shortening windshield

Has anyone shortened their stock windshield? I really like the looks of the 10 inch Clearview Sport model, but at $119.00, was thinking of trying to shorten it myself, or find someone who can. Here in Arizona, where it gets so hot in the Summer, I think a short windshield would be a benefit. You All Ride Safe.

Robert

This post by Rickm:

I cut 2 1/2 inches off of my givi last week and like it alot more. Sometimes in fog or rain you need to be able to see over the shield for safety. I had a friend hold a piece of cardboard under the shield and I traced the top curve. Then I taped the shield down about 5 inches with masking tape ( both sides ) and drew the curve on the tape down about 2 1/2 inches. Then using a air power hack saw I cut on the line, use a fine blade and have a friend hold the shield while cutting. Then sand with fine paper till it's smooth. bingo,bango DONE

IIRC it's important not to cut too fast - if you do the perspex melts and rejoins behind the blade.
Waspie has a devious method of using nylon string.

No doubt others will fill in the details and add useful tips.

Here's a write up I did a while back on how I cut it down:
https://www.silverwing600.com/t1938-how-to-cut-down-the-givi
I would strongly encourage you to do it in a couple of passes - I ended up taking off too much the second time I cut mine.

I do agree if you do cut your own go slow! I have cut down one of my stock windshields and use it for a couple of weeks in the summer for added cooling, but what I don't like is the exposure to rocks and bugs and things the regular windscreen deflects. I really like the look it gives to the scoot. I cannot find my own picture but I grabbed this one from another forum. It will give you an idea on how it will look. The owner is Cindi and she likes to bling her Swing!

Cutting is pretty easy.

I've used a 20 tooth per inch jigsaw blade in a 12v jigsaw. Just tape the area off well with blue painters tape to avoid scratching the windshield with the base of the saw.

Tape or clamp the windshield to your workbench so that it won't move while cutting. I imagine that a bandsaw would be the best to use.

I haven't had any problem with the plastic heating up enough to melt back together. Just feed the saw with mild pressure, don't force it.

You might want to cut less than you want the first time, just for experience. Then cut it where you want as a second cut.

As others said, if in doubt, cut less than you think you want. You can't put it back together.

With all the aftermarket shields in use on this site, I'm sure you could find a replacement windshield if you need to.

masscoot wrote:

I cannot find my own picture but I grabbed this one from another forum. It will give you an idea on how it will look. The owner is Cindi and she likes to bling her Swing!

Paul,

Are you saying that you visit other sites !!! I say 40 lashes with wet noodles.

It looks like Cindi's bike on the yahoo group silverwing site.

Robert,

I would give you advice but when I cut my Givi down I didn't do a good job. I cut about 1/2" too much and I don't think I used the right blade. I didn't tape the top of the screen good enough either. I had a scratch along the entire curve at the top. It worked good but just didn't look as nice as it should have.

I would suggest you do it in a couple of practices. The first cut will be practice but it also surprised me on how much just a 1/2" too much is. If you want a professional cut you may want to take it to a glass shop and have them cut it. I hear most only charge about $25.

Thanks everyone for the info. on cutting my windshield, as I don't have the proper tools and would probably screw it up, I think it best to take JeffR's advice and take it to a glass shop and have it done right. You All Ride Safe.

Robert

JeffR_ wrote:

Paul,

Are you saying that you visit other sites !!! I say 40 lashes with wet noodles.

It looks like Cindi's bike on the yahoo group silverwing site.

I do confess... O great one :not worthy: I will take my lashes with much disgrace!

I misplaced my own picture and for speed sake I knew where hers was

Paul,

Do you know who the owner or admin is for the yahoo silverwing site? I go there every once in awhile and can never figure out who is in charge there. It seems to me, like the silverwing.org site, someone who doesn't own a SWing owns the site. It seems the picture over there doesn't change too much.

JeffR_ wrote:

Do you know who the owner or admin is for the yahoo silverwing site?

Click "Members"
Click "Moderators"

Looks to be w0thk ... Thomas

Bill,

Thanks. I don't go there much at all but I think I have looked it up a while back but I don't see this person posting very often.