chopper pilot

Yesterday, I picked up a "used" OEM windshield from a VentureRider member (Thanks again!!). I showed him my old windshield and he immediately noticed that one of the slots had been enlarged using a saw - probably to make it easier to install the windshield. More importantly, he noticed the one "screw hole" - instead of a slot - had been altered to make it a slot. Again, we assume, to make it easier to install. The result was that all 6 screws were in slots so that if they were not tightened or became loose from vibration, there was nothing holding the windshield in place. Recommend to everyone that before you ride, give the windshield a slight pull to see if it is loose. May save your day.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. I went back in my car and got the windshield. Unfortunately, the two lower corners are gone - I guess from impact with the road. All 5 windshield slots are still there and appear normal. The hole for the right side screw is missing (along with a baseball size piece of plexiglass). The hole must have failed as several have suggested. As a new rider (to the Venture), I really appreciate the knowledge shared on this website. One of the members has offered me his old OEM w/s gratus. Can you belive that!! Good people here.

Based on your comment about one screw that actually goes thru the w/s (and confirming it in the service manual on this website, I looked again at my bike and all 6 screws are still in place. I am now going to drive 1.5 hrs back to where I left it (in a ditch) and take a better look at that hole. Thanks for the information.

This afternoon, my wife and I were riding at approximately 50 mph in the Ocala, FL National Forest when I saw the windshield of my '01 RSV quickly leaving the bike. I was able to tuck my chin and the windshield struck my shoulders and helmet driving my head into my wife's face. Thankfully, she has a full face shield that doesn't flip up. I grabbed for her leg as if I was going to keep her from falling (lol) and we pulled over. After confirming we were OK, we turned around and found the destroyed windshield. The attachment points looked OK. We returned home and I got on this site and found that many bikes have had cracking on the attachment tabs. Thinking that was it, I took off the chrome piece and the tabs look brand new. I guess the 6 screws could have been loose. I bought this bike used last year and have put on about 3,000 miles and the fairing has not been apart that I know of. Any thoughts on how this could have happened and where to buy a replacement w/s, Thanks in advance.

That is one good looking bike. I could not find a good used '03 when I was looking.