windshield install question
For what its worth... I have talked to a few & read where there is a small gap, mostly between the center & outter screws. It varies between very little to 1/16 inch. I have also seen it on new bikes sitting on the dealers floor where I could put a business card in the gap. It does seem to be randon in nature & varies along the years because mine & many others do not have a gap.
The upper edge of the outer fairing is fairly flexible and sometimes the radius of the sealing surface does not match the inner fairing.
The edge sealing tape is about the same thickness a black electrical tape & Ive read where some have used that & a few have cut the tape into layers.
Definately check to make sure the windshield is installed correctly & check your brass fairing attachment nuts to make sure they're not pulling out because either one can lend to making a gap.
I wouldn't be overly concerned about it nor would I bother with silicone either...But its a personal choice.
The upper edge of the outer fairing is fairly flexible and sometimes the radius of the sealing surface does not match the inner fairing.
The edge sealing tape is about the same thickness a black electrical tape & Ive read where some have used that & a few have cut the tape into layers.
Definately check to make sure the windshield is installed correctly & check your brass fairing attachment nuts to make sure they're not pulling out because either one can lend to making a gap.
I wouldn't be overly concerned about it nor would I bother with silicone either...But its a personal choice.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
Great replies guys, thanks. I noticed BEFORE I installed the shield my center brass insert was pulling out so I removed it and coated it with West System epoxy and hardner. I have used this stuff to secure big block boat motor mount studs in fiberglass. Great product. It's holding nicely so that's not a factor but great catch by you pros. I'll inspect it a bit closer with a light to make sure it's positioned correctly.
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by noserider; Nov 12, 2011 at 07:27 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
I have the Freedom shield and mine had the same gap in the middle. I have a real bright flash light and was able to see the the center mounting slot on the shield was wasn't fully mounted. The shield center mounting slot was sitting in front of the plastic stub even tho it was high enough to still put the screw in. So I just now pulled the shield and mounted the center slot first, making sure the plastic mounting stub was in the slot of the shield and then put in the other two screws on the outer mounts and now the gap is gone. I am glad I caught this thread or I wouldn't have known. I have been riding with shield like that all summer. Thanks. But take a real close look with a got light and you will see what I was taking about. At least that work for me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
It's been on a year with no issues.
Silicon would just make a big mess.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Salf Cackolacky (SC)
When I changed my windshield to the LRS Stealth (after cutting an additional 1.5 inches off the bottom) I noticed that I had a small gap opening on the outer edges. I went to Lowes and bought a piece of the real soft pipe foam insulation and cut a small piece that contours to the edge I needed to fill. When you tighten down on the screws it compresses to look as if it came with it.
There are two kinds of foam pipe insulation at Lowes, one that is real floppy, which it what I used and there is the foam pipe insulation that is stiff. The piece I bought cost about $4 bucks to fix this issue. It comes in about a 6 foot length. No more unsightly gaps now.
I can post a pic if needed.
There are two kinds of foam pipe insulation at Lowes, one that is real floppy, which it what I used and there is the foam pipe insulation that is stiff. The piece I bought cost about $4 bucks to fix this issue. It comes in about a 6 foot length. No more unsightly gaps now.
I can post a pic if needed.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,907
Likes: 69
From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
When I changed my windshield to the LRS Stealth (after cutting an additional 1.5 inches off the bottom) I noticed that I had a small gap opening on the outer edges. I went to Lowes and bought a piece of the real soft pipe foam insulation and cut a small piece that contours to the edge I needed to fill. When you tighten down on the screws it compresses to look as if it came with it.
There are two kinds of foam pipe insulation at Lowes, one that is real floppy, which it what I used and there is the foam pipe insulation that is stiff. The piece I bought cost about $4 bucks to fix this issue. It comes in about a 6 foot length. No more unsightly gaps now.
I can post a pic if needed.
There are two kinds of foam pipe insulation at Lowes, one that is real floppy, which it what I used and there is the foam pipe insulation that is stiff. The piece I bought cost about $4 bucks to fix this issue. It comes in about a 6 foot length. No more unsightly gaps now.
I can post a pic if needed.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
I played around with positioning the shield a bit and was able to reduce the gap to almost nothing. Do you guys think I should install the factory tape cushion back on the shield. It was not there when I started. Does it actually cushion the shield?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,324
Likes: 56,887
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Dawg .... You're one sick puppy !! I'm sure that's why you fit in here so well !!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
Likes: 4
Dawg, tff!
1/16" ain't much and just speaking purely for myself I wouldn't sweat the small stuff. Iffin you aint gonna bee parkid ina downpour h2water choudnt bee a problema.
I didn't get the foam padding with my mine either. I just used the 1" 3M double sided gray tape. Works wonders. And as was said start with the center screw and then the outside. I kinda work em a little at time like torquing a head on the motor.
1/16" ain't much and just speaking purely for myself I wouldn't sweat the small stuff. Iffin you aint gonna bee parkid ina downpour h2water choudnt bee a problema.
I didn't get the foam padding with my mine either. I just used the 1" 3M double sided gray tape. Works wonders. And as was said start with the center screw and then the outside. I kinda work em a little at time like torquing a head on the motor.