Rain X
I know this is a stupid question....but...
I have an Electra Glide Classic with a stock windshield. Since this is the first windshield that I look through instead of over, I thought that might pose a problem when it rains. So, I bought a bottle of Rain X thinking this would help. However, when I read the instructions on the bottle, it states not to use on plastic windshields unless approved by the manufacturer. Great....
Does anyone know if Rain X can be used on my stock windshield, or did I just waste my money (Yet again).
I have an Electra Glide Classic with a stock windshield. Since this is the first windshield that I look through instead of over, I thought that might pose a problem when it rains. So, I bought a bottle of Rain X thinking this would help. However, when I read the instructions on the bottle, it states not to use on plastic windshields unless approved by the manufacturer. Great....
Does anyone know if Rain X can be used on my stock windshield, or did I just waste my money (Yet again).
I wax my windshield with regular wax and replies water very well.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
No Rainx.
Be sure to use clean microfiber towels only on the shield.
Actually, that's all I wash and wax my entire bike with. No scratches.
Maguires wash and Eagle One Nano Spray Wax.
Plexus on the windshield.
I do use Rainx on my other vehicles, only effective about a month. Windshield needs to be in very good condition, stripped down clean as you can get it, apply twice, let set, polish with a damp microfiber towel.
Really amazing, but it will haze the coating on lexan/polycarb.
Be sure to use clean microfiber towels only on the shield.
Actually, that's all I wash and wax my entire bike with. No scratches.
Maguires wash and Eagle One Nano Spray Wax.
Plexus on the windshield.
I do use Rainx on my other vehicles, only effective about a month. Windshield needs to be in very good condition, stripped down clean as you can get it, apply twice, let set, polish with a damp microfiber towel.
Really amazing, but it will haze the coating on lexan/polycarb.
Last edited by TheGrandPoohBah; May 15, 2012 at 05:58 PM.
For those that care, heres the chemical formula in Rain-X. Please note that its Alcohol, Ethanol and Acids not normally something you'd want to put on any plastic. Prolonged use will remove the wax from your paint, cause gaskets to become brittle, attacks the chemical bonds that make up most plastics thus making them hazy (polycarbonate) and very brittle (acrylics). There are a few plastics that Rain-X can be used on but its limited.
I know someone will ask, you can use Rain-X on the Fast Aire Aero windshield, although I do not recommend it.
Also, when the Rain-X runs down the shield & gets into the Fairing edge, thats Plastic and it doesn't react kindly to solvents.
There are a multitude of products that work just as well including good old Pledge and none of them will harm you windshield.
So why do it ?
Ethanol
All of the ingredients are dissolved in ethanol. Not only is it a really good solvent, it helps remove dirt and oil from the glass, then evaporates.
Isopropanol
Rubbing alcohol.
Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS)
A chain of repeating molecular subunits two organic methyl groups attached to inorganic silicon-oxygen
Ethyl sulfate (IUPAC name: ethyl hydrogen sulfate), also known as sulfovinic acid, is an organic chemical compound used as intermediate in the production of ethanol from ethylene. It is the ethyl ester of sulfuric acid.
Chlorotrimethylsilane
The reaction of trimethylsilyl chloride with alcohols gives rise to an equivalent of hydrogen chloride. Residue from PDMS synthesis, this compound is regularly used to silanize that is, chemically neutralize laboratory glassware so organics wont stick. Same for your windshield, too? A Rain-X chemist told us he couldnt say for sure.
Siloxanes and silicones, di-me, hydroxy-terminated
Fragments of PDMS, broken down by that sulfuric acid we mentioned. The hydroxyl groups help them bond strongly to glass, making it tougher for your wipers to disperse the Rain-X.
I know someone will ask, you can use Rain-X on the Fast Aire Aero windshield, although I do not recommend it.
Also, when the Rain-X runs down the shield & gets into the Fairing edge, thats Plastic and it doesn't react kindly to solvents.
There are a multitude of products that work just as well including good old Pledge and none of them will harm you windshield.
So why do it ?
Ethanol
All of the ingredients are dissolved in ethanol. Not only is it a really good solvent, it helps remove dirt and oil from the glass, then evaporates.
Isopropanol
Rubbing alcohol.
Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS)
A chain of repeating molecular subunits two organic methyl groups attached to inorganic silicon-oxygen
Ethyl sulfate (IUPAC name: ethyl hydrogen sulfate), also known as sulfovinic acid, is an organic chemical compound used as intermediate in the production of ethanol from ethylene. It is the ethyl ester of sulfuric acid.
Chlorotrimethylsilane
The reaction of trimethylsilyl chloride with alcohols gives rise to an equivalent of hydrogen chloride. Residue from PDMS synthesis, this compound is regularly used to silanize that is, chemically neutralize laboratory glassware so organics wont stick. Same for your windshield, too? A Rain-X chemist told us he couldnt say for sure.
Siloxanes and silicones, di-me, hydroxy-terminated
Fragments of PDMS, broken down by that sulfuric acid we mentioned. The hydroxyl groups help them bond strongly to glass, making it tougher for your wipers to disperse the Rain-X.
Last edited by Fast Aire; May 15, 2012 at 06:36 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
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From: East Coast
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 89
From: NewJersey
I've used a product called NOVUS, bought at the HD dealer. Does a good job of beading up the rain, and is also good for keeping riding glasses from fogging up. As for the windshield, I've ridden in nasty azz rain storms with both a look through and look over windshield. Definitely prefer the look over windshield. Problem with the look through was that the water would bead up on the windshield, couple that with the glasses getting water beads and it makes for a real tough time seeing the road. Again, prefer the look over windshield, but try it out yourself and see which one works for you. The rain-x is great for cage windshields. Have been using it for a number of years.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Brownsburg, IN
I surprise DH sometimes and use Lemon Pledge to clean all the bugs, road crap, etc of the bike, windshield, chrome, etc before he gets from work (of course yard is mowed too). Too heck with housework, let's ride !
