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
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Central Texas
Not exactly
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
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 was originally developed for, and continues to be used in, applications requiring higher strength than acrylic, as well as higher abrasion resistance. So, Lexan actually is more difficult to scratch thab acrylic. Those are the two main reasons why Lexan is used in windshields.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
Always thought this vid was cool especially the shotgun 
!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDXwcgSYjws
!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDXwcgSYjws
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
I work with the stuff.
Lots of good information above.
Polycarbonate is safer as it is flexible and won't easily shatter.
It can be formed though some companies offer flat panels which, since they're flexible, can be curved as they're inslalled if the material is thin enough.
Some companies offer coated poly that is more scratch resistant, though this costs more.
I'd always choose poly for safety. If you're careful you can keep the fine scratches to a minimum and your shield will last years. They're not that expensive that you can't replace one every five years if it gets scratched.
I'd avoid putting acrylic on your bike. There are already enough sharp objects to snag your ***** on should you fall.
Edit: I think the video says it better than anything.
Lots of good information above.
Polycarbonate is safer as it is flexible and won't easily shatter.
It can be formed though some companies offer flat panels which, since they're flexible, can be curved as they're inslalled if the material is thin enough.
Some companies offer coated poly that is more scratch resistant, though this costs more.
I'd always choose poly for safety. If you're careful you can keep the fine scratches to a minimum and your shield will last years. They're not that expensive that you can't replace one every five years if it gets scratched.
I'd avoid putting acrylic on your bike. There are already enough sharp objects to snag your ***** on should you fall.
Edit: I think the video says it better than anything.
Last edited by jberg; Mar 2, 2010 at 01:04 PM.
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Stage I
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, Wa.
Personally I have stayed with the Lexan from Harley and its been a great product from the get go if you know what I mean. Never have had a problem with it. Always cleans up real good and I never use anything on it othere than a Micro Soft Rag along with a spray plastic polish cleaner. Can't stand a dirty windshield so I am cleaning off buggs and crap all the time. You never see me riding my RK's wiithout the windshields in place!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 4
From: Northern Illinois
No, actually, Lexan (GE's trademark) is a type of polycarbonate (generic name), and it is a thermoplastic, just like acrylic (Plexiglas). Both can be heated and shaped into forms; this is the definition of a thermoplastic. I have seen Lexan successfully thermoformed, many years ago. A thermoset cannot be heated and re-shaped.
Lexan was originally developed for, and continues to be used in, applications requiring higher strength than acrylic, as well as higher abrasion resistance. So, Lexan actually is more difficult to scratch thab acrylic. Those are the two main reasons why Lexan is used in windshields.
Lexan was originally developed for, and continues to be used in, applications requiring higher strength than acrylic, as well as higher abrasion resistance. So, Lexan actually is more difficult to scratch thab acrylic. Those are the two main reasons why Lexan is used in windshields.
I work with the stuff.
Lots of good information above.
Polycarbonate is safer as it is flexible and won't easily shatter.
It can be formed though some companies offer flat panels which, since they're flexible, can be curved as they're inslalled if the material is thin enough.
Some companies offer coated poly that is more scratch resistant, though this costs more.
I'd always choose poly for safety. If you're careful you can keep the fine scratches to a minimum and your shield will last years. They're not that expensive that you can't replace one every five years if it gets scratched.
I'd avoid putting acrylic on your bike. There are already enough sharp objects to snag your ***** on should you fall.
Edit: I think the video says it better than anything.
Lots of good information above.
Polycarbonate is safer as it is flexible and won't easily shatter.
It can be formed though some companies offer flat panels which, since they're flexible, can be curved as they're inslalled if the material is thin enough.
Some companies offer coated poly that is more scratch resistant, though this costs more.
I'd always choose poly for safety. If you're careful you can keep the fine scratches to a minimum and your shield will last years. They're not that expensive that you can't replace one every five years if it gets scratched.
I'd avoid putting acrylic on your bike. There are already enough sharp objects to snag your ***** on should you fall.
Edit: I think the video says it better than anything.