Do windshields go bad?

Message

acritzer · #1 Unread post by **acritzer** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 12:46 am

The bike I just bought already has a windshield on it, but it's really smoky. Not tinted, but more like plastic that's been aged. Anyway to clear it up? Or is it past it's nice and clear stage?

I've actually been thinking about taking it off...Do people usually take of the brackets, or just the shield?

jstark47 · #2 Unread post by **jstark47** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 12:51 am

If it's hazy because of fine scratches, you can try some Plexus on it. Plexus is supposed to have the ability to actually fill in microscopic scratches in plastic.

Last time I pulled a windshield from a bike was because I didn't like the aerodynamics. The bracket was specific to that model shield, so I took the bracket off too.

acritzer · #3 Unread post by **acritzer** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:43 am

Plexus huh? I'll have to try and find some. Hardware store? Motorcycle shop?

jstark47 · #4 Unread post by **jstark47** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 3:33 am

Motorcycle shop for sure, maybe other places. Or get it online.

falcon93 · #5 Unread post by **falcon93** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 5:53 am

If you can't find plexus, then believe it or not toothpaste will also work.

flynrider · #6 Unread post by **flynrider** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 8:27 am

Look close to see if the problem is caused by minute scratches, or if the plastic itself has turned milky/cloudy.

Plexi that is left out in the sun for long periods of time will acquire a whitish, cloudy tint. If that's the problem, no amount of plexi treatment will help. We get this problem on aircraft windows and the only cure is replacement.

As for the mounting brackets, if you're not planning on putting another windshield back on, there's not much point to leaving them on. Although, it certainly won't hurt anything if you do.

Lion_Lady · #7 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:05 pm

Forget Plexus to 'restore' a misty shield. Look for Maquires plastic cleaner and plastic polish. One bottle's white, the other, light blue.

I will remove my windscreen once or twice a year and give it the complete treatment.

I believe there's one more in that line-up that is a bit more abrasive that may be what you really need to start with. Should be available at an auto place. Got mine at PepBoys.

P

#8 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 3:07 pm

And if it's really plexi time to think of getting it replaced with Lexan... which is what most screens are made of...

Tower18CHI · Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:00 am

flynrider wrote:Look close to see if the problem is caused by minute scratches, or if the plastic itself has turned milky/cloudy.

This is what used to happen with 80s/90s car headlights. There is no cure.

dablade · #10 Unread post by **dablade** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:41 am

Plast-X by Meguiars has good qualities for correcting some imperfections. Meguiars claims for it to contain "micro-abrasive technology". This comes in a 10 oz. bottle like liquid car wax would. I used this with some success on a convertible top plastic rear window, and on plastic headlights.

Plexus seems to be a much more subtle product. Sold in aerosol cans, Plexus was developed for aircraft windshields. This is my new favorite product for cleaning helmet and motorcycle windshields. It claims to make minute scratches and imperfections less visible. It works well on the Gold Wing, but the windshield is in very good shape.

Providing that you are fixing something already of marginal quality, you should probably try the Meguiar's Plast-X. It is available on Ebay, or at many auto parts stores. (you won't have to pay shipping from the parts store).

I have used both products recently, and both are of good quality.

The Plexus is available from Performance Products (800) 752-6268.

Regards,

Perry