R65 Windshield recommendation

[DanOlson]

I'm new to BMW, this forum, and the airhead world. I recently acquired a very clean 84 R65 with 34K. I've been riding 40+ years and found a fondness with the simplicity of the R65. The previous owner gave me a windshield that he had removed and I reinstalled. I'm 5'10" and have the windshield as low as possible but I still am looking right at the top in normal riding position. Any recommendations for a lower one? Dan

[boxermaf]

It might help if you could identify the mfgr and/or model windshield that you have on the bike, so that we'd have some idea of the size/style that you were interested in ?

Also, come visit us at the r65.org forum - you may find some more model-specific info there and/or trade fairing bits in our classifieds section.

[DanOlson]

It's an aftermarket windshield. Nationalcycle - Plexifairing 3. I've been trying gingerly to unsieze the two upper mounts so I can try tipping it back. I suppose I could cut off a inch at a time until I like it.

[RRDavis]

I cut about 6" off the windshield that was attached to the Windjammer fairing on my R65. I used a jigsaw with a 24 teeth per inch metal cutting blade. If anyone is interested I'll post more detail about how I did it.

[paulfinney2]

I'm interested. Post details. please. How do you keep the plastic from melting behind the saw blade? What do you do to finish the edges when done?

[Isamemon]

worked for me when I had to make one in a hurry
even bought the plexi at home depot
cleaned up the edges with scotch brite

[DanOlson]

Speaking of R65.org, does anyone monitor it? I've been trying for several weeks to get registered and registered with 2 different addresses and no response back.

[tghsmith]

ride the bike with a piece of tape on the wind shield, move it around untill you find the were you want to make your cut,(measure twice cut once, or I cut that thing three times and its still to short!!!!) if you have access to a band saw that will work the best, tape both sides with masking tape, finish the edges wet sand paper 400-800

[boxermaf]

DanOlson -

Lately we've been having some issues with the email system on the host site. Go back to the r65.org forum and follow these instructions in this thread
(or just click on this link):
http://tinyurl.com/4fexdq

And one of the moderators will get things sorted out for you.

Cheers !

[RRDavis]

The reason I cut my windshield was that in certain (early morning and night in humid Southeast Ohio) conditions the windshield would suddenly "fog up". I decided to cut it at a level that I would be looking over the top unless I was looking within 20' of the front of the bike.

1. Draw on paper a curved line that represents the cut you want to make on one half of the windshield (from the center to the edge). Use a large object (garbage can lid) for the center of the curve and a small object (pan or saucer) for the edge where the curve "blends into" the vertical side of the windshield. Tape another piece of paper to the first piece. Fold on the taped "joint". Cut with scissors through both pieces on the line you carefully drew. Unfold.

2. Apply wide masking tape on both sides of the windshield in the area where you want to cut.

3. Use the paper you made in step one to draw the curve on the masking tape on the front side of the windshield.

4. Using a jigsaw with a relatively fine tooth (18 - 24 teeth per inch) blade cut into the windshield (keeping the base of the jigsaw on the wide masking tape) about 1" ABOVE the line you drew. Try to stay parallel to the line. This is a practice cut. Just cut far enough that you get a feel for how it will work.

5. Cut on the line. Support the upper piece as you finish the cut so it doesn't break off.

6. I spent less than 1 minute with 100 grit sandpaper to smooth the edge.

7. I did not remove the windshield from the bike.

[RGuy]

I cut several inches off my Plexifairing several years ago and was happy with the results. Some additions to RRDavis' excellent instructions...... I liked the original profile of the fairing so I made my cardboard template from that and adapted it accordingly. I cut outside the line and then used a new sharp file to get the final 'profile' and then smoothed the edge with sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood for the final finish. I made the cut a few inches at a time and taped the pieces back together behind the cut as I went so that the loose piece didn't flop around and cause an unwanted crack. ...or recruit a helper to hold the loose piece for you as you cut (I know, I probably worry too much).

All that being said, I now have a small National Cycle Deflector EX (or DX?) shield on it that I love. Semi-naked with the wind in my face:p The handling is MUCH improved too.