F4 +2 Windshield installation.

[Konrad]

1. I have ordered an F4 +2 windshield and somewhere I read something about using 2" tape instead of 1", but now I can't find that article. Can someone enlighten me as to the advantage?<br />
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2. I understand that the tape will be visible, unlike with the OEM shield which is tinted on the lower portion. Would it be possible to "mask out" the visible tape by either painting the lower portion of the F4, or covering it with the plastic film used as sunscreen in automobile windows?<br />
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3. Any other do's and dont's?? <img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" />

[rgw5944]

I have a F4+2 but have no idea what you are asking. I've used the soft side of 1" velcro to replace the rubber strip where the windshield meets the dash to make a tighter fit and to keep from scratching the plastic when lowering the windshield. This velcro is not visible since it is applied to the cowl and does not move. I think using the velcro is suggested by F4 but, I have not heard of placing any kind of tape or whatever on the windshield itself.

[Konrad]

My fault - I guess I didn't make myself clear: The Velcro tape is not applied to the windshield.

[Stephen]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Konrad</strong>
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<div class="message">1. I have ordered an F4 +2 windshield and somewhere I read something about using 2" tape instead of 1", but now I can't find that article. Can someone enlighten me as to the advantage?<br />
<br />
2. I understand that the tape will be visible, unlike with the OEM shield which is tinted on the lower portion. <b>Would it be possible to "mask out" the visible tape by either painting the lower portion of the F4, or covering it with the plastic film used as sunscreen in automobile windows?</b><br />
<br />
3. Any other do's and dont's?? <img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>To my knowledge <b>NO</b> paint or plastic film that works on cars (glass) will work on the (plastic's) that windshields are made of for M/C.

[Konrad]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Stephen</strong>
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<div class="message">To my knowledge <b>NO</b> paint or plastic film that works on cars (glass) will work on the (plastic's) that windshields are made of for M/C.</div>

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</div>Not necessarily so! I have a plastic pull-down faceplate on two Bell helmets. I almost never pull the faceplate down all the way so I cut some of that window film to fit a portion of the faceplate as a sunshield. Adheres with just water, squeeged out. Been on there for over two years without a problem!

[Stephen]

Didn't work for me on my GL windshield.

[Konrad]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Stephen</strong>
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<div class="message">Didn't work for me on my GL windshield. <img src="images/smilies/frown.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Frown" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Could be the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate. On the OEM shield (and most others) it is not advised to use Windex. On the F4, because of the baked-on coatings, you can use Windex and paper towels, or any other cleaner.<br />
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As to window film adhesion, I didn't find any need to try it on the F4, but because that shield has a sealed and super-flat surface, I have little doubt that the window film would adhere due to the non-porous surface.<br />
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Stephen - have you had any problem with the trunk hinge pins falling out on your Roadsmith?

[Konrad]

If anyone else is about to install and F4 - here's a couple of tips not included in the instructions:<br />
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One of the last steps before putting the windshield garnish back is to raise the shield to the top position. Then bolt the garnish back on. <font color="Red">Unless you push the locking levers down and lock the shield you will never get those two loose swivel bolts to go through the holes in the garnish far enough to put on the nuts.</font> Also, to keep from dropping those nuts into the bowels of the bike, put a little vaseline into the socket. That will keep the nuts from dropping out.

[Stephen]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Konrad</strong>
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<div class="message">Could be the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate. On the OEM shield (and most others) it is not advised to use Windex. On the F4, because of the baked-on coatings, you can use Windex and paper towels, or any other cleaner.<br />
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As to window film adhesion, I didn't find any need to try it on the F4, but because that shield has a sealed and super-flat surface, I have little doubt that the window film would adhere due to the non-porous surface.<br />
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<b>Stephen - have you had any problem with the trunk hinge pins falling out on your Roadsmith?</b></div>

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</div>At first I did cause one pin was half length. I then punched it into the middle of the hinge instead of flushing it with the edge and it stays put. The other is full length and no problems.<br />
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Could be the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate.

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</div>Probably a big plus one there. Plastics can be rather strange animals.

[TexasGuy]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Konrad</strong>
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<div class="message">Could be the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate. On the OEM shield (and most others) it is not advised to use Windex. On the F4, because of the baked-on coatings, you can use Windex and paper towels, or any other cleaner.<br /></div>

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</div>Helmet plastic is not the same as windshield plastic. I ruined my OEM windshield with Windex and/or RainX (my fault...should have done some research first) but both work fine on my helmets. I never did try it on the windshield, but All Kleer also works wonders on the helmets. Have ordered an F4+2 because I can clean it with virtually anything which is a big plus if I'm off down the road somewhere and don't have any choice.

[John Luciano]

I know they say you can use steel wool on the nasty fried bugs, but I still use the soak method. Have had it on the trike for 6 years still Krystal clear. I removed a typhoon after 3 years when it started to cloud ( and I never cleaned it with anything but plastic cleaner ) also got tired of banging my helmet every time I got on the trike.