Cracked Windshield

[Boss]

I'm going on another run today with a bunch of locals and spent some time cleaning the Street Glide. When I got to the windshield, I sprayed some Rain Guard, wiped it kept cleaning the bike and then I noticed that in the center of the windshield, it has multiple cracks.

I have not checked the tension or torque of the screws. Could it had been any of the following:

1. Rain Guard
2. Loose screws
3. Too tighten of screws
4. Or none of the above

[Rainrider]

Mornin' Boss. Can't help much regarding the crack, but doubt it was the Rain Guard. I haven't heard of Rain Guard, I use Raincoat. It is the only product that I knew was safe for use on plastic. I assume Rain Guard is or you wouldn't be usnig it. I'll have to check it out.

Sorry about your windshield. Maybe it will be covered under warranty.

[Boss]

It is Raincoat - I just couldn't remember the brand name. The windshield was an aftermarket that I installed. Probably going to order the curley one....forgot the name of that one also. But I want to make sure I know what caused the crack before I install another one.

Thanks RR ~

[Mrs. Boss]

Dude! That sucks SO bad. Got my boots on, lets ride!

[Boss]

Be down in a minute!

[Rainrider]

What is this - The Bosses Home Intercom System?:watchinged

[Dave63]

Generally, overtight screws will crack plastic. Don't forget that wind still batters that thing pretty good. Plus, you also just had it on a trailer, where the wind off the car was a direct path to the trailer.

Could you have gotten hit with a stone as well, and just didn't notice it when you go off it?

If the screw were too tight, the crack should originate from the screw location.

[Ironhead]

maybe....(just a feeble thought here) when you install a new one, put a small O-ring around the scre where it meets the plastic

[Thumper]

believe it or not plastic is a soft and porus material. thats why vinyl and tint will always eventually bubble off. its pretty hard to crack it by tightening the screws too much. I have actually had the inserts pull out before the screw mashes the plastic. usually random cracks are due to the curvature of the plexi or plastic. it was made naturally flat and then curved when applied to the faring. on the convex side of the curve it is stretched and can crack in the passage of time. some windshields are made curved. take em out of the box and lay flat on the table if it keeps its shape it was made curved and will not get stress cracks. I know some windshield companies just get a sheet of plastic and cut out the shape needed. the better made shields are formed to shape and more expensive! it is a much harder process. dave is right also. if it was from overtightening of the screws the crack will start there. if it was a rock chip it will start where the rock hit. if it is stress then it usually cobwebs in large areas. either way it sucks!

[vlade]

I believe you would strip out the fasteners WELL before youd get any where close enough to crack the windscreen You say aftermarket thats probably the problem. may have been made stressin the plastic around that center hole ..

[Boss]

Here is the picture of the cracks. Most originated from the screw section.

[gruss]

Looks like inadequate padding against the shield edge frank, and screws to tight....Rubber washers work very well......send me the bike, i'll replace the shield, and ride it for 6 months to make sure it wont happen again.....LOL !!

[Boss]

Going to use rubber washers to prevent the metal to plexi next time. Preshi'ate the info and comments!

[Dave63]

It's obviously due to a permiation of Talapia oil vs Catfish oil on a poly-petroleum surface, vs a carbon-poly resin surface. See Sandra for details.... :)

Don't tighten the screws so hard next time. {{wink}}

[Boss]

It's obviously due to a permiation of Talapia oil vs Catfish oil on a poly-petroleum surface, vs a carbon-poly resin surface. See Sandra for details.... :)

Don't tighten the screws so hard next time. {{wink}}

Thanks Dave...You know I always have your back. Stay away from the NEW threads for a while....