opinion/feedback time

[saddlebum]

So to start out I split my windshield more or less down the middle (Don't Ask). Bottom line I am now looking for a new windshield. Mine was a Slipstreamer which I had no issue with other than the top edge was right in line with my line of sight. The windshield was 22.5 inches and I wanted to reduce it to 20 inches (oops let a clue slip out). My wife suggested putting a pad on the seat so I would sit a little higher (oh oh another clue). Any way long story short I am now looking for a new windshield. It seems Slipstreamer only makes a 22.5 inch. On the other hand Clearview lists three sizes including a 20 inch.

My question is to those of you that have the Clearview.

 

1. Are you happy with it?
   
2. Does it have the recurve edge at the top?
   
3. Do you have the vent in it and is it worth the extra expense?
   
4. Is there anything you don't like about it?
   
5. If you could change would you and if so what would you switch too?
   
6. Where is the best place to buy it from?
   

Edited April 20, 2015 by saddlebum

[XV1100SE]

I have a Clearview on my 2nd Gen - stock height with vent, extra wide. I got mine used from a member here.

 

1 - yes, I'm happy with it. Took a while to get used to the width - felt like I was sitting in the car for a while I have the light gray tint and am happy with it

2 - sides are curved a bit and help deflect the wind. Don't remember if the upper part of the windscreen is curved

3 - I wasn't sure if I'd like a vent before I tried it and I'd say it is worth it. When it is really hot out you can direct the vent to get more air

4 - it is better than stock and that is all I have to compare it to. Some people have gone from Clearview to the F4 (2nd Gen) but overall I am happy with the Clearview

5 - if I had to change (if my Clearview got damaged) I'd try the F4 but not because of issues with the Clearview

6 - since I got mine used from another member, I'm not sure where you can get them in Canada. Think Clearview sells direct

[jakester]

I bought a clearview about a month ago. I got tall, wide , vented, tinted. I took off a shorty show chrome. I got it so my passenger would be better protected. It does that. like the vent, it removes the low pressure zone at hiway speeds. They teach you to measure from in front of the fuel filler to the top of the wind shield. I suggest a yardstick and a level to get an Idea of what you need. I can look right over mine and the wind hits me right at the top of my head, out of my face. The shield is different shape than stock and it is noticeable. I bought clearview instead of F4 because of the shape(recurve) I have not had a F4 so I can not say it is better or worse, only I am pleased with the clearview.

Good Luck

Bill

[Karaboo]

I just replaced my stock windshield with the Slpstreamer last week ($70 from JC Whitney) and liked the fit, etc. It was a little thicker than stock, so I got a couple of longer screws for mounting. I may cut my stock shield down by 1.5" to see how I like it before I attack my new one. I could almost afford a new one every year for the price I paid.

It would be nice if they offered it with a light gray tint, though.

[saddlebum]

I just replaced my stock windshield with the Slpstreamer last week ($70 from JC Whitney) and liked the fit, etc. It was a little thicker than stock, so I got a couple of longer screws for mounting. I may cut my stock shield down by 1.5" to see how I like it before I attack my new one. I could almost afford a new one every year for the price I paid.

It would be nice if they offered it with a light gray tint, though.

Be very carefull if you plan on cutting your slipstreamer. I found out the hard way that the slipstreamer is very hard and can stress crack very easily. In order to conserve the recurve at the top I cut the bottom which worked out perfectly but when I went to drill new holes for the bolts, the drill bit snagged and the windshield split right up the middle. I probably should have used a smaller bit then opened up the hole with a step drill or reamer and drill 1/2 from one side then finish from the other side.

[Flyinfool]

Did you use a drill bit MADE for drilling plastic.

It really does make a difference.

[videoarizona]

1. Are you happy with it? YES
   
2. Does it have the recurve edge at the top? YES
   
3. Do you have the vent in it and is it worth the extra expense? ABSOLUTELY
   
4. Is there anything you don't like about it? NOPE
   
5. If you could change would you and if so what would you switch too? N/A
   
6. Where is the best place to buy it from? I BOUGHT FROM CLEARVIEW
   

 

I had one on my VStar 650 Classic...liked it so much I put one on my VStar 950 Tourer.

I'm saving pennies to put one on "HiHo Silver"....2nd gen.

[cagie]

ok, where to start. Been there done that. tip: work very slow. I used water to cool the bit at I drilled. I've made or modified quite a few shields over the years and that is the best advice I can give you....

 

Had a Clearview, it was OK. didn't like the vent. after time it started to open on it's own. and forget about riding in rain with the vent. Bugs must think it's a target...

 

Tried a Baggershield. nice concept except I like to be able to see the road in front of me. the dark (almost black) lower part is a real bugger to see through. even with the clear upper part on I got a lot of buffeting. Passenger hated it.

 

F4 Custom. Like it pretty well. Would like it even more if it was about 2" shorter and re-curved lip. have talked to them about trying one and they won't budge right now (i guess unless there is enough demand for it.) Really like the rain shedding of the shield, so having to look through isn't to much of an issue. Little or no buffeting for me or passenger.

 

Cut down stock 3". like it except it scratches easily. definitely not an F4 Custom but I like being able to see over. I use this one primarily in late summer.

 

0.02

[saddlebum]

Did you use a drill bit MADE for drilling plastic.

It really does make a difference.

Did not realize there was such a thing. Not to mention I really thought cutting it would have been the tricky and hard part which I accomplished with no issue, figured being plastic drilling it would have been the easy part.

[bill4you502]

I bought this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-Royal-Star-Venture-Sport-Windshield-by-Show-Chrome-Clear-20-610-/290946851754?hash=item43bdc8a3aa&vxp=mtr 14" tall, 2" wider.

[Flyinfool]

Did not realize there was such a thing. Not to mention I really thought cutting it would have been the tricky and hard part which I accomplished with no issue, figured being plastic drilling it would have been the easy part.

 

Drilling the holes is the easy part, IF you have the right tool for the job.

Yes there is special drill bits for plastic.

The tip of the bit is sharpened different, it is sharpened with a much smaller point angle, and the cutting edge is straight up and down. this is all done to prevent grabbing and chipping and cracking.

[saddlebum]

Drilling the holes is the easy part, IF you have the right tool for the job.

Yes there is special drill bits for plastic.

The tip of the bit is sharpened different, it is sharpened with a much smaller point angle, and the cutting edge is straight up and down. this is all done to prevent grabbing and chipping and cracking.

Go Figure

[Flyinfool]

But now you know and will probably remember this tidbit of info. $$ always has a way helping one remember stuff.......