Windshield Trimming
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From:
Windshield Trimming
Hay anyone trimmed a National Cycle VStream windshield with success? The standard height (14") is too tall and the low height (10.75") is too low. I don't like looking through the shield and I don't like the helmet buffeting I get with the shorter windshield. I also don't like the wind noise I get from the wind hitting the top of the helmet on long rides at highway speeds.
I like the VStream design because I get less fairing wobble from the other windshields I've tried.
Thanks in advance and ride safe,
Bob.
I like the VStream design because I get less fairing wobble from the other windshields I've tried.
Thanks in advance and ride safe,
Bob.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
is this on a batwing fairing bike-?
if so, cut the bottom edge with a roto zip, use a 2nd windscreen as a template for the cut.
the cut edge is concealed.
open up the keyholes to make for easy swaps
I use a a number of different height seats and match windscreen height to seat, I like the top edge to "appear" to be 40' in front of the bike.
buffeting can be part of the helmet design- I have an H-D shorty with a "duckbill" at the back- it's the first stable helmet I've ever had
Mike
if so, cut the bottom edge with a roto zip, use a 2nd windscreen as a template for the cut.
the cut edge is concealed.
open up the keyholes to make for easy swaps
I use a a number of different height seats and match windscreen height to seat, I like the top edge to "appear" to be 40' in front of the bike.
buffeting can be part of the helmet design- I have an H-D shorty with a "duckbill" at the back- it's the first stable helmet I've ever had
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 4, 2012 at 11:27 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
I have cut stock HD windshields before. Both RK and Batwing. I have made a paper template of the original top curve first. Then I take 3" blue masking tape and completely cover about 6 inches wide the area where I'm going to make my cut. I then tape the template onto the windshield and use a magic marker to transfer the curve onto the blue masking tape.
I use a handheld variable speed jig saw with a fine tooth blade to make my cut. You don't need alot of saw speed, just a steady hand. Let the blade cut the lexan and you just hold it steady with gentle forward pressure. Also, either clamp your windshield to a table or have someone help hold the windshield down and steady as you make your cut. After you're done take a fine grade piece of sandpaper in a sanding block and sand the top edge of the windshield to smooth out your cut and possibly correct and irregular cuts. Do not try to wrap around the edge too much. Maybe less than 2 degrees.
I use a handheld variable speed jig saw with a fine tooth blade to make my cut. You don't need alot of saw speed, just a steady hand. Let the blade cut the lexan and you just hold it steady with gentle forward pressure. Also, either clamp your windshield to a table or have someone help hold the windshield down and steady as you make your cut. After you're done take a fine grade piece of sandpaper in a sanding block and sand the top edge of the windshield to smooth out your cut and possibly correct and irregular cuts. Do not try to wrap around the edge too much. Maybe less than 2 degrees.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From:
is this on a batwing fairing bike-?
if so, cut the bottom edge with a roto zip, use a 2nd windscreen as a template for the cut.
the cut edge is concealed.
open up the keyholes to make for easy swaps
I use a a number of different height seats and match windscreen height to seat, I like the top edge to "appear" to be 40' in front of the bike.
buffeting can be part of the helmet design- I have an H-D shorty with a "duckbill" at the back- it's the first stable helmet I've ever had
Mike
if so, cut the bottom edge with a roto zip, use a 2nd windscreen as a template for the cut.
the cut edge is concealed.
open up the keyholes to make for easy swaps
I use a a number of different height seats and match windscreen height to seat, I like the top edge to "appear" to be 40' in front of the bike.
buffeting can be part of the helmet design- I have an H-D shorty with a "duckbill" at the back- it's the first stable helmet I've ever had
Mike
I have a bat wing fairing with a faulty (fractures in the windshield) 10.75" VStream windshield I am exchanging for replacement under warranty. If I replace it with the 14" standard height I would like to trim it.
The base is not flat like my other windshields, so I cannot trim off the bottom. My concern is the crazy shape at the top of windshield. I considered using a band saw, but was concerned with the windshield bouncing on the saw table because of it's unique shape.
National Cycle suggested grinding away the top of the shield until I am happy with the height. Grinding 2" to 2 1/2" (or more) of Lexan is a lot of grinding. I was hoping for a more effective method. National Cycle does not custom trim their windshields.
Ride safe,
Bob.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
I have cut stock HD windshields before. Both RK and Batwing. I have made a paper template of the original top curve first. Then I take 3" blue masking tape and completely cover about 6 inches wide the area where I'm going to make my cut. I then tape the template onto the windshield and use a magic marker to transfer the curve onto the blue masking tape.
I use a handheld variable speed jig saw with a fine tooth blade to make my cut. You don't need alot of saw speed, just a steady hand. Let the blade cut the lexan and you just hold it steady with gentle forward pressure. Also, either clamp your windshield to a table or have someone help hold the windshield down and steady as you make your cut. After you're done take a fine grade piece of sandpaper in a sanding block and sand the top edge of the windshield to smooth out your cut and possibly correct and irregular cuts. Do not try to wrap around the edge too much. Maybe less than 2 degrees.
I use a handheld variable speed jig saw with a fine tooth blade to make my cut. You don't need alot of saw speed, just a steady hand. Let the blade cut the lexan and you just hold it steady with gentle forward pressure. Also, either clamp your windshield to a table or have someone help hold the windshield down and steady as you make your cut. After you're done take a fine grade piece of sandpaper in a sanding block and sand the top edge of the windshield to smooth out your cut and possibly correct and irregular cuts. Do not try to wrap around the edge too much. Maybe less than 2 degrees.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
