Motorcycle Windshield peeling

[rsnyder]

Greeting all,

I was wondering if anyone knew what to do about a peeling Lexan windshield? Are they coated? does peeling mean it needs to be replaced?

What happened!
For the last 3 years I have only cleaned it with water. This winter it started to peel and crack. It really looked like it had a sunburn or blister. All of the film then turned a dirty yellow.

You can still see through it but it is not something you want to take to a bike show. The price of replacement has got me looking into how to save it.

What I have done!
In a small area I have used the #17 Cleaned and #10 polish. This took the peel off but has left it slightly hazy (not optically clear)
In another small section I have used PlastX. This looks like it took a layer off, but has not gotten it all off.

What should I do!
If I do the whole windshield and remove this film should I put something back over on it? Is there a wax of spray I should re-aply to it?

Thanks for you input,
Rick

[Murr1525]

I have no real solid idea..

But based on your results, it sounds like the PlaxtX did a good job where it took a layer off? I would try the PlastX on the part you #17ed and #10ed. Espeacially if it cant make it any worse..

[Danny45]

Rick,

I don't know you, or your experience, so please don't take this the wrong way.

When you first bought the shield, it should have had a plastic film on it to prevent scratching during shipping. Kind of like new stereo, or computer components that have that on certain areas that are subject to scratching. Did you ever remove it when you got it? If not, just peel it off. You should have a nice, clean, new windshield under it.

I've seen people leave that stuff on forever, especially if it's applied really well and you can't tell it's on there.

[Mike Phillips]

If possible, a couple of digital pictures would really help out a lot.

[Buellwinkle]

Many motorcycle windscreens are coated and the coating does come off after a while, even my genuine Harley windscreens. This is what I've done to fix the problem and it seems to work 100% of the time, I go to the motorcycle dealer and buy a replacement. I know it sounds radical but like I said, it works for me. I replaced windscreens on my street bikes once a year or two years max, it's not worth risking my life for $100. Then used the saved time to wax the rest of the bike

[rsnyder]

Your absolutely right. I just found a manufacture of aircraft replacemen windows that aslo make mine. And for a hundred bucks it's just not worth all the work trying to clean.

I never did find a digital camera to post, but I can bring it down to Irvine on a Saturday so you can take a look!

Thanks for the insight,
Rick

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by rsnyder
Your absolutely right. I just found a manufacture of aircraft replacement windows that also make mine. And for a hundred bucks it's just not worth all the work trying to clean.

I never did find a digital camera to post, but I can bring it down to Irvine on a Saturday so you can take a look!

Thanks for the insight,
Rick

Hi Rick,

If you bring it by this Saturday, I'll take a picture to share on the forum so everyone can see what it looks like via our forum. While at this time the class is full at 30 people, I do expect a few cancellations as it is Easter Sunday weekend and experience shows that some people will cancel out at the last moment.

Here's the link,

Mercedes-Benz Class this weekend

[rsnyder]

I finally got a picture...

[BartonGink]

I just removed the coating from a polycarbonate face shield, it's the same thing your screen is made from. I sanded it off, going up to 2500 grit, then #83 with a cutting pad, then #3 with a finishing pad (both rotary). It looks flawless. No idea how the durability is affected after losing the coating, but in your case that decision has been made for you. Get to work, it's not like you're going to make it worse.