My basically new LRS windshield cracked today!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 8
From: Pa
" Polycarbonate (Trade names Lexan and Makrolon) was dubbed early on as the Unbreakable Plastic. Compared to Acrylic, it is softer and tougher (leather-like) than acrylic. In its general purpose form, polycarbonate is not a good material for windshields because it scratches easily and is UV susceptible. When a mar resistant (Glass) coating is applied to the outer surfaces, it becomes an excellent material for windshields. The cost of coated polycarbonate material, plus additional processing time drive up the price of this type of windshield.
Currently LRS windshields are made from Impact modified Acrylic, as well Long Ride Shields will be introducing the ELITE line of re-curve windshields made from glass coated polycarbonate in August 2012. "
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Thanx...looking forward to it!
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Haverhill, MA
Saw the video just in time. Needed a new windshield as my old one was pretty scratched up - mostly from road debris. Was going to order an acrylic shield but ended up going back to the dealer and getting a stock replacement.
For the $50 difference I will feel much more comfortable behind polycarbonate. Thank you JJNoble.
For the $50 difference I will feel much more comfortable behind polycarbonate. Thank you JJNoble.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 2
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
I bought a 7" dark tint from long ride back when they were just starting out. I bought it on an E-bay auction for $30 with little or nothing for shipping. I used it 2 years with no issues other than a small stress crack that is visible from the drivers seat by the middle screw of the fairing. It hadn't cracked all the way causing any issues. I bought the newer version they advertised as the ultra flip and after it arrived I noticed that it was identical to the original but had cost considerably more. It also has held up for close to 2 years with no stress cracks. Last week I jumped on their offer of 50% OFF a 7" flat top dark tint. They advertised that it was the best at deflecting air so I took them up on the offer. It arrived quickly and after installing it I noticed a minor scratch near the top and called them. They sent a new one and a label to ship the defect one back. Customer service was top notch. One complaint I have is the current $17.95 shipping and handling charge which I thought was over the top and considering that the return label they sent had $7.95 printed on it. They are nicking you $10 for stuffing it in a box and mailing it. As a side note the flat top seems to cause more buffeting than their ultra and my wife agreed after riding with me last night.
So I gave the bike a bath today before a day trip we're going on tomorrow and I was putting my shield back on the bike and a 2" crack formed off of the through hole in the upper frame work. This is only the 3rd time I've had the shield off the bike since I purchased it from LRS and I've had the OEM shield off hundreds of times with no issues. As skeptical as I was to purchase an acrylic windshield I decided to try it based on the feedback I read on this forum plus the price was good...I guess the old saying goes you get what you pay for...and hind sight is always 20/20...I should've stayed with the polycarbonate shield as it is a tougher polymer than acrylic. Chalk this one up to lesson learned.
as to the other questions- There are also significantly different grades of acrylic and Polycarb, they each have their draw backs. The impact modified Acrylic we use, is in no way brittle. We will be releasing our polycarbonate line of shields in the next few weeks for those that prefer the polycarb.
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Phone:
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General Inquiries:
Info@LongRideShields.com
Sales and Marketing:
Sales@LongRideShields.com
Phone:
775.331.3789
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Haverhill, MA
I don't know if they all are but the two I looked at for my Road King were. Both were 20" - one light smoke and one clear.
My old Harley shield was Lexan too.
My old Harley shield was Lexan too.