 Windshield choices for '07 America
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So, I finally got around my first "long" ride last saturday. I ended up riding all day around Lake Okeechobee and loved every minute, but ended up with way too many bugs between my teeth and my neck was killing me after an hour at high speed. I actually found myself dodging the swarms of dragonflies a few times and ended up dropping my speed to about 45 mph, cuz I tooksed one them darn dragonfluies right on my nose. let me tell you, at 65 mph...it stings! Yup, I think it's time for a shield.
Okay, I know this has issue has been covered to some extent, but I'm still a little in the dark about it.
What windshields will actually fit on the '07 TBA?
I heard that most of the Memphis' choices are out due to the tapered shroud covers.
I am looking for a quick removable type with good wind protection. I looked at the Windvest shields, but am not sure if I like the styling.
Pictures with mounting details/comments would be greatly appreciated.
Harry
blue & white '07 TBA, Epcos, Freak, Dynojet kit, AI gone.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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On my 2005 Speedmaster I have a bar-mounted Slipstreamer SS-10 Viper. It provides good protection and isn't bad looking. I believe Fast Eddy can get one for you. Ignore the Hippo Hands... 
Last edited by Speedmaster05; 10/08/2007 1:58 PM.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Harry, I too am ready for a windshield and I'm going with a Slip Streamer. Which ever one you get be sure its the proper height for you. I have to go with the Spitfire because I'm short. The top of the Spitfire is 15" above the headlight and the Vipor is 17 inches. Bruce
'06 America, Raask foot controls, the bike use to be Graphite and Silver, now its Red and Black.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Bruce,
What would be the result of using a windshield that is too tall? Let's say you bought the Viper instead of the spitfire?
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Adjunct
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Its actually more of a preference if you want to look over or through the shield. I have had both on previous bikes and prefer to look just over the top. If you can sit on a bike that has a shield you look through and then on one you look over, you will probably decide right away which is more to your liking. Bruce
'06 America, Raask foot controls, the bike use to be Graphite and Silver, now its Red and Black.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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full face helmet works for me.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Got it! I don't have a shield and never rode a bike with one. Except for the wife's rebel, and I'm like a monkey shagging a football on that thing. Thanks.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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A good windshield is indispensable for over the road long rides.
Esepcially for those of us who live in No helmet law states who choose to ride without a lid. No bug hits at 70 plus miles an hour. (its amazing how hard a large bug feels on impact with your forehead)
The fatigue reduction on a long ride on the slab at 80 miles an hour is considerable.
And if you live in an area where riding year round is easy as it is here in Az but early morning commutes are still quite cold the windscreen does a good job of taking that icy cold blast and removing it from your chest , head and eyes.
I have an Alley Cat and although I am tall the slipstream is still an inch or two above the top of my head.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Check out the Windvest...very little buffeting and not overly big. Very pleased....kinda pricey but very little wind turbulence as I had found with other brands.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Memphis Shades also makes handlebar models that fit our bikes. Check out the "Duece" which looks really good on a SM or TA. I have a Clearview Shield replacement for a Triumph Summer Screen on my bike, but you have to already have the mount.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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What does the hardware look like on the slip streamer?
It seems that for us guys who own the new Americas the choices for aftermarket windshields are very slim.
Does anyone have any experience with the Triumph Roadster screens other than they are a little pricey?
Again, any pictures will help.
Harry
blue & white '07 TBA, Epcos, Freak, Dynojet kit, AI gone.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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I originally bought the roadster but I am changing to the Clearview. HOwever, the Clearview is now two weeks behind the 8 week lead time and I am getting antsy. Otherwise I think the Memphis has a good selection.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jan 2005
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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Quote:
Check out the Windvest...very little buffeting and not overly big. Very pleased....kinda pricey but very little wind turbulence as I had found with other brands.
+1
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I recently sold my Roadster screen and ordered a Memphis Shades Fats screen, 17". I ordered the wrong Maruader bracket but should have the correct one by next Monday. The 17" Fats is almost identical in height to the Roadster, which worked well for me. I wanted the ability to remove teh shield easily so I'm trying the Fats. The Slim version is probably closest to the Roadster in height and width, but I didn't think it would clear my driving lamps.
If you are considering a Memphis Shades, the CruiserCustomizing folks have pretty good prices and have treated me well on my ordering screw up.
Here's the mounting hardware needed, which matches to the Suzuki VZ-800 Marauder. I thought all their mount hardware was the same but it is screen specific:
MEM9907 - mounts for Fats/Slim windscreen
MEM9937 - mounts for the Sportshield line
The hardware is not as nice chrome as my Triumph screen but I think it will polish up with the buffing wheel. I'll snap some pix when it comes. I will need to trim space for my driving lamps and am mulling over using a jigsaw or router.
Al
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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So how did the install work out? Any Pics? I'm about to purchase the same set up and would like to see it on a bike 1st...thanks
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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My correct mounts don't arrive until next Monday. I'll have it mounted with pix by the weekend. At this point, I'm going to polish the mount pieces first and believe I'll cut the shield with a router if I can locate/determine the correct bit. Quote:
So how did the install work out? Any Pics? I'm about to purchase the same set up and would like to see it on a bike 1st...thanks
Al
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Luceo non Uro....I shine not burn...Scottish, are you???
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Just out of curiosity, why did you sell your Roadster screen? How would you rate it?
I took a long hard look at the Windvest. It's a sporty looking screen and IMHO looks very good on the sporty looking SM, though.
I am tempted to go with a more classic looking setup for the BA, but my problem still remains.....it seems I cannot use any screens other than the handlebar mounts or the OME.
Harry
blue & white '07 TBA, Epcos, Freak, Dynojet kit, AI gone.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Well, hope I didn't make a mistake. The Roadster screen worked perfectly for me. This year, I bought a 3/4 helmet and discovered on warm summer days, it was nice to ride without the shield. I started taking mine on/off but that was a hassle. I went with the Memphis Shades system only to have that removable option. Its not installed yet, so the jury is definitely out on my rating on that one. I really loved the look of the Roadster screen and the smaller screens never looked right to me. I'm hoping the Memphis Shades Fats, 17" size will be close in appearance. Quote:
Just out of curiosity, why did you sell your Roadster screen? How would you rate it?
I took a long hard look at the Windvest. It's a sporty looking screen and IMHO looks very good on the sporty looking SM, though.
I am tempted to go with a more classic looking setup for the BA, but my problem still remains.....it seems I cannot use any screens other than the handlebar mounts or the OME.
Al
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
I will need to trim space for my driving lamps and am mulling over using a jigsaw or router.
Roto-Zip has a good reputation for cutting plex without cracks or scars.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Apr 2007
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If it's easy mount and dismount you're looking for, I recommend Sportech. Literally push on or pull off in seconds. I use the 15 inch size on my SM because it is the least distracting appearance-wise, but if you want more coverage and don't mind the look, they make larger ones. Not cheap, but very high quality.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Luceo non Uro....
Isn't that MacLeod??
SFC, US Army (Ret)
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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CONTACT FAST EDDIE, he's got all the answers 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I have a Slipstreamer Viper for sale on E-bay. Ebay
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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I have a WindVest on my SM. 14" (I'm 6'1").
I've been -very- pleased with it; but admit its a
bit more expensive than other options. Very high
quality, has a slightly inverted bend at the top
that seems to eliminate turbulence.
Cheers,
Roy
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Looked at the sportech windshields. Very nice system. I love the quick release. It's exactly what I'm looking for. I will call them to find out about the 20" screen.
Harry
blue & white '07 TBA, Epcos, Freak, Dynojet kit, AI gone.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
Looked at the sportech windshields. Very nice system. I love the quick release. It's exactly what I'm looking for. I will call them to find out about the 20" screen.
I thought it was determined the Sportech wouldn't mount due to our speedometer mounting position. They are nice looking, how are the prices?
Al
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
Looked at the sportech windshields. Very nice system. I love the quick release. It's exactly what I'm looking for. I will call them to find out about the 20" screen.
I thought it was determined the Sportech wouldn't mount due to our speedometer mounting position. They are nice looking, how are the prices? They list Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited as vendors, but you can't locate the product from their website. I'm skeptical.
Last edited by ssjones; 10/12/2007 2:39 PM.
Al
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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The larger sizes of the Sportech may not clear the speedo, I don't know. I have Sportech 2302--0037 on my SM, and it fits fine. As I said, it is the smallest of the three sizes they have, advertised as 15 inches, although I think it's a little less than that. I'm 6'3" and I can just see over the top with maybe two inches to spare. The larger sizes use a different bracket, so maybe someone at Sportech could tell you how far out from the bar the shield actually is.
Be aware this small one doesn't provide the clear air coverage of a full cruiser windshield, so I get some buffeting. I just couldn't stand the constant strain on my neck when facing 60+MPH winds and it solved that problem. Personally, I didn't want to mess up the clean lines of the SM with a big shield. Just my preference, but even the Triumph shields change the whole image of the bike, and not for the better. Again, just a personal preference, no criticism intended toward those who prefer that look.
FYI, I purchased mine through the local Cycle Gear, but they really didn't know anything about it. I gave them the model info I had researched from the Sportech website, and they checked their computer. They had one in stock, and it arrived in two days.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
Luceo non Uro....
Isn't that MacLeod??
B. No.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I'd like to see what that looks like, although I'm already committed to the Memphis Shades (and lean towards a more traditional looking screen). A few months ago, when the Sportech started advertising in magazines I tried to find a dealer online to no avail. Very curious way of marketing. Quote:
The larger sizes of the Sportech may not clear the speedo, I don't know. I have Sportech 2302--0037 on my SM, and it fits fine. As I said, it is the smallest of the three sizes they have, advertised as 15 inches, although I think it's a little less than that. I'm 6'3" and I can just see over the top with maybe two inches to spare. The larger sizes use a different bracket, so maybe someone at Sportech could tell you how far out from the bar the shield actually is.
Be aware this small one doesn't provide the clear air coverage of a full cruiser windshield, so I get some buffeting. I just couldn't stand the constant strain on my neck when facing 60+MPH winds and it solved that problem. Personally, I didn't want to mess up the clean lines of the SM with a big shield. Just my preference, but even the Triumph shields change the whole image of the bike, and not for the better. Again, just a personal preference, no criticism intended toward those who prefer that look.
FYI, I purchased mine through the local Cycle Gear, but they really didn't know anything about it. I gave them the model info I had researched from the Sportech website, and they checked their computer. They had one in stock, and it arrived in two days.
Al
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Anyone else got pictures of Sporttech? I can get these and will add them to my site if they will work well for our bikes. Any report on buffeting or turbulence with them? eddy 
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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eddy, what is the set up on your bike and if you had a free do over what would it be? 
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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My bike has the Alley Cat. I used the Upper tube mounts because someone asked if it would work so I had to try it out. I didn't want the lowers but they worked very well...so kept them on there!
They fit in limited fashion with my Triumph light bar. Limited meaning they are angled back at about 30-35 degrees becasue of the Light bar. They worked and DID make a difference in reducing turbulance.
I would like to try the Big Shot out because I have a high degree of suspicion now that the higher, the better. But just a supicion right now. I do know that the lower the screen, the more turbulance around the head and raising it reduces it.
eddy
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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This is the only photo I've posted since putting on the Sportech. I could take others from different angles if anyone has specific questions. 
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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More pictures Bro, front, up close. I like that foil on the end, I has suspected that such a foil would beneficial in reducing turbulence. That is the key to Clearview's success I think. I know it is a huge thing in airplanes. This is interesting.
Does the bottom of the shield sit just above the Speedo? Does it have a flat or contoured bottom?
eddy
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Ok, Ed. Here's a front view.  And one from the side.  And there are a few more I just put in my gallery if you'd like to check them, too, including from the seat and one with the brackets left after the shield is removed. Also one where I tried to get a closeup to give you some idea of the space between the shield and the speedo.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 43
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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Quote:
Roto-Zip has a good reputation for cutting plex without cracks or scars.
I second the motion for Roto-Zip. There are also competitors out there for cheaper. Home Depot carries a competitor to Roto-Zip. Ask for a "rotary saw".
An important thing to remember with either the Roto-Zip or a jigsaw is to use a soft pad on the saw base so you don't scratch the plexi around the cut. I have a separate base for my Roto-Zip (~ $10) that I have glued felt on the bottom of, for just this type of work. I us a brush to clean the particles off of the felt between cuts and before stowing.
He came up and asked, "What are you riding?" I looked at him and said, "Triumph Bonneville America" and he got that 'hellz yeah' look in his eye.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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If you use the rotozip for your windshield cutouts, tape the area off with some masking tape first. This makes it easier to draw the shape to be cut and follow the outline. you won't have to worry about scratching the shield and it also helps reduce any chipping at the end.
Just an idea.
Harry
blue & white '07 TBA, Epcos, Freak, Dynojet kit, AI gone.
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Re: Windshield choices for '07 America
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Thanks guys, I was definitely going to tape off the area first but putting some felt on the base of whatever tool I use is a good idea. Still leaning towards the jigsaw, because, well I own one. Consulting with my homeimprovement guru Uncle tomorrow, he has all the toys, perhaps he can do it for me.
Ladisney also sent me pix of a bracket he made to get the light bar out of the way. Mulling over that one as well.
Al
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