A question about windshields

[jakeman]

Hi all,

My bike has a fairing type windshield that's 24 years old and a little warped at the top, not a big problem but I'm thinking about an upgrade. My question is this; is it more disirable to look through the windshield or just above it? When I ride alone my line of sight is slightly above the top, but 2 up puts the top of windshield right at my line of vision.. So, do I want to look through or over it? And, is there a particular fairing that looks good on an xs1100 midnight special?

Thanks,

[bandet01]

well my bike had a sheild on it and i took it off but when it was on there i was always looking over it and i hated it so i would think you would want to look threw it instead of over it

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

I have a short Cafe Style fairing and find that I am always looking over the shield, but it does a reall good job of knocking down the wind buffet and occasional rain drops. I am always careful to give a good cleaning at least once a week. A good quality Plastic Polish like Maguiars is preferable, but I find that Pledge works in a pinch. (BTW, Pledge is great on old Plastic Jeep windows too)

[Pat Kelly]

You want to be able to look over it. If something should coat the windshield (leaking septic truck, mist, dust, ect) you don't want to be blind.

[RS Thornton]

I think it is mostly a personal preference. My preference is to be looking through the top so I am out of the wind. I can adjust how I am sitting and peer over the top if needed.

[jakeman]

Pat, what you say makes sense and I don't really notice any buffeting from my helmet being over the windshield.

Papa, try a product called Plexus, works great on plastic.

Thanks,

[Pat Kelly]

Here's the difference in my 2 XS1100's



The LG has the cafe fairing and the windshield is chest-high.
The E has the large Pacifico fairing and windshield (I have a windshield for this that is 2" taller). With this windshield I can comfortably hunker-down and be (almost) fully protected from the elements (I ride year-around). When the windshield becomes opaque (dusty riding into the sunset) I can sit up straight and look over the top.
A conflict is that when it's cold my faceshield fogs. I have chin vents to prevent this but the tall windshield shelters me from the windstream that would come in the vents to clear the shield. So, I ride with it cracked open, making me colder. I got a mask from work (hospital) and have 4" of tubing that hangs down below the helmet chin. I get fresh air and the face shield dosen't fog. I have a weird red ring around my nose and mouth and my breath condenses in the mask.

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

That's one CLEAN Midnight Pat. Papa Gino likes.

[bandet01]

nice looking midnigth i like that style of xs1100

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

Pat,

How does the hose thing work? I had kicked around a similar idea with half a balaclava. Of course, weather.com is now saying snow will be upon us by tomorrow. Oh well, wanted to get Battle Cruiser potty trained anyhow. He's leaving little oil marks in the garage (TC adjust cover and shifter cover [homemade gasket isn't quite as good as Yammy stuff]). Also going to change his coloring over the winter.

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

Pat,

One other thing, what kind of rubber is that on the back of the Midnight? Looks real aggressive. Also, since I'm new to XSs, would something like that fit on a regular Special? New tires are also in the works before April.

[jimboreeno]

I find my windshield situation is fairly similar. Depending on my position on the seat I am usually looking just over. This is fine as the draft sends bugs right over my head. It is somewhat disconcerting when I crest a hill and my view goes right to the edge though. That instant of not being able to see the upcoming road surface perfectly is unsettling. I would rather see clearly, over the top, though rather than having to look through the windshield. I had to make the top mounts for the windshield, so I lowered them just enough to be where I wanted.

[jakeman]

Pat, that's a fine looking midnight. Mine's an LH but they look the same, I don't know what the differences might be. Your handlebars are different, but I'm assuming you've changed them out.

Jimbo, I've been thinking about the smoked windshield too. Since you don't look through it I guess it doesn't matter if it's dark. I rarely ride at night anyway.

Thanks guys

[jimboreeno]

Mine is actually only a little darker than clear. It looks dark in the pic though.

[mro]

Pat Kelly

quote
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You want to be able to look over it. If something should coat the windshield (leaking septic truck, mist, dust, ect) you don't want to be blind.

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hope thats not the voice of experience




mro